In this mini episode, We kick off a new theme! Rare Cuts Media Society takes a break from the usual hidden media gems to launch into the world of suave spies and shaken martinis. But instead of discussing the iconic James Bond films themselves, the team takes on “James Bond Sidecars”—lesser-known works from the actors who’ve played 007 over the yea…

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-J…

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 exe…

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 co…

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…

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 t…

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. Profe…

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 …

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 dire…

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 th…

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 rel…

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 Ini…

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 Lo…

Part 4 of Rowdy Roddy Piper In this installment, your hosts Andrew, Rob, Mike Ross, and Eric set out to unearth another hidden media gem—this time diving into the lesser-known corners of wrestler-turned-actor Roddy Piper’s film career. With Mike’s pick of the episode, the group shifts focus to the independent Canadian film "Clear Lake" (2012), refl…

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…

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.' Fo…

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 recycl…

Agriculture is the oldest and number 1 industry in Georgia. Its economic impact is more than $74 billion every year, employing more than 399,000 Georgians. For the May installment of “Coffee Conversations”, the “Closer Look” team headed to Community Grounds Coffee Shop. The conversation focused on Georgia’s agriculture industry, exploring what’s th…

The 2026 gubernatorial race is taking shape with confirmed and potential candidates. Rose talks with Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst Fred Hicks about who we could see on the campaign trail. He also shares his thoughts about President Donald Trump’s low approval rating in Georgia. Plus, Wednesday marks 100 days into President Donald T…

April marks National Autism Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest data, 1 in 31 children in the U.S. have been identified with autism spectrum disorder. Rose talks with Georgia Tech associate professor Jennifer Singh. She discusses autism symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment while highlighting inequitie…

Georgia Interfaith Power & Light (GIPL) is an organization that aims to empower people of faith to engage in issues such as environmental injustices, pollution, climate change and more. Marqus Cole, who serves as the organizing director for GIPL, talks more about the organization’s work and impact. He also shares his thoughts about how faith inters…

Residents spoke out about the poor conditions of the Chelsea Gardens apartments in College Park. Now, they must find a new place to live. The City of College Park has reportedly condemned the complex due to its deplorable state, giving residents short notice to move. Shakira Fortson with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, outgoing resident And…

The Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University is hosting the Arts and Wellbeing Summit: Artistic Expression and Processing Grief on April 25-26. Rose talks with Katie Ericson-Baskin, the Ingram director of education at the Michael C. Carlos Museum, and Laney Castle, an administrative coordinator for the education department at the Michael C. Car…

An energy audit can help new homeowners save money — not just through energy efficiency but with tax credits and more. However, an energy audit is not a required step in the homebuying process. Data also reveals that low-income households spend a larger share of their income on energy costs when compared to other households and that Georgia ranks i…

This year marks the 56th Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race. Rich Kenah, who serves as the race director and the CEO of the Atlanta Track Club, returns to “Closer Look” to talk more about this year's expanded race experience, which includes the return of a cherished tradition. Plus, Flying Change Equine Therapy fosters emotional heali…

Youth Villages is expanding its family support, mental and behavioral health services to reach more Georgia communities. The Intercept program is beginning in Rockdale, Douglas, and Paulding Counties. Tanya Anderson, the executive director of Youth Villages Georgia, and Jameta Wheeler, the state manager for In-Home Services at Youth Villages, talk …

On today’s special edition of "Closer Look," Rose and the team take listeners out into the community. First, we begin with a climate gentrification tour in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. Rose talks with Adrienne Rice, the executive director of Sustainable Georgia Futures, about the nonprofit’s mission to help specific communities grow and …

President Donald Trump’s 100-day mark for his second term is fast approaching. Since taking office, the Trump administration has already taken several executive actions on education, immigration and more. Today’s special edition of “Closer Look” focused on the potential economic and social challenges the Atlanta region could face within the next fo…

Beyond democratic freedoms, what factors into how Black Americans thrive socially and economically? It’s a theme that’s explored in the new book, “BLACK POWER SCORECARD: Measuring the Racial Gap and What We Can Do to Close It.” The book’s author, Professor Andre M. Perry is a nationally recognized expert on race, structural inequality, economic inc…

Georgia-based Appen Media and Decaturish.com have launched a new print edition, Decaturish Ink. Dan Whisenhunt, the founder and editor of the online community news outlet, talked more about the new print component. He also shared details about the publication’s goals of providing deeper, more narrative-driven content that seeks to capture the spiri…

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 Service…

Part 3 of Rowdy Roddy Piper In today's conversation, we dive deep into the world of professional wrestling and beyond, as we unwrap the life and legacy of one of its most charismatic figures—Roddy Piper. Join your hosts Andrew, Mike, Rob, and Eric as they explore the complexities of Roddy Piper through the lens of Eric’s Pick, the “A&E Biography WW…

