21-WFMJ News Podcast

Gene Steratore is the NFL/NCAA Basketball rules analyst for CBS Sports.  After a 15 year career on the field, Steratore is now in the broadcast booth.   

21 Sports Dana Balash caught up with Steratore and talks about his days in the NFL, in the broadcast arena and more.

In today's 21 News Special Edition of The Outcue, 21 News Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell and anchor/reporter Sydney Canty discuss behind the scenes of this week's 21 News "101 West" on the complicated and often misunderstood perception of human trafficking and how it happens.

The outcue is the term used in the news industry as the final words of a story, but this podcast gives you the opportunity to see the work that went into the story that isn't broadcast.

Our '101 West' deep-dive investigations take months of work to get them ready for air, and in this podcast, we discuss what was learned and reported and what we, as journalists, learned as well.

In case you missed this week's "101 West," click here to watch the program.

 In today's 21 News The Outcue S01E09, we update you on the ongoing financial investigation, which started in March in Vienna Township. This small community has been impacted by missing township funds—$1.3 million—leading to layoffs in the emergency services, including police and fire, and township officials working for free. While the state auditor's office is investigating the missing funds, 21 News has also been investigating what is happening. However, this case is complicated. Traditionally, one can make a public record request and see what the money trail shows. Public records are all documents for a village, city, township, state, school district, etc., paid for with taxpayer funds. They can include documents, audio recordings, emails, texts, or instant messages. 21 News Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell, along with anchor/reporter Erin Simonek and Senior Digital Content Manager Robert McFerren, discuss the public documents 21 News requested and received and why, in this case, it may not be as simple as following the money trail. 

"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 episode, Assistant News Director J. Breen Mitchell is joined by 21 News Chief Meteorologist Eric Wilhelm and weather forecaster Chris Cerenelli to discuss what goes on behind the scenes in our weather department to keep you safe during severe weather events like tornadoes like we experienced this week.
 
Watch it on our YouTube channel or listen to the audio version on all major podcast platforms.

The podcast name — The Outcue — is a broadcast term meaning the last few words of reporting before the news segment ends.
 
We hope you enjoy it.

In this 21 News podcast, assistant managing editor Justin Mitchell and reporter Kaitlyn McCarthy speak with Hannah Grieco, a nationally recognized expert, author, educator, and advocate for parents of children with developmental disabilities when it comes to education.

After parents raised concerns about the planned sunsetting of an Austintown School district program for children with developmental disabilities, we asked Grieco for her thoughts on incorporating students into 'mainstream' classes and whether or not this was helpful in the long run for all students involved.

More than 100 parents have signed a petition asking the Austintown schools to rethink a decision to eliminate a program for students with disabilities. 

The district says the change will benefit all students involved, but some parents are worried their children's needs could be unmet. 

Have you ever seen adorable pictures of puppies for sale on social media and thought you should buy one?

Today's 21 News Outcue podcast looks at our Watchdog brand reporting... or Watch Puppy in this case... involving an investigation of alleged puppy fraud that started here in the Valley but left people around North America without a puppy or a refund. 

Our previous reporting told you about a Goshen Township woman who was facing multiple civil lawsuits over Dachshunds and English Bulldog puppies that were allegedly paid for but never delivered.

Today, Senior Digital Content Manager Robert McFerren, along with WFMJ Weekend anchor/reporter Corey McCrae, take a look at the story behind the story, how a post on social media led us to ask for additional information and proof of the dozens of people were claiming. 

In a little digital digging, we found multiple civil lawsuits and judgments against April Waidman, also known as April Simon, and an investigation by the Goshen Township Police Department into her dealings with customers. We also found people in Florida, California, and right here in the Valley with very similar stories, most without a puppy they say they paid Waidman for.

Waidman had social media accounts where she shared updates or posted pictures of puppies for sale.

On Thursday, a Mahoning County Grand Jury indicted Waidman on 32 counts of felony theft from people who paid for puppies but never received them.

The Mahoning Co. Prosecutor told 21 News that the total amount paid by would-be dog owners was approximately $50,000, and this amount could grow if additional claims are filed.

With spring comes the increased risk for severe weather around the Mahoning and Shenango valleys.

After saturating rains on Tuesday caused some soggy yards and minor flooding, there is a chance of severe weather through 10 p.m.

We hear the terms of severe risk categories, which fall under categories like thunderstorms: marginal, slight, enhanced, moderate, to high.

But what do they mean?

What is the difference being a tornado watch and a warning? Are there increased risks that come with tornadoes that come during the night?

21 News spoke with Aaron Treadway, a severe weather expert who works for the National Weather Service. He breaks down all the terms so you can be better prepared when extreme weather hits near you.

Listen up to this important information.

