NEXT with Marcus Atkinson

In this inspiring episode of NEXT 2.0, host Marcus Atkinson sits down and chats with Sonya Byes, host of Chatting with Sonya and Friends on Erie News Now, to celebrate her recent recognition as a 2025 Woman Making History by the Mercy Center. Together, they reflect on the journey that led her to this honor, the inspirations that drive her—especially the unwavering support of her son—and the strugg...

In this powerful episode of NEXT 2.0, co-hosts Marcus Atkinson and Chuck Cammarata explore the profound impacts of Trump-era deportation threats on Erie’s immigrant population. Joined by Alivia Haibach, CEO of MHEDS, and Sister Jacqueline Sanchez-Small of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, the discussion delves into the dehumanization of irregular immigrants and the uncertainty caused by these depor...

In this insightful episode of NEXT 2.0, host Marcus Atkinson sits down with the Dusty Muffins, a dynamic podcast group of menopause professionals dedicated to shedding light on the often-overlooked realities of menopause. Composed of Dr. Christine Hart Kress, Dr. Rebecca Hertel, and Dr. Aoife O'Sullivan, the Dusty Muffins share their personal journeys and professional insights into navigating...

In this impactful episode of NEXT 2.0, co-hosts Marcus Atkinson and Chuck Cammarata dive into the transformative efforts reshaping Erie’s east side. Joined by Paul Hamilton, Executive Director of the East Side Renaissance, they explore the ambitious plans to revitalize the community through improved banking options, expanded commercial and residential developments, financial literacy programs, and...

In this solo episode of NEXT 2.0, host Marcus Atkinson takes a deep dive into the buzz surrounding his viral TikTok clip. With an unapologetic perspective and sharp commentary, this episode delves into President Biden’s decision to pardon Hunter Biden. From there, Marcus shifts gears to explore the contradictions of today’s polarized political landscape, highlighting recent discourse and political...

Today on Next 2.0 – We are talking to Jennie Hagerty about her work with homeless women in Erie. Many of us in America avert our eyes and turn away when we encounter homelessness. We judge and write off those who find themselves “unhoused”. Not Jennie Hagerty. Jennie sees these women as beautiful people who just need some help to build healthier lives for themselves and their children. Jennie Hage...

The aftermath of Donald Trump’s election victory is stirring a broad spectrum of emotions nationwide. For some, it’s a moment of triumph and hope, symbolizing a return to policies and leadership styles they deeply value. For others, it’s a period of anxiety and uncertainty, reflecting stark differences in vision for the country's future. The results have sparked celebration, introspection, and pro...

As the holidays draw near, the news cycle is heating up with a whirlwind of breaking stories, end-of-year developments, and festive features. From major political announcements and economic updates to community-focused celebrations and seasonal travel trends, the headlines are more dynamic than ever. Whether it's tracking winter storms, holiday retail surges, or countdowns to pivotal decisions, th...

Donald Trump will be the next president of the United States. His win against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris reflects a rightward shift across the country as voters prioritized economic and immigration concerns—Trump’s signature issues. According to The Associated Press, Trump secured at least 277 Electoral College votes by early Wednesday morning, putting him over the 270 needed to decla...

The nation watches with anticipation as the 2024 election enters its final days. After months of debates, rallies, and policy proposals, candidates make their final appeals, while voters weigh their choices carefully. This election has sparked passionate conversations about the future, from economic reform and climate policy to education and social justice. With unprecedented turnout expected and...

On Monday night (10/14/2024), Vice President Kamala Harris packed Erie Insurance Arena in Erie, Pennsylvania, a swing corner of the critical swing state in the 2024 presidential election. Trump was simultaneously on the other side of the state, speaking in Upper Providence Township, 18 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Long lines began to snake outside the arena as early as four-and-a-half hours be...

A recent survey from The Energy Policy Institute at The University of Chicago found the following information. After a several-year decline in support for the statement that human activities primarily drive climate change, support rebounded in 2024, with 54 percent of respondents agreeing that humans are the primary driver. The increase was most pronounced among Democrats, with a 7-percentage poin...

