On today’s special edition of Closer Look with Rose Scott, we’re joined by a roundtable of former employees of the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since taking office for a second time, the Trump Administration has reportedly committed to cutting 10,000 federal employees from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The mass layoffs began April 1st, with a projected reduction of 2,400 workers at the CDC. That’s about 18% of the staff, reportedly impacting some of the agency’s vital research and health provisions. Today, we ask our panel of professionals about the mass layoffs and how it could impact the work of the CDC and your health.

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On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott: Over the weekend, a reported 3 million people in the U.S., and even some abroad, joined more than 1,200 demonstrations to protest the Trump administration’s wave of executive orders and other policies. Organizers for the Atlanta Hands Off! protest, Laura Judge, a communications official with Hands Off! and Indivisible North Metro Atlanta, and John Morris, the secretary and treasurer for 50501 Georgia, Inc., talk more about the protest, the unifying message they want to send and what’s next.

Also, as the Atlanta baseball season gets underway, the local fan club Bravest ATL is renewing its push for the Atlanta Braves to change its name and branding. Brothers and Bravest ATL founders Marty and Chris Buccafusco talk more about their mission.

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The new book,  "There Is No Place For Us" features the stories of five Atlanta families struggling to find and keep safe, stable housing. These working families represent the country's "hidden homeless," people who sleep in cars or extended-stay motels but aren't tracked by government homelessness counts. Atlanta-based journalist Brian Goldstone, who authored the book, talks more about his book and Atlanta’s growing homelessness crisis.

Nannie Helen Burroughs was an educator, a suffragist and a Black labor activist. Her life’s story and legacy are the focus of the new book, “Nannie Helen Burroughs: A Tower of Strength in the Labor World.” The book's author, Dr. Danielle Phillips-Cunningham, is an associate professor of labor studies and employment relations at Rutgers University. She joins “Closer Look” to talk more about her book and Burroughs’ fight for the education and upward career mobility of Black women.

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Helping Mamas is working to deliver 200,000 diapers, wipes and feminine hygiene products to help families in South Georgia communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Jamie Lackey, the founder of the nonprofit baby supply bank, discusses details about a diaper drive drop-off event that’s happening on Saturday, October 5, from 9 a.m. to noon at Pace Academy in Atlanta. 

Plus, more than 45,000 Dockworkers from Texas up to Maine are on strike. Members of the International Longshoremen’s Association are demanding higher pay and job protection from automation by the shipping companies that employ them. We hear from John Haber, the strategic channel partner at Transportation Insight, about how the strike could impact the economy and disrupt the supply chain.

Lastly, data suggests Americans received 15 billion political text messages in 2022. More are expected for this year's presidential election, but not all of them are legit. Arun Rai, a business professor at Georgia State University and a member of Georgia’s AI Advisory Council, discusses the dangers and risks of political misinformation and how it can spread through multiple channels, including text messages, emails and robocalls. 

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Xernona Clayton, Congressman John Lewis and Reverend C.T. Vivian were close friends for several decades. Today’s program begins with a conversation with the journalist and fellow civil rights pioneer about their friendship and what she wants the world to know about their lives and legacies.

Then, we turn to a conversation about Lewis’ political career with Denis O’Hayer, host of the WABE podcast,“Political Breakfast.” We also revisit a previous conversation with former Republican U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, who spoke with Rose in December 2019 about his friendship with Lewis.

Finally, Spelman College President Mary Schmidt Campbell, Doug Shipman, president and CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center, Maurice Hobson, author and assistant professor of African-American Studies at Georgia State University, Dr. Meria Carstarphen, former Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent and Dr. Robert Franklin, the James T. and Berta R. Laney Professor in Moral Leadership at Emory University, talk about Lewis’s legacy, mentorship and leadership style.  

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Pioneering broadcaster and fellow activist in the movement Xernona Clayton reflects on the life Reverend C.T. Vivian. Plus, Atlanta City Councilmember Joyce Shepherd responds to residents’ calls for an end to gun violence and more resources, following the shooting deaths of Rayshard Brooks and 8-year-old Secoriea Turner.

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Incumbent District Attorney Paul Howard and his former chief deputy prosecutor Fani Willis join “Closer Look” host Rose Scott for a debate ahead of early voting on Monday.

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Plus, Rebecca Rice, the Georgia Kids Count Manager, discusses the findings of an annual report that tracks the child well-being nationally and state-by-state. Also, award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter talks about the backstory behind the new documentary, ‘John Lewis: Good Trouble.’

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State Representative Ed Setzler, who created House Bill 481, responds to the federal judge’s ruling. Then, we hear from Kwajelyn Jackson, executive director of the Feminist Women’s Health Center.

Next, a conversation with Dr. Tiffany Bussey, director of the Morehouse Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, and Allan Adams, state director for the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center, about a new partnership to support economic development in the city’s West End.

