Podcasts about Wabe

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” the two Democrats vying for Fulton County’s top seat met at WABE’s studio for a debate. The pair clashed over multiple issues, including the Fulton County Jail, their voting records, property taxes, reparations, and arts funding. Hear where Fulton County Commission Chair Robb Pitts and former Fulton County District 4 Commissioner Mo Ivory stand on the issues before the Tuesday, June 16th runoff election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we speak to Jarred Howard, CEO of the National Juneteenth Museum. He discusses the work, history and intention being put into the museum, which is scheduled to open in late 2028. In addition to telling the story of Black American’s enslavement and emancipation, it will connect to modern efforts for liberation, and expand upon the work of Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth. We also join WABE’s Molly Samuel as she tours the Georgia State University lab where students and scientists are part of the international construction of a telescope that will search for signs of life in other galaxies. We start with revisiting our conversation with Dr. Joe Mathias, the director of outpatient addiction services at Emory Healthcare. He discusses the expansion of the Emory Addiction Center, which aims to strengthen prevention, early intervention and treatment services for adolescents with substance use disorders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Political Breakfast: The campaign for billionaire healthcare CEO Rick Jackson confirmed with WABE he will NOT be part of Monday's Atlanta Press Club debate, in the battle for the Republican nomination in the Georgia governor's race. His opponent, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, is now prepared to face an empty podium on Monday afternoon at 2:45, and answer questions from a panel of journalists alone. He also criticized Jackson for not showing up on social media. Jackson's campaign cited a scheduling conflict: an event with Florida U.S. Sen. Rick Scott. The campaign said in a statement that the APC could not accommodate later dates, so Jackson has accepted Gray TV's invitation to debate on President Trump's birthday, or Flag Day on June 14th, "when runoff voters will be fully engaged and making a decision ahead of Election Day." Meanwhile, Democratic nominee and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms dominated in the May primary with 56 percent of the vote. She will face either Jones or Jackson in November. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson go live with host Lisa Rayam. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pilot program using drones to respond to mass school shooting event set to debut at five Georgia schools; Why the FBI isn't laughing about threats related to the FIFA World Cup; and the effects of military sexual trauma in WABE's series, "Invisible Scars."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nikki Glaser joked about Leonardo DiCaprio's girlfriends at the 2026 Golden Globes, told Jimmy Fallon she sends flowers to joke targets, and said DiCaprio replied with three baskets of pasta. Conan O'Brien riffed about buying late-night NBC airtime, then joked about launching a syndicated daytime talk show; Jeff Ross confirmed a past, previously unreported meeting for a 30-minute daytime pitch. Mac plays a CNN “America Laughs” clip of Matt Friend that he says bombs, then contrasts it with a Mateo Lane clip trashing a 2019 Springfield, Massachusetts club; MGM Springfield and the mayor declined comment. He discusses Netflix Is a Joke Festival emails promoting free popup tickets amid reports of slow sales and checks ticket availability/prices for several shows. Other items: a Defector review of a boring, politically tinged Rob Schneider set; David Cross says he won't do more Alvin and the Chipmunks films; Lisa Lau's debut special; Emil Joaquin's upcoming Netflix special; a Portland dog-based dating show; and WABE's interview with Funny AF contestant Daniel Llano. 00:28 Nikki Glaser and DiCaprio01:32 Conan Daytime Talk Idea03:04 Matt Friend Bombing Clip05:18 Mateo Lane Springfield Rant07:40 Netflix Is a Joke Tickets10:03 Rob Schneider Show Review13:14 David Cross Chipmunks Drama14:21 Comedy Specials and Updates15:01 Portland Dog Dating Show15:54 Kevin Hart Competition WrapBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac-a-daily-briefing-on-comedians-and-the-comedy-industry--4522158/support.Daily Comedy News is the number one comedy news podcast, delivering daily coverage of standup comedy, late night television, comedy specials, tours, and the business of comedy.COMEDY SURVIVOR in the facebook group.Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening.  $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.This is the animal sanctuary mentioned in the February 10 episode.

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we begin with a look back at the life and work of the late Georgia Congressman David Scott, who died Wednesday at the age of 80. WABE’s Politics Reporter Rahul Bali joins the program to share highlights of Scott's nearly 50 years of serving in elected office and what's next for the congressional seat representing Clayton, Henry, Rockdale, Newton, Dekalb and Gwinnett counties. Then, we continue our “Their Voice, Your Vote” gubernatorial election series with Democrat Michael Thurmond. The former DeKalb County CEO and Georgia Labor Secretary believes his experience sets him apart from the other candidates in the race. Thurmond shared how he will prioritize education, jobs, and coalition-building if elected governor of Georgia. We also heard from Juliette Blake, the founder and CEO of Moxies. It’s designed to give Gen Alpha a creative space for self-expression and community. Data shows a majority of teens spend an average of five hours on social media each day, with many reporting poor mental health. Blake shares what parents should look out for as she builds a safe-by-design, non-addictive digital platform. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, our "4 Questions Journalist Spotlight" shines on Noah Washington, a reporter with The Atlanta Voice.Coolest Thing About Noah: Booker T. Washington was his great-great-great Grandfather ... and he's had three brain surgeriesFavorite Restaurant: BBQ KitchenFavorite Local Getaway: The Majestic RestaurantLast Book Read: "Purple Cow: Transform Your Business" by Seth GodinLast Podcast Listened to: Closer Look on WABE RadioFavorite Guilty Pleasure: Coca-ColaFavorite Non-Work Hobby: Yu-Gi-Oh! card gameWebsite: http://theatlantavoice.comMitch's day job is providing public relations services, media training, and crisis communications, but he also operates Leff's Atlanta Media, an online database with contact info for thousands of Atlanta-based journalists.

