Today marks the one year since the first two COVID-19 cases were reported in the state of Georgia. WABE health reporter and host of the podcast "Did You Wash Your Hands?" Sam Whitehead talks with Rose about covering the pandemic for the last 12 months and the latest coronavirus-related news.

Today marks the one year since the first two COVID-19 cases were reported in the state of Georgia. WABE health reporter and host of the podcast "Did You Wash Your Hands?" Sam Whitehead talks with Rose about covering the pandemic for the last 12 months and the latest coronavirus-related news.

"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

First COVID-19 Cases Reported In Georgia One Year Ago Today

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.

Both major political parties are pitching their platforms in the 63 days until the 2026 midterm elections. On today&rsquo;s &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look with Rose Scott</a>,&rdquo; 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: <a href="https://officialcoryruth.com/">Cory Ruth</a>, the founder and CEO of the political consultant and strategy firm Mergence Global and <a href="https://ballotpedia.org/Deanna_Harris">DeAnna Harris</a>, a Black Republican political figure and activist in Georgia
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Also on today&rsquo;s program, learn about the unique and creative way the <a href="https://www.ryanseacrestfoundation.org/">Ryan Seacrest Foundation</a> is bringing joy to pediatric patients in Atlanta and across the country. Basing Seacrest Studios in more than a dozen children&rsquo;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&rsquo;s Healthcare of Atlanta <a href="https://www.choa.org/locations/arthur-m-blank-hospital">Arthur M. Blank Hospital</a>, including <a href="https://www.ryanseacrestfoundation.org/team/meredith-seacrest-leach">Meredith Seacrest Leach</a>. Plus, a young patient shares his vocal talent.

The GOP Strategy to winning over Black Voters; Seacrest Studios bringing joy to pediatric patients

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.

On today&rsquo;s &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look with Rose Scott</a>,&rdquo; the city of Atlanta is investing $1 million into the second round of its <a href="https://atlantaregional.org/what-we-do/mobility-services/2026-atlanta-e-bike-rebate-program/">e-bike rebate program</a>. 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&rsquo;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 <a href="https://citycouncil.atlantaga.gov/council-members/matt-westmoreland">Matt Westmoreland</a> and <a href="https://www.letspropelatl.org/">Propel ATL</a> advocacy manager Jeremiah Jones joined &ldquo;Closer Look&rdquo; to discuss the success the program is already seeing and how it will be operated for its second group of applicants.
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Also on today&rsquo;s show, we speak to Capitol Beat reporter <a href="https://capitol-beat.org/author/ttagamicapitol-beat-org/">Ty Tagami</a> about his recent story, &ldquo;<a href="https://capitol-beat.org/2026/08/new-partisan-linked-georgia-sites-mix-news-with-divergent-political-messages/">New partisan-linked Georgia sites mix news with divergent political messages</a>.&rdquo; In his piece, Tagami focuses on two new Georgia websites, &ldquo;Courier Georgia&rdquo; and &ldquo;Peach State Post,&rdquo; 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.

Relaunching Atlanta’s E-Bike Rebate Program; Two Georgia news websites push partisan messaging

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.

For five years, <a href="https://www.garsvpclinic.org/">Georgia RSVP Clinic</a> 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&rsquo;s &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look with Rose Scott</a>,&rdquo; 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&rsquo;s work, despite various challenges for the uninsured and underinsured.

First COVID-19 Cases Reported In Georgia One Year Ago Today

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