21-WFMJ News Podcast

On this episode of The Vibe, Steve Vesey and Nicole Kapalko catch up with Amanda and Ryan Kuchta of Kuchta Farms in Newton Falls to find out everything that's happening there this fall.

In this episode of The Radar, Stormtracker 21 Chief Meteorologist Eric Wilhelm talks with OSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator Haley Shoemaker about how agriculture ties in with the weather during the fall harvest season.

On this week's episode of The Score, Sports Director Dana Balash sits down with Larry Kempe, a retired area coach, to discuss Kempe's 50-year career in high school football.

In this episode of The Outcue, WFMJ Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell is joined by reporter and 21 News at 11pm anchor Sydney Canty to compare the various approaches different media outlets took in covering Jed York's arrest in East Palestine.

In this week's Vibe podcast, Nicole Kapalko and Andrew DiPaolo sit down with Adam Keck, the owner of Modern Methods Brewing Co., and Laurie Applegarth, the owner of the Vintage Saloon, for more information on craft beers and some new additions coming to the Canfield Fair this year.

In this episode of The Radar, StormTracker 21 Chief Meteorologist Eric Wilhelm is joined by storm chaser Tyler Berry to recap the severe weather events in the Mahoning Valley this summer.

On this week's episode of The Score, a 21 News podcast, Sports Director Dana Balash sits down with Dan Hiner, Sports Editor of Tribune Chronicle/Vindicator, and DJ Yokley, Founder of YSN. The conversation includes evolving high school football programs throughout the Valley as well as predictions for which teams will come out on top this season.

On this week's episode of The Outcue podcast, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell speaks with reporter Kaitlyn McCarthy about the importance of transparency from city governments regarding data center plans.

In this episode of The Vibe, Nicole Kapalko and Steve Vesey are joined by the three brothers behind local Puerto Rican food truck and restaurant Red Rican about its origins, its current state and its future.

Meteorologist Andrew DiPaolo sits down with Dr. Benjamin Brocker, physician at Mercy Health Family Medicine, to discuss the signs and what to do if your child is experiencing heat-related illness.

In this episode of The Score, 21 Sports Director Dana Balash catches up with The Greatest Golfer founder Todd Franko about the outlet and its history.

This week, on The Outcue podcast, News Director Sheila Miller and Anchor/Reporter Derek Steyer discuss the daily work of a newsroom to inform the public promptly while ensuring reporting covers the entire story.

21 News Chief Meteorologist Eric Wilhelm discusses 'official weather observations,' and Nick Moliterno, Field Operations Data Technician at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, joins him. Across the country, official weather data come from airports. Nick is the Senior Weather Observer and talks about what he does in this role.

In this episode of The Score, 21 Sports Director Dana Balash catches up with Sharon Speedway General Manager Dave Willoughby to talk about the racetrack and its 97-year history.

This week, on The Outcue podcast, hosts Senior Digital Content Manager Robert McFerren and Reporter Ally Ross are discussing the word “transparency”, especially when it comes to the relationship between news media outlets and local government officials, in addition to the importance of communication between the two parties.

As folks gear up for summer, Nicole Kapalko and Steve Vesey are talking grilling and swimming plus summer night fire pits. Scott Jones, the owner of Youngstown Propane and Bob Ballone, the owner of Austintown Pools & Spas, stop by to offer their best tips for the upcoming summer days and nights.

In today's episode of The Radar, 21 News Chief Meteorologist Eric Wilhelm talks with Conner O'Halloran, the new director of the Mahoning County Emergency Management Agency. They discuss the new role and his role during weather emergencies in the county.

Dana Balash sits down with Bob Beam, high school coordinator at Bob Cene Park, and Scott Ruark, president of Youngstown Class B Baseball, to speak on the history and current operations at Bob Cene Park. Bob Cene Park, a baseball park in Struthers, opened its first ballpark in 1996. The park is now home to several area high school baseball teams and tournaments with three fields on Bob Cene Way.

In this 21 News Podcast, Senior Digital Content Manager Robert McFerren talks with Valley author James Thomas about his travels with a Lowellville man in the early 1970s... unbeknownst to Thomas, this man was a serial killer. Hear how the two met and how Thomas learned that someone he knew confessed to killing at least 14 people.

In today’s 21 News journalist podcast, The Outcue, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell speaks with reporter Kaitlyn McCarthy and Weekend anchor/reporter Leslie Huff. Today, they discuss transparency regarding the local JobsOhio division, Lake to River, which focuses on economic development and growth, and receives funding from taxpayers from liquor sales, but refuses to While Lake to River held its annual meeting on Wednesday in the Valley, we were there to ask about recent efforts ...

In this episode of The Vibe, Nicole Kapalko and Steve Vesey catch up with Kelly Dolan from Duncan Bath & Kitchen Center to talk about ways to make your home look a little nicer.

In this episode of The Radar, Stormtracker 21 Chief Meteorologist Eric Wilhelm catches up with two local science teachers about how they implement weather into their lessons.

In today's The Score podcast, 21 Sports Director Dana Balash is joined by Warren Harding's Girls Flag Football coach Justin Blair. Now its second season, flag football has come a long way, with the Warren girls making it to the championship round in its inaugural season. Learn how it works and see where the sport may be headed.

In today’s Outcue episode, Assistant News Director J. Breen Mitchell speaks with reporter Ally Ross and anchor/reporter Corey McCrae on their in-depth work in the latest ‘101 West. Data Centers: Deal or Dilemma.’ Also joining them is 21 News digital content manager Robert McFerren, who talks about the new WFMJ website and app. Hear the stories behind the stories right here on this podcast.

In this episode of The Vibe, WFMJ Today’s Nicole Kapalko and Steve Vesey catch up with Parks Garden Center owner Tim Parks about gardening in the Mahoning Valley and preparing for growing season in the Mahoning Valley.

In today's episode of The Radar, Meteorologist Andrew DiPaolo and Chief Meteorologist Eric Wilhelm discuss the winter weather of the past few months and how we arrived at meteorological spring. They will also dig into what we should be on the lookout for as summer makes its way onto the horizon in the coming months.

In this episode of The Score, 21 WFMJ Sports Director talks with YSU football Head Coach Doug Phillips, reflecting on the 2025 season and looking forward to the 2026 season.

This week on The Outcue podcast, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell, Reporter & Anchor Leslie Huff and Digital Content Manager Robert McFerren discuss property tax and why it has been such a hot button issue among residents and government leaders. They explain where your property tax money goes, plus why some are so passionate about abolishing property taxes entirely. The team also goes in depth on the importance of reporting topics that might be more difficult to understand.

On this episode of The Vibe, WFMJ Today's Nicole Kapalko and Steve Vesey talk with Branch Street Coffee owner Matthew Campbell about the Mahoning Valley's unique coffee community.

On this episode of The Radar, Storm Tracker 21 Chief Meteorologist Eric Wilhelm talks with fellow weather geek Ralph Mack all about tempest and personal weather stations and how they work.

In this episode of The Score, 21 WFMJ Sports Director talks with Chuck Parker, an assigner with the Ohio High School Athletic Association, to talk about all about his role.

In today's The Outcue, assistant news director Justin Mitchell talks with reporter Ally Ross and Chief Videographer Pat Connelly about covering weather-related news. They discuss weather coverage, such as the recent snowfall, and help our community stay informed.

On this episode of The Vibe, Kristyn Wolf, a counselor with Equinox Sex and Relationship Counseling, describes ways you can improve your personal relationships and how your body responds to emotional stress.

In today's The Radar Podcast, 21 News chief meteorologist and podcast host Eric Wilhelm is joined by Andrew DiPaolo and Gavin Sandel, who are discussing their jobs as Valley meteorologists. They discuss the weather field, what led each of them to pursue it, and the changes over the years.

In today's The Score podcast, 21 Sports Director Dana Balash is joined by Tracy Innocent, Youngstown State University's travel specialist, who handles all modes of transportation when it comes to sports and the university. The 19 different sports teams at the university keep Innocent busy. Hear how she handles getting all the student-athletes to their destinations, especially during busy seasons when multiple teams all play during the same period.

Welcome to The Vibe and Happy Holidays! Your podcast hosts, Nicole Kalpalko and Steve Vesey, are discussing New Year's Resolutions. Joining them to discuss diet and fitness for 2026 are Deborah Caggiano, a trainer/clinical dietitian, and Kelly Scott, a registered dietitian, who also discuss self-care.

In today's The Radar podcast, WFMJ Chief Meteorologist Eric Wilhelm discusses winter weather and how we deal with it. Joining Eric are Ohio Department of Transportation District 4 Public Information Officers Ray Marsch and Justin Chesnic, who share how ODOT prepares for bad weather, including how treating roads for snow, sleet and freezing rain has changed over the years.

In this episode of The Score, 21 Sports' Dana Balash catches up with Newton Falls basketball coach Roy Sembach to talk about his 39 years and counting of coaching the Newton Falls basketball team.

In this episode of The Outcue, members of the 21 News team discuss in-depth all that was revealed to them as they researched for the recent 101 West news program "Hazing - The Code of Silence." How this months-long work helped paint a clearer picture of how prevalent hazing is in Ohio and the nation.

Happy Thanksgiving, and thanks for joining the Vibe podcast. Hosts Nicole Kalpalko and Jodie White are joined by the Eastwood Mall Marketing team, Bri Ventimiglia and Chloe Schutlz, discussing the holiday shopping season and the prep that goes into making Black Friday an event at the mall.

On this episode of The Radar, 21 News Meteorologist Andrew DiPaolo and Chief Meteorologist Eric Wilhelm discuss what winter is shaping up to look like in the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys this year.

On today's The Score podcast, 21 Sports Director Dana Balash speaks with Vindicator/Tribune Chronicle Sports Editor Dan Hiner about the Valley teams left in the playoffs and also discusses Youngstown State University football. Also discussed is the future of football at Ursuline for next season, following the cancellation of this year's season.

In this episode of The Outcue, 21 WFMJ News Director Shiela Miller sits down with former News Director Mona Alexander and Second Harvest Food Bank Executive Director Mike Iberis to talk all about 21 WFMJ's Feed Our Valley campaign.

The general election is Tuesday, and 21 News shares how we cover candidates and tax levies - to inform you about issues you will need to cast your vote on. Assistant news editor Justin Mitchell is joined by 5pm anchor Lindsay McCoy and discuss election coverage. They discuss the 5@5, where races and issues are discussed, and how we help you get to know the candidates.

In today's Vibe podcast, hosts Nicole Kalpalko and Jodie White share some scary events that are happening right here in the Valley. Joining them are cast members from "The Nightmare in Niles," including Mr. Mange. They discuss the move from Canfield to Niles, how they have been hosting Halloween events for 45 years and what's changed at their new location.

On the episode of The Radar, meteorologist Andrew DiPaolo sits down with Mill Creek Metroparks educator Lynn Zocolo to discuss fall weather and when we can expect to see that beautiful fall foliage this year.

In today's The Score podcast, 21 Sports Director Dana Balash is joined by Tyler Burk, Assistant Athletic Director and the Director of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) for the Youngstown State University Athletic Department. Burk explains his role in NIL, working with student-athletes to help them navigate sponsorship deals and build brands while staying NCAA compliant. A 2021 US Supreme Court ruling, which found in favor of students, allowed athletes to earn money from their own personal brandi...

In today's Outcue podcast, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell is joined by reporters Ally Ross and Kaitlyn McCarthy, discussing the critical role that you, our viewers, play in helping stories make it on the air with valuable tips that we investigate. Kaitlyn shares her recent story about how a tip led us to learn of Mercy Health's potential loss of Medicare accreditation. At the same time, Ally speaks on her recent report on gray areas of reporting suspected child abuse to Children's Se...

In this episode of The Vibe, 21 News's Jodie White and Nicole Kapalko are joined by Steve Johnson, AKA Farmer Steve, from Apple Castle in New Wilmington to talk all about apples.

In this month's 21 News podcast 'The Radar,' WFMJ chief meteorologist Eric Wilhelm speaks with Tim Stuart, Youngstown State University's Senior Associate Director of Athletics, on how the university prepares for and monitors weather conditions for its outdoor events. With outdoor fall sports like football, golf, tennis, and soccer currently taking place, the weather is always on everyone's mind for safety.

On this episode of The Score, 21 News Sports Director Dana Balash is joined by Mark Porter of Scouting Ohio to learn all about the website and what it does for student athletes in the Mahoning Valley and beyond.

Pursuing some news stories is more difficult when they involve private businesses or private schools. For example, while rumors of allegations of what Ursuline officials called "inappropriate behavior" involving students during the June football trip have been circulating, they are not reportable. Sometimes, unanswered questions from an official when serious allegations arise are the story. In today's Outcue Podcast, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell is joined by anchor/reporter Madison...

Jodie White and Jimmy Wendolek sit down with Canfield Fair Director of Entertainment George Roman to talk about what's new and everything else you can expect to find at the 179th Canfield Fair.

In today's Radar podcast, 21 News chief meteorologist Eric Wilhem is joined by Curt Spivey, Planetarium Engineer for Youngstown State University. Spivey discusses what is going on at Ward Beecher Hall, which houses the astronomy center, and some of the astronomical events for the rest of this year and next.

In today's Score podcast, 21 Sports Director Dana Balash discusses High School Football, which begins next week. Joining Dana are Valley sports historian Champ Summers, along with YSN founder DJ Yokley, who discuss the 2025 high school football season, from changes in coaching to looking at the local teams and their divisions. The Score is a monthly podcast for sports enthusiasts around the Mahoning and Shenango valleys.

In today's 21 News Outcue podcast, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell is joined by 21 News reporter Ally Ross and Weekend Today anchor/reporter Leslie Huff, who discuss all the news coming out of Trumbull County. The stories discussed include a Foxconn update, the uptick of violence in Warren, and the possible reopening of Insight hospitals. Warren's law director said fighting crime was like a game of Whack-a-Mole, but Ross said that efforts to curb violence by closing businesses only ca...

In today's Outcue podcast, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell talks with the Senior Digital Content Manager, Robert McFerren, about what Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics manufacturer, may announce regarding something coming to the former Lordstown GM plant. Foxconn, part of Hon Hai Technology Group in Taiwan, announced Wednesday that they were working with TECO Electric & Machinery Co., which owns Westinghouse and builds engines in Texas, on AI data centers. Wh...

Vibe hosts Jimmy Wendolek and Jodie White discuss the Panerathon — a 10K/2 Mile Walk/Run held in downtown Youngstown — which benefits the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center. The annual event attracts thousands of people to Youngstown. Joining our hosts are Marie Strange with Mercy Help Foundation Mahoning Valley and Carson Ryan, Race Director for JAC Live. Panerathon is scheduled to take place on August 24.

In today's 21 News podcast, The Radar, WFMJ's chief Meteorologist Eric Wilhelm talks about all the people who submit those beautiful weather photos to us here at WFMJ. Joining Eric is local weather photographer Dan Owens, who lives in Springfield Township and enjoys sharing his stunning photographic work, including images of lightning storms and other weather events. Dan shares his stories of his photography work and why he enjoys it. If you would like to share your weather pics, please send ...

This week on The Score, Dana Balash sits down with Youngstown Bishop David Bonnar to talk about sports including his favorite teams and players, as well as his time as Chaplain for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In today's The Outcue podcast, assistant news director Justin Mitchell talks with guests 21 News reporter Kaitlyn McCarthy and Senior Digital Content Manager Robert McFerren. All have worked on investigating and reporting on the sale of the Southern Park Mall, the new ownership, and some of the troubles the new ownership has experienced at other shopping malls it has owned nationwide. Today's discussion focuses on why we cover stories like the sale of the mall and why we do follow-ups. ...

In this episode of The Vibe, Jimmy Wendolek and Jodie White sit down with Eric Ryan of JAC Management and Alyssa Connelly-Bissett of Sunrise Entertainment discuss several upcoming concerts in the Mahoning Valley.

21 Storm Tracker Chief Meteorologist Eric Wilhelm and guest weather enthusiast Ralph Mack talk about how to be a weather geek including how to set up your own personal weather station and rain gauges, which ones are best and how much they cost, what you learn in a SKYWARN training session and what kind of weather forums there are fore weather hobbyists.

On this week's episode of The Score, 21 News's Dana Balash catches up with former Major League Baseball umpire John Hirschbeck.

This week on The Outcue, 21 News 5pm producer Brandon Brown discusses everything that goes into getting 21 News at 5pm on the air every day.

In today's Outcue podcast, we look back on the first anniversary of the Realty Building explosion, which killed one and injured nine people after workers cut into a natural gas line. The explosion sent shockwaves through our community, literally and figuratively. Joining Outcue host Justin Mitchell are three reporters, Kaitlyn McCarthy, Sydney Canty, and Madison Tromler, who have covered the stories, including new information released by the National Transportation Safety Board on the explosi...

The Vibe podcast hosts, meteorologists Jodie White and Jimmy Wendolek, talk with Luke Shelton of Pure Flight Disc Golf of Boardman. With the warm temperatures of spring and summer come people looking to try new outdoor games, like disc golf. Hear about the sport's history and places where you can get supplies for local courses.

In today's The Radar podcast, 21 News chief meteorologist Eric Wilhelm looks back at the 40th anniversary of the May 31, 1985, tornado outbreak that impacted the Valley and Northwest Pennsylvania, and beyond, leaving behind death and destruction. Joining Eric is Chris Cerenelli, 21 News weekend anchor and weather forecaster, along with meteorologist Andrew DiPaolo, talking about what happened that day.

This week on The Score, Dana Balash talks with the YSU Bowling Team who just brought home the National Championship. The Youngstown State University bowling team defeated Jacksonville State in the National Championship match, 4-3 April 12. This marked the first women's National Championship title in school history plus the school's first since 1997.

In today's episode of The Outcue podcast, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell discusses building trust in our reporting with Corey McCrae, weekend anchor and reporter at 21 News, and Robert McFerren, Senior Digital Content Manager. We discuss how we built trust with sources in a case involving a Goshen Township dog breeder that was sentenced last week. From vetting sources to verifying facts, we examine how trust and truth are two of the most important aspects for a journalist to have and...

This week on The Vibe lifestyle podcast, hosts Jodie White and Jimmy Wendolek speak with Brooke Klenke, owner of 3 Maples on Market, located in North Lima, who talks about everything tomatoes and the 51 heirloom varieties she grows and sells. Klenke also talks about varieties that may be best for you and your garden. The Vibe, a monthly podcast, offers information on entertainment, pop culture, and events around the Valley.

Everyone is excited for the warm temperatures of Spring. But no one likes allergy season, with pollen from the flowers blooming, the buds on trees growing, and the weeds growing. In today's latest installment of 'The Radar,' a 21 News podcast about everything impacted by weather and weather-related stories, meteorologist Andrew DiPaolo speaks with Dr. Benjamin Brocker with Mercy Health, who discusses seasonal pollen and ways to lessen your exposure to these elements.

21 Sports Director Dana Balash is joined by Curbstone Coaches President Bob Camardo and First Vice President Tom Miller. They discuss who they are, what they do, and their upcoming annual Hall of Fame banquet. The non-profit was formed in 1958 when members of the Mahoning Valley's sports media recognized a need to create a group that would meet weekly and allow Valley sports fans to participate in programs concerning topics in athletics.

In today's 21 News podcast, 'The Outcue,' 21 News Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell sits down with reporter/weekend anchor Sydney Canty and reporter Leslie Huff to discuss the ongoing developments at Insight Hospital & Medical Center Trumbull. The trio discusses the rapid events that led to the shutdown of the hospital, Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital and satellite offices in the Valley. The discussion explores the impact on Trumbull County, the people, and the employees no...

The Vibe is a 21 News podcast hosted by Jodi White and Jimmy Wendolek, who will bring you information on entertainment, pop culture, and events around the Mahoning and Shenango valleys and the region. In its debut episode, the hosts discuss the spring planting season with guests Laura Barovich of Joe's Greenhouse and Farm Market in Hermitage and Kim Sisco from White House Fruit Farm in Green Township.

This week, 21 News Chief Meteorologist Eric Wilhelm introduces the new weather-related 21 News podcast, "The Radar." This week is severe weather awareness week in Ohio, and Tyler Berry, a local storm chaser and weather enthusiast with his outfit "Chasing Ohio," will join Eric to discuss severe weather. Other weather-related stories will air on "The Radar" in the next few months, including a 21 News Meteorologist discussing allergies that come with the changing seasons. In May, Eric and ...

'The Score' is a 21 News podcast hosted by 21 Sports Director Dana Balash that will discuss all things sports around the Valley. Youngstown State University Executive Director of Athletics Ron Strollo joins Dana in the debut episode. Their conversation provides an overview of the YSU athletic department and its recent men’s basketball appearance in the Horizon League Championship.

Today's Outcue isn't a look behind the story but an introduction to 21 News' expansion of its podcasts — adding three additional podcasts that will join The Outcue to our lineup. Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell sits down with meteorologists Jodie White and Jimmy Wendolek, who talk about their new podcast called The Vibe, which will bring you information on entertainment and events around the region; and in the second half, Mitchell is joined by 21 News Sports Director Dana Balash and ...

In today's Outcue podcast, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell and reporter Kaitlyn McCarthy discuss the four-part Watchdog Investigation into JobsOhio, a non-profit organization that receives state liquor profits for funding. However, for transparency's sake, the spending of these public funds can't be viewed once given to the private entity. McCarthy discussed JobsOhio with Democrats and Republicans, some of whom shared their concerns about the corporation's lack of transparency a...

This week on the story-behind-the-story podcast, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell is joined by some of the reporters who have spent the last two years covering the toxic train derailment that occurred in East Palestine, quickly followed by the decision to vent and burn the hazardous chemicals inside the derailed tanker cars. Joining Mitchell to reflect and share stories from this anchor/reporter Derek Steyer, anchor/reporter Madison Tromler and weekend anchor/reporter Corey McCrae. All...

In today's 21 News podcast 'The Outcue,' Assistant News director Justin Mitchell talks with 11 pm Anchor/Reporter Erin Simonek and Senior Digital Content Manager Robert McFerren about what it is like to cover breaking news on the fly while gathering information to report to viewers. The journalists discuss this week's announcement by the White House that it was using an executive order to freeze all federal grants and loans to review the spending and the process of gathering information for b...

The second season of the 21 WFMJ News podcast begins today. In today's episode, assistant news director Justin Mitchell talks with 21 News reporters Leslie Huff and Kaitlyn McCarthy and two stories we covered this week. The first story-behind-the-story is ongoing in-depth coverage of the fast changes happening with Sharon Regional Medical Center, from the last-minute deal with Tenor Health to the Buhl Legacy Trust's statement that it is not backing down in litigation over the hospital. The se...

In the final two-part episode of season one of the Outcue, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell discusses some of the big news stories in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys in 2024 with the reporters that covered them. Mitchell will be joined in part two by reporter/weekend anchor Chris Cerenelli, reporter/ 6 p.m. anchor Madison Tromler, and reporter Kaitlyn McCarthy. Listen to the stories behind the stories as told by the people on the front lines. Also, watch for the daily Year in Review ...

In the final two-part episode of season one of the Outcue, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell discusses all the big news stories in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys in 2024. Senior Digital Content Manager Robert McFerren joins Justin in part one. They discuss the news stories we reported on each month throughout 2024, which was a very busy year with many big stories. Listen to the stories behind the stories in covering the events, and stay tuned to next Friday for part two, in which Mit...

In today's Outcue, assistant news director Justin Mitchell and reporter/WFMJ Weekend Today anchor Sydney Canty discuss understanding complex court filings and other similar complicated stories that reporters have to deal with in the day-to-day duties of doing their job — and make them understandable for all. Canty discusses her story earlier this week on the Ohio Supreme Court ruling that Trumbull and Lake counties' federal lawsuit against major pharmacy chains over their roles in contributin...

On today's Outcue, we talk about Public Records Requests, what they are, what they do, and why they are becoming increasingly more difficult to obtain. What is a public records request? Government offices are paid for with taxpayers' money, and you have the right to view the documents, records, and data within the office. According to the Ohio Attorney General's office, "The public’s right to access such information is a cornerstone of our democracy. So, in a very real sense, this [Ohio Sunsh...

21 News Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell and reporter Leslie Huff sit down to discuss Feed Our Valley, a campaign started by 21 News in 2007 to raise awareness of those in need in our community and to get food to those in need. This partnership with Second Harvest Foodbank and Sparkle Markets has helped Valley residents for 18 years. Huff shares what she has learned covering the food needs of our Vally residences.

21 News Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell and anchor/reporter Madison Tromler discuss the two-part Watchdog Report investigation into the conditions inside Ohio's only privately run county jail in Columbiana County. An anonymous source contacted 21 News over conditions inside the facility, leading to a multi-week investigation. Watch to see what this deep-dive investigation found, what is happening inside the facility, and what steps are being taken to correct the issues.

