First, WABE’s politics reporter Rahul Bali returns to “Closer Look” to preview the 2026 Georgia Legislative Session. As the legislative session gets underway on Jan.12, Bali joins us live from the Georgia State University Convocation Center to discuss what we can expect regarding the state budget and the effects of federal funding cuts, plus breaking news regarding two state lawmakers.

 

Also, one of the major issues local advocates want state lawmakers to address during the legislative session is the addiction epidemic in Georgia. In November 2025, the FBI seized more than 46 pounds of fentanyl in Georgia – enough to kill the state's entire population. The overdose death rate in Georgia has increased by 79% since 2018. Cammie Wolf Rice lost her son to opioid misuse and her brother to Fentanyl, and she is now the founder of the Christopher Wolf Crusade Alliance. Rice and Jeff Breedlove, the CEO of the American Addiction Recovery Association, talk with program host Rose Scott about their hopes for lawmakers to address the drug and addiction crisis in Georgia during the legislative session.

First, WABE&rsquo;s politics reporter<a href="https://www.wabe.org/people/rahul-bali/"> Rahul Bali</a> returns to &ldquo;Closer Look&rdquo; to preview the 2026 Georgia Legislative Session. As the legislative session gets underway on Jan.12, Bali joins us live from the Georgia State University Convocation Center to discuss what we can expect regarding the state budget and the effects of federal funding cuts, plus breaking news regarding two state lawmakers.
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Also, one of the major issues local advocates want state lawmakers to address during the legislative session is the addiction epidemic in Georgia. In November 2025, the FBI seized more than 46 pounds of fentanyl in Georgia &ndash; enough to kill the state's entire population. The overdose death rate in Georgia has increased by 79% since 2018. Cammie Wolf Rice lost her son to opioid misuse and her brother to Fentanyl, and she is now the founder of the<a href="https://cwc.ngo/"> Christopher Wolf Crusade Alliance</a>. Rice and Jeff Breedlove, the CEO of the<a href="https://eliminatethewhisper.org/"> American Addiction Recovery Association</a>, talk with program host Rose Scott about their hopes for lawmakers to address the drug and addiction crisis in Georgia during the legislative session.

"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

Preview of 2026 Georgia Legislative Session; Georgia advocates push for stronger addiction recovery policies

The sale is complete for a Walton County, Ga. industrial warehouse that will become a new detention center for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Local officials confirmed the purchase of the rural warehouse, located approximately 40 miles east of Atlanta. But Social Circle city officials say they’re against it, and Gareth Fenley, a local organizer with Indivisible Boldly Blue, shares on “Closer Look” how she plans to fight it.

 

Plus, Atlanta area hospitals say their staff and resources are ready to respond to the 300,000 FIFA World Cup visitors expected here this summer. Preparations have been ongoing for months in advance, including a training simulation involving two patients who entered the U.S. with an infectious disease. Doctors from Grady Hospital, Piedmont Hospital and the Emory University School of Medicine join the program to discuss their plan to keep residents and visitors healthy during the games.

 

Then, a new ProPublica report is linking a conservative researcher to the seizure of Fulton County’s election records. The author tells us about Kevin Moncla, who has long accused Fulton County of election fraud.

The sale is complete for a Walton County, Ga. industrial warehouse that will become a new detention center for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. <a href="https://www.socialcirclega.gov/Home/Components/News/News/233/16">Local officials confirmed</a> the purchase of the rural warehouse, located approximately 40 miles east of Atlanta. But Social Circle city officials say they&rsquo;re against it, and Gareth Fenley, a local organizer with <a href="https://indivisible.org/">Indivisible</a> Boldly Blue, shares on &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look</a>&rdquo; how she plans to fight it.
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Plus, Atlanta area hospitals say their staff and resources are ready to respond to the 300,000 FIFA World Cup visitors expected here this summer. Preparations have been ongoing for months in advance, including a<a href="https://news.emory.edu/stories/2025/06/hs_full_scale_exercise_portable_biocontainment_unit_27-06-2025/story.html"> training simulation</a> involving two patients who entered the U.S. with an infectious disease. Doctors from Grady Hospital, Piedmont Hospital and the Emory University School of Medicine join the program to discuss their plan to keep residents and visitors healthy during the games.
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Then, a new <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/kevin-moncla-election-researcher-fulton-county-georgia">ProPublica report</a> is linking a conservative researcher to the seizure of Fulton County&rsquo;s election records. The author tells us about Kevin Moncla, who has long accused Fulton County of election fraud.