"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 episode, assistant news director J. Breen Mitchell sits down with Madison Tromler and Sydney Canty to discuss how a story develops when it starts with concerns from community members. 

The three discuss the difference between the easy way, which involves simply amplifying what people are saying, to the valuable, which involves digging into what the worry is and whether it's well-founded or based in fears that are unlikely to materialize. 

The Outcue is a term for the final few words at the end of a news story. 

When what you see on television is only the beginning of the story.....this is The Outcue. 

Every year, there is a primary and a general election. And this year will actually bring three elections to the Valley - with the Ohio 6th District US Congressional special election in June.

While voting is usually a fairly quick event for voters, it takes our newsroom, reporters, videographers, web team, and people inputting election results weeks of planning and preparation.

This week, Assistant News Director J. Breen Mitchell is joined by 21 News Director Sheila Miller and Senior Digital Content Manager Robert McFerren, who discuss their combined decades (and decades) of covering election nights.

While most people think it is simply tuning in to watch on-air or online, find out what it takes to have all the results and interviews ready to air within a brief window of time.

“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.

The podcast name — The Outcue — is a broadcast term for the last few words of reporting before the story ends, like, "With more local news, I'm [name]."

We hope you enjoy it.

“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.

This week, Assistant News Director J. Breen Mitchell is joined by anchor/reporter Corey McCrae and anchor/reporter Madison Tromler to discuss how reporters cover difficult stories involving death and grieving families.
The podcast delves into how and why news organizations speak with families during tragic events - and how reporters covering these stories are impacted by the people and their lives that - more than likely - they never knew.
 
We discuss what goes into those decisions and what it is like for reporters to cover stories that involve tragedy or death.
 
Turn in every Friday on our YouTube channel or listen to the audio version on all major podcast platforms.

The podcast name — The Outcue — is a broadcast term for the last few words of reporting before the story ends, like, "With more local news, I'm [name]."

We hope you enjoy it.

“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 episode three, Assistant News Director J. Breen Mitchell is joined by Senior Digital Content Manager Robert McFerren to discuss 21 News coverage of the East Palestine train derailment last February.

We look at the story behind the coverage and discuss our in-depth' 101 West' and what National Transportation Board Chair Jennifer Homendy told us about her concerns about the vent and burn.

This week, we also reported on a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing where Ohio Senator JD Vance asked National Transportation Board Chair Jennifer Homendy about the vent and burn conducted on the five vinyl chloride tank cars during the East Palestine train derailment, which she said lacked sufficient scientific basis, and disregarded temperature data.

Turn in every Friday on our YouTube channel or listen to the audio version on all major podcast platforms.
 
The podcast name - The Outcue - is a broadcast term that means the last few words of reporting before the package ends. We hope you enjoy it.

As the March primary draws closer, we speak with the Republican candidates looking to challenge incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown for his seat in the US Senate this fall.
WFMJ's assistant news director Justin Mitchell speaks with Frank LaRose,  a former Army Green Beret, has been Ohio's Secretary of State since 2018.

As the March primary draws closer, we are speaking with the Republican candidates who want to challenge incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown for his seat in the US Senate this fall.
WFMJ's assistant news director Justin Mitchell speaks with Bernie Moreno, a self-described "political outsider," who is the only candidate in this primary officially endorsed by Trump. 

"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 episode two, Assistant News Director J. Breen Mitchell is joined by anchor/reporter Madison Tromler and Senior Digital Content Manager Robert McFerren to discuss our deep dive investigation for the last year and a half involving the questionable spending of millions of dollars by the Youngstown City School District.

We discuss the behind-the-scenes of what we uncovered: Millions of dollars wasted of federal and district funds for projects that ended up not helping a single student or employee in the district, all while the struggling district was under a state-appointed CEO and continued after the district was returned to board control.

Turn in every Friday on our YouTube channel or listen to the audio version on all major podcast platforms.

 The podcast name - The Outcue - is a broadcast term that means the last few words of reporting before the package ends. We hope you enjoy it.

"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 all the way to getting the final product on the air, in this new video podcast.

In episode one, Assistant News Director J. Breen Mitchell is joined by anchor/reporter Chris Cerenelli and reporter Leslie Huff to discuss how we first told you of the story of missing funds that are now affecting emergency response services in Vienna Township in Trumbull County.

Turn in every Friday, either on our YouTube channel or listen to the audio version on all major podcast platforms.

The podcast name - The Outcue - is a broadcast term that means the last few words of reporting before the package ends.

We hope you enjoy it.

Norfolk Southern, which has long promised to join the Close Call Confidential Reporting System (C3RS), signed the pilot program agreement, allowing rail workers to anonymously report safety concerns without fear of punishment or retribution by railroad managers or the railroads.

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) General Chairman Scott Bunten spoke to 21 News about why this pilot program is a good step for improved rail safety for workers and the community.