Firefighters in Georgia are working to contain a wildfire that has destroyed 87 homes so far; State officials warn some populations may be at higher risk for smoke-related health impacts from the wildfires; WABE's climate reporter Emily Jones reports from Brantley County, near one of the ongoing wildfires.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta City Councilmember Jason Dozier is excited about bringing people together, supporting local business owners and boosting foot traffic in South Downtown Atlanta. Dozier, who represents District 4, recently sponsored an ordinance to establish an open container district in South Downtown to empower the area’s economic engine. He joined “Closer Look” to discuss the potential community and economic impact of the district as Atlanta gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff also joined the program to discuss how he’s addressing the actions by the Trump Administration that are affecting Georgia. That includes the Iran War, inflation, and a lacking response to the August 2025 shooting at the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He’s also concerned about the reported rising energy costs for consumers related to AI data centers. However, in Ossoff’s discussion with Host Rose Scott, he also mentions his optimism for Democrats in the 2026 Midterm Elections and the opportunities the 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring to Atlanta. Lastly, today marks 10 years since the passing of influential musician and singer, Prince. The award-winning performer's final concert was at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta on April 14, 2016. Scott pays tribute to the legendary artist by replaying the broadcast when she broke the news of Prince’s death with fellow WABE host Jim Burress.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April is National Financial Literacy Month. The Share the Magic Foundation and the Alliance Group are partnering together to educate kids about financial literacy. They are launching a new 7-episode, YouTube-based edutainment series called “Money Buddies." On Wednesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” we hear from Malcolm Mitchell, a former New England Patriots wide receiver, a children’s book author and the founder of the Share the Magic Foundation, as well as the co-creators of "Money Buddies," Samuel Howe and Travis Grenier of the Alliance Group. At 6:24pm Eastern tonight, history is expected to be made. For the first time since 1972, humans will surpass low-Earth orbit on a return journey around the moon. Artemis II is expected to launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The lunar mission will take four astronauts — three Americans and one Canadian — on a ten-day mission. NASA Astronaut and Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover spoke to “Closer Look” in 2023. Jud Ready is the Executive Director of the Space Research Institute and the Principal Research Engineer at the Georgia Tech Research Institute. He shares the significance of the moon mission. WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali joins “Closer Look” for an update on the final hours of the legislative session. He says several contentious measures are in play. One proposal would make certain local offices nonpartisan in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties — including the district attorney's office. Gov. Brian Kemp has not indicated whether he will sign some of the bills moving through the gold dome.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we continue our Women’s History Month Series, “Piloting the Journey” with Dr. Mary Parker. She has broken the glass ceiling in the security services industry, and through her foundation, she’s uplifting underserved communities in Atlanta’s south side. Then, a new Associated Press report finds old school hobbies and crafts are gaining interest among young people who want less time on their phones. We hear from Atlanta Craft Club Founder Lexi Bynum, and Jen Singh and Rachel Herzog, the co-owners of Garage Door Studio. They discuss the growing number of people who are looking for a creative outlet instead of looking at their phones. Lastly, When Everything Changed is a new 30‑minute series featuring award‑winning WABE journalists Jim Burress, Lisa Rayam, and Rose Scott. Described as intimate conversations with notable figures reflecting on pivotal moments that shaped their lives, the series is filmed across Georgia in locations that offer a more in-depth and special environment than a traditional one‑on‑one interview. We speak to senior producer for WABE TV Alphonso Whitfield, about the series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 6 children in the U.S. between the ages of 3 and 17 have been diagnosed with a developmental disability. Data also shows more than 226,000 families in Georgia are caring for a loved one with an intellectual or developmental disability. For decades, the nonprofit Parent to Parent of Georgia has provided statewide resources, free one-on-one support and training to families through its free Supporting Parent Program. Latoya Palmer-Addy, the CEO of Parent to Parent of Georgia, and Marshall Seal, a Supporting Parent volunteer, talked more about the services, trainings and impact of the program in Georgia. With two weeks left in the current Georgia Legislative Session, WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali says this is often when tensions can rise. He joined Closer Look with Rose Scott to provide an update on legislation already advancing to Governor Brian Kemp, as well as bills being reshaped as they move between chambers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World's busiest airport feeling pinch of partial government shutdown; a judge delivers a major blow to the Trump administration's anti-vaccine agenda; and the first installment in WABE's series, "Invisible Scars." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s only three weeks left until state lawmakers shout, “Sine Die” to mark the end of the 2026 legislative session. On today’s “Closer Look,” host Rose Scott speaks with Georgia State Senator Kim Jackson and WABE Politics Reporter Rahul Bali about the bills that have the potential to become law this session. They also discuss the elections and most pressing issues that could have the greatest political impact on Georgia in 2026 and the years ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WABE continues to follow the latest involving a controversial land swap between DeKalb County and a movie studio company that has yet to meet any of the promises made in an agreement. WABE environment reporter Marisa Mecke shares her reporting and what’s next for the site. “Closer Look” host Rose Scott also speaks with PALS Atlanta Executive Director Thomas Lázaro and Jim Marks, who goes by the stage name, Bubba D. Licious. They discuss two major milestones for the local nonprofit which puts its efforts towards helping pet owners in need.