Closer Look with Rose Scott

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we speak to ProPublica Investigative Reporter Max Blau. His lawsuit forced state officials to release records on Georgia’s lethal injection process. Among Blau’s discoveries: Georgia has spent over a million dollars on a contractor since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and since that time, the contractor has carried out only one execution. Blau provides more in-depth information from his report and how a law attempted to keep the details secret.

The need for better maternal care remains an ongoing issue across the nation, especially in Georgia. A 2026 report by the March of Dimes updates how dire the situation is. Scott speaks with Tamara Mason, Georgia’s March of Dimes maternal child health director. She discusses “Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts Across the U.S.,” what’s concerning within the report from a Georgia perspective, as well as the good work that is being done to help Georgia families.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, as Georgia leads most states in development and operation of data centers, a report from Greenlink Analytics and Science for Georgia is skeptical of their expected growth beyond 2030. It claims the industry is planning massive infrastructure expansions that has “about a 0.2% chance of actually materializing.” We discuss the potential future of data centers in Georgia, and what it means for resource consumption in the state with Etan Gumerman, Director of Analytics at Greenlink Analytics, and Amy Sharma, Executive Director of Science for Georgia.

Then, former chief classical music critic for The New York Times Anthony Tommasini believes the cultural impact of Marian Anderson has been lost over the generations. In Tommasini’s new book, “Voice of a Century: The Life and Artistry of Marian Anderson,” he shines a light on the operatic talent and the civil rights fight of the singer. It shares how Anderson broke racial barriers in opera, while holding the same crowds and stages as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., including her historic concert at the Lincoln Memorial where she performed for 75,000 people.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andra Hall went from selling a few cupcake orders while earning $9 an hour at a hotel to building Cami Cakes Cupcakes, a thriving bakery brand that eventually expanded to nine locations. After more than a decade of growth and success, her life took a sharp turn as she navigated a series of major challenges; the COVID‑19 pandemic, a divorce, and a diagnosis of triple‑negative breast cancer. In this episode of Closer Look,  Andra talks about navigating through all of these challenges and how joy has been redefined. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” it’s our annual live broadcast from Dragon Con! We mark 40 years of the epic pop culture event and 250 years of America by asking how creative storytelling. imagined characters and worlds have helped shape our world today. We’re joined for this fun, fascinating, and unpredictable conversation by:

TODAY’S GUESTS:

Yaya Han, cosplay designer and author

Pat Henry, co-founder of Dragon Con

Jo Garland, Dragon Con spokesperson

Tawny Newsome, actor, writer and comedian who stars in “Star Trek: Lower Decks”

Adam Hawkins, Director of Outreach and Emergency Services at HOPE Atlanta

Ed Hall, science-fiction author

Dan Whisenhunt, journalist, Decaturish

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On a special edition of “Closer Look,” host Rose Scott sits down for a one-on-one conversation with Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms. Bottoms addresses questions about her tenure as Atlanta mayor, including key decisions made under her leadership. She also reflects on how her four years in office along with her work in the Biden administration are guiding her approach to governing the state if elected as Georgia’s 84th governor.

The discussion covers several major issues: expanding resources for Georgia growers and producers, improving access to healthcare for rural communities, and tackling affordability challenges across the state. Bottoms also responds to campaign attacks from her opponent, Republican Rick Jackson, and outlines the communities she is continuing to engage as the midterm election approaches.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Both major political parties are pitching their platforms in the 63 days until the 2026 midterm elections. On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we speak with two people with insight on voters and the Republican Party. We ask whether the GOP will see any victories this November with limited support from Black voters. What does the party need to do to and what message do they need to send to convince Black voters to cast a ballot for conservatives? Guests: Cory Ruth, the founder and CEO of the political consultant and strategy firm Mergence Global and DeAnna Harris, a Black Republican political figure and activist in Georgia

Also on today’s program, learn about the unique and creative way the Ryan Seacrest Foundation is bringing joy to pediatric patients in Atlanta and across the country. Basing Seacrest Studios in more than a dozen children’s hospitals nationwide, kids have the opportunity to meet their favorite celebrities, host their own podcasts, game shows and dance parties, all while receiving medical care. We meet some of the people behind the operation at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Arthur M. Blank Hospital, including Meredith Seacrest Leach. Plus, a young patient shares his vocal talent.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” the city of Atlanta is investing $1 million into the second round of its e-bike rebate program. That funding will provide vouchers up to $1,600 for Atlanta residents to purchase their own e-bike from one of eleven local bike shops. It’s estimated this will put another 600 e-bikes on city streets to help alleviate local traffic and improve mobility options for residents. The city is accepting applications from September 8th through September 22nd. Atlanta City Councilmember Matt Westmoreland and Propel ATL advocacy manager Jeremiah Jones joined “Closer Look” to discuss the success the program is already seeing and how it will be operated for its second group of applicants.

Also on today’s show, we speak to Capitol Beat reporter Ty Tagami about his recent story, “New partisan-linked Georgia sites mix news with divergent political messages.” In his piece, Tagami focuses on two new Georgia websites, “Courier Georgia” and “Peach State Post,” which publish news from other outlets as well as their own articles. However, Tagami found both sites push partisan messaging that some find misleading or flat out wrong. Tagami discusses the influence of these websites and the challenges they create for credible and fair news outlets.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For five years, Georgia RSVP Clinic has provided critical care to people who have suffered spinal cord and brain injuries. Volunteers rehabilitate patients who are uninsured or underinsured, providing them care that would otherwise cost close to $1 million in some cases. Here in Georgia, more than 1.2 million people are without health insurance, leaving the state with one of the highest uninsured rates in the country. Georgia also has many people with brain and spinal cord injuries who are uninsured. On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we hear the personal story of Rahsaan Wise, who was left paralyzed by a gunshot wound. With the determination of his mother, they found the nonprofit and the treatment Wise needed without being prohibited by costs. We also learn of Georgia RSVP Clinic’s work, despite various challenges for the uninsured and underinsured.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” Caribbean-American actor Juliette Jeffers shares her coming-of-age film, “Pan Gyul.” Featured at multiple film festivals, including Atlanta’s BronzeLens Film Festival, the movie takes viewers to the island of Nevis. Jeffers spoke with Scott about the 15-minute film that was shot within six days. She also discussed what else she hopes to achieve in the film industry – including more feature films, film festivals, and compete for more awards.

Also on today’s show, for the past seven years, Brad Raffensperger has served as Georgia’s 29th Secretary of State. It's a position that gained Raffensperger international attention -- as well as threats from some Trump supporters -- when he defended Georgia's 2020 election results. Now, Raffensperger is preparing Georgians for one last midterm election before he leaves office in January, before sharing what's next for him. He also reflects on the changes to the state’s voting system during his tenure and shares his confidence in the security of Georgia elections.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s called a silver tsunami: the rapidly growing population of America’s seniors. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 20% of Georgia’s population will be 60 or older by 2030 – an increase of almost 34% since 2012. On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we examine aging in Georgia. We’ll hear from government and agency leaders about the housing and healthcare needs of senior citizens, what Georgia is offering them and what resources are still needed. We also discuss the unique needs of LGBTQ+ seniors, 70% of whom reportedly hide their sexual orientation when seeking doctors and senior living facilities.

GUESTS INCLUDE:

Becky Kurtz, Atlanta Regional Commission's managing director of aging and independence services

Heather Terry, community relations director at Senior Services of North Fulton

South Fulton Mayor Carmalitha Gumbs

Jim Prussak, CEO of Applause Home Care

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.