Closer Look with Rose Scott

Rivian Automotive is pausing the construction of its $5 billion manufacturing plant in Georgia. Rivian’s CEO Robert Scaringe says the company decided to halt plans for the factory to move production of new models to an Illinois facility. Tom Smith, a professor in the practice of finance at Emory University, gives his analysis of the potential economic impact of Rivian’s stalled development.

Plus, in celebration of National Impact Day of Service, the Black Family Wellness Expo is being held on March 16, at Greenbriar Mall. Dr. Nicole Martin Franks, who serves as a professor of Emergency Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine and the interim chief quality officer at Emory Healthcare, discusses the importance of specific annual health assessments and screenings.

Also, GBH News political reporter Saraya Wintersmith discusses her new podcast, “What Is Owed.” The podcast explores what reparations might look like in one of the oldest cities in America that enslaved Africans, Boston Massachusetts.

Lastly, attorney Giselle Carson, who practices business immigration and compliance at Marks Gray reveals how complex the United States’ immigration compliance process is to navigate and how an increase in processing fees is supposed to solve some problems.

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Morehouse School of Medicine recently launched the Institute of Translational Genomic Medicine. Dr. Melissa Davis, who serves as the institute’s director, discusses how it will serve as a national hub for genetic information on people of African descent. Davis also discusses a new $25 million grant that she received to address cancer disparities in populations of African ancestry.

Hip-hop producer Corey Dennard and environmentalist Michael Hawthorne Jr. are the co-creators of Klean Energy Kulture. Their mission is to make the clean energy lifestyle accessible to communities of color and the world by 2035. They argue that Black and Brown communities are suffering the brunt of environmental injustice. They talk with Rose about their efforts to bring swagger to fighting climate change. 

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Keisha Sean Waites is stepping down from her seat as the Post 3 At-Large member of the Atlanta City Council. Waites talks with Rose Scott about her decision to now run for the Fulton County Clerk of Superior and Magistrate Courts. She also discusses the highlights of her time in office, as well as her frustrations.

Rose recently talked with organizers of the "Leave it Blank" campaign from the Listen to Georgia Coalition. The new coalition is asking for Democratic primary voters to leave their ballot blank when they head to the polls. Coalition representatives say it’s an attempt to put pressure on President Joe Biden for a permanent ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. Now, GSU Clinical Assistant Professor Tammy Greer returns to “Closer Look,” to give political analysis on whether a protest vote can be effective. 

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The Listen to Georgia Coalition is leading its own “Leave It Blank” Campaign for the Georgia Primary. Clara Green, an organizer with Jewish Voice for Peace Action and Georgia State Rep. Ruwa Romman discuss their effort to "warn President Biden that he must stop enabling the genocide in Gaza or risk losing the 2024 presidential election."

Clark Atlanta University will host The Black Women and Public Policy in the South Symposium. Black women from several different sectors will gather to discuss issues that impact them and formulate possible solutions. Nykia Greene-Young, a Domestic Policy Coordinator & Adjunct Professor of Political Science previews Wednesday’s event.

State Senator Sonya Halpern discusses SB 235, an effort to grow and support Historically Black Colleges and Universities by establishing a commission focused on innovation and economic prosperity.  

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Taylor Shelton, a geographer and an assistant professor at Georgia State University, discusses new research from GSU and Rutgers University that reveals three companies own more than 19,000 rental homes in metro Atlanta.

Plus, Wendell Griffen, a retired Arkansas Court of Appeals & Circuit Court Judge, discusses the potential impact of the Alabama Supreme Court’s recent ruling that frozen embryos can be considered children, therefore they are protected under Alabama’s Wrongful Death of a Minor Act.

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Thursday marked Crossover Day and there are only 12 more days left in the 2024 legislative session. Lawmakers have rushed to advance proposed bills in the State House and Senate. On today’s special edition of “Closer Look,” Rose talks with guests about some of the bills that are closer to becoming law, such as the Religious Liberty Bill, a measure opponents describe as anti-LGBTQ. Also advancing are pieces of legislation focused on first responders with PTSD, immigration and Georgia’s film tax credit. Guests will also discuss legislation that has struggled to advance, such as an effort to eliminate taxes on women’s menstrual products.

Guest include:

WABE’s politics reporter Rahul Bali

Gwinnett County Police Sergeant Ashley Wilson

Claire Cox, the Chair of Georgia STOMP

Jeff Graham, the executive director of Georgia Equality

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The Closer Look team heads to The Ke’nekt Cooperative in the historic Westview neighborhood in southwest Atlanta for the February installmentof “Coffee Conversations.”  Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first Black mayor, believed in community participation. In 1974, he established the Neighborhood Planning Units system. The NPU system consists of 25 citizen advisory councils that represent communities throughout Atlanta. Rose talks with panelists about the power of community as it relates to economic development, housing, transit, community safety, etc. 