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Georgia jury delivered a historic verdict in the Apalachee High School shooting case, finding Colin Gray guilty on 27 charges after prosecutors argued he ignored repeated warnings about his son's mental health and gave him access to the gun used in the attack. Ron and WABE criminal justice reporter Chamian Cruz, who spent hours in that courtroom, dug into what the conviction could mean for parental responsibility and future gun cases.RELATED: Professor & psychiatrist penned op/ed for AJC focusing on parental shortcomings and missed warnings that let Colt Gray down, too- - - State Senator Greg Dolezal released a controversial AI video that critics say spreads anti-Muslim rhetoric. It's par for the course with Dolezal, eager to get Trump's attention (and endorsement) by racing to the bottom, of late. Meanwhile U.S. Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock traveled to Social Circle to oppose a proposed ICE detention facility, even in a community that overwhelmingly voted against him.The actions of Dolezal and Warnock, Ron surmised, shows precisely what each party offers voters in this current political climate. One offers performative marginalization and demonization to pander to its base's lowest basal instincts while the other sees its elected leaders showing up where they weren't as popular on their election day. Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow #ShemaineCruz #RaphaelWarnock #GregDolezal #GeorgiaPolitics #AppalacheeHighSchool #GunResponsibility #SchoolShootingTrial #SocialCircleGA

On Thursday’s edition of “Closer Look,” host Rose Scott welcomed Atlanta City Councilmember Kelsea Bond to the program. New to their office as the District 2 representative, Bond discussed how they want to push for the issues they campaigned on: addressing housing affordability, increasing taxes on the wealthy, police reform and public transit expansion. Also on the show, the team behind the WABE-TV docuseries, (re)Defining History, which returns for its second season. Over four episodes, the program delves into the history of Atlanta, the South, and its forgotten figures, places and moments. “Closer Look” previews some of the topics, such as anecdotal stories about Atlanta’s own baseball great, Henry “Hank” Aaron and Atlanta’s first private black-owned hospital, the William A. Harris Memorial Hospital, which was built in 1928.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week WABE presents a special edition of Political Breakfast, broadcasting from the iconic Atlanta meet-up spot, Manuel's Tavern. Opened decades ago by Atlanta's own fiery politician Manuel Maloof, it's well-known watering hole where folks from both sides of the aisle, have always sat together, enjoyed a beer or burger, and talked. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson joined host Lisa Rayam to do a wrap-up of the month's top political stories in Georgia. That includes the latest in the Georgia Governor's race -- as California Governor Gavin Newsom is coming to headline a fundraiser for the frontrunner on the Democratic side, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. Tharon and Brian Robinson break down the polarizing opinions on this Newsom visit, and the latest shake-up in the field of Republican candidates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s “Closer Look,” we share tributes to the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, and a prior interview host Rose Scott did with the civil rights champion from WABE’s ATL68 series. Jackson also dedicated his life to founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, working as a global humanitarian, running for president twice, and as part of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s inner circle. Jackson, known for his famous words, “Keep hope alive!” died Tuesday. He was 84. Scott also talks with Gerald Griggs, a civil rights attorney and past president of the Georgia NAACP, who shares his memories about Jackson. Also, Atlanta’s Zoning Review Board recently overruled a vote by a Kirkwood area neighborhood planning unit. The NPU had voted against a proposal for a 47-unit apartment building for unhoused seniors, which would include mental health services. However, the Board chose to move forward with the project, which would be located in a currently vacant lot located at 88 Howard St. NE. The property is owned by Turner Monumental AME Church, who is pursuing the development. Sean Keenan has followed the project for Atlanta Civic Circle and shares the latest with “Closer Look.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s “Closer Look,” first, we hear from WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali. He discusses the latest political news in Georgia, including Georgia Republican Barry Loudermilk’s decision not to run for reelection, what it could mean for Democrats in Georgia, as well as how it could impact the midterm elections. He also talks more about the 2026 Georgia Amended Fiscal Year Budget and several bills he’s following, including Senate Bill 433, that would allow Georgia drivers to have specialty license plates to inform law enforcement officers that someone in the car has a developmental disability. Plus, as part of “Closer Look’s” extended coverage following National School Choice Week, we hear from Bonnie Holliday, the president and CEO of the Georgia Charter Schools Association. She discusses school choice and her organization’s work to support Georgia charter schools. Lastly, for decades, the Atlanta-based Carter Center has monitored elections across the world. But as President Donald Trump continues to call for greater federal control in elections, The Carter Center is keeping an eye on potential election interference for this year’s midterms in the U.S. We hear from Paige Alexander, the CEO of The Carter Center.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senator Jon Ossoff is calling again for the Trump Administration to change its tariff policies as a recent report found that it could push Georgia’s economy towards a recession; State lawmakers are reacting to Georgians' growing frustration with data centers with bipartisan legislation going after a major tax break; and federal policy changes have shifted the way ICE operates in Georgia. We hear from WABE immigration reporter Emily Wu Pearson about what she's focusing on in 2026See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia's Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner fines companies for failing to cover mental health on par with other medical issues; a conversation with the new head of the Georgia Hotel and Lodging Association; and WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali breaks down 'day one' of the 2026 legislative session.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

