Learn4Life has released its 7th annual State of Education in Metro Atlanta report. The report details the progress made across area districts and the "persistent barriers" that continue to challenge students and educators. Ken Zeff, who serves as the executive director of Learn4Life, returns to “Closer Look” to share key takeaways from the report.

“Closer Look” celebrates 10 years next week, in honor of our upcoming anniversary, we look back at some of the most memorable conversations. Today, we revisit Rose’s conversation with Mitch Albom. The renowned best-selling author and sports journalist discusses his book, “The Next Person You Meet in Heaven,” which is a sequel to his book, “The Five People You Meet In Heaven.”

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Following a contract lapse into the new year, the City of Atlanta has entered into a multi-year agreement with Policing Alternatives & Diversion Initiative (PAD). The nonprofit organization offers wraparound services to people experiencing extreme poverty, substance use and mental health disorders. Moki Macias, the executive director of PAD, and her client, David Lee, talk with Rose about the PAD program, the new contract and what’s next for the organization.

Plus, we revisit Rose’s conversation with Anita Hill. The longtime lawyer and educator reflects on her 1991 testimony that the then-Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas sexually harassed her. She also talks about her ongoing fight to end gender-based violence and the inspiration behind her book, “Believing: Our Thirty-Year Journey to End Gender Violence.”

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Monday marks 4 years since the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. We revisit Rose’s conversation with Harry Dunn. The former U.S. Capitol Police officer traveled to Atlanta in 2024 when he was being honored by the Fulton County Democratic Party with the Saving Democracy Award. During the conversation, Dunn talks about his experience responding to the insurrection, voting and the current state of democracy.

Plus, we also hear from Dr. Catherine Meeks, a longtime educator, workshop leader and scholar focusing on dismantling racism. Meeks reflects on the insurrection, her ongoing efforts to teach others about racial healing and her book “The Night Is Long But Light Comes in the Morning: Mediations for Racial Healing.”

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Monday’s edition of “Closer Look” was a special program focusing on the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter. The 39th president of the United States died Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was 100 years old. Carter, a lifelong Democrat served as a naval officer, a Georgia state senator and Georgia's 76th governor from 1971 to 1975. He served as president of the U.S. from 1977 to 1981. Carter was best known for his post-presidential diplomacy. The 2002 Nobel Peace Prize recipient was a champion for human rights, peace and democracy. Beyond his global political achievements, he was a humanitarian, a peanut farmer and a Sunday School teacher. Carter will be laid to rest beside his late wife, Rosalynn Carter. The two were married for 77 years.

Show host Rose Scott is joined by veteran politics journalist Denis O’Hayer. They talk with several guests about President Carter’s life of service and his global impact. Guests include:

WABE politics reporter Sam Gringlas

DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond

Stacey Abrams, a politician, author and Howard University’s inaugural Ronald W. Walters Endowed Chair for Race and Black Politics

GSU politics and policy professor Tammy Greer

Valerie Jackson, a former radio host, author and the former first lady of Atlanta

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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 run, to Beyonce's "Cowboy Carter" album. Charli XCX gave fans a Brat summer and Kendrick Lamar dropped what has been regarded as one of the greatest diss tracks of all time. Music historian and journalist Quentin Harrison returns to “Closer Look,” to share his critique and to talk more about his Top 5 albums of 2024. Plus, the “Closer Look” team shares their top artists of the year.

Lastly, it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. WABE’s H. Johnson narrates “A Christmas Carol.”

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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 the court’s ruling could impact President-elect Donald Trump’s last remaining criminal case.

Plus, Charis Books and More is more than a place to buy books. Owners regard it as a third space and a haven that supports “diverse and marginalized voices.” Over the past five decades, the Decatur-based bookstore has remained a community staple for the metro Atlanta area. As the bookstore celebrates its 50th anniversary, “Closer Look” show host Rose Scott talked with Charis owners Sara Luce Look, Angela Gabriel and executive director Errol "E.R." Anderson. The booksellers gave Scott a tour of the bookstore and talked about the successes and challenges they’ve endured while operating the oldest independent feminist bookstore in the South. They also shared details about the bookstore’s diverse collection of books and ongoing efforts to stay connected with the community through programming and the importance of writing the feminist future.

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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. Rose Scott moderated the panel discussion. On Wednesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Harold Scott, Rev. Henry Mathis, and Phyllis Jackson-Scott share their experiences during integration after the historic ruling. Cathy Loving, a former Atlanta Public Schools archivist and assistant to Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, also participated in the discussion. During the conversation, the panelists reflected on the positive outcomes related to Brown, but also the challenges that occurred after the groundbreaking ruling.

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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 the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board, and Gabrielle Dudley, a member of the board, discuss some of the cases, the history and mission of their board.

Plus, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the pioneering sitcom, “Good Times.” The television show follows the story of a Black family living in a Chicago housing project. NPR's TV critic Eric Deggans and Rosalyn ‘Roz’ Grimes, a longtime fan of “Good Times” talk more about the show and its longstanding cultural impact.

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