Closer Look with Rose Scott

For “Closer Look’s” first Feedback Friday of 2025, show host Rose Scott opens the phone lines to talk with callers about the start of President Donald Trump’s return to the White House. It was marked with a flurry of executive orders. Scott is joined by Devin Barrington-Ward, a former candidate for Atlanta City Council, a progressive community organizer and the managing director of the Black Futurists Group, GSU politics and policy professor Tammy Greer and Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst Fred Hicks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump has signed a wide range of executive orders since taking office on Monday. Some of those orders are already drawing lawsuits and criticism from cities, states and advocacy groups. Anthony Michael Kreis, a constitutional law professor at Georgia State University, returns to “Closer Look” to explain Trump’s executive orders, policy proposals and their potential implications. Plus, according to the Migration Policy Institute, roughly 98,000 undocumented students nationwide graduate from high school each year in the U.S. About 3,000 of which are from Georgia. However, data also suggests undocumented students face barriers and challenges when it comes to attending college. In an effort to help, TheDream.U.S. offers scholarships, and students can apply now. Dr. Hyein Lee, the COO of TheDream.US, talks more about the history and mission of her organization and its scholarship opportunities. Lastly, a new Georgia Tech and Stanford study shows automatic speech recognition (ASR) models, used in voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, may not be as accurate when transcribing English speakers with a minority dialect. However, the study found the transcription of Standard American English (SAE) "significantly outperformed" three dialects: Spanglish, Chicano English and African American Vernacular English. Camille Harris, PhD candidate in computer science at Georgia Institute of Technology, and lead author of the study, discusses some of the key findings from her study. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Saturday will mark two years since the death of environmental activist Manuel Esteban Paez Terán. They were fatally shot by Georgia State Troopers during a reported “clearing operation” at the site of the soon-to-be Atlanta-area Police and Firefighter Training Center. While the Georgia Bureau of Investigations claims troopers fired in self-defense, the family of Paez Terán, also known as Tortuguita, have filed a lawsuit over alleged civil rights violations. To discuss their legal action, Show Host Rose Scott will be joined by one of the family attorneys, Jeff Filipovits of Spears and Filipovits, LLC. For more than a week, there’s been an international effort to extinguish the multiple deadly wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Among the structures consumed by the flames are businesses and homes in the historically diverse community of Altadena, California. Now, there’s a local effort to help one of those businesses rebuild. The Little Red Hen Coffee Shop is owned by a family with Georgia roots. After 55-years of business, It was destroyed by the Eaton Fire. In Atlanta, Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours is hosting an MLK Day Brunch to raise money for The Little Red Hen Coffee Shop. Show Host Rose Scott speaks to Chef Deborah VanTrece about the fundraiser. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report from GALEO details engagement and trends among Georgia’s Latino voters in 2024. Kyle Gomez-Leineweber, director of public policy and advocacy for GALEO, discusses key findings from the report and explains how the Latino electorate could potentially impact future elections. Plus, a new report from The Sentencing Project finds one in six people incarcerated in the U.S. are serving life sentences, a record high even as crime rates reach record lows. Celeste Barry, a program associate at The Sentencing Project and an author of the report, shares key findings and policy recommendations to address "excessive punishment." She also discusses how Georgia's statistics compare to the nation and other states. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to data from the Mayo Clinic, roughly 6,000 women enter menopause daily, which translates into more than 2 million women a year. However, there's still a lot to understand about this transitional period in a woman's life—including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options and combating stigma—and how all of this affects women of color. In an effort to spread awareness, Dr. Dawn Mandeville is hosting a screening of the documentary, "The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause," on Jan. 21, at the Tara Theatre. She talks with Rose about her efforts to help menopausal women. Plus, Monday marked the start of the 2025 Georgia legislative session. WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali return to ‘Closer Look,’ to preview the session and to discuss Georgia’s upcoming State of the State, which will likely include Governor Brian Kemp’s proposal for an additional $50 Million in school safety funds after the Apalachee High School shooting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a special live show, Rose Scott and Lois Reitzes reflect on 10 years of Closer Look and City Lights. On January 12, 2015, both shows launched as a part of WABE’s format shift to news and talk radio. The hosts share stories from the first decade on air and how they continue to amplify Atlanta. Guests include longtime contributors and friends of both programs: Camille Russell Love, longtime City of Atlanta Dir. of executive director of the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs Hank Klibanoff, journalist, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and a Peabody Award-winning podcast host of Buried Truths Nsenga Burton, founder and editor in-chief of the award-winning news site The Burton Wire Chris Escobar, owner of the Tara and Plaza Theatres and executive director of the Atlanta Film Society Plus, performances from poet Jon Goode, comedian Mark Kendall, poet Adán Bean, and violinist Alice Hong. Explore more Closer Look and City Lights from the last 10 years at wabe.org. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second hour of our 10th Anniversary Special, Rose Scott and Lois Reitzes revisit memorable interviews and stories from the last decade, including conversations with actor Colman Domingo, civil rights icon Xernona Clayton, choreographer Hope Boykin, REM frontman Michael Stipe, as well as Closer Look’s investigative series on Atlanta traffic and the unhoused. Explore more Closer Look and City Lights from the last 10 years at wabe.org. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Learn4Life has released its 7th annual State of Education in Metro Atlanta report. The report details the progress made across area districts and the "persistent barriers" that continue to challenge students and educators. Ken Zeff, who serves as the executive director of Learn4Life, returns to “Closer Look” to share key takeaways from the report. “Closer Look” celebrates 10 years next week, in honor of our upcoming anniversary, we look back at some of the most memorable conversations. Today, we revisit Rose’s conversation with Mitch Albom. The renowned best-selling author and sports journalist discusses his book, “The Next Person You Meet in Heaven,” which is a sequel to his book, “The Five People You Meet In Heaven.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a contract lapse into the new year, the City of Atlanta has entered into a multi-year agreement with Policing Alternatives & Diversion Initiative (PAD). The nonprofit organization offers wraparound services to people experiencing extreme poverty, substance use and mental health disorders. Moki Macias, the executive director of PAD, and her client, David Lee, talk with Rose about the PAD program, the new contract and what’s next for the organization. Plus, we revisit Rose’s conversation with Anita Hill. The longtime lawyer and educator reflects on her 1991 testimony that the then-Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas sexually harassed her. She also talks about her ongoing fight to end gender-based violence and the inspiration behind her book, “Believing: Our Thirty-Year Journey to End Gender Violence.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday marks 4 years since the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. We revisit Rose’s conversation with Harry Dunn. The former U.S. Capitol Police officer traveled to Atlanta in 2024 when he was being honored by the Fulton County Democratic Party with the Saving Democracy Award. During the conversation, Dunn talks about his experience responding to the insurrection, voting and the current state of democracy. Plus, we also hear from Dr. Catherine Meeks, a longtime educator, workshop leader and scholar focusing on dismantling racism. Meeks reflects on the insurrection, her ongoing efforts to teach others about racial healing and her book “The Night Is Long But Light Comes in the Morning: Mediations for Racial Healing.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday’s edition of “Closer Look” was a special program focusing on the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter. The 39th president of the United States died Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was 100 years old. Carter, a lifelong Democrat served as a naval officer, a Georgia state senator and Georgia's 76th governor from 1971 to 1975. He served as president of the U.S. from 1977 to 1981. Carter was best known for his post-presidential diplomacy. The 2002 Nobel Peace Prize recipient was a champion for human rights, peace and democracy. Beyond his global political achievements, he was a humanitarian, a peanut farmer and a Sunday School teacher. Carter will be laid to rest beside his late wife, Rosalynn Carter. The two were married for 77 years. Show host Rose Scott is joined by veteran politics journalist Denis O’Hayer. They talk with several guests about President Carter’s life of service and his global impact. Guests include: WABE politics reporter Sam Gringlas DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond Stacey Abrams, a politician, author and Howard University’s inaugural Ronald W. Walters Endowed Chair for Race and Black Politics GSU politics and policy professor Tammy Greer Valerie Jackson, a former radio host, author and the former first lady of Atlanta See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali, plus GSU politics and policy professor Tammy Greer and Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst Fred Hicks discuss some of the top political moments of 2024. Music made its mark in 2024 -- from Taylor Swift's Eras Tour ending its two-year run, to Beyonce's "Cowboy Carter" album. Charli XCX gave fans a Brat summer and Kendrick Lamar dropped what has been regarded as one of the greatest diss tracks of all time. Music historian and journalist Quentin Harrison returns to “Closer Look,” to share his critique and to talk more about his Top 5 albums of 2024. Plus, the “Closer Look” team shares their top artists of the year. Lastly, it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. WABE’s H. Johnson narrates “A Christmas Carol.