Closer Look with Rose Scott

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According to a new investigative report published by Atlanta Civic Circle, the City of Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund is being used to pay housing bond debt and staff salaries. Sean Keenan, a housing reporter at Atlanta Civic Circle, returns to “Closer Look,” to discuss the story and the response from housing advocates and some city officials. Plus, N'namdi Arinze is making his mark in Atlanta’s food industry as the owner of Vegan Wangs, a plant-based chicken wing restaurant. Alongside his sister, Arinze has expanded the business from online deliveries, ghost kitchens, and pop-up events—into a full-fledged brick-and-mortar location. Recently, Rose and the “Closer Look” team paid a visit to the Southwest Atlanta eatery on Cascade Road. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's special edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott" is a themed show focusing on hunger. According to the latest data from Feeding America, nearly 40% of the food-insecure population in the United States is white. Yet, in most counties, food insecurity rates among Black, Hispanic and Latino households exceed those of white households. This all comes as data also reveals, 1 in 7 people in Georgia are facing hunger. Now, amid federal funding cuts to assistance programs and inflation impacting food prices, Rose talks with local leaders about their efforts to combat summer hunger across metro Atlanta. Guests include: Kyle Waide, the president and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank Jon McMurdo, the development manager at Second Helpings Atlanta Kashi Sehgal, the founder and CEO Retaaza See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Disabled South is working to build a coalition of disability justice activists and advocates. Dom Kelly, the co-founder, president, and CEO of New Disabled South, discusses the organization’s mission: 'To improve the lives of disabled people and build strong disability justice and rights movements in the South. Plus, with looming potential cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and surging prices at the grocery store, the nonprofit A Red Circle, has released a national blueprint that outlines five food policy recommendations that all states, including Georgia, can follow to act on right now. Erica R. Williams, the executive director of A Red Circle, talks with Rose about the work of the nonprofit, the importance of combating food insecurity and the national blueprint. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There have been significant public health policy changes under the Trump administration, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent statement. He announced the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would stop recommending COVID-19 vaccines for healthy pregnant women and children. This all comes as ongoing concerns heighten about other key public health policies related to environmental health, health equity, mental health, infectious diseases, reproductive health, and the impact of climate change. For today’s edition of Feedback Friday on “Closer Look,” Rose is joined by Atlanta-based internist Dr. Dhaval Desai. He discusses the timeline of these actions and gives his analysis about the potential consequences and impact. *On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its language regarding COVID-19 vaccinations for age groups. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Jan. 2025, then-Vice President Kamala Harris announced a final rule by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to remove medical debt from consumers’ credit reports. The policy was to take effect in March, but just like many other Biden-era actions, the Trump administration is changing course. Now, a federal judge is expected to decide in mid-June about whether to vacate the consumer protection rule. Georgia ranks among the top five states with the most medical debt, with 13% of adults in the state owing money. Former health tech executive and consumer advocate Scott Speranza, the CEO of HealthLock, discusses what this could mean for Georgians. For “Closer Look’s” Class of 2025 graduation series, we hear from Bon Varlet. The standout Kennesaw State University graduate majored in information technology. She talks with Rose about her academic journey, including earning a Fulbright Study Award, and her aspirations to attend law school and to protect public institutions, particularly libraries. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under the Biden administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar For All program aimed to improve access to clean energy and solar programs. Now, under the Trump Administration, local advocates and business leaders say $7 billion, embarked for organizations nationwide, was temporarily withheld. Diamond Spratling, the founder and executive director of Girl Plus Environment, and Tonya Hicks, the president and CEO of Power Solutions, share why they feel it’s important for communities to have this investment and what access to clean energy could mean for communities in Georgia. We continue with WABE’s “Server South” series. State officials are now grappling with questions about tax incentives, and data centers’ usage of water and energy. We air WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali’s latest report. For “Closer Look’s” Class of 2025 graduation series, we hear from Gwendolyn Campbell. She’s the valedictorian for the Class of 2025 at Morris Brown College. Campbell talks about her academic journey, juggling family responsibilities, overcoming health challenges and her aspirations to go to law school and provide legal help to youth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federal funding cuts are impacting community violence intervention (CVI) programs. CJ Jones, the founder of Dream Builders of Atlanta, Chee'Tara Alexander, the co-founder of H.O.P.E. Hustlers, and Amber Goodwin, founder of the Community Justice Action Fund, discuss how funding cuts are impacting their work and the actions they are now taking. We continue with WABE’s “Server South” series. Some high-profile early projects went all-in on solar energy, building enormous solar fields to power their computer processing. But as the industry accelerates and needs more electricity, power companies are falling back on fossil fuels to meet the demand. We air WABE’s Emily Jones’ latest report. For “Closer Look’s” Class of 2025 graduation series, it’s a family affair. Rose talks with the Lee family. Quila Lee and her daughters—Rakiya Lee, Kamiya Lee, and Kalaya Lee—have each earned either a master’s or a bachelor’s degree and are 2025 graduates of Georgia State University. The Lees talk about their academic journeys, their challenges, and triumphs, and what it means to hit this meaningful milestone as a family. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A team of Georgia State University researchers have compiled historical data of thousands of enslaved people from Georgia and other southern states. The information dates to before the Civil War. It’s called the Data Mining and Mapping Antebellum Georgia. Elizabeth J. West, a professor of English and co-director of Georgia State University’s Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora, and Dr. Ras Michael Brown, an associate professor in the department of history, discuss updates to the research project. INSERT: We continue with WABE’s “Server South” series. Data centers use huge amounts of water to cool off their constantly running servers. As data center developers look to tap into Georgia’s water resources, county leaders and conservationists are looking for solutions. We air WABE’s environmental reporter Marisa Mecke’s latest report. For “Closer Look’s” Class of 2025 graduation series, we hear from Marchellos Scott. The standout graduate, of the Morehouse College Class of 2025, majored in educational studies. He talks with Rose about his academic journey. He also shares his next chapter: pursuing a career as an educational law attorney, championing justice, equity, and transformative change within the American education system. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest data suggests, there are more than 150 accredited medical schools in the U.S. However, only four of them, less than 3%, are located on the campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is one of those institutions. The Atlanta-based institution, regarded as being one of the nation’s top leading educators of primary care physicians, is marking 50 years of focusing on improving community health outcomes. For the second May installment of “Coffee Conversations,” Rose and the team head to MSM to learn more about how the school has been championing health equity for five decades. Guests include: Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, the president and CEO of Morehouse School of Medicine Dr. Rick Kittles, the senior vice president for research at Morehouse School of Medicine Dr. Adrian Tyndall, the dean and executive vice president for health affairs at Morehouse School of Medicine Jeromey Beaman, the president of the Student Government Association at Morehouse School of Medicine Dr. Elizabeth Ofili, a Morehouse School of Medicine professor, a cardiologist and global principal investigator of the African American Heart Study See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday marks what would have been Malcolm X’s 100th birthday. Akinyele Umoja, a professor in the department of Africana Studies at Georgia State University, talks more about the Muslim minister and civil and human rights leader’s life and legacy, from his early years when he was known as “Detroit Red” to his period within the Nation of Islam. Professor Umoja also discusses his own involvement in the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement. INSERT: We continue with WABE’s “Server South” series. Residents in Fayetteville brace for rapid data center development, basically in their backyards, we air WABE Southside reporter DorMiya Vance’s latest report. Plus, for “Closer Look’s” Class of 2025 graduation series, we hear from Winter Jones. The standout graduate is part of Spelman College’s largest-ever graduating class, consisting of 694 students. While earning her degree, Jones became an astronaut scholar and worked with NASA on reducing emissions from supersonic jets. Now, Jones talks with Rose about her academic journey and her dreams of becoming an aerospace engineer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the summer of 2020, it appeared the United States was experiencing a racial awakening. The killings of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Breonna Taylor sparked global protests and declarations for racial justice and equity. Corporations pledged their support to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and the Black Lives Matter philosophy. For today’s edition of Feedback Friday on “Closer Look,” Rose is asking guests and listeners, where are we now as a nation, five years later? Guests include: Nsenga Burton, an award-winning journalist and entrepreneur, and the editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire Dr. Maurice Hobson, an author, historian and Africana studies and history professor at Georgia State University See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia has formed its first PTSA with a focus on special needs students. Special Education Parent Teacher Student Association was established to provide advocacy for special needs students and their families across the state – a group that lacks resources outside of the Atlanta metro area. Rose talks with Lola Green, the founder and executive director of the Urban Indigo Foundation, Priscilla Borders, the Georgia PTA family engagement chair and Anita Hagins Jones, the president of the Georgia PTA. They talk more about the mission of the association and its top priorities. Althea Holmes has spent much of her life navigating a world that often underestimates what’s possible for people with disabilities. She was born with a rare disability, Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, and has suffered the loss of her husband and mother. Now, she’s using her life experience to support others through creativity. She offers a deeper glimpse into her journey and inspires others through a self-published bio-zine, called Ewkniklee Mee. Holmes talks with Rose