Guests include:                   

Kiyomi Rollins, the co-founder of The Ke'nekt Cooperative

Atlanta City Councilmember Jason Dozier 

Rohit Malhotra, the executive director of the Center for Civic Innovation

Terry Ross, the parliamentarian for NPU-T  

Kyle Lamont, chair of NPU-S

Mrs. Catherine, Westview legacy resident

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With time ticking away until Crossover Day, WABE’s politics reporter Rahul Bali gives an update on the latest bills to advance through the legislature, including sports betting. He also discussed the recent retirement announcement of Democratic Georgia State Senate Minority Leader Gloria Butler.

Plus, the ATL Action for Racial Equity initiative was created to provide a blueprint for local companies aiming to create more equitable, diverse, and inclusive organizations. The initiative is now in its third year. Michael Baptiste, who serves as the Metro Atlanta Chamber's vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion, returns to “Closer Look” to discuss the results of the ATL Action for Racial Equity 2024 Assessment Report.

Lastly, preparations are underway for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. According to the recently released schedule, Georgia’s capital city will host eight soccer matches, including a semifinal. The event is expected to draw massive crowds. Dan Corso, the president of the Atlanta Sports Council, discussed how Atlanta is gearing up for one of the largest sporting events in the world. He also shared how Atlanta is courting the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.  

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Crossover Day is fast approaching. WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali joins “Closer Look” to highlight some of the most notable bills, including legislation on the certificate of need, swatting, and whether white shrimp should be the official state crustacean.

Plus, We preview a snippet of Rose’s conversation with Cynthia Parlow Cone, the president of the United States Soccer Federation. The soccer executive discusses the possibility of Atlanta hosting the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Lastly, Georgia legislators are considering House Bill 1180, which would put new requirements in place for the state's film tax credit program. Ken Goldwasser is an Atlanta-based picture car coordinator for movie productions. He has worked for various studios, including Marvel and Tyler Perry. Goldwasser discusses his opposition to the bill. 

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The U.S. is on a mission to lead the world in the production of electric vehicles and batteries. This all comes as Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is pushing the Peach State to be a frontrunner, by becoming the electric mobility capital of the U.S. On today’s edition of “Closer Look,” Rose talks with guests about the current state of EV production and adoption in the U.S. and what’s being done to increase the EV workforce. Guests include:

Mark Phelan, an auto critic and columnist for the Detroit Free Press

Jim Burness, and the CEO of National Car Charging

Dr. Jessica Hutcheson, the vice president of learning and development for ChargerHelp!

Jenny Taylor, the vice president of career services and the chief mission officer for Goodwill of North Georgia

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The South Carolina Primary is happening this weekend. Polls suggest Former President Donald Trump is leading against Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. Both candidates are on the campaign trail in the Palmetto State today ahead of voters going to the polls on Saturday. WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali join “Closer Look” from South Carolina to discuss the latest and why Georgians are paying close attention to this race.

In honor of Black History Month, the Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora (CSAD) at Georgia State University is hosting a global read-a-thon to celebrate literature from Africa and the African diaspora. Edvige Jean-François, who serves as the executive director of CSAD, talks more about the event and how it aims to unite readers and strengthen cross-cultural connections. 

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Pen America reports nearly 6,000 books have been banned across the U.S. since 2021. On Thursday night, Charis Books & More is hosting a discussion on "Writing for Kids in an Age of Censorship.” Children’s author Laurel Snyder joins “Closer Look” to talk more about the criticism and backlash she’s received for her own work, and the ongoing challenges writers face as more books are banned across the U.S.

Plus, surveys show a growing amount of tipping fatigue among consumers. While the Pew Research Center found that 72% of U.S. adults believe tipping is expected in more places than five years ago, Bankrate.com reports 66% of people are not happy about it. Drew DeSilver, a senior writer and editor with the Pew Research Center, discusses tipping trends and negative consumer sentiment.

Lastly, Rose talks with Emily Chan, the co-owner of JenChan's. Her business recently received blacklash for including a 4% employee health insurance surcharge on their customers' bills. Chan further explains the ongoing challenges small business owners are facing while trying to stay afloat during unsteady economic times.

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Georgia State professor and generative AI expert Arun Rai offers insight and concerns regarding deepfake technology and the upcoming election.

Plus, Georgia Deputy Attorney General John Fowler argued that owning a burner cell phone can be evidence of criminal intent in the ongoing Atlanta Public Safety Training Center RICO case. Samantha Hamilton, a project attorney at the University of Georgia First Amendment Law Clinic, discusses the constitutional implications of this argument.

Lastly, film directors Lisa Cortes and Diego Hurtado de Mendoz spotlight the journeys of the first Black astronauts for NASA's space program in their new National Geographic documentary, “The Space Race."

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After 16 years, the City of Duluth is under new leadership. Greg Whitlock, who was recently sworn in as mayor, talks with Rose about his top priorities, his plans to expand the city’s business core, and his overall vision for the city.