21 News spoke with Daniel Hornung, Deputy Director of the National Economic Council, about unemployment and inflation rates in Ohio and when people can start to feel an economic boost from the recent decline in both.

After more than four decades in journalism in the Valley, WFMJ 21 News Director Mona Marie Alexander has decided to retire at the end of the year.

Assistant News Director Sheila Miller and Managing Editor Justin Mitchell are joining Mona to reflect on her impact on news coverage in the Valley and the changes she made during her time at WFMJ - including adding the Feed Our Valley, which helps numerous people in our community, and growing our news coverage by adding WFMJ Today, WFMJ Weekend Today, 21 News 5 pm, expanding WFMJ Midday to an hour,  and 101 West, WFMJ's investigative news program, during her tenure.

After a six-week strike by United Auto Workers against the Big Three Automakers - General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis - GM workers narrowly finalized their contract Thursday, which will add the Lordstown Ultium Cells union workers into its master agreement, meaning raises for the employees and additional benefits.

The salary bump for the UAW workers at the facility will bring an economic boost to the employees and the Valley.

Joining us to explain how the millions of dollars headed to the Valley will bring more than $38 million when you add together the raise and the $5,000 signing bonus each employee is about to receive is Shae MacMillan, Vice President of Economic Development for the Regional Chamber.

 During a General Motors third quarter earnings conference call Tuesday, GM CEO Mary Barra said Ultium Cells joining "under the scope" of the automaker's master agreement is still on the table, however... UAW president said the offer is "dead in the water."
We talk with CNBC auto reporter Michael Wayland to find out what is going on. 

21 News is launching a brand-new news program that will change how in-depth news looks in the Valley.

The new show is called '101 West,' named after our news station location here in downtown Youngstown ... 101 West Boardman Street... and it debuts Tuesday, October 17 on WFMJ at 7 p.m.

In this 21 News Podcast, managing editor Justin Mitchell, assistant news director Sheila Miller, digital content manager Robert McFerren, and reporter/anchor Madison Tromler, all sat down to talk about the program... what it is, and what future episodes will contain.

The first episode takes a deep look at SOBE Thermal Energy Systems, the company looking to bring a new conversion technology taking scrap tires and converting them into electricity for heating and cooling. We also sat down with SOBE CEO David Ferro to hear his plans for the facility.

Listen to hear how the longer-format news program will give us a platform for in-depth watchdog reports, profiles of interesting people, and more.

This new program is 21 News' commitment to investigative reporting and in-depth stories for the Valley.

If you have a story idea for 101 West or a news tip on something you think we should look into, call the newsroom at 330-744-8821 or email at watchdog@wfmj.com.

21 News managing editor Justin Mitchell speaks with Dr. David Niven of the University of Cincinnati's political science department about Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s announcement that he'll run for President as an Independent.  Niven weighs in on whether the Kennedy name could spell trouble for President Joe Biden, or if RFK, Jr.'s policy positions endear him more to Republicans looking to move on from Donald Trump. 

After the tragic hunting death of a 12-year-old boy earlier this week in Columbiana County, the 21 News podcast talks with Ohio Department of Natural Resources Law Officer Operations Manager Jeremy Carter about things hunters can do to ensure a safe hunt.

Carter speaks about the hunting season and says hunting is a safe event despite unfortunate incidents.

In today's 21 News Podcast, WFMJ Digital Manager Robert McFerren speaks with CNBC auto and airline industry reporter Phil LeBeau about the United Auto Workers after workers overwhelmingly approved a strike authorization vote by 97 percent of its membership.

In the podcast, we talk about how much the strike occurs, how much it is expected to cost the auto industry, and the potential impact on anyone looking to buy a new vehicle.

Corey McCrae speaks to Mitch Landrieu, former Mayor of New Orleans and senior advisor to President Joe Biden, about federal efforts to rebuild the nation's electricity grid. Ohio is set to receive over $14 million, nearly half of the total amount set aside for such improvements, to shore up the grid. Once in place, power outages should be fewer and shorter and the capacity will be much more equipped for emerging industries like electric vehicles. 

Chris Cerenelli talks with Danielle Frizzi Babb of the Ohio Lottery about what happens in the moments and days right after someone wins the lottery. What do you do? What do you have to sign? What should you do with the ticket ? Do you have to take a check or is it direct deposit? 

Everything you'll need to know if you happen to be that one in (several hundred) million to strike it rich. 

 Lordstown is ground-zero for a battle between Ultium Cells workers and its owners of the EV battery plant - GM/LG Energy Solution. 
And Ford and Chrylsler's parent companies are closely watching as both build their own EV battery plants around the US. 
Joining us in the 21 News Podcast is Detroit Bureau Chief David Welch, who reports on the auto industry for Bloomberg.
What does the fight here in the Valley mean for other battery plants and what does it mean for UAW workers making combustion cars around the US?

