Closer Look with Rose Scott

It’s Halloween weekend, what better time to celebrate cosplay, pop culture, comics and art? On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we speak to Greg Burnham, comic creator and event organizer for the Black Atlanta Comic Expo. The inaugural event is happening Saturday and Sunday at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Northeast in Norcross. Burnham shares what makes this event unique and what guests can expect.

Then, we get political analysis on the final day of early voting ahead of Tuesday’s midterm election. What chances do the candidates have? How have their strategies played out on the campaign trail? And what does voter turnout tell us about the strengths of the campaigns? We hear from:

Fred Hicks, an Atlanta-based campaign strategist and demographer

Devin Barrington Ward, a progressive community organizer and managing director of the Black Futurists Group

Saba Long, political communications strategist

Rahul Bali, WABE politics reporter

Julianne Thompson, a Republican strategist and the president of Main Street Network Strategies

Cory J. Ruth, the founder and CEO of the political consultant and strategy firm Mergence Global

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On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we examine the findings of the 2026 Black Census. The survey of 6,000 participants found only 3% trust the federal government, while 95% plan to vote. Kristin Powell, Executive Director of Black Futures Lab, discusses what their report shows about economic, political and social conditions within the Black Community as the midterm election approaches.

Then, it’s almost Halloween – in the mood for a scary story? We speak to Georgia native Katherine Daniel about her debut novel, When the Night Comes Knocking. In this Appalachian horror novel, two estranged siblings become trapped in a convenience store under attack by a monster from the mountains who feasts on guilty hearts. Daniel also shares her writing journey and what continues to inspire her writing career.

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On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we continue our roundtable discussion with Gen Z voters about what matters to them ahead of the midterm elections. We speak to Khoi Duong, a business marketing student at Georgia Gwinnett College, Ayomide Olayiwola, a biomedical sciences student and president of the Student Government Association at Morehouse School of Medicine, plus Mason Wright, a hospitality management sophomore at Morris Brown College and a young leader with Black Youth Vote.

With Halloween just days away, Jane Fraser, president of the Stuttering Foundation, discusses how parents and neighbors can make trick-or-treating more accommodating for children who stutter. Fraser also provides job hunting and interview tips for adults with the condition.

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Georgia is among the top states for the development of new data centers. While there are proponents which contend the centers will bring economic rewards such as jobs and other community benefits, there’s also a lot of pushback. These concerns include increases in consumer energy bills and environmental deterrents such as noise, pollution, and water consumption. On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, Georgia Power addresses costs and other concerns related to data centers. We’re joined in-studio by Erica McGill, Senior Vice President of Business Strategy and Transactions, also, Jacob Hawkins, Communications Director for Georgia Power.

Then, we begin Part 1 of our discussion with Gen Z voters, the largest voting bloc in the state of Georgia. They respond to criticism of voter apathy among young people and share how they talk to their peers about the importance of making their voices heard. Students from Spelman College, Oglethorpe University, and Georgia State University join a strategic advisor from Rock the Vote, who shares his experience with the late Congressman John Lewis about motivating young voters.

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On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we’re introduced to the new superintendent of Georgia’s largest school system. Dr. Alexandra Estrella took office in July. With the school year underway, she shares her top priorities, as well as her record of educational leadership, her passion for student success, and commitment to community engagement.

Then, we learn more about a form of dementia that’s reportedly underdiagnosed, under-researched, and disproportionately affecting Black families. It’s called Frontotemporal dementia (FTD). It can be difficult to diagnose, as early symptoms include personality changes or motor difficulties instead of memory loss. We hear the personal story of Aisha Adkins, and the struggle she experienced to get a clear diagnosis for her mother. We also meet Tanya Steel, the CEO of Cure MAPT FTD, who discusses how her nonprofit is fighting to raise awareness.

