WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali, plus GSU politics and policy professor Tammy Greer and Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst Fred Hicks discuss some of the top political moments of 2024.

Music made its mark in 2024 -- from Taylor Swift's Eras Tour ending its two-year run, to Beyonce's "Cowboy Carter" album. Charli XCX gave fans a Brat summer and Kendrick Lamar dropped what has been regarded as one of the greatest diss tracks of all time. Music historian and journalist Quentin Harrison returns to “Closer Look,” to share his critique and to talk more about his Top 5 albums of 2024. Plus, the “Closer Look” team shares their top artists of the year.

Lastly, it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. WABE’s H. Johnson narrates  “A Christmas Carol.”

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There are new developments in the 2020 Georgia election interference case. The Georgia Court of Appeals has ruled Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her office should be removed from the case. WABE politics reporter Sam Gringlas returns to “Closer Look,” to discuss the latest and how the court’s ruling could impact President-elect Donald Trump’s last remaining criminal case.

Plus, Charis Books and More is more than a place to buy books. Owners regard it as a third space and a haven that supports “diverse and marginalized voices.” Over the past five decades, the Decatur-based bookstore has remained a community staple for the metro Atlanta area. As the bookstore celebrates its 50th anniversary, “Closer Look” show host Rose Scott talked with Charis owners Sara Luce Look, Angela Gabriel and executive director Errol "E.R." Anderson. The booksellers gave Scott a tour of the bookstore and talked about the successes and challenges they’ve endured while operating the oldest independent feminist bookstore in the South. They also shared details about the bookstore’s diverse collection of books and ongoing efforts to stay connected with the community through programming and the importance of writing the feminist future.

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This year marks 70 years since the Supreme Court issued its historic decision in the Brown v. Board of Education lawsuit. The landmark ruling outlawed racial segregation in public schools. Rights4Children recently hosted an event in commemoration at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Rose Scott moderated the panel discussion. On Wednesday’s edition of “Closer Look,”  Harold Scott, Rev. Henry Mathis, and Phyllis Jackson-Scott share their experiences during integration after the historic ruling. Cathy Loving, a former Atlanta Public Schools archivist and assistant to Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, also participated in the discussion. During the conversation, the panelists reflected on the positive outcomes related to Brown, but also the challenges that occurred after the groundbreaking ruling.

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The Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board, which reviews civil rights cold case incidents that happened between January 1, 1940, through December 31, 1979, recently released three new cases. Hank Klibanoff, a longtime journalist, the host of WABE's “Buried Truths” podcast, and the co-chair of the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board, and Gabrielle Dudley, a member of the board, discuss some of the cases, the history and mission of their board.

Plus, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the pioneering sitcom, “Good Times.” The television show follows the story of a Black family living in a Chicago housing project. NPR's TV critic Eric Deggans and Rosalyn ‘Roz’ Grimes, a longtime fan of “Good Times” talk more about the show and its longstanding cultural impact.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance report, more than 2.4 million STIs were reported in 2023. While data suggest the STI epidemic is slowing on a national level. Locally, STI infections remain high in Georgia. HealthyMD co-founders Clifford W. Knights II and Steve Vixamar, discuss their efforts to provide sexual healthcare for underserved communities and the opening of their new clinic at 6170 Old National Highway, College Park, Ga. 30349.

Plus, we revisit Rose’s conversation Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. The award-winning actor portrayed voting and civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer in the short film “Fannie. ” Ellis-Taylor shares why she views Hamer as a prophet and a freedom rights warrior.

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Bashar Al-Assad is now the former president of Syria—after being forced out by rebels over the weekend. It follows more than 24 years of what Syrian citizens described as a brutal dictatorship. According to the Biden Administration, the future of Syria is uncertain with a reported terrorist group now in charge. Michelle Nunn, the president and CEO of CARE USA, discusses how CARE is responding to what it calls the enormous humanitarian needs of vulnerable people in Syria.

People across the U.S. and the world are remembering the literary giant Nikki Giovanni. The poet, civil rights pioneer, author, educator and activist passed away earlier this week. She was 81. Ann Hill Bond, an Atlanta-based journalist and chair of the Fulton County Remembrance Coalition talks more about Giovanni’s cultural influence as well as her life and legacy.

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The new documentary, “Black Girls,” explores the many intergenerational facets of Black womanhood, including beauty, childbirth, community, love and relationships. Among the personal stories is seven-time Olympic Gold Medalist Allyson Felix.  Film director B. Monet and Loren Hudson, the senior vice president and chief diversity officer at Comcast Cable, talk more about the film and the importance of championing stories of resilience, community and introspection. The documentary can be viewed on Peacock, Xfinity, and for free on Xumo.

Plus, it’s a special time of year. As some people are preparing for the holidays, some metro Atlanta students are gearing up for graduation. Among those earning their diploma is Shari Jackson, a mother and former caregiver. Rose talks with the non-traditional student, who majored in human services, about her academic journey at Georgia Gwinnett College and why she feels it’s her life purpose to serve.

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There are more than 100,000 electric vehicles on Georgia’s roadways. Currently, under the Biden administration, car buyers can receive a $7,500 tax credit towards the purchase of an electric vehicle. However, President-elect Donald Trump is promising to repeal that tax credit. David Ferris, a reporter from Politico's Energy and Environment News, and Stan Cross, the electric transportation director at the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, talk more about the current state of the electric vehicle industry and how the industry could grow or change under the incoming Trump administration.

Plus, according to the Georgia Farm Bureau, just about any crop or animal can be grown successfully somewhere within the state of Georgia. Cotton, peanuts, corn, blueberries and pecans are among the most valuable commodities in Georgia’s nearly $84 billion agricultural industry. Henry Ostaszewski, a cofounder of Blue 42 Market in Downtown Dahlonega, discusses the current state of Georgia’s agricultural landscape and the potential economic impact the Trump administration could have on the industry.

Lastly, Rose remembers literary legend, poet, author and civil rights activist Nikki Giovanni who died Monday night at the age of 81.

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In February 2022, Austin Ray launched "How I'd Fix Atlanta," an essay series authored by Atlanta-area residents offering their take on a variety of topics. The series is now about to wrap its third season, having covered everything from transit to policing to finance. Ray and Susi Durán, a field economist and essay writer, discuss the essay series, the feedback it has received from the community and what’s next for the series moving forward.

Plus, when DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond took office in 2017, he pledged that it was a new day for one the most diverse counties in the southeast. A big part of his overarching mission was to restore trust in county government. Now, after serving two terms, Thurmond returns to “Closer Look,” for a look back at some of the challenges and successes he’s faced as CEO and to talk more about what’s next for him.

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On July 4, 2026, America will celebrate 250 years of independence. While 2026 marks the United State’s Semiquincentennial, it will also mark a midway point into President Donald Trump’s second term as president.  

But could it mark the beginning of a new chapter in American politics? What will be in the hearts and minds of Americans as the country prepares to celebrate 250 years? What will be the state of democracy?

For “Closer Look’s” fourth national program distributed by PRX, show host Rose Scott travels back in time to better understand the pulse of the nation during the bicentennial year of 1976. Even though it was almost 50 years ago, some experts say the glaring systemic challenges that existed then, persist now. Scott talks with historians and educators about America’s founders and their role in shaping America’s identity and its evolving future. They also discuss whether they feel America has upheld the ideals outlined in the U.S. Constitution.

Guest include:

Dr. Jody Noll, a lecturer in the history department at Georgia State University

John McMillian, an associate professor of history at Georgia State University

Tanya Washington, a professor of law at Georgia State University

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