Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is defending the joint military actions by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, saying, “We are punching them while they're down, which is exactly how it should be.” Since the first strikes in late February, Operation Epic Fury has expanded into a regional war, resulting in multiple fatalities, including Iranian schoolgirls and six U.S. Troops. On Thursday’s “Closer Look,” Rose Scott hosts a conversation about the conflict with Georgia State University political science professors Dan Altman and Jelena Subotic, and hears reaction from Atlanta-area listeners. 

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is defending the <a href="https://www.wabe.org/iran-is-pummeled-by-airstrikes-as-it-launches-a-new-wave-of-attacks-against-israel-and-us-bases/">joint military actions by the U.S. and Israel against Iran</a>, saying, &ldquo;We are punching them while they're down, which is exactly how it should be.&rdquo; Since the first strikes in late February, Operation Epic Fury has expanded into a regional war, resulting in <a href="https://www.npr.org/2026/03/04/nx-s1-5735801/satellite-imagery-shows-strike-that-destroyed-iranian-school-was-more-extensive-than-first-reported">multiple fatalities, including Iranian schoolgirls</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-soldiers-who-died-iran-war-46f54df716fe1c5290363da0a15f99f3">six U.S. Troops</a>. On Thursday&rsquo;s &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look</a>,&rdquo; Rose Scott hosts a conversation about the conflict with Georgia State University political science professors <a href="https://cas.gsu.edu/profile/daniel-altman/">Dan Altman</a> and <a href="https://chrd.gsu.edu/profile/jelena-subotic-2/">Jelena Subotic</a>, and hears reaction from Atlanta-area listeners.&nbsp;

"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

GSU Experts share insights and “Closer Look” listeners react to U.S.–Israeli military strike on Iran

Atlanta City Councilmember Jason Dozier is excited about bringing people together, supporting local business owners and boosting foot traffic in South Downtown Atlanta.

Dozier, who represents District 4, recently sponsored an ordinance to establish an open container district in South Downtown to empower the area’s economic engine. He joined “Closer Look” to discuss the potential community and economic impact of the district as Atlanta gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

 

U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff also joined the program to discuss how he’s addressing the actions by the Trump Administration that are affecting Georgia. That includes the Iran War, inflation, and a lacking response to the August 2025 shooting at the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He’s also concerned about the reported rising energy costs for consumers related to AI data centers. However, in Ossoff’s discussion with Host Rose Scott, he also mentions his optimism for Democrats in the 2026 Midterm Elections and the opportunities the 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring to Atlanta.

 

Lastly, today marks 10 years since the passing of influential musician and singer, Prince. The award-winning performer's final concert was at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta on April 14, 2016. Scott pays tribute to the legendary artist by replaying the broadcast when she broke the news of Prince’s death with fellow WABE host Jim Burress.

Atlanta City Councilmember<a href="https://citycouncil.atlantaga.gov/council-members/jason-s-dozier"> Jason Dozier</a> is excited about bringing people together, supporting local business owners and boosting foot traffic in South Downtown Atlanta.
Dozier, who represents District 4, recently<a href="https://aimewebapp.blob.core.windows.net/finalactions/26o1085.pdf"> sponsored an ordinance</a> to establish an open container district in South Downtown to empower the area&rsquo;s economic engine. He joined <a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">&ldquo;Closer Look&rdquo;</a> to discuss the potential community and economic impact of the district as Atlanta gears up for the <a href="https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/usa/atlanta">2026 FIFA World Cup</a>.
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<a href="https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/sens-ossoff-rev-warnock-demanding-answers-following-reports-that-cdc-repairs-still-delayed-after-shooting/">U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff</a> also joined the program to discuss how he&rsquo;s addressing the actions by the Trump Administration that are affecting Georgia. That includes the Iran War, inflation, and a lacking response to the August 2025 shooting at the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He&rsquo;s also concerned about the reported rising energy costs for consumers related to AI data centers. However, in Ossoff&rsquo;s discussion with Host Rose Scott, he also mentions his optimism for Democrats in the 2026 Midterm Elections and the opportunities the 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring to Atlanta.
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Lastly, today marks 10 years since the passing of influential musician and singer, Prince. The award-winning performer's final concert was at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta on April 14, 2016. Scott pays tribute to the legendary artist by replaying the broadcast when she broke the news of Prince&rsquo;s death with fellow WABE host Jim Burress.

