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.

President Donald Trump wants to <a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/02/07/nx-s1-5288107/trump-education-department-race-gender-democrats">dismantle the Department of Education</a>. However, it will take an act of Congress to do so. So far, some of the agency&rsquo;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 <a href="https://edequityatl.org/our-team/">Tiffany Fick</a>, the chief of strategy at Equity in Education.

"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

Feedback Friday: Do you understand the role of the U.S. Dept. of Education?

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;
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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.
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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.
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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.

New report highlights voting priorities of diverse women of color; Remembering Sonny Rollins; New book - “Young King”

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we meet 18-year-old Noah Marbach. After injuries sidelined him from playing soccer, the Cobb County high school student began building software that would become his business. He was inspired to create XShift AI after working in a restaurant and as a lifeguard, and seeing his managers struggling with scheduling their employees. Learn more about his young life as a business owner who is about to start college at the University of Mississippi.

 

Then, we continue our college graduate series with an honors student from Kennesaw State University, who has pursued many ambitious endeavors. Deontae Nelson is a military veteran and a first-generation college graduate. He has experience as a choreographer, performer, teacher, and researcher. Hear what inspired him to graduate from KSU with a bachelor's degree in modern dance and what he hopes to accomplish next.

On today&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look with Rose Scott</a>, we meet 18-year-old Noah Marbach. After injuries sidelined him from playing soccer, the Cobb County high school student began building software that would become his business. He was inspired to create <a href="https://www.xshift.ai/">XShift AI</a> after working in a restaurant and as a lifeguard, and seeing his managers struggling with scheduling their employees. Learn more about his young life as a business owner who is about to start college at the University of Mississippi.
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Then, we continue our college graduate series with an honors student from <a href="https://www.kennesaw.edu/">Kennesaw State University</a>, who has pursued many ambitious endeavors. <a href="https://www.kennesaw.edu/news/stories/2026/dance-major-makes-most-of-his-ksu-journey.php">Deontae Nelson</a> is a military veteran and a first-generation college graduate. He has experience as a choreographer, performer, teacher, and researcher. Hear what inspired him to graduate from KSU with a bachelor's degree in modern dance and what he hopes to accomplish next.

Feedback Friday: Do you understand the role of the U.S. Dept. of Education?

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