Closer Look with Rose Scott

Since July, according to an Associated Press report, more than 63,000 voter registrations have been challenged in Georgia, and roughly 1% of the people called into question have been removed from the state's voting rolls. Despite the low percentage of questionable enrollees, lawsuits are reportedly still being filed to order counties to do more. Associated Press reporter Jeff Amy discusses the latest.

Plus, Comcast and Inspiredu recently opened a flagship Lift Zone in Atlanta to advance digital equity and drive economic growth. The new center offers free internet access and digital skills training. Melinda Little, vice president of Government Affairs for Comcast's 'Big South' region, talks more about the new facility and how it will serve as a connection hub for Georgians.

Lastly, Aku Kadogo, a senior lecturer for the Department of Theater & Performance at Spelman College, and Spelman student Maddison Gardner, discuss an upcoming musical showcase called Sankofunktopia. The event inspired by George Clinton and Parliament- Funkadelic’s album, “Funkentelechy vs The Placebo Syndrome,” is slated for Nov. 7 - 9 at 7 p.m. and again on Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. at the Baldwin Burroughs Theatre.

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Georgians are voting on three statewide ballot measures - all related to taxes. But the language can be confusing for many voters. Daniel Kanso, the director of legislative strategy and senior fiscal analyst at Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, returns to “Closer Look,” to explain what each of the measures mean and the potential implications of the measures if they are passed.

WABE TV’s senior producer Brianna Carr discusses her team’s latest documentary,” We Expect Nothing Less: The Benjamin E. Mays Story.” The short film, produced in partnership with HBCU Week Now, follows the journey of incoming Morehouse College freshmen as they learn about their school’s sixth president Dr. Benjamin E. Mays’ influence on civic leadership and the Morehouse mystique philosophy. 

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According to a new report from the American Institute for Boys and Men, there are now 50,000 fewer Black men enrolled in college as compared to pre-pandemic levels. Black men currently make up 26% of the population at HBCUs, but in the 1970s they made up 38% of the population. Dr. Darryl Holloman, the vice president for student affairs at Spelman College, discusses the decline of Black male students pursuing higher education degrees.

Plus, Jewel Wicker, an Atlanta-based award-winning entertainment reporter, discusses the current state of Georgia’s film industry as production companies are slowing on shooting movies and television shows in the Peach State, and why states like California are trying to lure film productions away from Georgia.

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America’s housing crisis is rapidly getting worse. Across the U.S., it’s estimated there’s a shortage of 4 to 7 million affordable housing units. Both renters and buyers are faced with uncertainty while navigating the unbalanced market. Renters typically need to meet stringent requirements, including making at least three times the monthly rent. Meanwhile, people wanting to purchase a home have a limited selection of housing options due to low housing inventory and high home prices.

Research suggests the struggle to maintain stable housing can take a toll on one’s mental and emotional health. Many people experience heightened anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. For “Closer Look’s” third national PRX show, host Rose Scott explores the mental health consequences of housing instability and possible solutions.

Guest include:

Katie Fallon, a principal policy associate in the Research to Action Lab at the Urban Institute

Cheryl Carter, the executive director of Home Strech

Tawana Thompson, a participant in the Home Strech supportive housing program

CJ Stewart, co-founder of the Atlanta-based LEAD Center for Youth

Shanquita Tate, a Georgia resident who shares details about the challenges she and her husband are facing in the housing market

Adan Bean, a spoken word artist who centers experiences of people who are experiencing homelessness 

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In the final days of the campaign, both Democrats and Republicans have put a heavy focus on Black male voters. The Pew Research Center reports, 47% of Black men are eligible to vote in the 2024 Election. Since 1994, Black men have voted at least 80% in favor of the Democratic presidential candidate. But a new NAACP Poll finds support among Black men for this year's Democratic presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, has dropped to 63%. Meanwhile, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is polling at 13% among Black men. Support for Trump rises to 26% if you only count Black male voters under the age of 50. Show host Rose Scott talks with a diverse panel of Black men about what issues are important to them this election season.