Finally, Mark Farmer, economic development manager with Gwinnett County, discusses a new program that was established to help Gwinnett small business owners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Plus, award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter shares the backstory behind the new documentary, “John Lewis: Good Trouble.”

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Also, Erica Wright, founder and CEO of Project U First Incorporated, shares how her non-profit is helping Atlanta’s homeless population. Plus, co-authors Brenda Jones and Krishan Trotman, discuss their new book series, ‘Queens of the Resistance.’  

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Councilmember Andre Dickens shares his thoughts on the mayor’s decision. Also, J.C. Roper and Douglas Burrell, equity partners at the Atlanta-based law firm Drew, Eckl & Farnham, discuss their firm’s approach to diversity and inclusion. Finally, children’s book author Anastasia Higginbotham shares ways parents can talk with their children about racism and racial equity.

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Also, Dragon Con’s in-person convention has been canceled. Spokesperson Dan Carroll discusses plans to host a virtual gathering.

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Atlanta City Council President Felicia Moore is calling on councilmembers and the mayor to come together to address a deadly holiday weekend of gun violence in Atlanta.

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The United States Department of Justice released a new report after a years-long investigation into Georgia’s state prison system. State Senator Randy Robertson, a retired law enforcement officer who chaired the Senate Public Safety Subcommittee on Fulton County Jail, responds to the report findings.

Also, Vice presidential candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz took center stage Tuesday for a 90-minute debate. Domestic issues such as reproductive rights, immigration and the economy were some of the top issues discussed. Fred Hicks, an Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst, and GSU politics and policy professor Tammy Greer return to “Closer Look,” for an analysis of the debate.

Lastly, earlier this week, in a 26-page ruling, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney struck down Georgia’s six-week abortion ban. McBurney found Georgia’s law violated the state constitution. Following McBurney’s ruling, abortions are now legal in the state of Georgia up until 22 weeks of pregnancy. Anthony Michael Kreis, a constitutional law professor at Georgia State University, discusses McBurney's constitutional merits regarding the ruling and critiques the judge’s ruling.

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First, we hear from two local teenagers – Grey Cohen and Braxton Chadwick – who started their own initiatives to help those in need during the pandemic. Then, Kirk Chase Leacock, a southwest Atlanta resident, shares what it was like to receive the gift of free groceries from Tyler Perry. And finally, Desai and Amy Comeau, vice president of marketing strategy and support at Emory Healthcare, discuss a new video series that sheds light on a day in the life of Emory frontline workers.

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Plus, a conversation about keeping the culture and land for Gullah Geechee descendants on Saeoplo Island with Victor-Alan Weeks and Jennifer Thompson, recent graduates of Davidson College, and Maurice Bailey, Sapelo Island Resident and Community Liaison. And finally, Adam Gelb, CEO and President of the Council on Criminal Justice, discusses a recently published 15-step report with recommendations for reform the United States' criminal justice system.

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Plus, election integrity advocate Marilyn Marks discusses the state’s new voting machines, cybersecurity and other concerns she has surrounding Georgia’s voting process.

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Plus, Jelani Favors, associate professor of history at Clayton State University and author of “Shelter in a Time of Storm: How Black Colleges Fostered Generations of Leadership and Activism,” gives historical context to today’s Black Lives Matter protests.

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Plus, Fulton County and Atlanta Hawks officials announced plans today to create what they call ‘Georgia's largest-ever voting location’ at State Farm Arena.

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Plus, WABE health reporter and host of the podcast “Did You Wash Your Hands?” Sam Whitehead provides an update on the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Georgia. And, in other health-related news, College Park-based celebrity photographer and director Derek Blanks shares his experience being diagnosed with COVID-19.

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Fulton County Director of Registration and Elections Richard Barron discusses his plans for addressing voting challenges in this year’s upcoming elections. Plus, “Closer Look” meets Rebecca Serna, executive director of the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, on the BeltLine’s Eastside trail for a socially-distant conversation about how the pandemic has affected the city’s transportation landscape and traffic. And finally, Adam Roseman, co-founder and CEO of Steady, discusses the challenges gig workers are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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Plus, state librarian Julie Walker discusses the process of re-opening the states’ libraries. And, newly named President of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce Katie Kirkpatrick shares her vision for the organization’s future.

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We hear from WABE reporter Emily Green live on the scene at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Plus, Natosha Reid Rice, the founder of Fresh Rain for Life Ministries and minister for public life at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, discusses the growing need for racial reconciliation.

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Plus, we revisit last week’s conversation with Samuel Lee Reid, executive director of Atlanta’s Citizen Review Board. Also, a conversation with Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman Robb Pitts, who addresses his decision to form a election task force to address voting problems.