January 20th will mark President Donald Trump’s first full year back in office. So far, Trump’s second term has been marked by the dismantling of several federal agencies, spending cuts, layoffs and an aggressive crackdown carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Just days ago, under the direction of President Trump, the U.S. military carried out a series of air strikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. For Feedback Friday on “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott asked listeners to share their thoughts about the direction of the nation following Trump’s return to the White House. For the discussion, Scott was joined by WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali, Tammy Greer, a politics and policy clinical assistant professor at Georgia State University, and Cathy Woolard, a longtime Democratic leader, former Atlanta City Council president and former board chair of the Fulton County Elections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First, WABE’s politics reporter Rahul Bali returns to “Closer Look” to preview the 2026 Georgia Legislative Session. As the legislative session gets underway on Jan.12, Bali joins us live from the Georgia State University Convocation Center to discuss what we can expect regarding the state budget and the effects of federal funding cuts, plus breaking news regarding two state lawmakers. Also, one of the major issues local advocates want state lawmakers to address during the legislative session is the addiction epidemic in Georgia. In November 2025, the FBI seized more than 46 pounds of fentanyl in Georgia – enough to kill the state's entire population. The overdose death rate in Georgia has increased by 79% since 2018. Cammie Wolf Rice lost her son to opioid misuse and her brother to Fentanyl, and she is now the founder of the Christopher Wolf Crusade Alliance. Rice and Jeff Breedlove, the CEO of the American Addiction Recovery Association, talk with program host Rose Scott about their hopes for lawmakers to address the drug and addiction crisis in Georgia during the legislative session.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The final deadline to enroll in a “Georgia Access” health plan is coming up and the insurance is a lot more expensive for many in Georgia this year; Beverage giant Coca-Cola plans to lay off 75 employees at its Atlanta corporate headquarters as part of a broader reorganization of its workforce this year; and as we look back at some of WABE's most poignant stories from 2025, we hear about a Georgia non-profit offering incarcerated mothers the opportunity to reconnect with their childrenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia's two new state energy regulators have both now been officially sworn in; Thousands of refugees admitted into Georgia during the Biden Administration will face reassessment; and WABE’s DorMiya Vance delves into the journey of local residents navigating the ongoing data center boom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The operators of Mary Mac's Tea Room can’t imagine Atlanta without the iconic eatery. The Midtown Atlanta staple is known for its origin story, as well as its classic Southern dishes, like fried chicken and collard greens. It’s a sought-after gathering place for Georgians as well as tourists, celebrities, and political dignitaries visiting from all over the world. The legendary diner has also made multiple appearances in television shows and films. It first opened in 1945, featuring a single dining room that accommodated up to 60 people. For a special edition of “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott and the team visited the restaurant named by the State of Georgia as “Atlanta’s Dining Room,” as it celebrates 80 years of service. We hear from longtime employee Marion Mims and Mary Mac’s Chad Reynolds, and general manager Tina Rayner-Leftwich. They reflect on centering the staff, delivering top-notch customer service, the history of the restaurant, operating amid the pandemic, plus navigating and renovating after a roof collapse. Plus, the holiday season is underway. WABE’s H. Johnson narrates “A Christmas Carol.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I step into the studio knowing that, for many listeners, the Donald Trump court saga feels endless. So let's get right to where things stand in the past few days.Across the country, Donald Trump is still juggling fallout from his earlier criminal and civil cases while his administration fights a new wave of lawsuits over how his Justice Department, Homeland Security, and other agencies are using federal power. Lawfare's Trump Administration Litigation Tracker describes a sprawling map of challenges, from immigration crackdowns to fights over federal workers and independent agencies, all feeding into a sense that the courtroom has become a second West Wing for this presidency.One of the biggest developments in the last few days comes from the Supreme Court and the immigration judges' free‑speech case. According to SCOTUSblog, the justices just rejected the Trump administration's request for emergency relief in a dispute over whether immigration judges can challenge speech restrictions in federal court. Commentator and law professor Stephen Vladeck called it the administration's first real loss at the Supreme Court since April, a rare sign that even this Court has limits on how far it will go on Trump's emergency asks. The order does leave the door open for the administration to come back if the trial court pushes into discovery, but for now, Trump's lawyers will have to keep fighting on the merits.At nearly the same time, another federal courtroom dealt the administration a blow on immigration detention. The ACLU of Massachusetts reports that a federal judge in Boston ruled that the Trump administration acted unlawfully when it denied bond hearings to people arrested by ICE in New England and then misclassified them to keep them in mandatory, no‑bond detention. The court granted partial summary judgment and held that, under the immigration statutes, these detainees must have access to a bond hearing. For thousands of people in New England lockups, that decision is not abstract law; it is the difference between indefinite confinement and a chance to argue for release.Overlay these fresh rulings on top of Trump's personal legal history and the picture sharpens. Outlets such as WABE have tracked how civil judgments for defamation and sexual abuse, as well as criminal convictions for falsifying business records in New York and the federal election‑interference and documents cases, have moved through appeals. A federal appeals court has already upheld one major civil jury verdict