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are new developments in the 2020 Georgia election interference case. The Georgia Court of Appeals has ruled Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her office should be removed from the case. WABE politics reporter Sam Gringlas returns to “Closer Look,” to discuss the latest and how the court’s ruling could impact President-elect Donald Trump’s last remaining criminal case. Plus, Charis Books and More is more than a place to buy books. Owners regard it as a third space and a haven that supports “diverse and marginalized voices.” Over the past five decades, the Decatur-based bookstore has remained a community staple for the metro Atlanta area. As the bookstore celebrates its 50th anniversary, “Closer Look” show host Rose Scott talked with Charis owners Sara Luce Look, Angela Gabriel and executive director Errol "E.R." Anderson. The booksellers gave Scott a tour of the bookstore and talked about the successes and challenges they’ve endured while operating the oldest independent feminist bookstore in the South. They also shared details about the bookstore’s diverse collection of books and ongoing efforts to stay connected with the community through programming and the importance of writing the feminist future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year marks 70 years since the Supreme Court issued its historic decision in the Brown v. Board of Education lawsuit. The landmark ruling outlawed racial segregation in public schools. Rights4Children recently hosted an event in commemoration at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Rose Scott moderated the panel discussion. On Wednesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Harold Scott, Rev. Henry Mathis, and Phyllis Jackson-Scott share their experiences during integration after the historic ruling. Cathy Loving, a former Atlanta Public Schools archivist and assistant to Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, also participated in the discussion. During the conversation, the panelists reflected on the positive outcomes related to Brown, but also the challenges that occurred after the groundbreaking ruling. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board, which reviews civil rights cold case incidents that happened between January 1, 1940, through December 31, 1979, recently released three new cases. Hank Klibanoff, a longtime journalist, the host of WABE's “Buried Truths” podcast, and the co-chair of the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board, and Gabrielle Dudley, a member of the board, discuss some of the cases, the history and mission of their board. Plus, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the pioneering sitcom, “Good Times.” The television show follows the story of a Black family living in a Chicago housing project. NPR's TV critic Eric Deggans and Rosalyn ‘Roz’ Grimes, a longtime fan of “Good Times” talk more about the show and its longstanding cultural impact. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance report, more than 2.4 million STIs were reported in 2023. While data suggest the STI epidemic is slowing on a national level. Locally, STI infections remain high in Georgia. HealthyMD co-founders Clifford W. Knights II and Steve Vixamar, discuss their efforts to provide sexual healthcare for underserved communities and the opening of their new clinic at 6170 Old National Highway, College Park, Ga. 30349. Plus, we revisit Rose’s conversation Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. The award-winning actor portrayed voting and civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer in the short film “Fannie. ” Ellis-Taylor shares why she views Hamer as a prophet and a freedom rights warrior. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bashar Al-Assad is now the former president of Syria—after being forced out by rebels over the weekend. It follows more than 24 years of what Syrian citizens described as a brutal dictatorship. According to the Biden Administration, the future of Syria is uncertain with a reported terrorist group now in charge. Michelle Nunn, the president and CEO of CARE USA, discusses how CARE is responding to what it calls the enormous humanitarian needs of vulnerable people in Syria. People across the U.S. and the world are remembering the literary giant Nikki Giovanni. The poet, civil rights pioneer, author, educator and activist passed away earlier this week. She was 81. Ann Hill Bond, an Atlanta-based journalist and chair of the Fulton County Remembrance Coalition talks more about Giovanni’s cultural influence as well as her life and legacy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new documentary, “Black Girls,” explores the many intergenerational facets of Black womanhood, including beauty, childbirth, community, love and relationships. Among the personal stories is seven-time Olympic Gold Medalist Allyson Felix. Film director B. Monet and Loren Hudson, the senior vice president and chief diversity officer at Comcast Cable, talk more about the film and the importance of championing stories of resilience, community and introspection. The documentary can be viewed on Peacock, Xfinity, and for free on Xumo. Plus, it’s a special time of year. As some people are preparing for the holidays, some metro Atlanta students are gearing up for graduation. Among those earning their diploma is Shari Jackson, a mother and former caregiver. Rose talks with the non-traditional student, who majored in human services, about her academic journey at Georgia Gwinnett College and why she feels it’s her life purpose to serve. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are more than 100,000 electric vehicles on Georgia’s roadways. Currently, under the Biden administration, car buyers can receive a $7,500 tax credit towards the purchase of an electric vehicle. However, President-elect Donald Trump is promising to repeal that tax credit. David Ferris, a reporter from Politico's Energy and Environment News, and Stan Cross, the electric transportation director at the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, talk more about the current state of the electric vehicle industry and how the industry could grow or change under the incoming Trump administration. Plus, according to the Georgia Farm Bureau, just about any crop or animal can be grown successfully somewhere within the state of Georgia. Cotton, peanuts, corn, blueberries and pecans are among the most valuable commodities in Georgia’s nearly $84 billion agricultural industry. Henry Ostaszewski, a cofounder of Blue 42 Market in Downtown Dahlonega, discusses the current state of Georgia’s agricultural landscape and the potential economic impact the Trump administration could have on the industry. Lastly, Rose remembers literary legend, poet, author and civil rights activist Nikki Giovanni who died Monday night at the age of 81. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.