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The city is hyped for Game 4 of the WNBA Finals as the Atlanta Dream maintains a 2-1 lead over the Golden State Valkyries. On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we’re joined by WABE's DorMiya Vance and KQED reporter Sydney Johnson to talk about the series thus far, how the cities are supporting their teams, and the explosion of excitement within both fan bases. The Dream hosts the Valkyries for Game 4 on Saturday at 1pm EST at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

Then, with just over ten days until the midterm elections, big names in the political arena are on their way to Georgia. This weekend, President Trump comes to rally Republicans, while former President Obama will encourage voters to support Democrats from the top to the bottom of the ballot. With a high number of ballots already being cast during early voting, our political roundtable shares what the numbers reveal for both parties. Plus, what exactly is a pathway to victory in a state like Georgia, as candidates strategize how to reach voters in urban, suburban and rural areas?

GUESTS INCLUDE:

Rahul Bali, WABE politics reporter and host of Plugged Into Politics

Fred Hicks, Atlanta based campaign strategist and demographer

Devin Barrington Ward, progressive community organizer and the managing director of the Black Futurists Group

Saba Long, political communications strategist

Julianne Thompson, a Republican strategist and the president of Main Street Network Strategies

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A new book examines the “racial hierarchy” of America and how it built the nation’s power structure. On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we speak to Emory University political scientist Dr. Kelly Burton about “The Price of Union.” As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, Burton offers a new framework for understanding race, power, and democracy.

Then, we learn about the findings of the first ever State of the Georgia Girl Report. Georgia is home to 1.2 million girls under the age of 18. Jai Ferrell, CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, and Jenn Hollern, the report's author, share the highlights of the report, such as examining the health, safety, education and the overall well-being of girls across Georgia.

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American farmers say they’re in the midst of a perfect storm of problems. Rising diesel prices, tariffs, low cattle herds, imported beef from foreign countries, and years of drought have the farm economy in a crisis. And over the past year, consumers have felt the pain from more expensive beef at grocery stores. But back in July, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins visited Carroll County. She announced Georgia's U.S.D.A. certified small meat processors could sell across state lines for the first time. But will it be enough to help an industry that saw a 130% jump in bankruptcy filings between 2025 and 2026, plus reports of historically high U.S. farm debt? And how might this impact beef prices? Joining the discussion on “Closer Look with Rose Scott” is Professor Bill Winders at Georgia Tech’s School of History and Sociology, and Wayne Swanson Jr., founder and CEO of Swanson Family Farm.

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On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, our latest discussion on how artificial intelligence is incorporated into daily life. A 2026 study found 93.5% of pastors have used or experimented with AI. Dr. Brady Beard, the Associate Librarian at Pitts Theology Library at Emory University, joins the program to discuss a new and free online course, “Speaking of God in an Age of Artificial Intelligence: Equipping Congregations for Ethical Engagement.” The class offers participants specific sessions to think critically about the various uses of AI in religious environments.

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As our education system moves further into the age of artificial intelligence, a new book is urging America to remember past harms. On today’s edition of Closer Look with Rose Scott, we focus on AI, starting the conversation with Dr. Kamau Bobb, author of The Bullwhip's Algorithm: Artificial Intelligence and America's Racial Caste System. Dr. Bobb raises questions about the dependency of AI technologies that claim to improve academic outcomes. Plus, he argues why it's important to confront the racial inequities embedded in its history and, if ignored, how an AI-led education will factor in issues of race, history, and literacy disparities among Black students.

Then, can AI co-habitat in harmony with old school, made-by-hand artists? Is technology stealing from creators or is AI widening the creative space? And what are the guardrails around AI? We have a roundtable discussion with Denish Shah, the director of the Department of Marketing at Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business, and Jermaine Lee, known creatively as J. Frequency, an independent artist, creative director, and filmmaker exploring the intersection of contemporary R&B, hip-hop, and artificial intelligence.

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Title IX – it was signed into law by President Richard Nixon more than 50 years ago, but it still has a wide-ranging impact today. It states: "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance." In 2026, Title IX is often at the center of three legal battlegrounds: The responsibility of educational institutions to investigate sexual assault and domestic violence, equality in women's sports, and the rights of transgender students. But the standards of Title IX have seen many implementations during the Obama and Biden Administrations, and rollbacks during the Trump Administrations. On today’s special edition of “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we examine what these rollbacks have meant for reporting discrimination and sexual violence in schools and sports. We also spoke with two leaders of an Atlanta-area youth sports nonprofit, as well as a local college student-athlete and youth coach. They discuss mentoring youth to prevent sexual misconduct and the challenges young people face with reporting assault on campus.