Boardman police said that it was a serial killer amongst our community that took the lives of 13-year-old David Evans in 1975 and12-year-old Bradley Bellino three years earlier.
21 News digital content manager Robert McFerren speaks with former Boardman Twp. Chief of Police Glenn Bowers of what it was like to investigate these cold cases with very little to go on.

US Marshals Service, along with the Mahoning County Sheriff's Office and the Youngstown Police Department, have recovered seven missing children from Youngstown during an operation with federal, state and local agencies.

Operation 'We Will Find You' goal was to recover endangered missing children, and 35 children were recovered, including the seven local children.

The Ohio portion of this nationwide operation was focused in the Cleveland, Toledo, Akron, Canton, and Youngstown areas.

In this 21 News Podcast, we talked with US Marshals Public Affairs Officer of the Nothern District of Ohio Alex Rutter, who shared information and statistics on missing children, and how federal, state and local agencies go about finding these missing children.

In this episode of the 21 News Podcast, Madison Tromler speaks with former Republican Ohio Governor Bob Taft on why he's joined a chorus of voices, including several other prominent Republicans, who want to stop Ohio lawmakers from making it harder for voters to pass ballot measures. Taft says changing the rule, which has been in place for more than a century, would be expensive and unnecessary and would water down Ohioans right to vote on matters that impact their lives. 

Bharat Ramamurti talks about the latest economic data and what it means for the overall state of the economy. Is it possible to bring down inflation without leading into a recession? Ramamurti believes the answer is yes, but that it won't be an overnight solution. Also, could ongoing tensions over paying the nation's bills threaten any potential for progress? 

Ohio has reported people have spent more than $1 billion on sports bets in the first two months since being legalized within the state and collected 10 percent of tax revenue for the state.

However, calls to the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline have increased as well. 

In the Mahoning, Trumbull, and Columbiana counties, calls increased 50 percent to the same period last year, prior to the introduction of sports betting in the state, up from 14 calls in January and February of 2022 to 21 calls for the same time period in 2023.

Michael Buzzelli, Associate Director of Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline, tells 21 News that the calls across the state to the helpline averaged about 500 per month before 2023 and are now well over 1,000.

Buzzelli said both individual gamblers and family members are calling to find information and resources, many of whom are calling due to significant financial and family consequences. 

He also stated his organization is seeing a lower age demographic calling, 18-24 and 25-34, and reports seeing people calling sooner to report problematic gambling concerns.

Anyone who needs to speak about gambling addiction is asked to call 800-589-9966.

WFMJ's chief meteorologist Eric Wilhelm and meteorologist Andrew DiPaolo talk about what precisely some severe weather terms are.
Today they discuss floods - and the difference between watch and warning, aerial flooding vs. flash flooding, and why it is important to never drive into flood waters.
Information that is very important to know - as your life may depend on it.

Robert Fenn, Social Security Administration Public Affairs Specialist, joins host Madonna Chism Pinkard to discuss Social Security. They will discuss the cost of living (COLA) increase, the www.mymoney.gov website, types of filings for Social Security benefits, and the "Slam the Scam" program to protect the elderly.

Derek Steyer speaks with Kent State economist Dr. Omid Bagheri about the state of the economy. Inflation is improving,  the federal government is moving to protect some banks and the market is a rollercoaster ride. So what does all of this mean for you and your money? 

Bradley Droy is President and CEO of T.E.A. Inc. of Baton Rouge, an environmental company that investigates hazardous spills, designs and handles remediation, and assesses the toxicology issues and risk assessments for communities involved.
His firm, along with some NASA science were able to clean up the toxic derailment site in Louisiana in a few years, after others had spent more than three decades and millions attempting to do so.
Could his solution help East Palestine? 

 Albert Presto, Research Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, and member of the Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies speaks with 21 News about the concern of a by-product from the chemical burn in East Palestine, and speaks about the health concerns and what residents should do. 

Kent State Earth Science professor  Kuldeep Singh looked over the Norfolk Southern preliminary remediation plan for air, ground and water and shared what he feels was handled well, and what he feels needs more effort to control. 

21 Sports Sports Director Dana Balash caught up with new Mahoning Valley Scrappers manager Dmitri Young and discuss his new job and career.

The Scrappers open the season on June 1, 2023.

In 1972, the sense of safety in the bedroom community of Boardman was shattered for the community and for law enforcement when missing 12-year-old Bradley Bellino was found dead inside of a trash dumpster behind Boardman Plaza.

In today's podcast, 21 News digital manager Robert McFerren speaks with the Boardman patrolman, and later chief Glenn Bower, who was one of the first on the scene, who shares his memories of the tragic day and how police officers can be haunted by some of the horrific crime scenes they investigate as part of their daily jobs. 