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 In…

The 2025 Georgia legislative session has come to an end. Hundreds of debated bills await Governor Brian Kemp’s signature, while many more missed out on a vote. That includes a stack of controversial Senate priorities that went unpassed by the House. WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali return to ‘Closer Look,’ to discuss the state bu…

On this day, 57 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated while standing on the balcony of his motel room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. Friday’s special edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott" focuses on the life and legacy of King, specifically his efforts to lead with courage and integrity and to inspire others to be …

Sine Dine is fast approaching as the 2025 Georgia legislative session nears an end. WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali return to ‘Closer Look,’ to discuss the status of some of the most talked about bills. Plus, with more corporations turning away from diversity, equity and inclusion programs, the NAACP is empowering Black consumer…

Mableton Mayor Michael Owens is approaching the two-year mark into his term as leader of the largest city in Cobb County. Mayor Owens returns to “Closer Look,” to talk more about how the relatively new city is fairing and his top priorities. He also shares details about how city leaders are addressing urban development, affordable housing, educatio…

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens recently appointed Judge LaDawn Blackett to be Atlanta's interim inspector general. Her appointment comes in the aftermath of Shannon Manigault’s resignation over alleged interference and harassment. Interim IG Blackett joins “Closer Look” to discuss leading the OIG and her top priorities while assigned to lead the offic…

Night of Ideas Atlanta is an annual event that fosters late-night discussions geared toward addressing specific global issues. This year, WABE partnered with Villa Albertine, the Goat Farm Arts Center and Night of Ideas Atlanta to host the event, which featured live music, art and several panel discussions. The theme of this year’s program, which t…

According to the latest data from Giving USA, charitable giving reached $557.16 billion in the U.S. in 2023. As the philanthropic landscape continues to evolve, younger generations of Americans will soon be the beneficiaries of what is called the “Great Wealth Transfer.” This will position Gen X, millennials and Gen Z at the forefront of our nation…

The book, "It’s Not You, It’s Capitalism," explores the economic challenges Gen Z and millennials are facing in the current economy while offering up possible solutions from labor leaders, economists and more. Author Malaika Jabali, who is an attorney, activist, and the senior news and politics editor at Essence Magazine, talks about the inspiratio…

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, wh…

The new book, "Slavery After Slavery" reveals how some landowners in the South used “forced apprenticeships” re-enslave emancipated Black children. The court system supported a majority of these “forced apprenticeships,” resulting in many children being separated from their families in the years following the Emancipation Proclamation. Dr. Mary Fra…

Gallup polling shows the economy was the top issue for voters in the 2024 presidential election, and President Trump ran on a promise to immediately lower prices. Now, two months into his second term, Trump’s push for tariffs is raising recession concerns for some economists. Amid the economic uncertainty, consumers are witnessing rising costs for …

Part 2 of Rowdy Roddy Piper In this episode of Rare Cuts Media Society, Andrew Picks our Second Rowdy Roddy Piper movie as they delve into the classic 1988 film "They Live." This month, the team is continuing their exploration of Rowdy Roddy Piper's cinematic ventures, following their previous look at "Hell Comes to Frogtown." They discuss the film…

Data suggest 68% of all companies will use AI in the hiring process by the end of 2025. Today, we begin a two-part series looking at the benefits and the harm of using AI in the job hiring process. Many companies are using AI to review resumes, reject candidates without human input or oversight, and even conduct entire interviews. Dan Beck is the p…

Companies like Delta Air Lines are legally exempt from paying hotel/motel tax for their bookings that are more than 30 days. Hapeville Mayor Alan Hallman explains why this is a major concern for his city and why he supports the passage of House Bill 492. International Transgender Day of Visibility will be recognized on March 31. The day is used to …

President Trump recently signed an executive order to suspend the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and resettlement funding. However, a federal judge has blocked Trump's actions — calling it an overreach. For a roundtable discussion, “Closer Look” is joined by Reverend John R. Moeller Jr., the president and CEO of Inspiritus, Aimee Zangandou, the ex…

This week, the U.S. Department of Education announced it was firing nearly 50% of its workforce. This all comes on the heels of President Trump’s ongoing efforts to eliminate the DOE and give its responsibilities to the states. On today’s Feedback Friday edition of “Closer Look,” show host Rose Scott asked listeners this question: Do you have faith…

President Donald Trump is just over 50 days into his second term. In a matter of weeks, he has signed a flurry of executive actions that have spurred confusion, led to layoffs and even prompted lawsuits. Eric Segall, the Ashe Family Chair professor of law at Georgia State University, provides an analysis of some pending lawsuits and court rulings. …