GUESTS INCLUDE:

Diana Moskovitz, Investigations Editor for Defector Media

Megan Ballard Mitchell, Title IX Attorney at the Law Offices of M. Ballard Mitchell

C.J. Stewart, co-founder of the Atlanta based L.E.A.D. Center for Youth

Kelli Stewart, CEO of the Atlanta based L.E.A.D. Center for Youth

MacKenna, local college student-athlete and youth coach

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On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we begin with the following statement from WABE and Show Host Rose Scott: “As the Closer Look Executive Producer, I do not authorize or endorse the use of a clip from a 2021 documentary about then Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. The clip is being used in a campaign advertisement supporting Rick Jackson’s campaign for Governor. WABE is committed to accurate, fact-based, and contextually complete journalism. The excerpt used in the advertisement has been presented outside its original context. WABE, Closer Look, and I do not endorse any candidate or campaign.”

Then, we welcome onto the program, Craig Ford, professor at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. He offers a fresh perspective on the intersection of faith, LGBTQ+ identity, and ethics. In his course, Queer Theology and Queer Ethics, he explores how queer thought can fundamentally reshape how we understand Christianity, community, morality, and contemporary ethical debates.

Finally, we revisit a conversation we had with some recent graduates – kindergarteners! For our Class of 2026 series, they give us the wise wisdom of dreaming about your future and being brave about starting first grade.

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On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we speak to a woman who has achieved many firsts and many titles in Atlanta area politics. She’s the first openly gay elected official in Georgia history, and the first woman to be President of the Atlanta City council. She was also chair of the Fulton County Election Board. Cathy Woolard joined the program to reflect on her decades of public service, how things have changed since she first took office, and what’s next for her.

Then, with early voting underway and 20 days until the midterm elections, we get updated analysis of the campaign trail from our political roundtable. Our left and right leaning panelists give their perspective on recent debates between the candidates, including the debate Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Rick Jackson was absent from and whether that could hurt his chances for leading Georgia.

Guests Include:

Fred Hicks, Atlanta based campaign strategist and demographer

Devin Barrington Ward, progressive community organizer and the managing director of the Black Futurists Group

Julianne Thompson, a Republican strategist and the president of Main Street Network Strategies

Cory J. Ruth, the founder and CEO of the political consultant and strategy firm Mergence Global

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On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we focus on local and federal efforts to address human trafficking in Georgia and across the nation. We begin our conversation with a recent report by the Associated Press. It revealed that the Trump Administration wants caregivers of migrant children to "stop reporting human trafficking concerns directly to the Office of Trafficking in Persons -- which was created to help victims." We speak to Shaina Aber, Executive Director of Acacia Center for Justice who fears this will make unaccompanied migrant children more vulnerable.

Then, we speak to the leaders of two Atlanta-based organizations that are working to protect victims of exploitation. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says historically Georgia was among states considered a major hub for sex and labor trafficking, and the FBI has also named Atlanta as one of the top fourteen cities with abnormally high rates of human trafficking. We’ll hear from Dr. Donn Kirkland, Founder of The Overlook Initiative – one of the few organizations in the country that assists male victims of human trafficking, and Jennifer Swain, Executive Director of YouthSpark, which works with Fulton County juvenile courts regarding vulnerable teen victims of sex trafficking.

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Georgia is home to more than 429,000 Latinos of voting age. However, some in the community believe both Democrats and Republicans have done a poor job of outreach to Latino voters, leaving 40% still undecided within days of early voting for the midterm election. And just like their community, Latinos have diverse priorities this election season: the cost of living, healthcare coverage access, immigrant rights & community dignity, education & in-state tuition access, civic engagement & voting resources. On a special edition of Closer Look with Rose Scott, we speak to leaders of advocacy organizations about get out the vote efforts and their message about engagement before, during, and after the November election.

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It's been six years since the opening of the Atlanta Department of Transportation, also known as ATLDOT. The department's staff is tasked with everything from street paving to building new sidewalks. And now they're asking for your input on what the department calls its Comprehensive Transportation Plan. Atlanta DOT Commissioner Solomon Caviness and Mobility Planning Director John Saxton talk about the process.

