After a little more than five years job, DeKalb County Police Chief Mirtha Ramos is stepping down. The announcement of Chief Ramos’ decision to step down comes as DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson’s office recently unveiled a new police retention and recruitment initiative. Ramos returns to “Closer Look,” to reflect on her tenure and to talk about her decision to step down.

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Amid ongoing nationwide efforts to put restrictions on teaching specific segments of American history, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights has launched a free learning portal to expand access. It aids teachers and parents in bringing a complete history about civil and human rights to students. Nicole Moore, who serves as the director of education for the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, talks more about the portal that offers ready-to-go lesson plans, worksheets and other interactive tools. She also explains how the lessons are taught to help students connect with their history. 

Plus, the Atlanta E-bike Rebate Program launched in 2024 with the goal of eliminating financial barriers to e-bike ownership, reducing transportation costs, and promoting a shift from car-dependent travel. The program was funded by a $1 million investment from the Atlanta City Council and administered by the Atlanta Regional Commission in partnership with Propel ATL.  Bennett Foster, the managing director of mobility at the Atlanta Regional Commission, and LaMiiko Moore, a recipient of the e-bike rebate, talk with Rose about a new report that details specifics about the E-bike Rebate Program—such as who received the citywide rebate, and how the rebate was used. 

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Dr. Terri McFadden is a pediatrician at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding and a professor of pediatrics at Emory University. She earned her nickname, Georgia’s ‘Godmother of Literacy,' by promoting childhood literacy to improve pediatric health and development. McFadden does this work as a medical director at Reach Out and Read Georgia, an initiative that provides books to children during their doctor’s appointments. She talks with Rose about the program, her decades-long work to transform the lives of children through books and her ongoing efforts to close Georgia’s literacy gap for young readers.

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Artificial intelligence is becoming ingrained in many industries. This includes its increasing use among some news outlets. However, is there an ethical dilemma around transparency, cultural biases and potential job displacement? Laura Downey, the president of the Society of Professional Journalists Georgia, Dan Whisenhunt, the editor and founder of Decaturish, and Nsenga Burton, an award-winning journalist and entrepreneur, and the editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire share their thoughts about AI and whether or not they believe it should be used in journalism.

Plus, Wanona Satcher is on a mission to address the housing crisis. She is the CEO and founder of Mākhers Studio, a construction and management firm that specializes in transforming shipping containers into housing and retail solutions. For a one-on-one conversation, Rose stopped by the Mākhers Studio in East Point, Georgia, and talked with Satcher about her vision to use micro-housing as a sustainable and viable option to solve the home affordability problem.

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With a change in presidential administrations comes a change in priorities when it comes to climate change. With his second term in office, President Trump has once again withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris Agreement. At the same time, Atlanta-based Greenlink Analytics is working with local and state governments to create policies and programs addressing climate change. CEO Matt Cox is also urging officials to factor in communities facing economic, health, and environmental challenges. Cox shares why he believes focusing on these communities is key to making meaningful reforms.

Plus, Rosaline Kwan, the Consul General of Canada to the Southeast United States, discusses the Trump administration’s ongoing trade disputes between Canada and the U.S. and how tariffs, and retaliatory tariffs, could have impacts on Georgia's economy. Kwan will also share what she knows from her two decades of working in international trade.

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On today's edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott," we bring you an exclusive interview with the now outgoing Inspector General for the City of Atlanta. This follows our series of interviews with Shannon Manigault about the challenges she says have emerged while investigating alleged corruption, abuse and fraud within city government. During a press conference Monday morning, Manigault claims her investigations have been hindered, she’s faced bullying, and her family has been targeted. In stepping away from her position, this leaves behind dozens of open investigations into Atlanta government officials which she describes as “serious.” Her announcement also comes just before the Atlanta City Council is expected to vote on legislation that would limit the control of the inspector general’s office. Today, Manigault speaks only to “Closer Look” to discuss her decision and why she says there was never a pathway to compromise in working with city officials.

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WABE politics reporter Sam Gringlas returns to “Closer Look,” to provide an update on the latest news from the Gold Dome, including a variety of proposed bills involving transgender athletes, Gov. Kemp’s civil litigation reform package, gun safety and Medicaid expansion.

Plus, WABE, in partnership with the Atlanta History Center and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, recently held a public screening of the documentary “American Coup: Wilmington 1898.” The film, slated to air on WABE TV on Feb. 23, at 6 P.M., explores the 1898 deadly race massacre and insurrection that happened in North Carolina’s largest city. On Wednesday's edition of "Closer Look," we aired the panel discussion and Q&A, which was moderated by Rose. Dr. Crystal Sanders, an associate professor of African American studies at Emory University, Brad Lichtenstein, an award-winning filmmaker and founder of 371 Productions, and DJ Sims, the director of the Truth + Transformation Initiative at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, participated in the panel discussion.

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Deondra Rose is an associate professor of political science and history who serves as the Kevin D. Gorter Associate Professor at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University. She joins “Closer Look” to discuss her latest book, "The Power of Black Excellence: HBCUs and the Fight for American Democracy." The book explores the history of HBCUs and the distinctive role they have played in shaping American democracy since 1837.

Plus, Amanda Lee Williams used her love for improv to help address her father’s needs during his battle with memory loss. Now, she’s the program director for Improving Care Through Improv. She has teamed up with experts from Emory and Georgia State University to help train other caregivers and prepare them for unexpected moments. Rose talks to Williams,  Dr. Candace Kemp, a gerontology professor at Georgia State University and Dr. Ted Johnson from Emory University's Department of Medicine. They discussed more details about the program. Williams also provided an improv demonstration about how they prepare caregivers to talk with someone who is experiencing memory loss.

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Governor Brian Kemp says big payouts from civil litigation is a major issue facing the state. Today, the first legislative hearing is being held on Governor Kemp’s “tort reform” package, which are being considered in SB 68 and SB 69. Georgia State University Law Professor Leslie Wolf and Elizabeth Chamblee Burch, with the University of Georgia School of Law, discuss what these proposed reforms could mean for taxpayers, business owners and people on either side of civil litigation.

Plus, Allison Williams is an educator and a virtual early learning curriculum specialist. She talks about her career journey as a teacher in public, private and charter school environments. She’ll also share what led her to create Tutor Tots Online, a virtual learning pod that offers a variety of classes for children aged 4-6. She’ll also discuss what she considers to be the solutions for closing Georgia’s literacy gap.

Lastly, Atlanta City Councilwoman Marci Collier Overstreet returns to "Closer Look," to discuss the potential future of Greenbriar Mall.

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President Donald Trump wants to dismantle the Department of Education. However, it will take an act of Congress to do so. So far, some of the agency’s employees have been put on paid leave. Also, this week, the House Education and Workforce Committee held a hearing on the state of education. Witnesses addressing the committee represented special interest groups, advocating for or against dismantling the federal agency. For Feedback Friday show host Rose Scott," talks with listeners who share their thoughts about the unfolding situation and the role of the U.S. Department of Education. Scott was joined by Tiffany Fick, the chief of strategy at Equity in Education.

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