On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, Republicans will hold their national convention in the battleground state of Wisconsin next week. GOP members will roll out their party’s platform at a time of growing concern about the Republican Party’s association with Christian nationalism. Rose is joined by Kiera Butler, a Senior Editor & Reporter with M…

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we learn the details about a lawsuit that was settled between the ACLU and ACLU of Georgia against the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office. The ACLU accused the DA’s Office of not adhering to a rule about unindicted individuals detained on felony charges for 45 days at the Fulton County Jail. Fallon McCl…

Thousands of people have applied for the City of Atlanta’s e-Bike Rebate Program. The first round of rebates is scheduled to go out on July 15th. Roz Tucker with the Atlanta Regional Commission shares demographic data and more about the people who are taking advantage of the rebates. Michelle Dunbar, the owner of Clutch Bicycle Shop, also joins us …

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we exclusively received the announcement that Fulton County’s interim Board of Elections Chair Cathy Woolard is stepping down. In a statement, she tells us, “Despite all the noise you hear, the Fulton County election department does excellent work in one of the largest election operations in the country.” Als…

Tuesday marks 60 years since President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law. The landmark piece of legislation outlawed discrimination based on race, sex, religion, color, or national origin. Civil Rights icons such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis were in attendance for this history-making event in 1964. To reflect on…

In a 6-3 decision by the justices, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that outdoor sleeping bans do not violate the Eighth Amendment. The decision essentially allows cities to make it illegal for unhoused people to sleep outdoors, even when shelter space is unavailable. Dr. Terence Lester, the founder and executive director of Love Beyond Walls, discusse…

The much anticipated first and maybe only debate between Pres. Joe Biden and former Pres. Donald Trump took place Thursday night in Atlanta. We hear insight from politics contributor, strategist and analyst Fred Hicks, former Wisconsin Congressman Scott Klug and GSU politics and policy professor Tammy Greer. The guests also discuss what's next for …

National HIV Testing Day is being recognized throughout the U.S. As the nation is working to end the HIV epidemic by 2030, metro Atlanta ranks third in the nation for new HIV diagnoses. Closer Look host Rose Scott talks with guests about several HIV-related topics including, combating the barriers and stigma that stop people from getting tested and…

The battleground state of Georgia is hosting the first 2024 debate between the presumptive Republican and Democratic presidential nominees. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will make their bids for a second term on Thursday night in Atlanta. WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali returns to “Closer Look,” just ahead of a Biden campa…

Keith Reed, the editor of Capital B Atlanta, joins “Closer Look” to discuss the news outlet’s top priorities this election cycle and its Black Political Power Tour. The tour will bring together activists, experts and elected officials in battleground states across the country to discuss voting rights, the economy, climate, misinformation and educat…

Book sales for romance novels reach at least $1.4 billion per year, making it the highest-earning genre of fiction. On today's special edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott," we dive into the importance of having diverse representation in fiction, specifically love stories, and the challenges writers face as it relates to equality and inclusion i…

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” With Georgia’s decision-making vote in the last presidential race, expect the Peach State to be the focus of much campaigning by Democrats and Republicans. Atlanta-based political strategist Fred Hicks explains what voters will see leading up to November 5th. Also, Sunday marks 21 years since the passing of…

Damon Hoyte, the only Black county commissioner in rural Chattahoochee County, and his attorney, Kamau Mason, discuss a pending discrimination lawsuit against Hoyte’s fellow county commissioners over a land use dispute. Despite similar manufactured homes surrounding his property, several community members and his fellow commissioners opposed Hoyte …

Josh Green has been the editor of Urbanize Atlanta since its start in January 2021, bringing real estate and urban design-focused reporting to metro Atlanta. Green talks with show host Rose Scott about the top stories readers have been following and the local trends he's noticing in urban design. He also shares details about the future of the publi…

Metro Atlanta is experiencing a heat wave. Rose talks with Don Smith, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service, about the temperatures that neared 100 degrees in the Atlanta area. Plus, the Center for Public Integrity, Mother Jones, and the show ,“Reveal”, recently launched their series, “40 Acres and a Lie.” The investigation aims to shed…

Jim Alexander is a legendary award-winning photographer, photojournalist, and activist. Over his multiple decades-spanning career, the 88-year-old has taken at least a quarter million photos. His massive collection captures Black life in America and pinpoints pivotal moments in history such as the civil rights movement through the present day. His …

On today's edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott," we continue our weeklong Juneteenth series. For our annual Juneteenth event at the Atlanta History Center, Rose asks “What is Freedom?” and talks with panelists about the progress of Black Americans since 1865. Guests reflect on the triumphs and challenges that Black people have faced in the past…