Also, there’s less than a week before early voting begins in Georgia for the midterms and less than a month until the general election. National polls show economic and cost of living issues matter most to voters. Today, Closer Look speaks to a panel of guests about what matters specifically to Georgians. We’ll hear about their quality of life and what will guide their votes for the upcoming election.

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Early voting in Georgia for the Midterm Election runs from Tuesday, Oct. 13, through Friday, Oct. 30. However, for the Atlanta-based Carter Center, election observation is already underway. On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we speak with Avery Davis-Roberts, Director of the Carter Center's Democracy Program. She describes the role, responsibilities, qualifications, and misconceptions of election observers, and how they conduct a risk-limiting audit to confirm the accuracy of an election.

Then, Avant South returns to Atlanta, highlighting and supporting the city’s growth as a leading tech hub. We’re joined by Donnie Beamer, Senior Technology Advisor for the City of Atlanta. He shares how Avant South delves into the unique intersection of culture, innovation, and technology, highlighting the key catalyst role these elements play across industries. He also addresses concern about the growing presence of data centers in Atlanta and how AI might be used to eliminate jobs in the workforce.

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On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we revisit a conversation with former elected lawmakers representing both sides of Georgia’s political aisle. We’re joined by former Mayor Shirley Franklin (D), former Senator Saxby Chambliss (R), former Congressman Drew Ferguson (R), and former Governor of Georgia Roy Barnes (D). They discuss how far we’ve come from when Democrats and Republicans could work together to solve problems, and how the Democracy Defense Foundation is championing civility in politics and safeguarding confidence in elections.

Also, it’s the first ever Girls in Public Works Day. Young women are taught the skills for waste management, engineering, construction and more. Nationally, women account for less than 10% of the public works workforce. Learn how the American Public Works Association Georgia Chapter and the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Local Technical Assistance Program are working to get more women in typically male dominated fields.

And finally, today is the last day to register to vote in Georgia ahead of the November midterm elections. We revisit our conversation with outgoing Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger about what Georgia voters should be prepared for. And despite accusations and misinformation, Raffensperger assures Georgians that the state’s voting system is secure and ready to run a fair election.

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The President of the National Education Association is responding to the White House's newly releasing rules related to the nation’s first federal school "voucher–style program". It's set to begin next year. Part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” and under the Educational Choice for Children Act. It's supposed to operate as a tax-credit program where parents/caregivers can receive up to $1,700 in credits for donating to nonprofit scholarship-granting organizations but is also criticized for the impact on public schools and specific communities.

Guest: Princess Moss, President the National Education Association.

The vast majority of meat in the United States is factory farmed.

Factory farmed is defined as the practice of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs).

Typically, these are environments where animals are raised for food in confined, cramped, and mostly indoor settings.

It is controversial and raises a lot of opposition in terms of ethics and the treatment of the animals.

According to U-S Department of Agriculture data reviewed by the Sentience Institute ... that figure is estimated at 99 percent.

A new three-part series, "One Table," by the animal advocacy group Compassion in World Farming features a Bluffton, Georgia farmer who has moved away from the practice.

Guest: Leah Garces a Decatur, Georgia based advocate and global ambassador for Compassion in World Farming talks about the series and the mission of Compassion in World Farming.

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It seems to be a lost cause at the moment, civility in politics.

With 2026 being a major election year and the upcoming midterm elections approaching, the Democracy Defense Foundation (DFF) understands the importance of combating misinformation and intentional disrespect in political messaging.

DFF is organization led by a bipartisan group of former elected officials and leaders across selected states and that includes Georgia. It was founded to champion civility in politics, safeguard confidence in elections among other initiatives.

In this episode of Closer Look with Rose Scott, former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, former Georgia Senator Saxby Chambliss, former Congressman and West Point, Georgia, Mayor Drew Ferguson, and former Georgia Governor Roy Barnes all agreed that civility seems to be lost in today’s political environment. They also discussed the role that DFF can still play in delivering bi-partisan messages amid the current 24-hour news cycle and the influence of social media.

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