NEXT with Marcus Atkinson WQLN

Major League Baseball has officially incorporated Negro Leagues statistics into the Major League record, the league announced Wednesday. MLB elevated the Negro Leagues to "Major League" status in 2020. It recognized the "statistics and records" of approximately 3,400 players who played in the Negro Leagues between 1920-48 to include several Erie standouts. In this episode, Marcus and Marc Blount interview local historians Johnny Johnson and Fred Rush to talk about this decision's impetus and impact. Tune in and enjoy the show.

In this episode, we dive into a complex and nuanced discussion about the role of classism in shaping political landscapes, particularly focusing on its potential impact on Trump's popularity in the polls.

Barbershops hold a unique and invaluable place in Black
culture, serving not only as centers for grooming but as vital community hubs. Generations have gathered in these spaces for more than just a haircut; they are forums for lively discussions, cultural exchange, mentorship, and mutual support. Barbershops foster a sense of belonging and identity, providing a safe space for expression and solidarity. They often act as informal town halls
where political, social, and personal issues are debated and shared. The barbershop experience, rich with tradition and camaraderie, plays a crucial role in shaping and preserving the cultural and social fabric of the Black
community. Marcus and Marc Blount go on location at the local barbershop, Heads of State, to talk with one of their barbers and a customer about this cultural institution and the issues of the day in this episode of NEXT2.0.

In this episode, Marcus and his co-hosts, Marc Blount and
Chuck Cammarata, address a local controversy stirred up in a past episode. They also talk candidly about what’s going on locally and nationally. The topics include local development and investment, a prophet with no honor in his land, the Trump Trials, the WNBA launch, Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar, Tom Brady’s roasting, and so much more. If you want to be entertained on your commute, this episode is for you! Today on NEXT2.0.

How did you get to be you? How did you develop the beliefs you possess and the way of looking at the world that you have? Why do you have the goals that you pursue? And what happens when those goals don't lead to what you thought they would lead to? What do you do when the beliefs you've always held seem inadequate to deal with life, or to explain the reality that you are seeing every day?

James is an English Catholic priest and theologian. He studied Spanish and history at Oxford. Also studied at Jesuit College in Brazil. He has an extensive background in ministry and service and justice work. He has lived in Central America, South America, the UK, the U.S. and now resides in Madrid, Spain and has written a bunch of books.

On today’s episode of NEXT2.0, we bring you two unique
interviews from the campus of Penn State Behrend.

Segment One:

In 2024, the residents of Erie, Pennsylvania, were treated to a spectacular celestial event as a total solar eclipse graced the skies above their city. Thousands of eager onlookers gathered in parks, rooftops, and open spaces, armed with special viewing glasses and cameras, to witness this rare cosmic alignment. Erie was bathed in an otherworldly darkness for a few precious minutes, creating a moment of collective awe and wonder. The 2024 total solar eclipse left an indelible mark on the memories of those who witnessed it, a reminder of the beauty and majesty of the universe that surrounds us.

Segment Two:

The Russia-Ukraine conflict is a complex geopolitical saga
that has gripped international attention for years. Amidst ceasefires and diplomatic efforts, the conflict has persisted, with ongoing humanitarian consequences and diplomatic reverberations felt worldwide. It's a sobering reminder of the fragility of peace in the 21st century and the enduring struggle for stability in the region. In the second segment, we interview Ukrainian Parliament Member Oleksiy Honcharenko, who gives his firsthand perspective on the conflict.