Atlanta Inspector General Responds To Task Force Recommendations; The Carter Center Continues To Uplift Rosalynn Carter's Legacy And Mental Health Priorities Closer Look With Rose Scott podcast

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It’s Crossover Day at the Georgia State Capitol. First, WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali returns to “Closer Look,” to provide an update on the state’s budget and hurricane relief. He also discusses legislation that has caught the most attention and concern , including measures that would change how the state school superintendent is selected, online sports betting and a measure that aims to remove anything related to diversity, equity, and inclusion from schools and colleges. Then, Rebecca Serna , the executive director of Propel ATL, and crash victim Satya Bhan, discuss the findings of the new PROPEL ATL report, “The Human Cost of Mobility." According to the report, 344 people died across three metro Atlanta counties due to traffic crashes in 2023. Also, among the report's findings — pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities mirror homicide levels, but they don't receive as much media attention. Plus, Rose reads a remembrance tribute for jazz legend Roy Ayers . He died on Tuesday. He was 84. Lastly, March 7 marks a turning point in the fight for civil rights in the United States. Sixty years ago, the then 25-year-old John Lewis and fellow civil rights activist Hosea Williams, planned to lead hundreds in a peaceful march for voting rights from Selma, Ala. to the state capitol in Montgomery, Ala. As the protestors approached the Edmund Pettus Bridge, they were met with violence at the hands of state troopers. We'll look back to the days before, the day of, and what came after, on what is now known as Bloody Sunday . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Closer Look with Rose Scott

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New Brookings commentary explores why Atlanta is not a model for police reform: Piloting the Journey: Elisabeth Omilami 48:41

3 дні тому48:41

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In a new Brookings Institute commentary, experts explain why they believe Atlanta is not the blueprint for public safety reform. Through their analysis, they make the comparison to policing in Baltimore and St. Louis to highlight what does and doesn’t work, particularly following the creation of the heavily protested Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, also known to critics as ‘Cop City.’ Ali Sewell , a sociology professor at Emory University, and Keon Gilbert , a fellow at The Brookings Institution in governance studies and a professor of public health at Saint Louis University, talk more about their report. Elisabeth Omilami , the daughter of the late civil rights leaders Juanita and Hosea Williams, is a longtime actor, humanitarian and civil rights activist. She currently serves as the president of Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless . For “Closer Look’s” Women’s History Month series, “Piloting the Journey,” Omilami reflects on her journey and talks more about her ongoing efforts to combat hunger and poverty. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Closer Look with Rose Scott

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Report: Unmarked cameras spotted near homes of ‘Cop City’ opponents; Piloting the Journey: Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin 50:38

4 дні тому50:38

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According to an article published by The Guardian , unmarked boxes on utility poles that contain cameras are appearing around Atlanta. The cameras appear to be installed outside the homes of people who oppose the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center , also known as 'Cop City.' Timothy Pratt , an Atlanta area-based reporter talks more about his investigative report. In celebration of Women’s History Month, “Closer Look” is launching a new limited series called “Piloting the Journey.” We first hear from former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin , who made history when she became the first woman to lead Georgia's capital city—serving two terms as mayor of Atlanta from 2002 to 2010. Franklin talks with show host Rose Scott about leadership and her journey in the world of politics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Closer Look with Rose Scott

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South Fulton councilwoman launches bid for mayor; Mother pushes for change after son was “unjustly expelled; New report investigates the shortfalls of Georgia Pathways to Coverage 49:36

5 днів тому49:36

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Councilwoman Carmalitha L. Gumbs currently represents the City of South Fulton’s District 2. She joins “Closer Look” to discuss her decision to run against incumbent Mayor Khalid Kamau for the city’s top seat. In 2023, Zaire Byrd says he was “unjustly expelled” from Tri-Cities High School in Fulton County. According to Byrd, it was due to a first-time offense of fighting with students who allegedly weren’t supposed to be on campus. The situation proved to be a life-changing moment for him. However, Byrd kept his life on a positive track and is now a freshman at Alabama A&M University. His mother, DeAndrea Byrd, is also using her son’s expulsion as an opportunity to enact change for Black students, who studies show, are disciplined at a disproportionate rate. Georgia is among the ten states that have refused to expand Medicaid. But Georgia is the only state that imposes a work requirement for its alternative to Medicaid. It's called Georgia Pathways to Coverage. A new analysis of Georgia Pathways by The Current and ProPublica shows the program has not met its goals for providing coverage, and even some Republicans wanted to back away from it. Margaret Coker , the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Current Georgia, talks about her latest article that investigates the reported shortfalls of Georgia Pathways to Coverage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Closer Look with Rose Scott

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Coffee Conversations: Community solutions to closing childhood literacy gap 54:15