Warehouse purchased for Social Circle ICE detention center; How Atlanta hospitals prepare for FIFA World Cup; New revelations in seizure of Fulton County election files

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 11,000 children and teens are in Georgia's foster care system. Data also reveals more than 500 youth transition out of the foster care system, many needing assistance, housing, and resources as they adjust to adulthood. Allison Ashe, the CEO and president ofWellroot Family Services, talks with “Closer Look” host Rose Scott about the work of Wellroot and the expansion of their newly renovated apartment community, The Oaks. She also discussed details about Wellroot's 2026 Reaching Teens Summit, slated for February 26-27 at the North Georgia Conference United Methodist Center.

 

Plus, a long list of Republicans and Democrats is vying for Georgia’s top elected office, and we are months away from the gubernatorial primary. In an effort to run an effective campaign, candidates spend money on advertisements, canvassing, and more. We hear from Atlanta-based political strategist Fred Hicks, who says people vote with their dollars. Hicks broke down campaign spending and fundraising, as well as how much money each candidate has raised so far, and the three measures used to track a candidate’s overall campaign dollars.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 11,000 children and teens are in Georgia's foster care system. Data also reveals more than 500 youth transition out of the foster care system, many needing assistance, housing, and resources as they adjust to adulthood.<a href="https://wellroot.org/about-us/"> Allison Ashe</a>, the CEO and president of<a href="https://wellroot.org/about-us/"> </a><a href="https://wellroot.org/">Wellroot Family Services</a>, talks with &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look</a>&rdquo; host Rose Scott about the work of Wellroot and the expansion of their newly renovated apartment community,<a href="https://wellroot.org/wellroot-family-services-celebrates-the-renovation-and-expansion-of-the-oaks-a-place-of-hope-for-youth-transitioning-from-foster-care/"> The Oaks</a>. She also discussed details about<a href="https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/ZL1nlQ?vid=1oo0z0"> Wellroot's 2026 Reaching Teens Summit</a>, slated for February 26-27 at the North Georgia Conference United Methodist Center.
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Plus, a long list of Republicans and Democrats is vying for Georgia&rsquo;s top elected office, and we are months away from the gubernatorial primary. In an effort to run an effective campaign, candidates spend money on advertisements, canvassing, and more. We hear from Atlanta-based political strategist <a href="https://fredhicks.com/">Fred Hicks</a>, who says people vote with their dollars. Hicks broke down campaign spending and fundraising, as well as how much money each candidate has raised so far, and the three measures used to track a candidate&rsquo;s overall campaign dollars.

Wellroot Family Services opens renovated housing for teens aging out of foster care; Follow the money, analysis of Georgia’s gubernatorial candidates' financial disclosures

While leaders like Malcolm X became symbols of the Black nationalist movement, a new book is celebrating the life and work of a lesser-known icon. Dr. Ashley Farmer tells that story in her new book, “Queen Mother: Black Nationalism, Reparations, and the Untold Story of Audley Moore.”

 

Then, the Reverend and Georgia State Senator Kim Jackson joins “Closer Look with Rose Scott” for a conversation about the three bills she’s backing to locally prevent the aggressive immigration tactics the world has witnessed in Minnesota. The measures would require agents wear identification and prohibit face coverings and masks, require a legitimate warrant for an arrest, and allow people who feel their rights have been violated to sue ICE.

While leaders like Malcolm X became symbols of the Black nationalist movement, a new book is celebrating the life and work of a lesser-known icon. <a href="https://www.ashleydfarmer.com/about-ashleyfarmer-historian-africanamerican-womens-studies-blackradicalism">Dr. Ashley Farmer</a> tells that story in her new book, &ldquo;Queen Mother: Black Nationalism, Reparations, and the Untold Story of Audley Moore.&rdquo;
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Then, the Reverend and<a href="https://www.legis.ga.gov/members/senate/4981?session=1033"> Georgia State Senator Kim Jackson</a> joins &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look with Rose Scott</a>&rdquo; for a conversation about the three bills she&rsquo;s backing to locally prevent the aggressive immigration tactics the world has witnessed in Minnesota. The measures would require agents wear identification and prohibit face coverings and masks, require a legitimate warrant for an arrest, and allow people who feel their rights have been violated to sue ICE.

Preview of 2026 Georgia Legislative Session; Georgia advocates push for stronger addiction recovery policies

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