On today’s Closer Look, experts and a student from Georgia State University are researching the scope of enslavement from across the Americas. They’ve centered their studies in Salvador, Brazil, where they’re examining the history and culture amongst Afro Brazilians. We’ll ask our guests about their research and comparisons and noteworthy differenc…

Ahead of her visit to Atlanta, historian and scholar Dr. Kellie Carter-Jackson discusses her new book, "WE REFUSE: A Forceful History of Black Resistance." The book aims to explore and reframe the narrative of Black resistance, specifically by Black women, to white supremacy and oppression. Plus, The National Center for Race Amity is hosting a symp…

This week, leading up to our annual live show at the Atlanta History Center, Closer Look’s programming will be in honor of Juneteenth. On Monday, show host Rose Scott talks with Dr. Karcheik Sims-Alvarado chairs the Fulton County Reparations Task Force. The Morehouse professor, who has studied the history and culture of African Americans for nearly…

The recent water main break created several days of chaos and inconvenience for thousands of Atlanta residents and businesses. Atlanta’s Chief Operating Officer LaChandra Butler Burks discusses the city’s response to the turmoil, addresses the criticism they received for their communication, talks about the lessons learned and how city leaders will…

Several issues have kept Fulton County in the local and national spotlight. Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts joins show host Rose Scott on Closer Look to discuss the elections process, the many issues surrounding the county jail, Atlanta’s water main break, leading respectful meetings among the county commissioners and more. See Privacy Policy at …

Sylvester Pierce of the Self-Preservation Society is on a mission to paddle all of Georgia's lakes located in state parks. While doing so, the kayaking instructor wants to get more Black people out on the water. For PART 1 of the interview, he talks with Rose about his first time paddling a canoe and how water is connected to all aspects of life. F…

The Atlanta City Council approved a $2.75 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2025. The budget goes into effect on July 1. It was approved as Atlanta is dealing with a water crisis that disrupted service for thousands of residents and businesses. Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman discusses the budget and the city’s response to the ongoing wate…

Georgia State University law professor Anthony Michael Kreis returns to “Closer Look” to discuss his new book, “Rot and Revival." The book examines how politics and the courts shape constitutional law. Plus, water main breaks inconvenienced thousands of Atlanta residents and businesses over the weekend. We examine the city’s response to the crisis …

Pinky Cole Hayes, the CEO and founder of Slutty Vegan, shares vision for expanding her plant-based restaurant chain, the importance of philanthropy and her partnership with Pepsi Dig In. The initiative aims to spotlight the best Black-owned restaurants across the country as part of Pepsi’s Restaurant Royalty program. She also makes a big announceme…

The Closer Look team heads to Omni Coffee & Eggs in the Castleberry Hill neighborhood for the May installment of “Coffee Conversations.” Atlanta is going through a continuous evolution of growth. As it continues to make advances as a 21st-century city – economic mobility, jobs, housing, etc., all play a critical role in one's quality of life. Rose …

PROPEL and Southern Company are launching the PROPEL HBCU Cybersecurity Consortium. Dr. Lisa Herring, the new president of PROPEL, who formerly served as the superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, discusses the new initiative that aims to diversify the nation's cybersecurity pipeline and workforce by equipping HBCU students with cybersecurity sk…

Cheneé Joseph, who serves as the CEO and president of the Historic Development District Corporation, discusses the progress of several revitalization projects, including Front Porch on Auburn and Henderson Place. Plus, Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger discusses the actions his office is taking to ensure a fair, accurate and safe elec…

The results for the Georgia Primary have been mostly decisive for the Atlanta metro area. WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali return to “Closer Look,” to provide a recap of some of the top races in the state, including Georgia Supreme Court Justice Andrew Pinson's win against his challenger, former U.S. Rep. John Barrow. They also r…

WABE education reporter Juma Sei discusses President Joe Biden’s commencement address at Morehouse College. The President addressed several current topics, including democracy, systemic issues that impact Black people and the Israel-Hamas war. Plus, Propel ATL is calling on Atlanta city leaders to increase the Atlanta Department of Transportation’s…

It was May 17, 1954, when a unanimous decision by the U.S. Supreme Court labeled racial segregation in public schools as unequal and unconstitutional. Rose talks with guests about the Brown v. Board of Education decision, prevailing and systemic issues within school systems today, and the ongoing work to create change. Guests include: Charles Black…

Season tickets are sold out for the Atlanta Dream, signaling fans are fired up for some thrilling basketball. WNBA newcomers Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark and others are adding to the groundswell of excitement. Rose talks with Morgan Shaw Parker, the president and COO of the Atlanta Dream, about expectations for the team this season and the daily oper…

Data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence calculates how Black and Brown Communities continue to be disproportionately impacted by gun violence. Rose talks with Dr. Keisha Lindsay Nurse, an epidemic intelligence service officer with the CDC, about how her family was personally af…

