On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” the Public Religion Research Institute is going beyond the protests and rhetoric to understand just how deep America’s political divides are. We discussed their 16th annual American Values Survey with PRRI CEO Melissa Deckman.

 

Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, Private Practice, Bridgerton, and the list doesn’t stop there. The creator behind each of those beloved programs is Shonda Rhimes. The executive producer and screenwriter is celebrated within her industry and by fans as someone who creates moving, thrilling, and heartfelt stories where everyone feels represented. While on her “Year of Yes” 10th Anniversary book tour in Atlanta, Rhimes spoke to Scott about what keeps her inspired, her outlook on AI, and the future of entertainment. 

Some of music’s most legendary artists, including some local icons, will hit the stage at Piedmont Park this weekend for the ONE Musicfest. The lineup for the music festival includes Future, Dungeon Family, The Roots, Ludacris, Mary J. Blige, Busta Rhymes, Doechii & more. Ahead of a weekend of exciting performances, “Closer Look” took a tour of the outdoor event as it was being set up and learned more about what the 30,000 attendees can expect. One Musicfest Director Josh Antenucci led the tour.

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Once the One Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law, it triggered coverage cuts to Medicaid. For rural hospitals that treat large numbers of Medicaid recipients, that means less revenue. According to the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, the loss of funds is putting as many as 20 rural hospitals at risk of closing in Georgia. Some have already started to cut services, causing patients to drive an hour away for labor and delivery care. On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” Dr. Joy Baker, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist within the Wellstar Health System and Whitney Griggs, the Director of Health Policy at Georgians for a Healthy Future, discuss the impact this will have on rural communities.

Some of the most eye-catching aspects of Atlanta are its art, statues, and architecture. But younger generations have not been quick to fill jobs related to architecture, engineering, and building. Oscar Harris, a notable Black architect in Atlanta, has stepped in with SPIKE Studio to inspire the next generation on the Atlanta they would build for the future. To discuss the SPIKE Studio Summer Academy, “Closer Look” is joined by Founder Oscar Harris and Melody Harclerode, the executive director of SPIKE Studio. Also, Students Warren Johnson and Anna-Bella Madison.

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Asma Khalid's personal philosophy towards journalism is to be fair. She's carried that philosophy through a long career as a journalist for NPR, and now as the co-host of "The Global Story" on the BBC. On her new program, she wants to show the ripple effect of American politics on the international community. On today's "Closer Look with Rose Scott," Khalid discusses how the U.S. is interconnected with the rest of the world, her difficult decision to leave NPR, and shares her memories about the late NPR Host Susan Stamberg.

 

Also, a new survey asks MARTA riders about taking the bus. Staffing shortages and technological issues continue to frustrate everyday bus riders, that's according to a new report titled, "Voices from the Bus: MARTA Riders Speak Out." Jeremiah Jones, Propel ATL's advocacy manager, tells us more about the results of the survey.

 

And what does it mean to be compassionate? Can schools, businesses, churches, and even neighborhoods help create an ecosystem of compassion? This weekend's CompassionCon taking place in the city of Decatur will offer a space for attendees to learn more. We're joined by Leanne Rubenstein and Iyabo Onipe, co-directors of Compassionate Atlanta, to talk about the fourth annual event.

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The Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation provides legal and other wraparound services to people facing stable housing challenges and intimate partner abuse. The Fulton County-based nonprofit, which places legal advocates and social workers in the courthouse and the communities to support survivors, has lost almost all its primary federal funding amid ongoing cuts under the Trump Administration. Michael Lucas, who serves as the executive director for the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, talked with  “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott about the impact of the cuts so far and how the organization is bracing for potential restructuring.

Plus, we remember one of NPR's 'founding mothers.' Susan Stamberg passed away on October 16 at the age of 87. Today, we revisit Rose’s 2016 interview with the broadcast pioneer. During the discussion, Stamberg reflected on the early days of NPR, breaking barriers for women in journalism, her concerns about where the industry is headed, and her mother-in-law's iconic cranberry relish recipe.

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The National Center for Civil and Human Rights has been closed since January 2025 for a major renovation that is nearly complete. The museum, which first opened in 2014, documents the stories of the civil rights movement and global human rights struggles. Now, the Atlanta-based cultural hub will include new east and west wings that house a café, several additional galleries—including one designed for children—three classrooms, and an expanded event space.

As crews worked to install the final additions, “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott and the team stopped by NCCHR for a behind-the-scenes look at some of the new changes. Jill Savitt, president and CEO of NCCHR, who led the effort, guided Scott and the team through the upgraded facility. She highlighted how some of the museum’s new features and experiences will enhance the visitor experience and continue to further the museum's mission of being an educational gathering space for reflection, dialogue, and change. NCCHR will reopen to the public on Nov. 8.