Viewers expecting a bruising boxing match Tuesday were given a Midwestern bromance instead. Vice presidential contenders Tim Walz and JD Vance lived up to their roots by largely keeping things civil as they tussled over the deep differences at the top of their respective tickets. In this episode, Marcus, Chuck, and Marc discuss the dynamics of that VP debate on NEXT2.0.

Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing another daunting legal challenge as he remains locked up in MDC jail without bail for racketeering and sexual trafficking. A new lawsuit has surfaced in the Southern District of New York, accusing Diddy and his former bodyguard, Joseph Sherman, of drugging and violently raping plaintiff Thalia Graves at the Bad Boy Records studio in 2001. According to the complaint, th...

In a world that often glorifies success, it’s easy to overlook the invaluable lessons that failure and setbacks offer. This enlightening exploration delves into how our missteps shape resilience, foster creativity, and spark innovation. By reframing failure as a vital component of the growth journey, we discover that each setback is an opportunity in disguise. Through personal stories and insightf...

NEXT2.0 host Marcus Atkinson and Chuck Cammarata are joined by Erie Dems vice chair Kristy Gnibus, Raven Clark-Steves, and Mary Wassell to discuss the upcoming Women’s Freedom Rally in Erie, PA. As women across the country are making their voices heard on the historic presidential run of Vice President Kamala Harris, reproductive rights, and other issues that affect women, local women are organizi...

Vice Presidential Candidates Tim Walz and JD Vance were both in Erie over the past week as part of their campaigns to get the top of their tickets into the White House. The Keystone State is a pivotal state, and no county is more important in this election than Erie County.

The International Olympic Committee added breakin’, now known as breakdancing, to the sports program in Paris because President Thomas Bach and his colleagues thought it would attract the younger, social-media-savvy viewers they were seeking. It also fits local organizers' broader goal of a more "urban" Olympic Games. Host Marcus Atkinson strolls down memory lane with guests James Ke...

In the summer of 2024, the Democratic National Convention illuminated the political landscape with electrifying fervor and strategic vision. Held in the heart of Chicago, IL, delegates from every corner of the nation converged to shape the future of American governance. Against soaring optimism and impassioned debates, Vice President Kamal Harris, her running mate Tim Walz, and rising stars champi...

Project 2025, a comprehensive transition plan organized by right-wing think tank The Heritage Foundation to guide the next GOP presidential administration, is the conservative movement’s most robust policy and staffing proposal for a potential second Trump White House. Its extreme agenda threatens democracy, civil rights, the climate, and more. It focuses on packing the next GOP administration wit...

Across the country, people are making their thoughts known about the upcoming election. Host Marcus Atkinson is joined by his cohosts Chuck Cammarata and Marc Blount, with special guest Abdulla Washington to discuss this hotly contest race, rife with twists and turns. Today on NEXT2.0. Tune in.

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) interview with Donald Trump at their annual Chicago convention on Wednesday turned chaotic after the GOP presidential nominee made statements challenging Vice-President Kamala Harris’s ethnic identity, pardoning January 6th rioters, giving immunity to law enforcement officers who commit acts in the line of duty, and son. As an active member of t...

Larry Meredith made local political history on Nov. 8, 1977, when, at 30 years old, he became the first Black city resident to win a City Council seat. Meredith would serve on the City Council through 1981, including a term as council president. He later returned to the council dais in 2001 as a City Council appointee to fill the unexpired term of Gayle Wright. Outside of elective office, Meredith...

People may know Vernon Maxwell for his two NBA titles with the Houston Rockets. Few people know that his passion is unmasking stigmas around mental health issues in the black community. The Vernon Maxwell Initiative is a 501 c3 nonprofit that connects with local organizations to bring constant awareness to mental health struggles within communities and neighborhoods in Houston, Charlotte, and Gain...

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives designated July the Bebe Moore Campbell National Mental Health Awareness Month. It is a time to bring focused attention to the unique challenges that racial and ethnic minorities in the United States face as it relates to mental health. Who is Bebe Moore Campbell, and what efforts are underway here...