Andrea Young, the executive director of the ACLU of Georgia returns to “Closer Look” to discuss the findings of a new poll about the Fulton County Jail. According to the poll, half of Fulton County voters believe the jail is poorly managed, dangerous, and overcrowded. The poll also reveals that two out of three voters believe the county should reno…

WABE TV will premiere “The Only Doctor” documentary on May 14. The film follows Dr. Karen Kinsell, the owner of Clay County Medical Center. Kinsell is the only medical doctor in Clay County. After years of working without pay, the future of her practice is unknown as she moves closer to retirement. Rose talks with Kinsell and film director Matthew …

The Annie E. Casey Foundation recently released its 2024 report, “Changing the Odds: Comprehensive Solutions for Atlanta’s Future.” The report tracks community, education, and economic data by race. This year’s report explores how the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 racial unrest revealed racial disparities in Atlanta. Kweku Forstall, the director o…

Julie Walker, who serves as the vice chancellor for Libraries & Archive and the state librarian for Georgia Public Library Service, discusses a new partnership that aims to provide a new way for Georgians to renew, change, or review their benefits for state government assistance programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (…

A major development regarding Georgia's 2020 presidential election interference case, the Georgia Court of Appeals has decided to hear an appeal of a previous ruling that allowed Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to stay on the case. WABE politics reporter Sam Gringlas reports on the latest. Plus, Natalie Foster is president and co-founde…

The Atlanta City Council has voted unanimously to settle a civil rights lawsuit against the City of Atlanta with the family of Deacon Johnny Hollman for $3.8 million. Hollman, 62, died in Aug. 2023. An Atlanta Police Officer tased Holloman after he refused to sign a traffic ticket following a minor car accident, Hollman later died after the alterca…

What's fair, credible and accurate reporting as it relates to the Israel-Hamas war and protests taking place across the nation? For a roundtable discussion, Rose and several journalists provide an analysis of the overall news coverage of the war and the ongoing student protests. Guests include Hank Klibanoff, a veteran journalist, a Pulitzer Prize-…

Sule Konata Welch is a certified fitness trainer, coach and martial arts instructor. He is also the founder of The Welch Center. He talks with Rose about his journey of transforming a dilapidated building in the Vine City neighborhood into a state-of-the-art studio and its historic ties to education. He also discusses his efforts to train (teach, r…

First, Atlanta Board of Education Chairwoman Erika Mitchell discusses the latest regarding the district's superintendent search and how a community advisory panel will participate in the interviewing process. Then Rose talks with Mozley Park residents Mia Pennington and Keith Palmer. They are members of the Five Mile Project (5MP) and have been adv…

JP Morgan Chase is working to support Atlanta-area entrepreneurs through several initiatives. Ben Walter, the CEO of Business Banking at JP Morgan, discusses the state of the small businesses in metro Atlanta. He also talks about ongoing efforts that are designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow and scale their businesses. Plus, WABE’s “(re)Defini…

Protests continued on the campus of Emory University on Monday. Students and others are protesting the war in Gaza and the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. WABE education reporter Juma Sei talked with students and a professor about the unfolding situation and the actions they are seeking from university leaders. Plus,Resita Cox, an Emmy Award…

In response to the recent Gaza war protests on the campus of Emory University, Azadeh Shahshahani, the legal and advocacy director for Project South, explains why the organization is standing in solidarity with students and asking for a thorough investigation regarding the heavy presence and actions of law enforcement. Plus, Frances Kunreuther and …

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we’re live from The Corner Cup Coffee in Tucker for Coffee Conversations. For today’s topic, we’ll discuss how Atlanta’s growth is impacting nearby cities, like Tucker, which has added nearly 4,000 residents in just the past decade alone. We’ll talk to elected officials and business leaders about how the expa…

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we have an on-scene report from Emory University by WABE Reporter Chamian Cruz. Protesters of the Israel-Hamas war clashed with law enforcement today, leading to several arrests. Also, Host Rose Scott interviews Morehouse College’s Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Kendrick Brown, ab…

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we begin a two-part series on maternal healthcare in Georgia. Host Rose Scott speaks with OB/GYNs and doulas about what needs to be done to improve maternal health outcomes. Guests Include: Dr. Donna Adams Pickett, an Obstetrician & Gynecologist at Augusta Women’s Health & Wellness Tamara Akua Hunter, the fou…

Cicadas will soon start to emerge in Georgia and across the U.S. Dr. Samuel Ramsey, an entomologist and founder and director of the Ramsey Research Foundation, explains why cicada swarms happen, the habits of the insects, and their cycles. He also discusses what science still has to learn about cicadas. Plus, we air WABE education reporter Juma Sei…