9 днів тому54:15

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Across the nation and right here in Georgia, educators are working to address lingering learning gaps that predate the pandemic. Those literacy gaps are especially concerning among Atlanta’s Black and Brown students. According to a 2024 report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, 21% of local Black third graders and 34% of local Latino third graders read at a proficient level. For the February installment of “Coffee Conversations,” the “Closer Look” team returns to The Ke’nekt Cooperative in the Westview neighborhood. Rose talks with guests about efforts to close Georgia’s reading gap through community-based literacy programs. Selected guests also read from their favorite children's books. Guests include: Kiyomi Rollins , the owner of The Ke’nekt Cooperative Lyric Eschoe, daughter of Kiyomi Rollins Dr. Enkeshi El-Amin , the owner of A Small Place Bookshop FeFe Handy , the founder and executive director of Page Turners Make Great Learners Cindy Jaret , president of Children Read WABE Southside reporter DorMiya Vance “Closer Look” producer LaShawn Hudson Karen Good Marable , the author of the children’s book “Yaya and the Sea” Elisabeth Jackson , author and illustrator of “Why Does The Cheshire Cat Grin?” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Closer Look with Rose Scott

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Transit advocates debate future of light rail on the Beltline; Forest Park, GA Mayor on city’s $23.46 minimum wage 50:58

10 днів тому50:58

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Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens delivered the 2025 State of the City Address on Tuesday night. During his address, Dickens stressed the importance of connecting neighborhoods. Among his points, the mayor briefly mentioned that in less than 18 months, people will be able to take trails from the Beltline to the Chattahoochee River. However, people, both for and against light rail on the Beltline were left searching for more details and are now wondering what’s next. Matthew Rao, the chairperson for BeltLine Rail Now , and Hans Klein , an associate professor in the School of Public Policy at the Georgia Institute of Technology, share more about their opposing visions for the Beltline. Plus, more than 9.2 million workers in 21 states saw a minimum wage increase at the start of 2025. However, that does not include Georgia, which remains at $5.15/per hour. But by law, the state must pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25/per hour. Forest Park Mayor Angelyne Butler joins “Closer Look,” to talk more about how the City of Forest Park is offering a $23.46 minimum wage for its full-time city employees. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Closer Look with Rose Scott

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DeKalb County Police Chief Mirtha Ramos explains abrupt departure 50:48

11 днів тому50:48

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After a little more than five years job, DeKalb County Police Chief Mirtha Ramos is stepping down. The announcement of Chief Ramos’ decision to step down comes as DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson’s office recently unveiled a new police retention and recruitment initiative . Ramos returns to “Closer Look,” to reflect on her tenure and to talk about her decision to step down. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Closer Look with Rose Scott

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New learning portal makes civil and human rights history more accessible; 579 Atlantans receive e-bike rebates through city program 49:19

12 днів тому49:19

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Amid ongoing nationwide efforts to put restrictions on teaching specific segments of American history, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights has launched a free learning portal to expand access. It aids teachers and parents in bringing a complete history about civil and human rights to students. Nicole Moore , who serves as the director of education for the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, talks more about the portal that offers ready-to-go lesson plans, worksheets and other interactive tools. She also explains how the lessons are taught to help students connect with their history. Plus, the Atlanta E-bike Rebate Program launched in 2024 with the goal of eliminating financial barriers to e-bike ownership, reducing transportation costs, and promoting a shift from car-dependent travel. The program was funded by a $1 million investment from the Atlanta City Council and administered by the Atlanta Regional Commission in partnership with Propel ATL . Bennett Foster , the managing director of mobility at the Atlanta Regional Commission, and LaMiiko Moore, a recipient of the e-bike rebate, talk with Rose about a new report that details specifics about the E-bike Rebate Program—such as who received the citywide rebate, and how the rebate was used. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Closer Look with Rose Scott

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Doctor champions early literacy to improve pediatric health 50:53

16 днів тому50:53

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Dr. Terri McFadden is a pediatrician at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding and a professor of pediatrics at Emory University. She earned her nickname, Georgia’s ‘Godmother of Literacy,' by promoting childhood literacy to improve pediatric health and development. McFadden does this work as a medical director at Reach Out and Read Georgia , an initiative that provides books to children during their doctor’s appointments. She talks with Rose about the program, her decades-long work to transform the lives of children through books and her ongoing efforts to close Georgia’s literacy gap for young readers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Closer Look with Rose Scott

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Should AI be incorporated in journalism?; Local manufacturer uses shipping containers to address housing crisis 50:46

