More than 7 million children across the United States depend on special education services, which school districts now refer to as exceptional children’s services. But recent cuts to the Department of Education are taking more resources away from the historically underfunded programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). To discuss their growing concerns and the potential impact the situation could have on students, we hear from Anita Hagins Jones, the resident of the Georgia PTA, Lola Green, the president of the Georgia Special Education PTSA, Theneshia Dixon, the legislative chair for the Special Education PTSA, and Cobb County School Board Member Leroy "Tre" Hutchins, who is also a special education specialist.

Plus, the Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network (GAIN) is a local nonprofit that provides free immigration legal services and other wraparound support to immigrant survivors of crime and persecution. Back in October, the organization’s executive director, Alpa Amin, said the Department of Justice denied funding to GAIN’s Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) Program. Amin joins “Closer Look” to talk more about how GAIN is responding with less funding and greater need.

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Veterans Sazha Ramos and Ignacio Montoya both experienced traumatic injuries that had a significant impact on their lives. For Ramos, it led her to an addiction to pain medications. For Montoya, a motorcycle accident left him paralyzed from the chest down. But after facing their challenges, both are using their journeys to assist other veterans. For a special edition of “Closer Look” on Veterans Day, “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott spoke with them about their experiences, Ramos’ work assisting veterans struggling with addiction, and Montoya about how he’s advancing research into improving mobility for those who have been paralyzed.  

*American Addiction Center’s 24/7 hotline is 866-868-3449.

Plus, the Veterans Empowerment Organization (VEO) and The Home Depot Foundation are partnering together to end veteran homelessness. Recently, the “Closer Look” team stopped by VEO’s campus on Atlanta’s Westside for a tour. Program host Rose Scott talks with Stewart Williams, a Marine Corps veteran and the CEO of VEO, Army veteran Larry Benitez, Marine veteran Michael Joseph and Erin Izen, the executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. They discuss the unique challenges many veterans face, VEO’s mission, and the support services and resources VEO provides beyond housing.

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It’s been 15 years since the Georgia Board of Regents adopted a policy that banned undocumented students from receiving in-state tuition rates, as well as banned them from attending the state's top five public universities. We hear from Dr. Emiko Soltis, the executive director of Freedom University, and Kathy, an undocumented student, about the unique set of barriers that undocumented students face. We also learn how Freedom University is adapting to and responding to the Trump Administration's crackdown on immigrants, while remaining a supportive space for students.

Plus, the new comic, “BLACK ARMS TO HOLD YOU,”  tells the story of Black resistance throughout U.S. history. Ben Passmore is an award-winning political cartoonist and comic artist. He talked with “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott about the research and inspiration behind the book. Passmore also explained why he feels the book is especially timely given the current political and social climate.

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Tuesday night’s elections in Georgia are among those that captured national attention. For the first time in nearly two decades, Democrats flipped two Republican held seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission. On today’s “Closer Look,” we speak to a roundtable of journalists and a political science professor who give their take on local and national races, and what the results mean heading into the 2026 Midterm Elections. 

Guests included:

WABE climate reporter Emily Jones

Rahul Bali, WABE politics reporter

Alessandro Sassoon, politics reporter at Atlanta Civic Circle 

Dan Whisenhunt, founder and editor of Decaturish.com

GSU politics and policy professor Tammy Greer

 

Plus, André 3000 and Big Boi have been called hip-hop pioneers for an innovative way of infusing their southern roots into their music. This Saturday, Atlanta’s own OutKast will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class. Ahead of the ceremony, “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott talks with a roundtable of guests about the duo’s origin and influence.

Guests included:

Shanti Das, a former promotions and senior marketing director at LaFace Records during OutKast’s rise in hip-hop

Sonia Murray, a longtime music journalist and former music critic for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Dr. Joycelyn Wilson, an ethnographic and cultural studies scholar and an associate professor at Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts at Georgia Tech School of Literature, Media, and Communication

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Emergency relief and recovery efforts are underway in the Caribbean following widespread destruction of Hurricane Melissa. At least 67 people are dead, in addition to the billions of dollars in damages. One of the organizations on the ground providing aid is CARE, a global humanitarian nonprofit that's based in Atlanta. We hear from Jonathan Arogeti, the Caribbean Humanitarian Response Lead at CARE.

Plus, as the federal government shutdown continues, groups offering support across Georgia are stepping up to meet growing community needs. “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott speaks with leaders from three local organizations about their expanded efforts to help individuals and families in need of food, as well as jobs following mass layoffs.