 21 News at 5 p.m. Anchor Lindsay McCoy interviews The Detroit News Autos Reporter Kalea Hall about the upcoming UAW talks for Ultium Cells workers in Lordstown and the national union talks this year. She also details why this will be a big year for General Motors. Autoline Auto Industry Analyst John McElroy explains the formation of the EV battery belt and where plants go be built for battery production next.  

Don Templeton has been living with the fact that he was the last person to see his best friend Brad Bellino alive ... except the man who killed him in Boardman in March of 1972.  21 News reporter and Weekend anchor Sydney Canty speaks with Templeton who shares his memories of Brad, and how he feels now the case is finally solved.

"Erin's Law" is a law in several states around the country that requires age-appropriate abuse education aimed at helping kids know the red flags of potential predators. It's named after Erin Merryn, an abuse survivor from Chicago. In this edition of the 21 News Podcast, Madison Tromler speaks to Merryn about what it took to get the bill  passed in Ohio and why she says this was the hardest state to get it done. 

New jobs numbers show nearly 50-year lows in unemployment and wages headed upward.  Managing editor Justin Mitchell speaks to Jared Bernstein of the White House Council of Economic Advisors about whether there's any way to fight inflation without hurting workers. How can the federal government cool down the economy to bring down prices without hurting workers in the process? 

Two new polls show Tim Ryan and JD Vance locked in an absolute dead heat heading down the stretch to Election Day.  In this edition of the 21 News Podcast,  managing editor Justin Mitchell talks to Dr. Don Levy of Siena College Research Institute about the trends in this race. Levy talks about the unusual Ohio phenomenon where double-digit percentages of voters say they'll vote for DeWine for Governor and Tim Ryan for Senate, as well as some key shifts in Vance's favor. Bottom line: The race is coming down to whoever can turn out a sliver of the nine percent who still say they're undecided: Will they vote for one of the candidates or will they skip the race entirely? 

Erik Boland is a former sportswriter for the Warren Tribune Chronicle and did some work for 21 Sports in the late 1990s. 
For the past 14 seasons, he's been the New York Yankees beat writer for Newsday.

WFMJ 21 Sports Director Dana Balash caught up with Boland and talked about the Guardians - Yankees series and more.

Enjoy!

More cuts and layoffs could once again be a reality at Youngstown State University, as YSU administration sent a letter to faculty members listing which departments could be impacted. 
21 News anchor Madison Tromler speaks with union president  YSU-OEA President Mark Vopat, who feels the university's approach is going to hurt the University's ability to attract and keep faculty in this 21 News podcast.

It’s National Recovery Month in the United States and it comes at a time when we’re seeing discouraging trends in overdose numbers all over our viewing area.
In some cases, this year appears poised to surpass 2017 for the worst year ever for fatal overdoses in Mahoning and Trumbull counties and the backdrop for addiction continues to change.
Managing Editor Justin Mitchell talks with Dr.  John Sabaro, head of addiction services for Mercy Health and Suzette Miller, nursing supervisor for behavioral health, about an effort to help some of the most vulnerable.

In this edition of the 21 News Podcast, Erin Simonek speaks with Betsy Mayotte of the Institute of Student Loan Advisers about who will likely be most impacted by the President's plan to forgive $10,000 in student loan debt. Is there any downside? Is the plan likely to affect inflation? Does it go far enough? Mayotte takes us through the likely effects of the plan for most borrowers. 

Trumbull County was awarded $344 million in an unprecedented opioid lawsuit settlement. 21 News anchor Madison Tromler spoke with Trumbull County's Mental Health and Recovery Board Executive Director April Caraway about how the money will be used to help battle drug addiction in the county.  

In today's 21 News Podcast, Managing Editor J. Breen Mitchell speaks with best-selling author and political strategist, Lis Smith, who has worked for many politicians, all the way up to Pete Buttigieg's 2020 Presidential campaign. 

Listen to her take on the Senate race between Tim Ryan against J.D. Vance, and talks about Ohio's political landscape.

Her book  "Any Given Tuesday" follows Smith from college political intern to adviser to some of the most high-profile politicians in the country. 

"It's important that we embrace our history. So we can understand it...and leave it behind."  That's how Marc Smerling, the Oscar-nominated producer behind "The Jinx," "Catfish," and "Crimetown" describes why he's taken on his latest project.  "Crooked City: Youngstown, Ohio" delves deep into the city's sometimes sordid past, from Mafia carbombings to Jim Traficant to Amil Dinsio's massive bank heist where he made off with $30 million of Richard Nixon's cash.  Corey McCrae discusses what fascinated Smerling about the city, what the impact has been on national politics and why there's hope for a bright future. 

