On this edition of Closer Look, Fulton County Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney discusses the district’s employment contingency plan and security measures in the wake of nationwide mass shootings and teacher shortages. Also, Georgia Justice Project Executive Director Doug Ammar discusses the state’s felony conviction voter eligibility laws.

On this edition of Closer Look, <a href="https://www.fultonschools.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fulton County Schools</a> Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney discusses the district’s employment contingency plan and security measures in the wake of nationwide mass shootings and teacher shortages. Also, <a href="https://gjp.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Georgia Justice Project</a> Executive Director Doug Ammar discusses the state’s felony conviction voter eligibility laws.

"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

Dr. Mike Looney and Doug Ammar

July 4th marks 250 years of America as an independent nation. We're a nation founded on principles centered around democracy, equality, separation of powers, plus checks and balances. On the eve of the country’s semiquincentennial, scholars and activists warn democratic norms are eroding due to the Trump Administration’s rapid changes to existing voting rights legislation, the expansion of executive powers and more. But does this moment feel like a pivot because of President Donald Trump’s actions, or an extension of the country’s overlooked history? In today’s special on WABE, we examine what is to be celebrated, especially at this moment of our nation’s history? In this episode, “Closer Look” presents “Spacious Skies: Sentiment and Reflection On America's Birthday.” We welcome guests back from our 2024 special, Georgia State University historians, Dr. Jody Noll and Professor John McMillian. Plus, a conversation with a prominent civil rights activist who represents one of the three lifetimes that make up the age of the country. We spoke with former Atlanta Student Movement leader Charles Black.

July 4th marks <a href="https://www.wabe.org/americas-250th-anniversary/">250 years of America</a> as an independent nation. We're a nation founded on principles centered around democracy, equality, separation of powers, plus checks and balances. On the eve of the country&rsquo;s semiquincentennial, scholars and activists warn democratic norms are eroding due to the <a href="https://www.wabe.org/donald-trump/">Trump Administration</a>&rsquo;s rapid changes to existing voting rights legislation, the expansion of executive powers and more. But does this moment feel like a pivot because of President Donald Trump&rsquo;s actions, or an extension of the country&rsquo;s overlooked history? In today&rsquo;s special on WABE, we examine what is to be celebrated, especially at this moment of our nation&rsquo;s history? In this episode, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look</a>&rdquo; presents &ldquo;Spacious Skies: Sentiment and Reflection On America's Birthday.&rdquo; We welcome guests back from our <a href="https://www.wabe.org/what-will-the-temperament-of-america-be-in-2026-for-its-semiquincentennial/">2024 special</a>, Georgia State University historians, <a href="https://cas.gsu.edu/profile/jody-noll/">Dr. Jody Noll</a> and Professor <a href="https://cas.gsu.edu/profile/john-mcmillian/">John McMillian</a>. Plus, a conversation with a prominent civil rights activist who represents one of the three lifetimes that make up the age of the country. We spoke with former Atlanta Student Movement leader <a href="https://humanityinaction.org/person/charles-black/">Charles Black</a>.

Spacious Skies: Sentiment and Reflection On America's Birthday

For a special call-in show on Thursday’s edition of “Closer Look,” host Rose Scott is joined by Georgia State University Constitutional law professor Tanya Washington. The longtime professor and law scholar talks with Scott about the layered goals, founding principles, and the framework of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.  Throughout the conversation “Closer Look” listeners shared reflections about America at 250, many highlighting the progress, as well as the persistent ongoing challenges.

For a special call-in show on Thursday&rsquo;s edition of<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/"> &ldquo;Closer Look,&rdquo;</a> host Rose Scott is joined by<a href="https://law.gsu.edu/profile/tanya-monique-washington/"> Georgia State University Constitutional law professor Tanya Washington</a>. The longtime professor and law scholar talks with Scott about the layered goals, founding principles, and the framework of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.&nbsp;&nbsp;Throughout the conversation &ldquo;Closer Look&rdquo; listeners shared reflections about America at 250, many highlighting the progress, as well as the persistent ongoing challenges.

Reflecting on America’s progress and challenges after 250 Years

This weekend in Atlanta, amid FIFA World Cup matches and fan events, there are two other activities synonymous with the upcoming 4th of July holiday: the world’s largest 10k run, Atlanta’s Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race, and grilling. This year’s 57th annual race will feature runners, walkers, and wheelchair participants. The race is taking place as America celebrates its 250th anniversary. That means there’s a great chance people will be gathering in a backyard or at a nearby park. For a special call-in show on Wednesday, “Closer Look” host Rose Scott was joined by the Atlanta Track Club Executive Director and others for a discussion that focused on running and grilling. 

 

Guests included: 

Rich Kenah, the CEO of the Atlanta Track Club

 

Alec Sunwoo, the owner of Highland Runners

 

Sawyer Vanderwerff, a grill master and WABE’s senior operations coordinator

 

Tom Smith, an economist, a professor in the practice of finance at Emory University and a grill master

This weekend in Atlanta, amid FIFA World Cup matches and fan events, there are two other activities synonymous with the upcoming 4th of July holiday: the world&rsquo;s largest 10k run, Atlanta&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.atlantatrackclub.org/peachtree">Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race</a>, and grilling. This year&rsquo;s 57th annual race will feature runners, walkers, and wheelchair participants. The race is taking place as America celebrates its 250th anniversary. That means there&rsquo;s a great chance people will be gathering in a backyard or at a nearby park. For a special call-in show on Wednesday,<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/"> &ldquo;Closer Look&rdquo;</a> host Rose Scott was joined by the Atlanta Track Club Executive Director and others for a discussion that focused on running and grilling.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Guests included:&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.atlantatrackclub.org/rich-kenah">Rich Kenah</a>, the CEO of the Atlanta Track Club
&nbsp;
Alec Sunwoo, the owner of<a href="https://www.highlandrunners.com/"> Highland Runners</a>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wabe.org/people/sawyer-vanderwerff/">Sawyer Vanderwerff</a>, a grill master and WABE&rsquo;s senior operations coordinator
&nbsp;
<a href="https://goizueta.emory.edu/faculty/profiles/thomas-smith">Tom Smith</a>, an economist, a professor in the practice of finance at Emory University and a grill master

Dr. Mike Looney and Doug Ammar

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