against Trump and declined to revisit it, locking in both damages and factual findings about his conduct. That appellate resistance puts real weight behind the idea that some of Trump's legal problems are no longer just allegations; they are affirmed findings of liability.And yet, while Trump personally appeals past losses, his administration simultaneously racks up wins and losses in real time. The Brennan Center and Lawfare both note that, since his return to the White House, the Supreme Court has often sided with the Trump administration on emergency applications involving immigration enforcement, federal workforce cuts, and control over independent agencies. Those shadow‑docket victories have let the administration move fast, even while lower courts probe legality. But the immigration judges' case and the Boston bond‑hearing ruling show that trial courts and, occasionally, the justices themselves are willing to draw constitutional and statutory lines.So when you hear about “Trump's trials” this week, it is not just one courtroom, one jury, or even one former president. It is Donald Trump the criminal defendant and civil litigant, and Donald Trump the sitting president whose policies are on trial in federal courts from Massachusetts to Washington.Thanks for tuning in, and come back next week for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, and for more, check out QuietPlease dot A I.Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3QsFor more check out http://www.quietplease.aiThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

I'm standing outside a federal courthouse, talking to you as the many legal threads around Donald Trump tighten and twist in real time.Over just the past few days, one of the big storylines has shifted from criminal exposure to raw presidential power. In Washington, the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit handed President Donald Trump a major win by upholding his removal of National Labor Relations Board member Gwynne Wilcox and Merit Systems Protection Board member Cathy Harris without cause. According to analysis from Ogletree Deakins, the court went further than just blessing those firings: it held that the statutory “for cause” protections for top officials at powerful independent agencies are unconstitutional when those officials wield substantial executive power. In plain English, the D.C. Circuit said President Donald Trump can sweep out key regulators at will, reshaping agencies that for decades had a measure of insulation from the Oval Office.At almost the same time, the Supreme Court has been functioning as an emergency referee over a growing list of Trump fights. SCOTUSblog reports that on its interim or “shadow” docket the justices have been fielding high‑stakes disputes over President Donald Trump's use of the National Guard in Illinois, his clashes with immigration judges, and efforts by groups like Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington to get internal administration documents through the Freedom of Information Act. The Brennan Center for Justice has been tracking these emergency cases and notes that, since early 2025, the Supreme Court has repeatedly sided with the Trump administration on issues like immigration crackdowns, reductions in the civil service, and the removal of members of the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Labor Relations Board.All of this sits on top of the longer‑running legal sagas that you as listeners have been following for years: the civil verdicts in New York, the federal and state criminal indictments, and the defamation and assault findings in the E. Jean Carroll cases. Public radio outlets like WABE have been keeping a running tally of where those stand since Donald Trump's return to the White House, tracking appeals of jury verdicts, ongoing sentencing fights for his former aides, and the way new Justice Department decisions under his own administration intersect with prosecutions that began before he reclaimed power.So when we talk about “the Trump trials” right now, we are not just talking about Donald Trump as a criminal defendant. We are talking about Donald Trump as president, testing and expanding the boundaries of executive authority in courtroom after courtroom, from the D.C. Circuit to the Supreme Court, while older cases about his past business dealings and political conduct grind through appeals.For you listening, the takeaway this week is simple: judges are increasingly being asked whether Donald Trump is merely subject to the law, or also able to rewrite the balance of power inside the law itself. Those answers are coming fast, and they are reshaping the presidency in ways that will outlast any single trial.Thanks for tuning in, and come back next week for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, and for more, check out QuietPlease dot AI.Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3QsFor more check out http://www.quietplease.aiThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

A newly revealed audio recording puts fresh attention on Donald Trump's post-2020 efforts to pressure Georgia officials, and Ron breaks down why it matters now. The New York Times reports Trump urged then-House Speaker David Ralston to help overturn Georgia's election results, adding new context to the already controversial interference case.At the same time, Fulton County DA Fani Willis testified before a Georgia Senate committee in a hearing that produced plenty of heat but little clarity. Let's revisit the political theater, the unanswered questions, and what this moment says about accountability inside the GOP. WABE reporter Chamian Cruz joins the show to share what it was like inside the room and what lawmakers may do next.Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#TheRonShow #HearGeorgiaNow #RonRoberts #FaniWillis #DonaldTrump #GeorgiaPolitics #ShemaineCruz #WABE #ElectionInterference #GeorgiaNOW

