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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Emory University is launching its global Compassion Shift initiative this week. It’s all part of Emory’s “Year of Compassion.” Ryder Delaloye, the associate director of Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning at Emory, talked more about the compassion initiatives, SEE Learning, and compassionate training. He also explained the difference between empathy and compassion, and talked about research that shows compassion is a skill that can be trained.

Additionally, a new report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office reveals that more than $54.2 million in federal and state taxpayer dollars has been spent on administrative costs for the Georgia Pathways to Coverage program. That’s twice as much as what’s being spent on health care costs for Georgians. Margaret Coker, the co-founder and editor in chief at The Current, talks with show host Rose Scott about her coverage of the GOA report, plus the past and present state of health care in Georgia.

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