Facing scrutiny from the Ohio Learning Commission and the U.S. Department of Education over issues including adequate staff levels, online enrollment and the implementation of a free tuition program that has been suspended, reinstated and then suspended again, Corey McCrae has a candid conversation with the president of Eastern Gateway Community College about whether there are any concerns for the school's longterm future .

In today's 21 News podcast, managing editor of news J. Breen Mitchell talks with Michael Dorn, executive director of Safe Havens International, a non-profit campus safety organization that schools and school systems to improve crisis preparedness and campus safety.

Dorn has done more than 8,500 school safety analyses in the US, and in more than 24 countries in his 41 years in the school safety business.

Find out what countries have the most dangerous school settings, and Dorn discusses how he examines school shoot information by the per capita rate to get accurate data for his non-profit, and what tools are effective in battling school violence, and see what Dorn says about whether arming teachers is a solution to the problem.

Listen to this very interesting podcast and share it with other concerned parents.

Madison Tromler speaks with attorney Matt Mangino about the executive order signed by President Joe Biden in response to the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe  vs. Wade.  After that decision, Ohio immediately implemented a ban on abortions in nearly all cases after six weeks . Does the new order have any impact on Ohio law? 

In the wake of a flurry of Supreme Court decisions that have expanded gun rights, taken away reproductive rights and broken down a wall between church and state, is the Supreme Court interpreting the law or  using the bench to advance a political agenda?  Managing editor Justin Mitchell speaks with Kent State professor Chris Banks. Banks is an expert in Constitutional law and the courts and he says we're witnessing nearly unprecedented times that could affect the legitimacy of the Court for a long time to come. 

Leslie Huff speaks with Guy Burney, director of the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence, about protocols in place in the city of Youngstown to help balance the needs of the community with the needs of families affected by violence. 

In today's 21 News podcast, Constitutional law expert Matt Mangino talks with anchor Derek Steyer about the ramifications of overturning abortion rights in the US and returning the decision to the state level to decide. What will this mean for Ohio and Pennsylvania? 

In this episode of the 21 News Podcast,  Leslie Huff speaks with Joseph Napier, chief organizer of The Youngstown Creative Collective, which is organizing the fifth annual Youngstown Juneteenth event at the Eugenia Atkinson Center. The event, which begins at noon on Sunday, June 19, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. 

Once a Democratic stronghold, the Mahoning Valley has seen the Republican party make massive gains since 2016. In 2020, both Mahoning and Trumbull counties went Republican, in some areas by large margins. 

Now, there are new leaders  leading the Democratic Party in both counties and in this edition of the 21 News Podcast, both Chris Anderson and Mark Alberini talk about their plans to reshape the party in a new era .

What money mistakes did you make when you were first out of high school and how much better off would you be if you had known then what you know now? 

In this episode of the 21 News Podcast, managing editor Justin Mitchell speaks with Viktoria Jurkovic, consumer affairs manager at the Ohio Department of Commerce, about the tools young people need to start out in the world.  From how to save money to how to use credit cards as tools for your future, Jurkovic talks about how making some simple decisions now can help young people avoid mistakes that could follow them for years to come. 

In this 21 News Podcast,  Social Media Coordinator Danielle Cotterman sits down with former FBI Agent, best-selling author and art crime expert Robert K. Wittman. 

Wittman shares details of how he came to uncover the four hundred page and long-lost diary of Alfred Rosenberg, a theorist who has been described as 'the man who made Hitler into Hitler.'

Listeners can also learn more about a lecture series featuring Wittman that is currently taking place at the Medici Museum of Art.

Michael Lawlor, a former Connecticut legislator who authored the nation's first "Red Flag" law, talks about why mass shootings are only common in America and how we can cut through politics and find solutions to the problem. 

Valley native Bo Pelini and his son Patrick are starting their own podcast next week, "Beyond the Playbook with Bo Pelini."

21 Sports Director Dana Balash talked with both Pelini's about what this venture is all about, how it pertains to Coach Pelini's coaching career in the NFL and college, and how this father and son duo came up with the idea, and what they hope to accomplish.  

We also ask Bo if his coaching career is over, plus much more.

Terri DiGennaro was recently honored with the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities Advocate of the Year Award . The award honors her work to bring more access to art therapy, a unique type of therapy that uses art as a way to communicate when words aren't as easy to come by . DiGennaro talks about how she saw the benefits of art in her own son, Ryan Giambattista ,  who she describes as a "street artist." When Ryan died, Terri looked to find ways to honor him and in the process, found a way to make his memory bring help to others .

Cleveland Clinic psychologist Dr. Kia Rai-Prewitt talks about the importance of being patient with the healing process following a traumatic event. Rai-Prewitt says what parents and children alike need most is to allow themselves to go through the stages of grief, however they feel them personally, and allow themselves the time it takes to heal. 