17 днів тому50:46

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Artificial intelligence is becoming ingrained in many industries. This includes its increasing use among some news outlets. However, is there an ethical dilemma around transparency, cultural biases and potential job displacement? Laura Downey , the president of the Society of Professional Journalists Georgia, Dan Whisenhunt, the editor and founder of Decaturish , and Nsenga Burton , an award-winning journalist and entrepreneur, and the editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire share their thoughts about AI and whether or not they believe it should be used in journalism. Plus, Wanona Satcher is on a mission to address the housing crisis. She is the CEO and founder of Mākhers Studio , a construction and management firm that specializes in transforming shipping containers into housing and retail solutions. For a one-on-one conversation, Rose stopped by the Mākhers Studio in East Point, Georgia, and talked with Satcher about her vision to use micro-housing as a sustainable and viable option to solve the home affordability problem. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Closer Look with Rose Scott

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Nonprofit urges governments to pursue equitable climate change policies; Atlanta’s Canadian consul general addresses U.S.-Canada trade dispute 50:13

18 днів тому50:13

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With a change in presidential administrations comes a change in priorities when it comes to climate change. With his second term in office, President Trump has once again withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris Agreement . At the same time, Atlanta-based Greenlink Analytics is working with local and state governments to create policies and programs addressing climate change. CEO Matt Cox is also urging officials to factor in communities facing economic, health, and environmental challenges. Cox shares why he believes focusing on these communities is key to making meaningful reforms. Plus, Rosaline Kwan , the Consul General of Canada to the Southeast United States, discusses the Trump administration’s ongoing trade disputes between Canada and the U.S. and how tariffs, and retaliatory tariffs, could have impacts on Georgia's economy. Kwan will also share what she knows from her two decades of working in international trade. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Closer Look with Rose Scott

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Atlanta’s first-ever inspector general resigns, citing bullying and intimidation 50:42

19 днів тому50:42

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On today's edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott," we bring you an exclusive interview with the now outgoing Inspector General for the City of Atlanta. This follows our series of interviews with Shannon Manigault about the challenges she says have emerged while investigating alleged corruption, abuse and fraud within city government. During a press conference Monday morning, Manigault claims her investigations have been hindered, she’s faced bullying, and her family has been targeted. In stepping away from her position, this leaves behind dozens of open investigations into Atlanta government officials which she describes as “serious.” Her announcement also comes just before the Atlanta City Council is expected to vote on legislation that would limit the control of the inspector general’s office. Today, Manigault speaks only to “Closer Look” to discuss her decision and why she says there was never a pathway to compromise in working with city officials. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Closer Look with Rose Scott

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A recap of week 5 of Georgia’s legislative session; Documentary focuses on the 1898 Wilmington massacre 51:15

24 дні тому51:15

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WABE politics reporter Sam Gringlas returns to “Closer Look,” to provide an update on the latest news from the Gold Dome, including a variety of proposed bills involving transgender athletes, Gov. Kemp’s civil litigation reform package, gun safety and Medicaid expansion. Plus, WABE, in partnership with the Atlanta History Center and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, recently held a public screening of the documentary “American Coup: Wilmington 1898.” The film, slated to air on WABE TV on Feb. 23, at 6 P.M., explores the 1898 deadly race massacre and insurrection that happened in North Carolina’s largest city. On Wednesday's edition of "Closer Look," we aired the panel discussion and Q&A, which was moderated by Rose. Dr. Crystal Sanders , an associate professor of African American studies at Emory University, Brad Lichtenstein , an award-winning filmmaker and founder of 371 Productions, and DJ Sims , the director of the Truth + Transformation Initiative at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, participated in the panel discussion. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Closer Look with Rose Scott

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Book explores HBCUs role in shaping American democracy; Improv program helping caregivers of memory loss patients 51:05

25 днів тому51:05

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Deondra Rose is an associate professor of political science and history who serves as the Kevin D. Gorter Associate Professor at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University. She joins “Closer Look” to discuss her latest book, "The Power of Black Excellence: HBCUs and the Fight for American Democracy." The book explores the history of HBCUs and the distinctive role they have played in shaping American democracy since 1837. Plus, Amanda Lee Williams used her love for improv to help address her father’s needs during his battle with memory loss. Now, she’s the program director for Improving Care Through Improv . She has teamed up with experts from Emory and Georgia State University to help train other caregivers and prepare them for unexpected moments. Rose talks to Williams, Dr. Candace Kemp , a gerontology professor at Georgia State University and Dr. Ted Johnson from Emory University's Department of Medicine. They discussed more details about the program. Williams also provided an improv demonstration about how they prepare caregivers to talk with someone who is experiencing memory loss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Closer Look with Rose Scott

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What “tort reform” could mean for Georgians; Local educator creates virtual learning pod for kids; Atlanta Councilwoman reimagines Greenbriar Mall 49:13

26 днів тому49:13