New York Attorney General Letitia James is suing Atlanta-based UPS for allegedly stealing tens of millions of dollars in pay from seasonal workers; Georgia’s newly-elected public service commissioners are calling on the current commission to delay a vote on Georgia Power’s expansion plans; and WABE hears from the founders of Pro-Civica, a Georgia-based company that partners with state and local corrections agencies to offer a rehabilitative curriculum emphasizing civic-minded behavior. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Fulton County to get ahold of its 2020 general election ballots; The Federal Emergency Management Agency is announcing more than 1 billion dollars in funding for Georgia; and WABE's Medical Wealth Gap series wraps up with a profile of Clarkston's Mosaic Health Center, a medical clinic for serving the community's refugee, immigrant and migrant population without insurance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation, high costs, and economic uncertainty have Georgians rethinking how far they plan to spend and stretch their dollar in 2026. For Feedback Friday for a special edition of “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott opened the phone lines to hear from callers. They discussed their spending habits in 2025 and candidly shared their concerns for how they plan to navigate their spending in the new year. We also hear from WABE contributor Tom Smith, an associate professor in the practice of finance at Emory University's Goizueta Business School, and Roger Tutterow, a professor of economics at Kennesaw State University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I step into the studio knowing that, for listeners, the noise around Donald Trump's legal battles can feel endless. So let's get right to what has happened in the courts over the past few days.The biggest spotlight has been on the marble steps of the United States Supreme Court, where justices heard oral argument in a case called Trump v. Slaughter. Amy Howe at SCOTUSblog reports that this case asks whether President Donald Trump has the power to fire Federal Trade Commission commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter at will, even though federal law says FTC commissioners can only be removed for “inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.” According to SCOTUSblog, during arguments on December 8, a solid majority of the justices signaled they are inclined to side with Trump and strike down those removal limits as unconstitutional restrictions on presidential power.In practical terms, that means the Court appears ready to say that President Trump lawfully fired Rebecca Slaughter in March by email, when he told her remaining at the FTC would be inconsistent with his administration's priorities, even though he did not claim any misconduct. Commentators at Holland and Knight, analyzing the argument, note that this could ripple well beyond the Federal Trade Commission, potentially weakening protections for members of other independent agencies like the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.Inside the courtroom, the justices wrestled with a ninety‑year‑old precedent called Humphrey's Executor v. United States, a 1935 decision that upheld protections for FTC commissioners. According to SCOTUSblog, Chief Justice John Roberts described Humphrey's Executor as a “dried husk,” while Justice Neil Gorsuch called it “poorly reasoned.” On the other side, Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan warned that tearing it down could fundamentally alter how much control Congress has over independent regulators. Justice Amy Coney Barrett pointed out that, in her view, the Court's more recent decisions have already eroded that old case.All of this is happening against a broader backdrop of litigation targeting actions by the Trump administration since his return to the White House. The Lawfare media team, which maintains a Trump Administration Litigation Tracker, has been following a sprawling set of challenges to Trump-era policies ranging from immigration rules to the deployment of the National Guard. Their tracker shows new filings landing in federal courts almost weekly, a sign that legal scrutiny of the administration's actions has not slowed.At the same time, local outlets like WABE in Atlanta continue to summarize where the various criminal and civil cases involving Donald Trump himself stand after earlier verdicts and appeals. WABE notes that previous jury decisions in defamation and civil fraud matters have largely been upheld on appeal, even as Trump continues to challenge them and attack prosecutors and judges in public.For listeners, the key point is this: in just a few days, the Supreme Court has given the clearest signal yet that it may expand presidential power over independent agencies in Trump v. Slaughter, while a wide network of lower courts and appellate panels continues to process the many criminal, civil, and constitutional fights that surround Donald Trump's political comeback.Thank you for tuning in, and come back next week for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, and for more, check out QuietPlease dot A I.Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3QsFor more check out http://www.quietplease.aiThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

WABE's Emily Wu Pearson joins Ron to discuss her in-depth reporting from Detained in Georgia. Emily explains how the ICE detention facility in Lumpkin shapes daily life in Stewart County — from limited economic benefits to the strain on families, attorneys, and volunteers working to support detainees. Ron also unpacks Georgia's sobering 2026 economic forecast, including sluggish growth, rising unemployment, and the nationwide policy shifts affecting household budgets. From ACA subsidy fights to immigration enforcement, this episode connects the dots between local realities and national decisions — all through the voices of people closest to the impact.Tune in to catch the Ron Show weekdays from 4-6pm Eastern time on Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com.#EmilyWuPearson #WABE #ImmigrationDetention #GeorgiaEconomy #StewartCounty #ICE #HealthcareCosts #ACASubsidies #HearGeorgiaNow #TheRonShow

HOUR 1Marjorie Taylor Greene's '60 Minutes' interview went over like a lead balloon at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but she managed to spill the GOP tea for everyone else eager for a pot-stirring. Ron weaved through the juiciest bits, then hopped on a call with CBS News DC correspondent Stacy Lyn for Trump's reaction. Meanwhile, the "near miss" in Tennessee's special House race last week has Georgia candidates like Lexy Doherty feeling vastly more hopeful about prospects for seat flips in 2026. She and Ron caught up to discuss Trump's maneuver to fling $12 billion in taxpayer dollars to salve the wounds inflicted on farmers after his tariff & trade policy war with China left many in financial dire straits. HOUR 2Ron argued against liberals taking the bait: complaining about fee-free National Park days isn't worth the energy. Patricia Murphy's AJC op/ed reviews the Trump election interference case and argues it shouldn't be forgotten. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger may have a better argument to undo Lt. Governor Burt Jones' sizable fundraising advantage, which has Ron wondering why the ATTORNEY general - Chris Carr - didn't think of it.Colton Moore officially announced his bid to win MTG's 14th Congressional district. Ron's next guest - Marisa Mecke from Atlanta NPR affiliate WABE - spotlights their series: "Server South"- answering Ron's many queries about Atlanta and Georgia's appeal for data center construction, and the impacts they'd have on power and water usage, among other things.

