The City of Atlanta is working to eradicate homelessness in downtown ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It’s all part of the city’s Downtown Rising initiative. However, the effort has drawn criticism from housing advocates. Some say residents recently cleared from encampments remain without access to supportive housing. Cathryn Vassell, CEO of Partners for HOME, talks about the city's rehousing initiative and the importance of meeting the individual needs of a person experiencing homelessness.

 

Plus, we preview our upcoming audio documentary on Oscar Harris, the architect credited with helping shape much of modern Atlanta — from the city’s airport to Centennial Olympic Park.

The City of Atlanta is working to eradicate homelessness in downtown ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It&rsquo;s all part of the city&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/100068969499758/posts/1015476397428001/?_rdr">Downtown Rising initiative</a>. However, the effort has drawn criticism from housing advocates. Some say residents recently cleared from encampments remain without access to supportive housing. <a href="https://partnersforhome.org/team/vassell/">Cathryn Vassell</a>, CEO of Partners for HOME, talks about the city's rehousing initiative and the importance of meeting the individual needs of a person experiencing homelessness.
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Plus, we preview our upcoming audio documentary on Oscar Harris, the architect credited with helping shape much of modern Atlanta &mdash; from the city&rsquo;s airport to Centennial Olympic Park.

"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

Partners for HOME CEO on Atlanta’s Downtown Rising initiative

In recent years, a pair of deadly school shootings has led to landmark legal cases in America. The November 2021 shooting at a Michigan high school and the September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, placed the blame on the accused teenagers, as well as their parents. On today’s “Closer Look,” host Rose Scott is joined by Attorneys Gil Deitch and Andy Rogers. The law firm is representing the family of Christian Angulo, one of the fatal victims of the Apalachee High School shooting. They addressed listeners’ comments and questions about the extent of a parent’s responsibility for a child’s criminal behavior. 

In recent years, a pair of deadly school shootings has led to landmark legal cases in America. The <a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-michigan-4e1a14622ed8c5a6bcc7e8da88e3c33d">November 2021 shooting at a Michigan high school</a>&nbsp;and the <a href="https://apnews.com/video/school-shootings-schools-shootings-homicide-law-enforcement-7f23376c76a440b4855466f6a0ff385b">September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School</a>&nbsp;in Winder, Georgia, placed the blame on the accused teenagers, as well as their parents. On today&rsquo;s &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look</a>,&rdquo; host Rose Scott is joined by Attorneys&nbsp;<a href="https://victimattorneys.com/team/gilbert-deitch/">Gil Deitch</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://victimattorneys.com/team/andrew-rogers/">Andy Rogers</a>. The law firm is representing the family of Christian Angulo, one of the fatal victims of the Apalachee High School shooting. They addressed listeners&rsquo; comments and questions about the extent of a parent&rsquo;s responsibility for a child&rsquo;s criminal behavior.&nbsp;

How much responsibility do parents bear for their children's crimes?

There’s only three weeks left until state lawmakers shout, “Sine Die” to mark the end of the 2026 legislative session. On today’s “Closer Look,” host Rose Scott speaks with Georgia State Senator Kim Jackson and WABE Politics Reporter Rahul Bali about the bills that have the potential to become law this session. They also discuss the elections and most pressing issues that could have the greatest political impact on Georgia in 2026 and the years ahead.

There&rsquo;s only three weeks left until state lawmakers shout, &ldquo;Sine Die&rdquo; to mark the end of the 2026 legislative session. On today&rsquo;s &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look</a>,&rdquo; host Rose Scott speaks with <a href="https://www.senate.ga.gov/senators/en-us/member.aspx?Member=4981&amp;Session=">Georgia State Senator Kim Jackson</a> and WABE Politics Reporter <a href="https://www.wabe.org/people/rahul-bali/">Rahul Bali</a> about the bills that have the potential to become law this session. They also discuss the elections and most pressing issues that could have the greatest political impact on Georgia in 2026 and the years ahead.

Live from State Capitol with State Senator Kim Jackson, WABE’s Rahul Bali

On today’s Closer Look, host Rose Scott Councilmember Byron Amos joined the program to discuss his opposition to a 15-acre property that’s meant to provide support and shelter to Atlanta’s unhoused community. Amos argues the site was intended to provide economic opportunity to the city’s westside. 

 

Then, Scott was in conversation with Chef Ron Hsu, owner of the Michelin star rated restaurant, Lazy Betty. Chef Hsu is out with a new cookbook, “Down South + East.” He shares the cultural experiences and flavors that inspired his restaurant and cookbook.

 

Scott also speaks with Poet and author Dr. Joshua Bennett about his new book, “WE (The People of the United States).” As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Bennett explores themes of identity, creativity, and the ways African Americans have shaped every aspect of American life.

On today&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look</a>, host Rose Scott <a href="https://citycouncil.atlantaga.gov/council-members/byron-amos">Councilmember Byron Amos</a> joined the program to discuss his opposition to a 15-acre property that&rsquo;s meant to provide support and shelter to Atlanta&rsquo;s unhoused community. Amos argues the site was intended to provide economic opportunity to the city&rsquo;s westside.&nbsp;
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Then, Scott was in conversation with Chef Ron Hsu, owner of the <a href="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/georgia/atlanta_2884144/restaurant/lazy-betty">Michelin star</a> rated restaurant, <a href="https://www.lazybettyatl.com/">Lazy Betty</a>. Chef Hsu is out with a new cookbook, &ldquo;Down South + East.&rdquo; He shares the cultural experiences and flavors that inspired his restaurant and cookbook.
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Scott also speaks with Poet and author <a href="https://www.drjoshuabennett.com/">Dr. Joshua Bennett</a> about his new book, &ldquo;WE (The People of the United States).&rdquo; As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Bennett explores themes of identity, creativity, and the ways African Americans have shaped every aspect of American life.

Atlanta Councilmember opposes proposed unhoused shelter; Lazy Betty Chef mixes cultures in new cookbook; Poet calls for an America “that is not yet here”

Partners for HOME CEO on Atlanta’s Downtown Rising initiative

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