A recap of a year in politics; Music journalist reflects on the top albums of the year; WABE’s H. Johnson narrates “A Christmas Carol”

WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali, plus GSU politics and policy professor Tammy Greer and Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst Fred Hicks discuss some of the top political moments of 2024. Music made its mark in 2024 -- from Taylor Swift's Eras Tour ending its two-year …

Fulton County DA removed from election inference case; Charis Books and More celebrates 50 years as an independent feminist bookstore

There are new developments in the 2020 Georgia election interference case. The Georgia Court of Appeals has ruled Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her office should be removed from the case. WABE politics reporter Sam Gringlas returns to “Closer Look,” to discuss the latest and how t…

Black students who integrated Georgia schools share their stories

This year marks 70 years since the Supreme Court issued its historic decision in the Brown v. Board of Education lawsuit. The landmark ruling outlawed racial segregation in public schools. Rights4Children recently hosted an event in commemoration at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. R…

Review board examines civil rights cold cases; TV sitcom ‘Good Times’ celebrates 50 years

The Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board, which reviews civil rights cold case incidents that happened between January 1, 1940, through December 31, 1979, recently released three new cases. Hank Klibanoff, a longtime journalist, the host of WABE's “Buried Truths” podcast, and the co-chair of…

HealthyMD provides access to sexual healthcare; Award-winning actress champions Fannie Lou Hamer a prophet

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance report, more than 2.4 million STIs were reported in 2023. While data suggest the STI epidemic is slowing on a national level. Locally, STI infections remain high in Georgia. HealthyMD c…

CARE’s response to Syrian humanitarian crisis; Remembering literary giant Nikki Giovanni

Bashar Al-Assad is now the former president of Syria—after being forced out by rebels over the weekend. It follows more than 24 years of what Syrian citizens described as a brutal dictatorship. According to the Biden Administration, the future of Syria is uncertain with a reported terrorist group n…

‘Black Girls’ documentary explores various journeys of Black women; Graduate shares why “it’s never too late”

The new documentary, “Black Girls,” explores the many intergenerational facets of Black womanhood, including beauty, childbirth, community, love and relationships. Among the personal stories is seven-time Olympic Gold Medalist Allyson Felix.  Film director B. Monet and Loren Hudson, the senior vice…

The future of Georgia’s electric vehicle and agriculture industries under incoming Trump administration; Rose Scott remembers literary legend Nikki Giovanni

There are more than 100,000 electric vehicles on Georgia’s roadways. Currently, under the Biden administration, car buyers can receive a $7,500 tax credit towards the purchase of an electric vehicle. However, President-elect Donald Trump is promising to repeal that tax credit. David Ferris, a repor…

Behind the popular essay series “How I’d Fix Atlanta”; DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond reflects on his longtime political career

In February 2022, Austin Ray launched "How I'd Fix Atlanta," an essay series authored by Atlanta-area residents offering their take on a variety of topics. The series is now about to wrap its third season, having covered everything from transit to policing to finance. Ray and Susi Durán, a field ec…

A look at America ahead of 250 Years of Independence

On July 4, 2026, America will celebrate 250 years of independence. While 2026 marks the United State’s Semiquincentennial, it will also mark a midway point into President Donald Trump’s second term as president.   But could it mark the beginning of a new chapter in American politics? What will be …