21 News Managing Editor Justin Mitchell speaks one on one with former Congressman Jim Renacci, who is the top challenger to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in the May 3rd primary. 
Renacci is pressed on why he's not concerned with splitting the Republican vote, why he thinks former President Donald Trump has declined to endorse him and what exactly does he mean when he says he'd ban certain topics from Ohio's classrooms.  

Former Howland and Michigan football product De'Veon Smith was released from the USFL's Pittsburgh Maulers after nearly a week for what the team is saying was for being 'disrespectful.' Smith claims it was over a menu item of chicken salad following practice a few weeks ago. A video surfaced on Twitter Monday on Smith being told of his released. The video was part of a documentary about the USFL returning.

21 Sports caught up with Smith earlier today to get his side of the story.

Listen up.

Sydney Canty speaks with Kathy Cook, the retiring president of St. Joe's Hospital. Cook talks about her 38 years in the healthcare field, from her time as a nurse to experiences running a hospital. 

A psychologist for the Cleveland Clinic, Kasey Goodpaster, Ph.D., responds to a CDC report showing that emergency room visits for eating disorders doubled among girls between the ages of 12 and 17 years old during the pandemic.

In this 21 News Podcast, Goodpaster explains what may have caused the increase. She also breaks down the do's-and-don'ts of addressing a child.

In this WFMJ 21 Sports podcast, sports director Dana Balash speaks with Greg Brown, the radio/TV broadcaster for the Pittsburgh Pirates since 1994.  In 1988, Brown worked as a weekend sports anchor for WFMJ TV (and he's one of three former WFMJ Sports anchors now working for major league teams as broadcasters). 

Listen up to the reunion and hear more about the Pittsburgh Pirates.

21 News Anchor Madison Tromler sits down with Brian Cuban, a recovery advocate, author and Dallas-based attorney. He's the brother of Mark Cuban, an entrepreneur and television personality. Cuban made a stop in Youngstown to speak at YSU on his recovery. In this podcast, he discusses his journey overcoming his alcohol/drug addiction & an eating disorder, offers advice for those dealing with addiction, and shares his message for success.

We've seen the recent and horrifying reports out of Ukraine as refugees recall the chaos and violence they're witnessing. 

Millions continue to flee Ukraine to neighboring countries like Poland. 

Anchor Madison Tromler spoke with a women from the Mahoning Valley who is in Poland to help, and shares with 21 News the traumatic experiences they're hearing first hand. 

21 News Political Panelists managing editor Justin Mitchell, 570 WKBN host Ron Verb and publisher of the Buckeye Review Dr. Mike McNair go over the winners and losers in the Senate Republican candidates debate put on by the Ohio Debate Commission. 

21 News Managing Editor Justin Mitchell, 570 WKBN radio host Ron Verb and publisher of the Buckeye Review Dr. Mike McNair go over the Senate Democratic candidates debate between Tim Ryan, Morgan Harper and Traci TJ Johnson put on by the Ohio Debate Commission. 

Does it seem like the wild swings in temperature are playing havoc on your allergies? It's not your imagination. Dr. Tonia Farmer talks with Sydney Canty about how the weather affects allergies, why it may be getting worse right now and some of the newest, most innovative ways to stay ahead of the problem. 

In times of stress from everything from war on television to concerns over household budgets squeezed by high gas and food prices, we may not realize how much the youngest members of our families are picking up.  In this edition of the 21 News Podcast, Dr. David Chiarella talks about ways to notice that your little one may be feeling overwhelmed or helpless and how to help cope with those fears as a family. 

Jessie Balmert, state government reporter for the Columbus Dispatch, talks about the Governor's race, the Senate race and whether there's any way the May 3 primary can go forward as scheduled without delay. 

Ron Torbert, a 1981 graduate of South High School from Youngstown, shares his experience as a referee for Super Bowl LVI on Feb. 13, 2022, and growing up in the Valley.

Listen up!

YSU professor and author Chris Barzak discusses the rising movements in several states to ban certain books from the classroom, including one of his own.  Barzak says that while the thought process behind these bans is harmful, he remains optimistic that they will actually backfire and encourage more reading and diversity of thought.  Barzak's book, "Wonders of the Invisible World," was included on a list of 850 books targeted for banning by a Texas State representative.  

Malaynia Spiva speaks with Erin Bishop from the Youngstown City Health District and Michelle Edison with the Mahoning County District Board of Health about the longstanding problem of infant mortality in the county.  After years and years of struggling to improve the problem, Mahoning county's infant mortality rate remains signficantly higher than many other places. What progress has been made and how much more work needs to be done to improve the chance at life for so many Valley children? 