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta has vacated a ruling by a lower court that stopped a portion of a controversial law barring giving any food or water to voters waiting at the ballot box; A group of Georgia state lawmakers are recommending measures to compel chronically absent students to come to school; WABE health reporter Jess Mador speaks to a health insurance marketplace navigator about the state's changing healthcare landscape. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement detains thousands of immigrants across Georgia mostly in rural communities in the south of the state. This summer, WABE’s immigration reporter Emily Wu Pearson visited Lumpkin, one of those communities, to learn how increasing detentions under the second Trump Administration is affecting the area. Story 1: Unlike in the U.S. Court system for citizens, legal representation is not guaranteed for detained immigrants. And lawyers costs thousands of dollars. We hear from a small group of attorneys working pro bono to help. Story 2: Immigration cases are often open to the public. We hear from a group of volunteers who watch hours of court proceedings to keep tabs on the judicial system. Story 3: With detention centers in such rural locations, family members often have a hard time getting to and staying near facilities. We look at the journey to help family members and those trying to make those trips a little easier. Story 4: Millions of dollars a month flow to companies operating immigrant detention facilities in Georgia. We look at where the money comes from and where it goes. For more on this series, go to wabe.org/detention See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is resigning from Congress in January. Greene, who represents Georgia’s 14th congressional district, recently announced the news via social media. WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali joins “Closer Look” with the latest. He also shares details about how some Georgia lawmakers are reacting to the news, when a special election could be held to fill Greene’s seat and what this all means for Georgia’s 14th congressional district. Plus, Serenbe is a 1,000-acre community, located in Chattahoochee Hills. The biophilic community, comprised of geothermal, solar and net zero homes, was founded by Steve Nygren and Marie Lupo Nygren in 1994. Steve talks with program host Rose Scott about his new book, “Start In Your Own Backyard, Transforming Where We Live with Radical Common Sense.” The book aims to provide a blueprint for building sustainable, walkable and nurturing communities through the principles of connecting people to nature for a healthier life and well-being. https://stevenygren.com/events Lastly, we hear from some of the team behind the new “Atlanta is...” podcast. The 8-episode series from Will Packer Productions and Complex explores the city’s history and culture, spotlighting stories behind Atlanta’s music, film industry, religion, politics, and more. We hear from Atlanta-based writer and event host Maurice Garland and award-winning journalists Jewel Wicker and Christina Lee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday night’s elections in Georgia are among those that captured national attention. For the first time in nearly two decades, Democrats flipped two Republican held seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission. On today’s “Closer Look,” we speak to a roundtable of journalists and a political science professor who give their take on local and national races, and what the results mean heading into the 2026 Midterm Elections. Guests included: WABE climate reporter Emily Jones Rahul Bali, WABE politics reporter Alessandro Sassoon, politics reporter at Atlanta Civic Circle Dan Whisenhunt, founder and editor of Decaturish.com GSU politics and policy professor Tammy Greer Plus, André 3000 and Big Boi have been called hip-hop pioneers for an innovative way of infusing their southern roots into their music. This Saturday, Atlanta’s own OutKast will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class. Ahead of the ceremony, “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott talks with a roundtable of guests about the duo’s origin and influence. Guests included: Shanti Das, a former promotions and senior marketing director at LaFace Records during OutKast’s rise in hip-hop Sonia Murray, a longtime music journalist and former music critic for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Dr. Joycelyn Wilson, an ethnographic and cultural studies scholar and an associate professor at Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts at Georgia Tech School of Literature, Media, and CommunicationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week WABE presents a special edition of Political Breakfast, broadcasting from the iconic Atlanta meet-up spot, Manuel's Tavern. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson joined host Lisa Rayam to do a wrap-up of the month's top political stories in Georgia: just a few days ahead of Election Day on November 4th. Some background: Manuel's opened decades ago, and was run by Atlanta's own fiery politician Manuel Maloof. It's a well-known watering hole where folks from both sides of the aisle have always sat together, enjoyed a beer or burger, and talked. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MARTA has started installing its new $317 million dollar fare system, including new station fare gate; Air traffic controllers in Atlanta and across the country are set to miss their first full paychecks Tuesday as the government shutdown continues in its fourth week; and Former CDC director and Dr. Tom Frieden speaks with WABE’s Jess Mador about his new book and challenges facing public health.