“The Outcue” is a 21 News journalist perspective of our top news stories. Each week, the 21 News staff, including reporters and managers, discuss behind the scenes in covering stories for you — from the newsgathering process to getting the final product on the air, in this new video podcast. In this week's episode, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell talks to 21 News chief meteorologist Eric Wilhelm and meteorologist Andrew DiPaolo about weather reality vs. weather rhetoric. What...

“The Outcue” is a 21 News journalist perspective of our top news stories. Each week, the 21 News staff, including reporters and managers, will discuss behind the scenes in covering stories for you - from the newsgathering process to getting the final product on the air, in this new video podcast. In this week's episode, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell talks to 21 News anchor/reporter Madison Tromler and reporter Kaitlyn McCarthy about when you are first to report a news story and what...

“The Outcue” is a 21 News journalist perspective of our top news stories. Each week, the 21 News staff, including reporters and managers, will discuss behind the scenes in covering stories for you - from the newsgathering process to getting the final product on the air, in this new video podcast. In this week's episode, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell looks behind the scenes with 21 News Coordinating Producer Rachel Kerr and what a news producer does. Many of you may remember th...

“The Outcue” is a 21 News journalist perspective of our top news stories. Each week, the 21 News staff, including reporters and managers, will discuss behind the scenes in covering stories for you — from the newsgathering process to getting the final product on the air, in this new video podcast. In this week's episode, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell talks with 21 News Director Sheila Miller and Senior Digital Content Manager Robert McFerren about the editorial decision-making proces...

“The Outcue” is a 21 News journalist perspective of our top news stories. Each week, the 21 News staff, including reporters and managers, will discuss what goes on behind the scenes in covering stories for you - from the newsgathering process to getting the final product on the air, in this new video podcast. In this week's episode, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell talks with 21 Sports reporter Brittany Bissell and sports videographer Dan Pushcar about Friday night football and what go...

Natural gas accidents happen more often than you think. Experts we sought out, including the NTSB, say the lack of state and federal safety regulations is to blame. Could it happen again? Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell and Watchdog reporter Madison Tromler discuss the backstories behind the investigation into the Realty building explosion and what needs to change to stop "The Danger Beneath Us."

Assistant news director Justin Mitchell sits down with reporter Kaitlyn McCarthy to talk about her path from working behind the scenes to holding the powerful accountable. McCarthy, a Valley native and YSU graduate, has only been reporting since April, but in that time has broken major developments on the Realty building explosion and exposed potential conflicts of interest at a major development organization. Turn in every Friday on our YouTube channel or listen to the audio version on all...

In this week's Outcue podcast, 21 News Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell and Senior Digital Content Manager Robert McFerren discuss the story behind the story, looking at the fast-changing coverage of the Steward Health bankruptcy filings. Our coverage has been following the bankruptcy court case in Texas and reporting those looking to place bids for control of Trumbull Regional, Hillside Rehabilitation, and the satellite facilities. These stories we start working on in the morning may ...

In this week's Outcue, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell and Senior Digital Content Manager Robert discuss the story behind the story of 21 News coverage for months concerning the bankrupt Steward healthcare facilities in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys. Trumbull Regional Medical Center and Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital, including satellite offices, all received mass layoff notifications this week, with the last date set for September 19 unless someone buys those facilities. Local ...

"The Outcue” is a 21 News journalist perspective on our top news stories, but with a different approach. It talks about the week's biggest story but gives you the perspective of the story behind the story. This week, assistant news director Justin Mitchell sits down at 5 pm anchor and reporter Lindsay McCoy to discuss how her experience as a reporter helps her in her role as anchor. The podcast name - The Outcue - is a broadcast term that means the last few words of reporting before the story...

On this edition of the 21 News podcast, 'The Outcue,' Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell talks with Senior Digital Content Manager Robert McFerren about the drive and burn that makes journalists do what they do. This podcast explains what happens behind the scenes and the story behind the story. In this case, we requested all the emergency calls handled by Youngstown Police and Fire Dispatch Center on May 28, the day of the downtown Realty building explosion, after a natural gas line was...