Closer Look with Rose Scott

"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.

  1. 1d ago

    Atlanta City Councilmember on the complexities of removing homeless encampments; New program helps with tree removal

    Finding a decent place to stay for Atlanta’s unhoused population is already a challenge with affordable housing shortages, poverty, and a lack of shelters. Without shelter, some of Atlanta’s unhoused population resides in a homeless encampment in a West End neighborhood that has raised some concern for other residents. But what makes this issue more complex is that the encampment is on private property. As Atlanta City Councilmember Jason Dozier explained on “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” the courts would have to get involved if they attempted to remove a homeless encampment from private property.   Also, Atlanta is often referred to as the city in a forest. Being surrounded by trees means it's important to be aware of how healthy they are and when they need to be removed. Decaying and dead trees can be a safety hazard or an environmental and climate issue, but they can also be very expensive to cut down. Some Georgia homeowners are increasingly given an ultimatum by their insurance company to remove trees deemed a risk or lose their homeowners’ insurance coverage. That's where a new program from the Georgia Arborist Association can provide assistance. We discuss the eligibility requirements and application process for the program with Georgia Arborist Association executive director Jessie McClellan. She also gives us a diagnosis on some of the trees outside the WABE Studios. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. 2d ago

    Feds urge precautions amid peak time for child hot car deaths; Tech companies issue nonbinding promise to cover data center electricity costs

    Federal safety officials say we're in the peak time of year for pediatric hot car deaths -- when fatalities usually climb sharply in July and August.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says as of the end of July, 17 children have died in the U.S. due to pediatric vehicular heat stroke. Among them is a tragedy that occurred outside Northside Gwinnett Hospital just last week. On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we speak to NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison. He explained the three common ways a child can be trapped and overheated in a car, and offers multiple ways for parents, guardians, and other caretakers to remind themselves and not forget about a child in the backseat.   We also welcome back to the show, Kristi Swartz, a contributing writer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She recently published an article that discussed a nonbinding promise between the White House and several big tech companies. The agreement states the tech giants will pay electricity costs in areas where data centers are being built. With the agreement being largely symbolic, some Georgians are still concerned how they’ll be impacted, even with Georgia Power promising to freeze electricity rates through 2028. Swartz also shares the latest news on data centers coming to Georgia and residents’ efforts to attempt to stop them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. 5d ago

    Fulton Co. Commissioner responds to Atlanta Mayor’s criticism of new jail spending

    A new dispute has emerged over the problem-plagued Fulton County Jail. Months ago, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners – by a majority – voted on a resolution to commit approximately $1.3 Billion towards a new jail.   Now, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens sent a harshly worded letter to the county lawmakers on Thursday. In the letter, Mayor Dickens criticized the commission for paying for a new jail and not supporting his tax extension proposal. He acknowledged Fulton County "desperately needs humane detention facilities,” but says the $1.3 Billion for a new jail is “the wrong answer.”  Dickens also argued it would drain tax revenue away from local communities, and he threatened to stop housing 700 Fulton County detainees in the city’s detention center.   Fulton County Commissioner District 5 Commissioner Marvin Arrington, Jr. joined “Closer Look” to respond to the mayor’s letter, saying he immediately reached out to Dickens. Arrington believes the letter is mostly critical of the board's vote to not support Atlanta’s plan to extend its tax allocation district needed for the Mayor's Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative.   Arrington did not agree with fellow commissioners and wanted to table the vote in lieu of more time to fully understand the NRI. Arrington also points out why he disagrees with Dickens’ assessment of how the county chooses to spend its tax dollars – calling the mayor’s comments, “side seat driving.” On today’s program, Arrington gave Host Rose Scott further insight into the process and reason of the county’s decision to replace the “inhumane” Fulton County Jail.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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"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.

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