Guests include:

• Jenny Taylor, vice president of career services and the chief mission officer at Goodwill of North Georgia
• Jasmine Crowe-Houston, the founder and CEO of Goodr
• Nancy Triplett, a board member and donor relations representative for Never Alone Food Pantry 

Lastly, the documentary, “Natchez,” challenges the stories being told about a small Mississippi city that thrivess from antebellum tourism. The film reveals residents' reckoning with the dual perception of Natchez and its history of slavery. Ahead of the documentary’s exclusive opening at the Tara Theatre on November 7th, we hear from the film’s director, Suzannah Herbert.

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According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. Data also suggests there are huge racial disparities when it comes to prostate cancer diagnoses, treatment, and outcomes. “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott talks with Reggie Hicks, the executive producer of the documentary film and host of the podcast "If You Are My Brothers." Hicks talks about his efforts to spread awareness through the documentary and podcast, as well as his ongoing fight against the disease.

 

Plus, the story of Dr. Karen Kinsell of Clay County Medical Center was the focus of “The Only Doctor” documentary. For more than 13 years, she was the only medical doctor in Clay County, Georgia. Dr. Kinsell joins “Closer Look” to talk more about how things have changed since she’s no longer the only doctor in Clay County, as well as her new efforts to transform dilapidated houses into affordable housing.

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Action Pact is one of four Head Start programs affected by the federal government shutdown in Georgia. More than 500 children and their families in southeast Georgia rely on Action Pact for food, educational services, and employment resources. However, due to the halt in federal funds, Executive Director Diane Rogers says they’ll have to stop providing that community support starting Monday, November 3. Close to 200 employees will also be furloughed. She spoke to “Closer Look” about how devastating this will be for those in need and how she’s working with Georgia lawmakers in Washington to recover some financial assistance. 

Plus, if you see The Grim Reader Bookshop rolling around metro Atlanta, don’t be alarmed. The mobile bookstore, which is a hearse, offers a variety of books that appeal to fans of scary stories. For Halloween, Olivia Doyle, the founder of the bookstore, discusses the backstory of her business and why community is a central focus of her work.

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Local organizations are urgently responding to help Georgians who will soon be without federal assistance for food. More than 1.4 million Georgians will lose their benefits when the nation’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program stops issuing funds this Saturday due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott talks with leaders of several Georgia-based organizations working to make sure households across the state have food and other wraparound services.

Guests include:

Allison Ashe, the president and CEO of Wellroot Family Services

Elizabeth Omilami, the president of Hosea Helps

Lisa Regan, the senior director of programs and services at Saint Vincent de Paul, Georgia

Plus, several former mayors of the City of Atlanta, along with business, civic and community leaders, are doubling down on their efforts to center diversity, equity, and inclusion. The group formed the new Soul of Atlanta Coalition. On Thursday, the coalition held the SOUL OF ATLANTA UNITY RALLY at Big Bethel AME Church. Following the rally, “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott talks with former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and Jabari Simama, a former Atlanta city councilmember and retired educator. They discuss the coalition’s efforts to defend and preserve Atlanta's civil rights legacy amid the heightened attacks on diversity and inclusion.

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October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Data from the National Domestic Violence Hotline reveals, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men aged 18 or older have experienced domestic violence. “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott talks with Reverend Raushanah N. Butler, a Doctor of Ministry student and the director of alumni engagement for the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. She addressed the role and responsibility religious leaders and faith organizations have when it comes to addressing domestic violence. If you or someone you know needs assistance, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

Plus, more than 1.4 million Georgians are at risk of not receiving their monthly benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program as the government shutdown continues. We hear from Congresswoman Nikema Williams, who says the federal government has a $5 billion contingency fund that could be used to fund the SNAP program.

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Nearly 1.4 million Georgians rely on monthly SNAP benefits. As the federal government shutdown continues, President Donald Trump says the government will not fund SNAP benefits beyond this month, nor reimburse states that cover the cost. Meanwhile, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has also said the state is unable to do anything to help. Amid the unfolding situation, “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott talks with Georgia Democratic State Sen. Kim Jackson, who is calling for a special session that will allow Georgia lawmakers to vote on appropriating funds to provide emergency relief.  

 

Plus, for more than 40 years, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has been on the frontlines advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Kelly Robinson, the president of HRC, talks more about the history and mission of the organization and its ongoing efforts to push for change amid the current political and social climate.

 

Lastly, Joeann Compton, affectionately known as "Momma Jo," was an educator, mentor and coach for more than 35 years. The Henry County tennis legend recently died. Monica Johnson, the co-founder of Above the Net, Donna Holder, the Henry County deputy director for parks and recreation, and Henry County public information director Melissa Robinson, talked about Compton’s life and legacy and how the county will continue to honor Momma Jo.

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