NEXT with Marcus Atkinson

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, the holiday season brings a unique blend of urgency and warmth to the media landscape, ensuring no shortage of conversation starters at gatherings. Join Marcus and Marc Blount in this fun, opinion-filled holiday edition. This episode is on NEXT2.0.

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 declare victory. More than 72 million ballots were cast in his favor, marking the first time that a Republican presidential candidate has won the popular vote in 20 years, and his campaign is projected to have swept all seven swing states: Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. The GOP also flipped the Senate, securing majority control with 52 seats. Control of the House of Representatives is still up in the air. “America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate,” Trump said on Tuesday. Tune in to today’s episode as we are in the process of setting up another town hall to address this historic election. Today on NEXT2.0.

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 all eyes on the outcome, America stands on the brink of potentially historic change. As the countdown to Election Day draws closer, the country prepares for what could be a defining moment for the years ahead. Marcus, Marc, and Chuck discuss the recent events surrounding Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

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 before Harris’ Monday rally. A DJ played party music inside as spectators filled the floor and the stands of the roughly 9,000-seat arena. Our four guests on today’s show were in attendance. They’ll give us their experience with the rally and their take on Vice President Harris as a candidate. Today on NEXT2.0.

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 point bump in just one year. Notably, 40 percent of young Republicans said they believe climate change is primarily human-driven, up from just 26 percent in 2017. The belief among older Republicans didn’t change. On this episode of NEXT2.0, Chuck talks with John Purvis and Justin Mason of Solar Revolution. Solar Revolution is an Erie-based company trying to make a difference by educating people about renewable energy (specifically solar) and working with businesses and families to get solar power working for them. They will be talking about significant picture issues and the practicalities of installing solar energy in your home or business. Tune In.

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, the attack left Graves with severe physical and emotional trauma that has haunted her for over two decades. Months ago, we went through the complaint by Cassie Ventura, who was the catalyst for this chain of events. Today, we’re joined by Atlanta media personality DiDi Skky, who interviewed Combs before his recent legal issues. She gives us an insider’s perspective on everything going on with his legal woes. Today, on NEXT2.0.

To hear more from DiDi Skky:

https://www.youtube.com/@LetsTalkAboutItwDiDiSkky

[email protected]

www.theskkybrand.com

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 insightful research, learn how to embrace challenges, harness the power of resilience, and transform obstacles into stepping stones. Erie resident Rob Davis is out front on this movement that celebrates the beauty of imperfection and uncovers the essential truth: every failure is a crucial part of your path to success. He does this through his podcast entitled Let’s Fail. In this special episode of NEXT2.0, we air his one-on-one interview with our host, Marcus Atkinson. They engage in a candid discussion that gives you a glimpse of the challenges of community leadership from Marcus’s perspective and what keeps him moving forward. Tap in and listen. If you would like to watch the actual video interview conducted on the Let’s Fail platform, follow this link:

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 organizing to do the same. Tune in to hear what led to this upcoming event planning and hear how you can get involved—today on NEXT2.0.

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.