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 Trump’s second term, and it’s an uncertain time for the free press – especially public media. Concern about partisan oversight by Paramount Global led 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens to resign from the news program. Longtime Correspondent Scott Pelley followed that with a rebuke of their parent company. “Closer Look” revisits Rose’s 2019 conversation with Pelley. The award-winning journalist reflected on press freedom, democracy and the role of today’s news outlets.

The 2026 gubernatorial race is taking shape with confirmed and potential candidates. Rose talks with Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst <a href="https://fredhicks.com/bio/">Fred Hicks</a> about who we could see on the campaign trail. He also shares his thoughts about President Donald Trump&rsquo;s low approval rating in Georgia.
Plus, Wednesday marks 100 days into President Donald Trump&rsquo;s second term, and it&rsquo;s an uncertain time for the free press &ndash; especially public media. Concern about partisan oversight by Paramount Global led 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens to <a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/04/22/nx-s1-5372733/60-minutes-bill-owens-cbs-trump-paramount">resign</a> from the news program. Longtime Correspondent Scott Pelley followed that with a rebuke of their parent company. &ldquo;Closer Look&rdquo; <a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/closer-look-conversations-about-press-freedom-and-democracy-with-scott-pelley-and-the-georgia-humanities-council/">revisits Rose&rsquo;s 2019 conversation with Pelley</a>. The award-winning journalist reflected on press freedom, democracy and the role of today&rsquo;s news outlets.

"Closer Look with Rose Scott" brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don't often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.

"Closer Look with Rose Scott" brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don't often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.

Closer Look with Rose Scott

🔊 WABE Podcasts > News, Politics, Health

Analyzing Trump’s favorability in Georgia & the 2026 governor’s race; 60 Minutes Correspondent Scott Pelley on the work of a free press 

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we have an in-depth discussion with the Atlanta Legal Aid Society about a study by Princeton University’s Eviction Lab. It shows Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Clayton Counties lead the nation in evictions. Those evictions overwhelmingly affected Black households -- more than white, Hispanic, and other racial groups combined.

We also speak to Dr. Jodie Guest, Professor and Senior Vice Chair in the Department of Epidemiology at Emory University. The Ebola Virus is spreading quickly through central Africa and has already taken hundreds of lives. We learn more about the nature of the deadly illness and what’s being done to stop it from infecting more people.

On today&rsquo;s &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look with Rose Scott</a>,&rdquo; we have an in-depth discussion with the <a href="https://atlantalegalaid.org/home/">Atlanta Legal Aid Society</a>&nbsp;about a study by Princeton University&rsquo;s Eviction Lab. It shows Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Clayton Counties <a href="https://evictionlab.org/in-atlanta-data-helps-reveal-the-true-face-of-the-eviction-crisis/">lead the nation in evictions</a>. Those evictions <a href="https://evictionlab.org/eviction-tracking/atlanta-ga/">overwhelmingly affected Black households</a>&nbsp;-- more than white, Hispanic, and other racial groups combined.
We also speak to <a href="https://sph.emory.edu/profile/faculty/jodie-guest">Dr. Jodie Guest</a>, Professor and Senior Vice Chair in the Department of Epidemiology at Emory University. The Ebola Virus is spreading quickly through central Africa and has already taken hundreds of lives. We learn more about the nature of the deadly illness and what&rsquo;s being done to stop it from infecting more people.

Atlanta rates the highest for eviction filings; Update on Ebola outbreak

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we learn how Cake4Kids is making sure there’s still a reason to celebrate for kids in the foster care system and youth experiencing hardships. We learn the origin of the organization and how volunteers are brightening children’s day. The nationwide nonprofit also hit a major milestone – serving their 100,000th child. 

 

We also follow up on Rodney Taylor, the 47-year-old barber from Loganville in Gwinnett County and double amputee. He caught the attention of members of Congress when they flagged that Taylor was crawling across filthy bathroom floors to shower while incarcerated in an immigration detention center. We hear from Taylor and his family now that he’s been released.

 

Also, we meet the last of our students in “Closer Look’s” annual college graduate series. We meet Brenda Washington, a member of Georgia State University’s Class of 2026. She shares her journey as a military member, mother, real estate agent, and now, an aspiring law school student and future lawyer. 

On today&rsquo;s &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look with Rose Scott</a>,&rdquo; we learn how <a href="https://www.cake4kids.org/">Cake4Kids</a> is making sure there&rsquo;s still a reason to celebrate for kids in the foster care system and youth experiencing hardships. We learn the origin of the organization and how volunteers are brightening children&rsquo;s day. The nationwide nonprofit also hit a major milestone &ndash; <a href="https://www.cake4kids.org/100000-moments">serving their 100,000th child</a>.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
We also follow up on <a href="https://www.wabe.org/family-advocates-push-for-release-as-detained-double-amputee-faces-mounting-hardships/">Rodney Taylor</a>, the 47-year-old barber from Loganville in Gwinnett County and double amputee. He caught the attention of members of Congress when they flagged that Taylor was <a href="https://www.wabe.org/legless-georgia-detainee-featured-in-congressional-hearing-that-preceded-noems-ouster/">crawling across filthy bathroom floors</a> to shower while incarcerated in an immigration detention center. We hear from Taylor and his family now that he&rsquo;s been released.
&nbsp;
Also, we meet the last of our students in &ldquo;Closer Look&rsquo;s&rdquo; annual college graduate series. We meet <a href="https://news.gsu.edu/2026/04/21/former-combat-medic-pivots-to-new-career-in-law/">Brenda</a> Washington, a member of Georgia State University&rsquo;s Class of 2026. She shares her journey as a military member, mother, real estate agent, and now, an aspiring law school student and future lawyer.&nbsp;

Cake4Kids delivers sweet treat and smiles; Rodney Taylor leaves immigration detention; Georgia State University Grad

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we learn about the voting priorities of Black, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander women. The details are listed in a new report by Intersections of Our Lives and Ipsos.

 

Jazz Legend and Tenor Saxophonist Sonny Rollins has died. He was 95. Rollins first recorded as a sideman in 1949 and went on to record 60 studio and live albums as a leader. He was also the last surviving musician from Art Kane's famous 1958 photo, "A Great Day in Harlem."

 

Professor and Author Lerone Martin joins the program to discuss his new book, “Young King.” It looks at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his early years and how his adolescence informed his outlook and activism. We learn about the eager “Little Mike” on Auburn Avenue.

On today&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look with Rose Scott</a>, we learn about the voting priorities of Black, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander women. The details are listed in a <a href="https://intersectionsofourlives.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2026/03/IntersectionsOfOurLives_Ipsos-Final-Public-Report_March-2026.pdf">new report</a> by <a href="https://intersectionsofourlives.org/reports/amplifying-women-of-color-voices/">Intersections of Our Lives</a> and Ipsos.
&nbsp;
Jazz Legend and Tenor Saxophonist Sonny Rollins has died. He was 95. Rollins first recorded as a sideman in 1949 and went on to record 60 studio and live albums as a leader. He was also the last surviving musician from Art Kane's famous 1958 photo, "A Great Day in Harlem."
&nbsp;
Professor and Author <a href="https://www.leronemartin.com/info/about">Lerone Martin</a> joins the program to discuss his new book, &ldquo;Young King.&rdquo; It looks at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his early years and how his adolescence informed his outlook and activism. We learn about the eager &ldquo;Little Mike&rdquo; on Auburn Avenue.

Analyzing Trump’s favorability in Georgia & the 2026 governor’s race; 60 Minutes Correspondent Scott Pelley on the work of a free press

In 1 playlist(s)

Closer Look with Rose Scott

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips