This episode is the first in a series examining the state of democracy around the world. First up is Hungary, a country that's often referred to in a group of countries in central and Eastern Europe that are seeing authoritarian leaders rise to power. You might have heard of Viktor Orbán or know that the country is in some way associated with George Soros, but beyond that, it's not a place many of us spend a lot of time thinking about.

Mark Focht is the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer for New York City Parks.

He previously worked in Philadelphia for more than 15 years, including serving as First Deputy Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation.

He talks with us about his passion for improving the quality and accessibility of urban environments and how green spaces help our health and well-being.

An archive recording of the WPSU Blues show as aired on February 16, 2019 and hosted by Max Spiegel. 

In the first hour, hear tracks from Nina Simone, Paul Brasch, Johnny Shines, Watermelon Slim, The Yardbirds, Frank Zappa, Leon Redbone, Shelia Wilcoxson, Eric Bibb, Ry Cooder, G-Love & The Special Sauce, and more.

In hour two, hear Leadbelly, Larkin Poe, Dr. John, Cephas & Wiggins, Roy Bookbinder, Greg Brown, Taj Mahall, Professor Longhair, Buddy Guy, Mary Flower, and more. 

An archive recording of the WPSU Jazz Show as broadcast on February 15, 2019, and hosted by Greg Petersen.

The show has a Valentine’s Day theme and in the first hour, hear tracks from Gerry Mulligan, Brad Mehldau Trio, Chris Botti, Dave Brubeck Quartet, Dee Daniels, Joe Pass Quartet, John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman, Johnny Costa, and more.

In the second hour, hear Joshua Redman, Kenny Barron, Diana Krall, Nat King Cole, Ray Brown Trio with Ulf Wakenius, Monty Alexander Trio, Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra, Billie Holiday, and more.

My dream had always been to play basketball in college. But during my junior year of high school, I got a severe concussion. In the months that followed, I went through concussion therapy, different drugs and steroids, and seven different doctors. By August 21, 2015, I was progressing well in therapy—so well that I was going to be cleared that day. I was in the car with my sister on my way to my very last appointment. I was ecstatic. I couldn’t wait to play basketball again for my senior season, and then in college.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced Wednesday the state is going to build the stretch of U.S. Route 322 in Centre County known as the missing link. The project will cost $670 million dollars and will, Wolf said, make “the long-awaited route connection a reality.”

“As they say, a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step and that’s what we’re doing here,” Wolf said while making the announcement in a hotel outside of State College where the current two-lane highway runs.

The eclectic string quintet Sybarite 5 plays at Penn State's Schwab Auditorium tonight at 7:30.  When the group played at Penn State in 2016, WPSU's Kristine Allen filed this report on the group.

In his book "Can Democracy Work? A Short History of A Radical Idea from Ancient Athens to Our World," James Miller encapsulates 2500 years of democracy history into about 250 pages — making the case that “people power” will always need to be at the heart of any successful democracy.

An archive recording of the WPSU Blues show as aired on February 9, 2019 and hosted by Max Spiegel. 

In the first hour, hear tracks from Rev. Horton Heat, Dan Auerbach,  Tuck & Patti, The White Stripes, Mel Tormé, Doc & Merle Watson, Elvis Presley, Cory Harris & Henry Butler, Mavis Staples, Koko Taylor, Rick Nelson, Rev. Gary Davis, Rory Block, and more.

In the second hour, hear Jimmy Rogers, Seasick Steve, Buckka White, Robert Lockwood Jr., Taj Mahall, Buddy Guy, George Baker Selection, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and more.