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Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney struck down Georgia’s six-week abortion ban. The ban took effect nearly two years ago after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Following McBurney’s ruling, abortions are now legal in the state of Georgia up until 22 weeks of pregnancy. Andrea Young, who serves as the executive director of the ACLU of Georgia, shares her reaction to McBurney’s ruling.

Plus, tributes are pouring for former Pres. and Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter. The humanitarian and founder of The Carter Center turns 100 years old on Tuesday.

Lastly, the sale of The Mall of West End has been finalized. We hear from Charles Taylor, a board member of the WABE Foundation and a principal owner of H.T. West End LLC, and developers Andrew Katz with The Prusik Group and Meredith Marshall with BRP Companies. They discuss the sale and what it means for the future of the shopping destination. 

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Then, local immigration attorney and founder of the firm Owings MacNorlin Immigration Law firm, Sarah Owings, provides analysis of what this ruling means AND what's to come. Plus, Representative Brenda Lopez Romero shares her reaction to the high court’s ruling. And, finally, there are marches and events happening around the city and state today to commemorate the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth.

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Plus, former Georgia Governor Roy Barnes weighs in on proposed hate crime legislation in Georgia. And finally, veteran law enforcement officer Marvin Reddick discusses the ‘blue wall,’ and the reforms he would like to see in law enforcement.

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Plus, this Sunday, “Closer Look” was on the scene at the Wendy’s on University Avenue as community members gathered in response to the death of 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks, who was fatally shot by an Atlanta police officer on Friday. Today, we’ll hear from community members calling for change in light of Brooks’ death, as well as local representatives and lawmakers including Atlanta City Council Member Joyce Sheperd and state lawmakers Rep. Park Cannon, Sen. Nan Orrock.

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Also, Yusef Salaam, a member of the “Exonerated Five,” reflects on current protests, the shooting of Rayshard Brooks and his vision for police reform. Plus, we hear part-two of yesterday’s conversation on effective de-escalation training. 

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This Sunday, “Closer Look” was on the scene at the Wendy’s on University Avenue as community members gathered in response to the death of 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks, who was fatally shot by an Atlanta police officer on Friday. Today, we’ll hear from community members calling for change in light of Brooks’ death, as well as local representatives and lawmakers including Atlanta City Council Member Joyce Sheperd and state lawmakers Rep. Park Cannon, Sen. Nan Orrock. Then, we turn to WABE legal analyst and defense attorney Page Pate who for his analysis. And finally, two veterans of federal law enforcement, Ray Moore, the owner of Moore and Associates, Security Consultants and former secret service member, and Douglas Shipley, a retired Supervisory Special Agent with Federal Bureau of Investigation, discuss current de-escalation techniques and training for law enforcement.

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Adam Roseman, co-founder and CEO of Steady, an Atlanta-based fintech company shares how his start-up is helping hourly and gig workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, Derek Blanks, celebrity photographer and director, shares how his story, from being diagnosed with COVID-19 to recovery.

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Plus, Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton and Smyrna Police Chief Joseph Bennett discuss a newly-passed resolution that condemns racism. And finally, Troya Jackson, foster care program manager at Families First, and Jennifer King, executive director for Georgia CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), share how the foster care system, court proceedings and custody hearings have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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We hear reaction to the many problems Georgia voters experienced during yesterday’s primary election. First, Aunna Dennis, Executive Director of Common Cause Georgia shares why her organization is calling for the resignation of Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Then, Jake Evans, an attorney and chair of the Republican National Lawyers Association's Georgia chapter shares his perspective. And finally, we hear from Fani Willis, who appears to be heading into a run-off against long time Fulton County district attorney Paul Howard.

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Samuel Reid III, the executive director of the Atlanta Citizen Review Board, discusses his response to recent protests in light of the death of George Floyd and the role his board plays in the City of Atlanta.

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Plus, Walter Ley, a Georgia Tech graduate who recently launched the Atlanta-based start-up Branch discusses how he hopes his company will help inform voters heading into Tuesday's general elections.

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“Closer Look’s” second national PRX show examines Atlanta’s income inequality gap. While Georgia’s capital city is rooted in civil rights and it’s bustling with entertainment, sports, technology and culture, data reveals Atlanta is stalled when it comes to economic mobility. In fact, within the last decade, Atlanta has consistently remained atop or near the top for U.S. cities with the worst income inequality. On average, Atlanta’s poorest residents earn around $11,221 per year, while its richest earn around an average of $324,230 per year.

Now, the overarching question remains: What’s driving Atlanta’s income inequality? To find answers, show host Rose Scott examines the past, present and future of the city described by former Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen in the 1960s as “The City Too Busy to Hate.” Scott talks with Atlantans about the southern city’s identity and its influence on everything from politics to hip-hop. Atlanta natives also share how and why they feel the city has failed to equip all of its residents with the needed tools and resources to become the beloved and equitable community envisioned by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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Plus, Kayla Smith, a rising senior and social justice fellow at Spelman College, joins “Closer Look” to reflect on the protests that are happening in Atlanta and around the world. And, Pastor Arthur Breland, the lead pastor at United Church Atlanta, shares how he thinks local churches can help communities heal.

