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.
&nbsp;
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

Research shows coordinated efforts and collective action—among school systems, child welfare agencies, policymakers, and community partners—can significantly improve outcomes for children and youth in foster care. In Georgia, as of May 2025, more than 11,300 children were in foster care, according to the Georgia Department of Human Services.

The work of the nonprofit Court Appointed Special Advocates, also known as Atlanta CASA, centers on helping children and young people in need. The organization supports abused and neglected children involved in the juvenile court system in Fulton County by recruiting and training volunteers to be advocates for them.

On Wednesday’s edition of  “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott talked with Atlanta CASA's chief executive officer, Domonique Cooper, and Angela Owens, a recruiter and community engagement specialist for the organization. They talked more about CASA’s mission, its impact, and the urgent need for more volunteer advocates.

Research shows coordinated efforts and collective action&mdash;among school systems, child welfare agencies, policymakers, and community partners&mdash;can significantly improve outcomes for children and youth in foster care. In Georgia, as of May 2025, more than 11,300 children were in foster care, according to the Georgia Department of Human Services.
The work of the nonprofit Court Appointed Special Advocates, also known as<a href="https://atlantacasa.org/"> Atlanta CASA</a>, centers on helping children and young people in need. The organization supports abused and neglected children involved in the juvenile court system in Fulton County by recruiting and training volunteers to be advocates for them.
On Wednesday&rsquo;s edition of&nbsp; &ldquo;Closer Look,&rdquo; program host Rose Scott talked with Atlanta CASA's chief executive officer,<a href="https://atlantacasa.org/about/our-team/"> Domonique Cooper,</a> and<a href="https://atlantacasa.org/about/our-team/"> Angela Owens</a>, a recruiter and community engagement specialist for the organization. They talked more about CASA&rsquo;s mission, its impact, and the urgent need for more volunteer advocates.

Atlanta CASA seeking hundreds of volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children

The United States military has carried out a series of air strikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The Trump administration has announced plans for U.S. companies to take over oil production with military support and Maduro has been charged with narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, conspiracy and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. Maduro and his wife have both pleaded not guilty.Laurie Blank, a clinical professor of law and director of the International Humanitarian Law Clinic at Emory University, gives an analysis of the unfolding situation, the charges against Maduro and Flores, and the legal context of prosecuting them in U.S. federal court.

 

Also, flu activity continues to rise in Georgia and across the nation. Public health experts are linking many of the cases to a new strain known as Subclade K, also known as the so-called "super flu" — a mutation of influenza A, H3N2. Dr. Jodie Guest, a professor and senior vice chair in the Department of Epidemiology at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health and School of Medicine, talks more about the new strain and what Georgians can do to protect themselves and their households.

The United States military has carried out a series of air strikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicol&aacute;s Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The Trump administration has announced plans for U.S. companies to take over oil production with military support and Maduro has been charged with narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, conspiracy and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. Maduro and his wife<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maduro-venezuela-trump-criminal-case-131f59e517cc8314a53c8dace230d328"> have both pleaded not guilty</a>. <a href="https://law.emory.edu/faculty/faculty-profiles/blank-profile.html">Laurie Blank</a>, a clinical professor of law and director of the International Humanitarian Law Clinic at Emory University, gives an analysis of the unfolding situation, the charges against Maduro and Flores, and the legal context of prosecuting them in U.S. federal court.
&nbsp;
Also, flu activity continues to rise in Georgia and across the nation. Public health experts are linking many of the cases to a new strain known as Subclade K, also known as the so-called "super flu" &mdash; a mutation of influenza A, H3N2.<a href="https://sph.emory.edu/profile/faculty/jodie-guest"> Dr. Jodie Guest</a>, a professor and senior vice chair in the Department of Epidemiology at Emory University&rsquo;s Rollins School of Public Health and School of Medicine, talks more about the new strain and what Georgians can do to protect themselves and their households.

International law expert gives analysis of U.S. military action against Venezuela; Georgia among very high flu activity states

The operators of Mary Mac's Tea Room can’t imagine Atlanta without the iconic eatery. The Midtown Atlanta staple is known for its origin story, as well as its classic Southern dishes, like fried chicken and collard greens. It’s a sought-after gathering place for Georgians as well as tourists, celebrities, and political dignitaries visiting from all over the world. The legendary diner has also made multiple appearances in television shows and films. 

It first opened in 1945, featuring a single dining room that accommodated up to 60 people. For a special edition of “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott and the team visited the restaurant named by the State of Georgia as “Atlanta’s Dining Room,” as it celebrates 80 years of service. We hear from longtime employee Marion Mims and Mary Mac’s Chad Reynolds, and general manager Tina Rayner-Leftwich. They reflect on centering the staff, delivering top-notch customer service, the history of the restaurant, operating amid the pandemic, plus navigating and renovating after a roof collapse.

Plus, the holiday season is underway. WABE’s H. Johnson narrates  “A Christmas Carol.”

The operators of <a href="https://marymacs.com/about-us/">Mary Mac's Tea Room</a> can&rsquo;t imagine Atlanta without the iconic eatery. The Midtown Atlanta staple is known for its origin story, as well as its classic Southern dishes, like fried chicken and collard greens. It&rsquo;s a sought-after gathering place for Georgians as well as tourists, celebrities, and political dignitaries visiting from all over the world. The legendary diner has also made multiple appearances in television shows and films.&nbsp;
It first opened in 1945, featuring a single dining room that accommodated up to 60 people. For a special edition of &ldquo;Closer Look,&rdquo; program host Rose Scott and the team visited the restaurant named by the State of Georgia as &ldquo;Atlanta&rsquo;s Dining Room,&rdquo; as it celebrates 80 years of service. We hear from longtime employee Marion Mims and Mary Mac&rsquo;s Chad Reynolds, and general manager Tina Rayner-Leftwich. They reflect on centering the staff, delivering top-notch customer service, the history of the restaurant, operating amid the pandemic, plus navigating and renovating after a roof collapse.
Plus, the holiday season is underway. WABE&rsquo;s<a href="https://www.wabe.org/people/h-johnson/"> H. Johnson</a> narrates&nbsp; <a href="https://www.wabe.org/achristmascarol/">&ldquo;A Christmas Carol.&rdquo;</a>

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

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