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new poll of more than 4,000 people puts housing affordability ahead of traffic as the biggest problem facing metro Atlanta; Around 6,000 children enrolled in Head Start programs in the metro Atlanta area could be affected if the government shutdown continues into November; WABE's Emily Wu Pearson speaks with the new head of a school for refugee girls in Decatur about plans to grow the school.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nevada could soon rival Georgia for film production if the state passes a tax incentive similar to what we have in the Peach State; Atlanta is home to multiple interfaith organizations, but after the October 7th attack in Israel two years ago, some of those connections have fractured; and WABE's Marlon Hyde speaks with Dorian DeBarr, the President of Decide DeKalb, about steps the county is taking to help small businesses at a time of economic uncertainty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The company that makes Georgia’s voting machines has a new owner; Three of four candidates for the Georgia Public Service Commission declined to participate in a debate this week; and WABE's Emily Wu Pearson speaks with Lorraine Fontana, a longtime lesbian activist in the Atlanta community for our Beyond Pride series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week WABE presents a special edition of Political Breakfast, broadcasting from the iconic Atlanta meet-up spot, Manuel's Tavern. Opened decades ago by Atlanta's own fiery politician Manuel Maloof, it's well-known watering hole where folks from both sides of the aisle have always sat together, enjoyed a beer or burger, and talked. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson joined host Lisa Rayam to do a wrap-up of the month's top political stories in Georgia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's show, Kimberly is joined by Marlon Hyde, business and economics reporter for WABE in Atlanta, to unpack the fallout of the massive ICE raid at a Hyundai facility in Georgia in which hundreds of South Korean nationals were arrested. And, we'll get into what Atlanta small business owners are worried about these days. (Spoiler: it's tariffs.) Plus, we'll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!Here's everything we talked about today:"Immigration raid at Georgia Hyundai factory tests state's longstanding relationship with South Korea" from WABE"Hyundai says it will spend $2.7 billion expanding part of the Georgia complex raided by ICE" from AP News"Atlanta develops human rights action plan for 2026 FIFA World Cup" from WABE"After another subpar summer of going to the movies, what's next?" from Marketplace"Finally, the era of free in-flight WiFi is near" from The Washington Post"Costco's New Shopping Hours Are a Sign of Tierification of US Economy" from Business Insider "People are boycotting Disney, Hulu, and ESPN after ABC yanked Jimmy Kimmel off the air. Will it work?" from Fast CompanyWe love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

On today's show, Kimberly is joined by Marlon Hyde, business and economics reporter for WABE in Atlanta, to unpack the fallout of the massive ICE raid at a Hyundai facility in Georgia in which hundreds of South Korean nationals were arrested. And, we'll get into what Atlanta small business owners are worried about these days. (Spoiler: it's tariffs.) Plus, we'll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!Here's everything we talked about today:"Immigration raid at Georgia Hyundai factory tests state's longstanding relationship with South Korea" from WABE"Hyundai says it will spend $2.7 billion expanding part of the Georgia complex raided by ICE" from AP News"Atlanta develops human rights action plan for 2026 FIFA World Cup" from WABE"After another subpar summer of going to the movies, what's next?" from Marketplace"Finally, the era of free in-flight WiFi is near" from The Washington Post"Costco's New Shopping Hours Are a Sign of Tierification of US Economy" from Business Insider "People are boycotting Disney, Hulu, and ESPN after ABC yanked Jimmy Kimmel off the air. Will it work?" from Fast CompanyWe love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

In the final episode of “Plugged In,” hosts Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali, along with producer Brendan Rivers, discuss the last four unprecedented years in Georgia politics. Plus, a preview of what the WABE newsroom will be keeping an eye on over the coming months.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Context of White Supremacy hosts the weekly summit on Neutralizing Workplace Racism 08/28/25 Today marks 70 years to the date when Emmett Louis Till was lynched in Money, Mississippi. It also marks 62 years since the Dr. Martin Luther King's "March On Washington" which was also under surveillance by federal troops. This week we'll examine a WABE segment by Rose Scott offers a sober dialog on the "crisis" of black female unemployment. Gus T. and others highlight that this is another example of mainstream media outlets discussing Racism and Labor while excluding black males from the conversation. The unemployment rate for black males remains over 7%, which is higher than black female unemployment. In spite of this omission, the Ms. Scott's panel had a number of insightful comments and suggestions for dealing with sudden, unplanned for job loss. We also had a number of grand suggestions and applications of workplace codification from listeners. #EndStageWhiteSupremacy INVEST in The COWS - http://paypal.me/TheCOWS Cash App: http://cash.app/$TheCOWS Call: 720.716.7300 Code: 564943#