The Trump administration says it is actively working to dissolve the U.S. Department of Education. If passed by Congress, the measure would shrink federal oversight and give more control to the states. “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott talks with Erika Mitchell, the former board chair of the Atlanta Board of Education. Mitchell discusses the current state of K-12 public education in the U.S. and shares the achievements and remaining challenges for urban school districts.

Plus, it’s day two of the 2026 Georgia legislative session. State Senator Sonya Halpern joins the program to discuss the latest happenings at the state capitol, bills she's backing and those she's not. She also discusses some of the other legislative priorities for Georgia’s Senate Democrats.

President Trump signed the "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" executive order last year, calling for the removal of “improper," "divisive or anti-American ideology" from federally funded establishments, such as the Smithsonian Institution. Tuesday is the deadline for the museum to provide documents about current and upcoming exhibitions and events, which could put its $1 billion budget at risk. Karen Comer Lowe, a curator, cultural strategist, and art advisor, shares her thoughts about how this effort undermines scholarly independence, artistic and curatorial freedom.

The Trump administration says it is actively working to dissolve the U.S. Department of Education. If passed by Congress, the measure would shrink federal oversight and give more control to the states. &ldquo;Closer Look&rdquo; program host Rose Scott talks with Erika Mitchell, the former board chair of the Atlanta Board of Education. Mitchell discusses the current state of K-12 public education in the U.S. and shares the achievements and remaining challenges for urban school districts.
Plus, it&rsquo;s day two of the 2026 Georgia legislative session.<a href="https://www.senate.ga.gov/senators/en-US/member.aspx?Member=4985&amp;Session="> State Senator Sonya Halpern</a> joins the program to discuss the latest happenings at the state capitol, bills she's backing and those she's not. She also discusses some of the other legislative priorities for Georgia&rsquo;s Senate Democrats.
President Trump signed the<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/restoring-truth-and-sanity-to-american-history/"> "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History</a>" executive order last year, calling for the removal of &ldquo;improper," "divisive or anti-American ideology" from federally funded establishments, such as the Smithsonian Institution. Tuesday is the deadline for the museum to provide documents about current and upcoming exhibitions and events, which could put its $1 billion budget at risk. <a href="https://www.karencomerlowe.com/about">Karen Comer Lowe</a>, a curator, cultural strategist, and art advisor, shares her thoughts about how this effort undermines scholarly independence, artistic and curatorial freedom.

"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

ormer Atlanta Board of Education Chair on the current state of public education; Democratic State Senator shares top legislative priorities; Art curator responds to Trump administration’s mandates on museums