With historic wins for the Democratic Party, the 2026 midterm elections are being cited as a "blue wave" or "tsunami." Leadership in statewide seats – including the governor’s office – exchanged parties. So, should Georgia now be considered a blue state? On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, our political panel discusses the outcome of Tuesday’s election.

GUESTS INCLUDE:

WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali

Veteran politics reporter and WABE host emeritus Denis O'Hayer

Fallon McClure, Director to Deputy Southeast Regional Director, Working Families Party

Fred Hicks, Atlanta based campaign strategist and demographer

Devin Barrington Ward, progressive community organizer and the managing director of the Black Futurists Group

Saba Long, political communications strategist

GSU politics and policy professor Tammy Greer

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It’s Halloween weekend, what better time to celebrate cosplay, pop culture, comics and art? On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we speak to Greg Burnham, comic creator and event organizer for the Black Atlanta Comic Expo. The inaugural event is happening Saturday and Sunday at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Northeast in Norcross. Burnham shares what makes this event unique and what guests can expect.

Then, we get political analysis on the final day of early voting ahead of Tuesday’s midterm election. What chances do the candidates have? How have their strategies played out on the campaign trail? And what does voter turnout tell us about the strengths of the campaigns? We hear from:

Fred Hicks, an Atlanta-based campaign strategist and demographer

Devin Barrington Ward, a progressive community organizer and managing director of the Black Futurists Group

Saba Long, political communications strategist

Rahul Bali, WABE politics reporter

Julianne Thompson, a Republican strategist and the president of Main Street Network Strategies

Cory J. Ruth, the founder and CEO of the political consultant and strategy firm Mergence Global

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On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we examine the findings of the 2026 Black Census. The survey of 6,000 participants found only 3% trust the federal government, while 95% plan to vote. Kristin Powell, Executive Director of Black Futures Lab, discusses what their report shows about economic, political and social conditions within the Black Community as the midterm election approaches.

Then, it’s almost Halloween – in the mood for a scary story? We speak to Georgia native Katherine Daniel about her debut novel, When the Night Comes Knocking. In this Appalachian horror novel, two estranged siblings become trapped in a convenience store under attack by a monster from the mountains who feasts on guilty hearts. Daniel also shares her writing journey and what continues to inspire her writing career.

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On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we continue our roundtable discussion with Gen Z voters about what matters to them ahead of the midterm elections. We speak to Khoi Duong, a business marketing student at Georgia Gwinnett College, Ayomide Olayiwola, a biomedical sciences student and president of the Student Government Association at Morehouse School of Medicine, plus Mason Wright, a hospitality management sophomore at Morris Brown College and a young leader with Black Youth Vote.

With Halloween just days away, Jane Fraser, president of the Stuttering Foundation, discusses how parents and neighbors can make trick-or-treating more accommodating for children who stutter. Fraser also provides job hunting and interview tips for adults with the condition.

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Georgia is among the top states for the development of new data centers. While there are proponents which contend the centers will bring economic rewards such as jobs and other community benefits, there’s also a lot of pushback. These concerns include increases in consumer energy bills and environmental deterrents such as noise, pollution, and water consumption. On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, Georgia Power addresses costs and other concerns related to data centers. We’re joined in-studio by Erica McGill, Senior Vice President of Business Strategy and Transactions, also, Jacob Hawkins, Communications Director for Georgia Power.

Then, we begin Part 1 of our discussion with Gen Z voters, the largest voting bloc in the state of Georgia. They respond to criticism of voter apathy among young people and share how they talk to their peers about the importance of making their voices heard. Students from Spelman College, Oglethorpe University, and Georgia State University join a strategic advisor from Rock the Vote, who shares his experience with the late Congressman John Lewis about motivating young voters.

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On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we’re introduced to the new superintendent of Georgia’s largest school system. Dr. Alexandra Estrella took office in July. With the school year underway, she shares her top priorities, as well as her record of educational leadership, her passion for student success, and commitment to community engagement.

Then, we learn more about a form of dementia that’s reportedly underdiagnosed, under-researched, and disproportionately affecting Black families. It’s called Frontotemporal dementia (FTD). It can be difficult to diagnose, as early symptoms include personality changes or motor difficulties instead of memory loss. We hear the personal story of Aisha Adkins, and the struggle she experienced to get a clear diagnosis for her mother. We also meet Tanya Steel, the CEO of Cure MAPT FTD, who discusses how her nonprofit is fighting to raise awareness.

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The city is hyped for Game 4 of the WNBA Finals as the Atlanta Dream maintains a 2-1 lead over the Golden State Valkyries. On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we’re joined by WABE's DorMiya Vance and KQED reporter Sydney Johnson to talk about the series thus far, how the cities are supporting their teams, and the explosion of excitement within both fan bases. The Dream hosts the Valkyries for Game 4 on Saturday at 1pm EST at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

Then, with just over ten days until the midterm elections, big names in the political arena are on their way to Georgia. This weekend, President Trump comes to rally Republicans, while former President Obama will encourage voters to support Democrats from the top to the bottom of the ballot. With a high number of ballots already being cast during early voting, our political roundtable shares what the numbers reveal for both parties. Plus, what exactly is a pathway to victory in a state like Georgia, as candidates strategize how to reach voters in urban, suburban and rural areas?

GUESTS INCLUDE:

Rahul Bali, WABE politics reporter and host of Plugged Into Politics

Fred Hicks, Atlanta based campaign strategist and demographer

Devin Barrington Ward, progressive community organizer and the managing director of the Black Futurists Group

Saba Long, political communications strategist

Julianne Thompson, a Republican strategist and the president of Main Street Network Strategies

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A new book examines the “racial hierarchy” of America and how it built the nation’s power structure. On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we speak to Emory University political scientist Dr. Kelly Burton about “The Price of Union.” As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, Burton offers a new framework for understanding race, power, and democracy.

Then, we learn about the findings of the first ever State of the Georgia Girl Report. Georgia is home to 1.2 million girls under the age of 18. Jai Ferrell, CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, and Jenn Hollern, the report's author, share the highlights of the report, such as examining the health, safety, education and the overall well-being of girls across Georgia.

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