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Research shows breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the U.S. Data also reveals that in a group of eight women, one will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Additionally, there’s been a growing increase in the number of younger women being diagnosed with breast cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 27,136 women under the age of 45 were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. October marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On Thursday’s edition of “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott talks with guests about everything from diagnosis to treatment, as well as the importance of younger women participating in clinical research trials.

Guests included:

Ashley Kennedy, a breast cancer survivor and participant of the 2025 Komen Georgia MORE THAN PINK Walk

Theru Ross, the senior program manager of community outreach at Susan G. Komen

Dr. Joel Okoli, a professor of surgery in the division of Surgical Oncology at Morehouse School of Medicine

Plus, it's the end of an era. EATS, which is regarded as a neighborhood cafeteria, is closing after nearly 33 years. We hear from Robert "Bob" Hatcher, the owner of the eatery known for its meat-and-three format. He reflects on the day the restaurant opened and thanked his customers for making the restaurant part of the community.

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Civil rights champion Andrew Young has held many positions, including a U.S. congressman, ambassador, and Atlanta Mayor. He was also a top aide to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His life’s story, in his own words, is the focus of a new documentary. It’s called “Andrew Young: The Dirty Work.” Ahead of the film’s debut on MSNBC this Friday, October 17, Rachel Maddow, an Emmy-winning MSNBC host and author, who served as the executive producer of the documentary, reflects on Young’s legacy, his life’s work of championing civil rights and her process in documenting his story through film.

Plus, post-pandemic, MARTA, as well as many other transit systems across the nation, are grappling with some of the same challenges. This includes declining ridership, funding instability, aging infrastructure, and competition from rideshare companies. Jonathan Hunt, who was recently appointed interim CEO and general manager of MARTA, talks with Rose about new initiatives to address lingering challenges ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and his vision for Georgia’s largest transit system.

Lastly, Compassionate Atlanta is gearing up to host its 4th annual CompassionCon. The one-day event, described as a fusion between conference and festival, aims to promote compassion across organizations, schools, businesses, churches and communities and more. We hear from the co-directors of Compassionate Atlanta, Leanne Rubenstein and Iyabo Onipede. They talk more about the event and their nonprofit’s ongoing efforts to champion compassion across Georgia.

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Paradise Baptist Church is one of Atlanta’s oldest historically Black churches – established in 1865, just after the Civil War. It grew out of a community Sunday School founded by then 12-year-old Dinah Watts Pace. Now, nearly two centuries later, the church is celebrating 160 years of faith, community, education, and economic development. Originally located in Atlanta’s Summerhill neighborhood and now in Grove Park, Paradise has remained a community cornerstone throughout its history.

For a special audio documentary, “Closer Look” host Rose Scott and the team visited the church, which now sits at the intersection of Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway and Matilda Place in northwest Atlanta. Scott talks with church leaders about the church’s historical impact, its evolving role in the community, and how its legacy informs a forward-looking mission grounded in service, growth, and faith. Guests included: 

Dr. Charles A. Harper III, Paradise’s lead pastor

Rev. S. Tarnace Watkins, Sr., executive pastor of Paradise

Fred Stevens, consultant-in-residence with the Paradise Community Development Center, and

Dr. Arletta Brinson, a lifelong member of the church, executive director of the Paradise Community Development Center, and co-chair of the church’s 160th anniversary

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While economic development in Georgia is steady, the state's economy is facing several crossroads. Economic uncertainty, instability in the job market, and severe immigration policies—plus the high cost of tariffs on consumers, small businesses and the agriculture industry have altered Georgia’s economic landscape. “Closer Look” host Rose Scott spoke to Chris Clark, the president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Clark discussed the state’s economy, the need for Democrats and Republicans to work together amid the federal government shutdown, as well as the Chamber’s ongoing push to reform the visa process for international workers. 

Plus, Propel ATL has released its “Voices from the Bus: MARTA Riders Speak Out” report. The bilingual survey aimed to capture the day-to-day experiences of riders on MARTA’s buses. It explored MARTA buses’ service frequency, reliability, accessibility, and equity. Jeremiah Jones, an advocacy manager at Propel ATL, discussed some of the key findings of the report and how the data can be used to drive MARTA’s operational and strategic decision-making to benefit its riders.

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A new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania found that trust in U.S. health and science agencies has declined since the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Amid the rapid spread of misinformation about vaccines, budget cuts, and layoffs at agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has public trust in the health care system reached a crisis level? Also, where can Georgians turn for credible medical information? “Closer Look” show host Rose Scott talks with Atlanta area doctors about how they are helping their patients navigate the current political and social climate. The guests also share some of their best practices for finding trusted medical advice.

Guests included:

Dr. Fiona Havers, an infectious disease physician, a vaccine expert, and a former CDC employee

Dr. Cecil Bennett of Newnan Family Medicine

Dr. Dawn Mandeville, an OB-GYN and a managing partner of Atlanta Gynecology & Obstetrics

Dr. Nicholas Church of Somerset Medical

Dr. Dhaval Desai, a board-certified Internist and pediatrician and owner of Direct Primary Care

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