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Atlanta tech entrepreneur Jewel Burks Solomon, head of Google For Startups for the US and managing partner of Collab Capital, Justin Dawkins, managing partner at Collab Capital and co-founder of Goodie Nation, and Barry Givens, Managing Director at Techstars and Managing Partner at Collab Capital, join the program for a roundtable conversation on the role of technology in modern day activism. Plus, Ashley Robinson, Principal of the BLUE Institute, discusses a new virtual leadership training program for young millennials of color. And, we hear the latest on today’s preliminary hearing for the three men charged with the killing of Ahmaud Arbery.

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"Closer Look’s” week-long series, “After the protests, what's next, Atlanta?” continues. First, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard joins the program the day after announcing six Atlanta Police officers are facing charges related to the tasing two AUC students on Saturday night. Then, Devin Barrington Ward, a community organizer and managing director of the Black Futurists Group, shares his approach to organizing an effective demonstration.

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We hear a roundtable conversation with local experts Illya Davis, director of the New Students & Transition Programs and professor of philosophy at Morehouse College, Maurice Hobson, author and associate professor of African-American Studies at Georgia State University and Nsenga Burton, professor, multimedia journalist and co-director of Film and Media Management at Emory University. The professors will discuss the history of protest in Atlanta and share what they believe is next for the city following this weekend’s demonstrations.

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Plus, John Haber, CEO of the Atlanta-based company Spend Management Experts, discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nation's supply chain. And, WABE Health reporter and host of the podcast “Did You Wash Your Hands?” Sam Whitehead recaps this week in coronavirus news.

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Plus, we'll hear how the Atlanta-based family business, Bronner Bros., switched from producing hair products to hand sanitizer, and how the annual Bronner Bros. hair show will be different this year.

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Plus, Shannon Smith, the owner and founder of SoulShine, discusses her decision to re-open her two childcare centers.

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Sanjay Satagopan and Kelly Balcarczyk share what it was like adopting their baby during the COVID-19 pandemic with the help of Diane Hood, the International and Domestic Adoption Program Coordinator for Families First. Plus, Matthew Hurd, executive director of the non-profit Open Doors discusses a new initiative aimed to help Atlanta residents seeking housing.

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Plus, how MARTA, the airport, the city of Atlanta and a non-profit are coming together to help those seeking shelter inside Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International airport. And, the story of an Atlanta man who survived COVID-19 and donated his plasma in hopes of helping others.

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Norma Hernandez, the leader of a local task force working to address the spread of COVID-19 in Gainesville’s Latino community, Northeast Georgia Health System clinician Dr. Antonio Rios and Vanesa Sarazua, Founder and Executive Director of the Gainesville-based Hispanic Alliance of Georgia, discuss their efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in their community. Also, at 16-years-old David Gaines is the youngest graduate in Georgia State University Perimeter College’s Class of 2020. He shares his story. And finally, how the nonprofit Soccer In The Streets is supporting the organization’s youth soccer players during the pandemic.

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Governor Brian Kemp expects Helene will be hurricane-strength once it reaches the Atlanta-area. It’s expected to reach Georgia in the overnight hours with the potential to cause flooding and spin off tornadoes. Authorities expect widespread power outages, quick and intense wind and heavy rain. The governors of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas have all declared a state of emergency, and President Biden has approved Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp's request for a Federal Emergency Declaration. It will provide federal assistance for state and local response efforts. Georgia’s emergency management has activated hundreds of National Guard Personnel ahead of the arrival of the storm.

Rose checks in with Terri Badour, the executive director of the American Red Cross of Georgia's Greater Atlanta Chapter. She discusses how the Red Cross is responding. Supervising producer Tiffany Griffith gives updates on how the City of Atlanta is preparing, reports on the latest closures, and gives her perspective from the many hurricanes she has covered.

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National civil rights and personal injury attorney Benjamin Crump, one of the lawyers representing Ahmaud Arbery's family, provides an update on the case. Plus, Becky Monroe, Fighting Hate and Bias Program Director of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, shares why a collective of organizations is asking the United State Department of Justice to pursue federal hate crime charges in the Arbery murder case. And, finally, in other news, Lynette Bell, president of the Truist Foundation, discusses the bank’s COVID-19 relief efforts.

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Fulton County Board of Elections Director Richard Barron addresses concerns surrounding the safety of poll workers and long wait times at polling locations, and other issues as Georgia begins in-person early voting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, Atlanta City Councilmember Antonio Brown discuss the council's new 60-day plan to support those seeking shelter at Atlanta's Hartsfield Jackson International Airport during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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