Atlanta’s First open container district arrives for World Cup; Senator Ossoff critical of Trump’s action in Iran, on immigration and CDC; Remembering Prince - 10 years after his passing

For fifty years, the Southern Center for Human Rights has maintained a mission of fighting for equality, dignity, and justice for people impacted by the system. To mark the milestone, SCHR’s executive director, Terrica Redfield Ganzy, sat down with Closer Look host Rose Scott to reflect on the organization’s journey. Her memories reveal not just legal battles, but deeply personal moments that shaped her commitment.

 

Then, we revisit our interview with Poet Joshua Bennett. professor of literature and Distinguished Chair of the Humanities at MIT talks about his latest work, 'We (the People of the United States)'. It's a book of poetry that's "made to the measure of the modern world." Bennett shares why he's incorporating countless cultural references into the book, and how his work fits into the wider context of the USA's 250th anniversary.

<a href="https://www.schr.org/50th/">For fifty years</a>, the <a href="https://www.schr.org/">Southern Center for Human Rights</a> has maintained a mission of fighting for equality, dignity, and justice for people impacted by the system. To mark the milestone, SCHR&rsquo;s executive director, <a href="https://www.schr.org/people/terrica-redfield-ganzy/">Terrica Redfield Ganzy</a>, sat down with <a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look</a> host Rose Scott to reflect on the organization&rsquo;s journey. Her memories reveal not just legal battles, but deeply personal moments that shaped her commitment.
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Then, we revisit our interview with <a href="https://www.wabe.org/who-belongs-in-we-poet-joshua-bennett-reflects-on-america-at-250/">Poet Joshua Bennett</a>. professor of literature and Distinguished Chair of the Humanities at MIT talks about his latest work, 'We (the People of the United States)'. It's a book of poetry that's "made to the measure of the modern world." Bennett shares why he's incorporating countless cultural references into the book, and how his work fits into the wider context of the USA's 250th anniversary.

Southern Center for Human Rights – 50 Year Journey of fighting for dignity and justice; Poet Joshua Bennett asks who belongs in ‘We’

Breakthru House is a Dekalb County-based intensive recovery residence. For nearly 60 years, the licensed drug abuse treatment program has provided gender-specific comprehensive treatment to women who have struggled with disorders of substance abuse, mental illness, poverty, homelessness and trauma. The "Closer Look" team recently visited the Breakthru House campus for an audio documentary. The Breakthru House is currently building two new 6,000 square foot residential homes. This expansion will allow the Breakthru House to help more women and children, expanding its capacity to 46 families. Host Rose Scott talks with executive director BreNita Jackson and “sober sisters,” as they call themselves, Jheri and Christine.

<a href="http://www.breakthruhouseatl.org">Breakthru House</a>&nbsp;is a Dekalb County-based intensive recovery residence. For nearly 60 years, the licensed drug abuse treatment program has provided gender-specific comprehensive treatment to women who have struggled with disorders of substance abuse, mental illness, poverty, homelessness and trauma. The <a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">"Closer Look"</a>&nbsp;team recently visited the Breakthru House campus for an audio documentary. The Breakthru House is currently building two new 6,000 square foot residential homes. This expansion will allow the Breakthru House&nbsp;to help more women and children, expanding its capacity to 46 families. Host Rose Scott talks with executive director <a href="https://breakthruhouseatl.org/team/">BreNita Jackson</a>&nbsp;and &ldquo;sober sisters,&rdquo; as they call themselves, Jheri and Christine.

GSU Experts share insights and “Closer Look” listeners react to U.S.–Israeli military strike on Iran

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