Former longtime Vindicator columnist Bertram de Souza reflects on the trailblazing life and legacy of former Vindicator publisher Betty Brown Jagnow.  de Souza recalls Mrs. Jagnow's  seven decades at the newspaper, her devotion to serving the community and her sharp wit and passion for the paper and its people. 

21 Sports talks with Mike Mulhall, Vice President of Business Development for the Cleveland Sports Commission about the NBA All Star Weekend coming to Cleveland later this month.

Mullhall talks what's available for fans and much more. Listen up!

Dan O'Brien, managing editor of The Business Journal, talks with Madison Tromler about the latest developments in the electric vehicle industry in Lordstown and whether or not the promise of Voltage Valley is finally coming true. 

In a lengthy and candid conversation, Corey McCrae speaks with Kevin Richardson of the Central Park Five, who were wrongfully accused and convicted of a brutal attack on a jogger in New York City in the late 1980's. 

Richardson talks about  the reforms needed in order to shatter the false perceptions some in authority have held against Black and Latino men.

Richardson recounts how that night changed his life forever and opened his eyes to the inequities that exist in some aspects of the criminal justice system, which he now works to reform. 

Managing editor Justin Mitchell speaks with White House Deputy Communications director Kate Berner about Biden's first year in office. Berner talks about Biden's accomplishments, such as a low unemployment rate and vaccine rollout, as well as the problems plaguing the country, such as high inflation and an inability to pass big-ticket items such as Voting Rights and the Build Back Better plan. With approval ratings now below 50 percent, can the President overcome the hurdles his agenda faces? 

In this edition of the 21 News Podcast, Madison Tromler has a conversation with Wynton Rayford of the East Liverpool and Wellsville NAACP. Rayford reflects on the importance of Martin Luther King Day in this moment in history and the legacy Martin Luther King Junior left behind. 

21 Sports Sports Director Dana Balash talks with the Executive Director of the Ohio High School Athletic Association Doug Ute about adding girls wrestling and boys volleyball for the 2022-23 school year.

Also discussed was the first year of 16 teams from each region in the football playoffs and if there's any thought of shortening the regular season due to the expanded playoffs.

Listen up!

 21 News Anchor Derek Steyer speaks with the Governor one on one as we enter what's shaping up to be a busy year in Ohio 

In the first episode of the third season, Managing Editor Justin Mitchell speaks with David Pepper, author of "Laboratories of Autocracy: A Wake up call from Behind the Lines." One year since the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, Pepper argues that the real threat to American democracy is happening in a much quieter way at the state level with little attention from the people.  Far from being a partisan issue, Pepper says the threat has grave consequences for Republicans and Democrats. Not to despair, though, Pepper says there are a number of simple things Americans can do to make sure the people maintain their voice. 

Dr. James Kravec, chief medical officer at Mercy Health, talks about the strain the current wave of Covid infections is having on hospitals. Kravec points out that the vast majority of those in the hospitals remain unvaccinated. So is it still safe to gather for the holidays? Kravec says yes,  as long as you take some basic precautions. 

Congressman Mike Kelly speaks with Madison Tromler as he begins his reelection campaign. Kelly talks about why he blames Republicans as well as Democrats for the size of the nation's deficit, where he sees the Covid pandemic heading next and the current ethics probes he's facing. Kelly also says , after leading one of the legal efforts to overturn the 2020 election in Pennsylvania, that he doesn't believe his rhetoric contributed to a loss of confidence in elections that could undermine future races. 

21 Sports Director Dana Balash talks with Horizon League Commissioner Julie Roe Lach on the status of Youngstown State University's Athletics, the Horizon League and why the men's basketball team opens its conference schedule on the road. Lach also discusses why there are no more Men's/Women's basketball doubleheaders and more on the importance of YSU and the Horizon League.

Connor Steffen speaks exclusively with national Republican pollster and strategist Kellyanne Conway. Conway is now working on the Senate campaign for Bernie Moreno, who is seeking the GOP nomination for the seat being vacated by Rob Portman. Conway walks about moving the party forward beyond Donald Trump by focusing on issues over insults and whether the realignment of 2016 is likely to last into the future. 

Youngstown State University alum Cathy Lucas talks about her work with the LGBTQ Alumni Chapter to offer a helping hand to students in need. Lucas talks about how the fund can help LGBTQ students while offering an inclusive environment free from discrimination. 

 Easy Street Productions Co-founder Todd Hancock joined 21 News to go over what this year's show has to offer and what makes it unique from years past.

Madison Tromler speaks with economist Omid Bagheri from Kent State University about the President's move to open up the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Will this actually lower gas prices? By how much? And for how long? 

In this 21 News podcast, Dr. Deirdre Adduci says in her 35 years of being a therapist topics of today are the most polarizing she has experienced in counseling.