Closer Look with Rose Scott

It’s back to the drawing board for Atlanta City Council. Atlanta's latest draft of ATL Zoning 2.0. is undergoing a rewrite following an unfavorable review by an outside expert, who warned the proposal was inadequate in addressing the city's housing crisis and could even make problems worse. “Closer Look” host Rose Scott talks with councilmembers Dustin Hillis and Wayne Martin about the ongoing process and what the changes could mean for their districts.

Plus, starting next year, the College Football Playoff (CFP) is doubling in size from 12 to 24. This change comes under a new broadcast agreement between CFP and ESPN. Under the new format, there will no longer be four powerhouse conference championship games from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC. We hear from David Epps, the CEO and president Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. He talks with Scott about the expansion, the economic impact of college football in Atlanta and more.

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The Carter Center has finished its first phase of observing Georgia's 2026 midterm elections, covering more than 64% of registered voters across 31 county election offices. The center says "no significant issues" were noted. Avery Davis-Roberts, the democracy program director at the Carter Center, talks with “Closer Look” host Rose Scott about why the center is still encouraging Georgia lawmakers to consider reforms to improve transparency around election observing.

Plus, The Atlantic Across America tour is stopping in Georgia this week. Adam Harris, the co-host of the podcast Radio Atlantic, will be in conversation with U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock at the live event that is expected to examine a range of issues and ideas including democracy, the current political climate, and more. Harris talks with Rose Scott about the vision behind the tour and common themes he’s hearing from participants.

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It's the only program presented by an HBCU in Georgia and among a few in the nation.The Morehouse Higher Ed in Prisons program offers classes in three metro Atlanta prisons, where incarcerated men can earn Morehouse credits towards a degree.

The historically all male college views liberation at the core of the program. Dr. Shari C. Mackinson, director of Morehouse Higher Education in Prisons Program talks about the program and how it's transformational not only for the students who are incarcerated but for the communities they return to as productive members of society. 

Also, Closer Look takes a deep dive into the 2026 Child Well-Being Index® presented by United Way of Greater Atlanta.It uses socioeconomic indicators of child, family, and community to understand where support is needed most.

Malika Anderson, Chief Community Impact Officer, United Way of Greater Atlanta talks about the progresses and systemic challenges revealed by the Index as it takes a comprehensive look at children's well-being in a 13-county radius.

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On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we continue our post-election analysis. Citizen University CEO Eric Liu is the author of Live Like A Citizen: 8 Ways to Change Your Mindset and Our Country. In his new book, Liu “argues that the real repair work in a divided country happens in neighborhoods, not on cable news, and that voting can feel like joy rather than dread.”

Then, the results of this year's midterm election came with history making wins across the South, mostly for Democrats. What does this mean for political power among southern states as voters and potential candidates start to set their sights on the 2028 Presidential Race? We discuss with Emory University Political Scientist Andra Gillespie and Anthony Michael Kreis, Associate Professor of Law at Georgia State University College of Law.

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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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