Guests Include:

Michael Murphy, the second vice chair for the Georgia Black Republican Council

Larry Lowe, the third vice chair for the DeKalb County Democratic Committee

Khalil Jackson, a senior and political science major at Clark Atlanta University

Michael Brent IV, a senior and political science major at Clark Atlanta University

Percy Brown, a member of the Human Rights Campaign Board of Directors

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On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we continue our series on different voter blocs.

Over the past 20 years, Asian Americans have been the fastest-growing group of eligible voters in the United States. In the past four years alone, they’ve added 2 million eligible voters. Among this diverse group are diverse political opinions. Show host Rose Scott speaks with Asian Americans representing advocacy groups and both major political parties. We’ll also speak with a panel of Asian American voters about what matters most to them this election cycle.

Guests Include:

Christine Chen, the executive director and co-founder of Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote

Victoria Huynh, the founder and chief community organizer for Georgia AAPI Hub

Rajpal Sagoo, the chairperson of the Cherokee County Republican Coalition

Theresa Shen, a member of the Georgia Chinese-American Republicans

Kannan Udayarajan, the chairperson for Forsyth County Democrats

Jennifer Lee, the policy director for Asian Americans Advancing Justice

Murtaza Khwaja, the executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice 

Jeremy Thao, an Atlanta-area filmmaker and entrepreneur

Jadelynn Zhang, a PhD Student in the Department of Sociology at Emory University 

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On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, WABE’s Rahul Bali discusses the massive voter turnout for the first week of early voting. He also highlighted the changing demographics the campaigns are considering as they court voters across the battleground state of Georgia.

Then, Atlanta Inspector General Shannon Manigault returns to Closer Look to share her concerns about a city-appointed task force to review her office's duties. Her responsibilities include investigating allegations of corruption, abuse, and fraud.

Finally, Georgians have cast more than 1.5 million ballots within the first week of early voting. But some voters find the wording confusing for three proposed tax measures. Daniel Kanso, Director of Legislative Strategy and Senior Fiscal Analyst at Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, joins Closer Look to break down the verbiage and makes them easier to understand. 

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Jessica Pishko is a journalist and lawyer. She joins “Closer Look,” to discuss her new book, "The Highest Law in the Land: How the Unchecked Power of Sheriffs Threatens Democracy."

Plus, the United Negro College Fund awards more than $ 1 million in scholarships to students of color every year. This year marks the organization’s 80th anniversary. Its theme is “Honoring the Legacy, Transforming the Future.” Justine Boyd, UNCF’s assistant vice president of regional development, talks with Rose about how the organization is celebrating 80 years and continuing its mission to connect students of color with a college education.

Lastly, Brandy Stanfield-Nagel, is co-director of the Georgia Tech Food and Beverage Accelerator, along with Aubrey Lenyard, who is also the founder of AubSauce. They discuss the launch of their new program created to help entrepreneurs get their food and beverage products on grocery store shelves. 

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Early voting is now underway in Georgia and the 2024 presidential election is just weeks away. Tuesday, which marked the first day of early voting in the Peach State, reached record-setting voter turnout. For the October installment of “Coffee Conversations,” the “ Closer Look,” team heads to Black Coffee Atlanta in Lakewood Heights. Rose talks with panelists about the state of democracy and the importance of free, fair, and secure elections.

Guests include:

Jamin Butler, the CEO and co-founder of Black Coffee Company

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

Rosario Palacios, the organizing director of Common Cause Georgia

GSU politics and policy professor Tammy Greer

Kristin Nabers, the Georgia state director for All Voting is Local

Julia Franks, a 2020 & 2024 election poll worker

WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali

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Early voting begins today in Georgia and runs through Nov.1. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger returns to “Closer Look,” to talk about several election-related topics, including how the state has prepared for this election cycle amid ongoing battles over state election rules, combating political misinformation and the creation of the new voter registration cancellation website.

Lana Michele Moorer, better known by her stage name MC Lyte, is a hip-hop pioneering emcee, actress and philanthropist. For more than three decades, she has remained a cultural icon—building a legacy in what was once a male-dominated industry. MC Lyte returns to “Closer Look,” to talk with Rose about her new album, "1 of 1" and the inspiration behind it.

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