about some of the most defining moments in her life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GLAAD is the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization. Last year, Darian Aaron, the director of Local News: U.S. South, founded GLAAD Down South to expand GLAAD’s work, specifically making sure accurate and inclusive narratives about LGBTQ Southerners and people living with HIV are told in the media. Arron joins “Closer Look,” to talk more about the upcoming 1st annual GLAAD Down South media event. On April 14, a suspect allegedly ran a red light in the Little Five Points area while being pursued by Georgia State Patrol – that’s when 19-year-old Cooper Schoenke was reportedly struck and killed by Faduma Mohamed. The tragedy has moved a coalition of elected officials, physicians, and civil rights advocates to call for change from state authorities. State Representative for District 58 Park Cannon and Devin Barrington-Ward, the director of communications for the National Police Accountability Project, discuss this renewed effort. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In March, a convicted murderer was released from the Clayton County Jail by mistake. The family of his victim and Clayton County officials say they were not alerted until days later. The inmate was eventually apprehended almost three weeks later, not far from the Florida hometown of his victim’s family. Today we’re asking, how often are inmates released by mistake, who should be held accountable and what process should be in place for alerting the public, especially the victim’s family? Defense attorney David West returns to “Closer Look” to give his legal take. Plus, there has been an increase in data centers being built across the Peach State, prompting many questions. Today, we preview WABE’s new series, “Server South.” The series explores what data centers are and why the industry has honed in on Georgia to plant roots. For “Closer Look’s” Class of 2025 graduation series, we hear from Ivy Nganga. The Oglethorpe University graduate majored in economics and minored in math. She talks with Rose about her academic journey, including plans to pursue a PhD and her long-term aspirations to help women in Kenya. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CareYaya is a healthcare tech startup that connects college students with families in need of caregiving services. Neal K. Shah, the co-founder and CEO of CareYaya, and Hannah Imolode, a CareYaya Joygiver and student at Georgia State University, discuss how CareYaya is celebrating seniors in Georgia and across the country through a Mother's Day Initiative. Georgia's TV and film industry generates more than $4 billion to the state’s economy. The state’s film tax credit incentive has attracted big budget production companies. However, many smaller and independent companies don't benefit from the incentive, and recently there’s been a decline in productions being filmed in the Peach State. For Feedback Friday of “Closer Look,” host Rose Scott talks with people directly impacted by the shift and takes calls from listeners. Guests include: Sade Wilkins, an Atlanta-based producer and writer, Tabari Sturdivant, a director and producer, Kelsey Coggin, an Atlanta-based travel coordinator, and L.M. Davis, a director and filmmaker. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite legal status for international students being restored after the Trump administration revoked their visas, the White House vows to keep targeting international students deemed disruptive. Meanwhile, advocates and legal experts fear this won't be the government's last attempt to target international students. On today’s edition of “Closer Look,” Rose talks with representatives from both groups. Guests include: Immigration attorney Charles Kuck Cory Isaacson, the legal director of the ACLU of Georgia Samantha Hamilton, a litigation attorney for Asian Americans Advancing Justice Atlanta Andrea Young, the executive director of the ACLU of Georgia Azka Mahmood, the executive director of CAIR-Georgia Jennifer Lee, the policy director for Asian Americans Advancing-Justice Atlanta See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, there are currently 26 movies and TV shows being filmed in the Peach State. However, the CEO and founder of Georgia Entertainment says Georgia may be facing a “distinctive shift in its film production output.” This comes as President Trump recently proposed a 100% tariff on films produced outside the United States. WABE business reporter Marlon Hyde discusses his latest reporting on Georgia’s film industry, Georgia’s film tax incentive and the actions some filmmakers are taking. Plus, from Dubai to the United States, Sumayyah Yoonas, a 2025 Georgia Gwinnett College graduate, once had dreams of becoming a doctor. But that desire changed during the pandemic. For “Closer Look’s” Class of 2025 graduation series, Yoonas shares the many events leading to a degree in middle school education. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching. Mayor Patti Garrett discusses how the City of Decatur is preparing fans. They’re hosting Decatur WatchFest26, a 34-day festival. Plus, Dennis Velez is a 2025 graduate of Georgia Tech. While working toward his degree in mechanical engineering, the theme park enthusiast earned the nickname 'safety guy.' For “Closer Look’s” 2025 graduation series, Velez talks more about his academic journey, his experiences at Georgia Tech, and his aspirations for the future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025 marks 120 years for United Way of Greater Atlanta. Milton J. Little, Jr., president and CEO of UWGA, discusses their long-standing mission, their resiliency, and their ongoing efforts to improve economic mobility across 13 metro counties by providing access to services and resources. Plus, Grant Wallace, known for his lawncare and glass recycling businesses featured on “Closer Look,” returns to the program to share his latest venture: The Southern Shmooze. The serial entrepreneur talks with Rose about his new business directory that was born from a Facebook group. He also shares how it’s helping Atlanta area residents connect with business owners. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.