Plus, from a legal perspective, former DeKalb County District Attorney Gwen Keyes breaks down the strategy from both the defendants and the prosecution in the evidentiary hearing regarding Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. At issue is whether a conflict of interest resulted from the personal relationship Willis had with special prosecutor Nathan Wade. 

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WABE politics reporter Sam Gringlas returns to “Closer Look” to discuss the latest details of the evidentiary hearing involving Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor she hired for the 2020 Georgia election interference case.

Plus, as the 2024 Georgia legislative session continues, Andrea Young, the executive director of the ACLU of Georgia returns to the program. She discusses several bills lawmakers are considering that her organization considers to be “anti-LGBTQ”.

Lastly, Georgia requires some utility companies to hold off disconnections for customers dealing with serious illness. However, many small electric providers are not required to adhere to that rule. A new ProPublica investigation looks at the impact of not having this regulation in place. Rose talks with ProPublica reporters Aliyya Swaby and Max Blau about their report. 

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On Wednesday’s edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott," we examine an ongoing conflict surrounding maps for the Cobb County Board of Education. This debate goes back to the 2020 U.S. Census when population data revealed how the county’s demographics have changed. More recently, a lawsuit was filed by residents, claiming that Black and Hispanic voters were “packed” into specific districts to dilute their vote and preserve a white majority on the school board. They also claimed that the typical process of redrawing the map was not followed. U.S. District Court Judge Eleanor Ross then ordered Georgia lawmakers to redraw the maps. The maps were redrawn and signed by Gov. Kemp in Jan. 2024, but Democratic lawmakers are still concerned about the current map and how it got in front of Judge Ross. Rose talks with several guests about the developing story.

Guests include:

Juma Sei, WABE’s education reporter

Cobb County Board of Elections and Registration Chair Tori Silas  

Ben Mathis, a managing partner with Freeman, Mathis & Gary, LLP

Cory Isaacson, the legal director of the ACLU of Georgia

Maariya Sheikh, a Cobb County senior and member of the Georgia Youth Justice Coalition 

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Senate Bill 333, which supports the creation of the City of Mulberry in Gwinnett County, awaits Governor Kemp’s signature. Rose recently interviewed Majority Leader Chuck Efstration, who sponsored House Bill 869, which is a duplicate bill of Senate Bill 333. Today, we hear from Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chair Nicole Love Hendrickson. She discusses the commissioners’ opposition to the proposed cityhood movement.

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Americans paid nearly $9 Billion in overdraft fees in 2022. Brian Shearer, the senior advisor at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, discusses the challenges consumers are having with increasing overdraft and junk fees and what the federal government is doing to protect consumers.

Plus, funeral services are being held today for Dr. Gwendolyn Harris Middlebrooks, a civil rights activist and beloved educator. In her honor, we revisit a conversation Rose had with Middlebrooks and other members of the Atlanta Student Movement. During the discussion, Middlebrooks recalls her participation in sit-ins.  

Lastly, Cecilia Marquez, an assistant professor of history at Duke University, discusses her book, "Making the Latino South: A History of Racial Formation."

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It’s week six of the Georgia legislative session. WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali returns to “Closer Look” to provide an update following a medical emergency during a Senate hearing and the latest news happening at the Georgia State Capitol. Show host Rose Scott then talks with Democratic Representative Lisa Campbell about two bills some lawmakers are concerned about. Specifically, HB 501, which if passed, would loosen Georgia’s child labor laws, and SB 367, which aims to eliminate voter drop boxes across the state. Bali then gives an update regarding a bill that would limit deposits for housing and a bill aimed to crack down on swatting, a practice of alerting law enforcement or other first responders with false allegations of criminal or harmful activity at another person's address.

Plus, Mary Anne Adams, the founder and executive director of ZAMI NOBLA, the National Organization of Black Lesbians on Aging, reflects on Audre Lorde’s writings and legacy and shares details about how ZAMI is celebrating what would’ve been Lorde’s 90th birthday through a hybrid read-a-thon.

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Raphael Bostic, the president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, discusses inflation, interest rates and the current state of the U.S. economy. He also explains his economic outlook for 2024 and how the economy’s performance in 2023 exceeded his expectations.

Plus, Michele Norris is a Peabody Award-winning journalist, author, and former co-host of NPR's “All Things Considered.” She joins “Closer Look,” to discuss her new book, "Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think About Race And Identity." 

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A study of data from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission found that Georgia ranks third highest in the nation for workplace discrimination. Retaliation, racial discrimination and sexual discrimination are the three most common types of discrimination cases faced in the state. Brad Dozier, the managing principal of the Dozier Law Group in Atlanta, explains how employment discrimination is defined, why it’s so common in Georgia and what employees can do to protect themselves.

Plus, according to the 2023 Official LDC U.S. Latino GDP Report, Georgia has witnessed a surprising surge in its Latino economy, growing at an annual rate of just over 7% between 2011 and 2021. Ana Valdez, the president and CEO of the Latino Donor Collaborative, discusses Latinos’ contribution to the U.S. economy and what their financial power could mean for the 2024 presidential election.

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