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21-WFMJ News Podcast

290 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★ - 7 ratings

Podcast originating from 21 News in Youngstown, OH.

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Episodes

The Outcue. A behind-the-scene look at severe weather coverage and keeping you safe

April 19, 2024 20:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MB

"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 ...

Should kids with developmental disabilities be 'mainstreamed' when it comes to education?

April 09, 2024 20:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MB

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' cl...

The Outcue: The real price of purchasing pets from the web

April 05, 2024 20:00 - 16 minutes - 11.7 MB

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 ...

Severe weather season is upon us... here are some important terms and tips you need to know

April 02, 2024 19:00 - 7 minutes - 5.05 MB

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 ...

The Outcue: A drug addiction treatment center may be coming to Austintown.....are community concerns warranted?

March 29, 2024 19:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MB

"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 ...

The Outcue: Every election, we provide you the results... but find out what it takes to make that all happen

March 22, 2024 21:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MB

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 Digita...

WFMJ 21 News The Outcue: How reporters cover sensitive stories involving death or tragedy

March 15, 2024 19:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MB

“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 invo...

21 News The Outcue Podcast: Behind the scenes on covering the East Palestine Train derailment

March 08, 2024 22:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MB

“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 derail...

Frank LaRose

March 05, 2024 21:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MB

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.

Bernie Moreno

March 05, 2024 21:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MB

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 S01E02: A behind-the-scenes discussion on the Youngstown schools spending investigation

March 01, 2024 20:00 - 47 minutes - 32.8 MB

"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 inv...

The Outcue, S01E01. Trouble in Vienna Township

February 23, 2024 22:00 - 31 minutes - 21.3 MB

"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 sto...

Norfolk Southern signs Close Call Confidential Reporting System pilot program agreement

February 16, 2024 21:00 - 9 minutes - 6.79 MB

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.

Are unemployment and inflation rates in Ohio showing signs of economic improvement?

January 23, 2024 22:00 - 10 minutes - 7.27 MB

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.

Longtime 21 News Director Mona Alexander reflects on career after retirement announcement

December 14, 2023 20:00 - 27 minutes - 18.6 MB

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 T...

Will Valley ecomonic boom happen from Ultium Cells raises? You bet

November 17, 2023 19:00 - 4 minutes - 3 MB

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...

Is Ultium Cells joining GM's master agreement dead? It's complicated

October 24, 2023 19:00 - 11 minutes - 8.11 MB

 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. 

'101 West,' new 21 News in-depth investigative show debuts Tuesday

October 13, 2023 21:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MB

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 p...

Will RFK, Jr.'s independent White House run be a game changer?

October 09, 2023 20:00 - 12 minutes - 8.56 MB

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. 

Important safety rules to keep all Ohio hunters safe

October 05, 2023 16:00 - 7 minutes - 5.17 MB

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.

CNBC auto analyst Phil LeBeau talks potential Big Three strike impact - from buying a vehicle to the industry itself

August 25, 2023 17:00 - 5 minutes - 3.51 MB

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.

Rebuilding Ohio: How millions in federal dollars are set to remake Ohio's electricity grid for the future

July 20, 2023 19:00 - 4 minutes - 2.93 MB

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. 

What happens if YOU become a lottery millionaire?

July 14, 2023 18:00 - 10 minutes - 7.21 MB

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. 

EV industry closely watching Ultium Cells battle to unionize and what it means to industry

June 13, 2023 20:00 - 12 minutes - 8.3 MB

 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 combustio...

A serial killer amongst us... hear from Boardman police officer who investigated these cases for decades

June 08, 2023 21:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MB

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.

337,000 children are missing... hear how US Marshals operations are working to find these kids

May 24, 2023 20:00 - 11 minutes - 8.15 MB

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 th...

Former Ohio Governor Bob Taft on making it harder for voters to pass ballot measures: "It's like they're trying to rush through almost in the dark of night."

May 08, 2023 18:00 - 9 minutes - 6.83 MB

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 of the White House council of Economic Advisers talks about walking an economic tight rope

April 28, 2023 20:00 - 10 minutes - 7.35 MB

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? 

Valley calls to gambling helpline increased 50% since sports gambling began

April 07, 2023 16:00 - 8 minutes - 5.94 MB

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 call...

Learn about important flood tips and terms that may save your life

March 22, 2023 18:00 - 7 minutes - 4.88 MB

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.

What you need to know about Social Security

March 15, 2023 22:00 - 19 minutes - 13.1 MB

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.

Kent State economist discusses mixed messages on the economy

March 15, 2023 19:00 - 12 minutes - 8.41 MB

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? 

Can NASA formula help speed up the recovery in East Palestine? One environmental company says yes

March 07, 2023 23:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MB

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? 

Carnegie Mellon/Texas A&M shares new air data from East Palestine. What does it show?

March 03, 2023 18:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MB

 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. 

Expert examines clean-up plan, offers insight, concerns for East Palestine

February 14, 2023 22:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MB

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. 

New Scrappers manager discusses 2023 season, career

February 02, 2023 22:00 - 8 minutes - 6.2 MB

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.

Are police haunted by the murders they investigate? A cop shares his memories of the 1972 Bellino case

January 27, 2023 19:00 - 10 minutes - 7.32 MB

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 horrifi...

2023 will be a big year for the EV Industry

January 26, 2023 21:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MB

 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.  

Best friend reflects on Brad Bellino cold case finally being solved after 50 years

January 24, 2023 22:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MB

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.

A conversation with the survivor behind "Erin's Law," the bill headed to DeWine's desk that requires abuse education in schools

December 19, 2022 20:00 - 8 minutes - 5.66 MB

"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. 

Is there a way to bring down inflation without hurting workers?

December 02, 2022 20:00 - 6 minutes - 4.74 MB

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? 

Is there a way to bring down inflation without hurting workers?

December 02, 2022 20:00 - 6 minutes - 4.74 MB

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? 

With two weeks to go, Ohio's Senate race remains deadlocked

October 24, 2022 20:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MB

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...

With two weeks to go, Ohio's Senate race remains deadlocked

October 24, 2022 20:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MB

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...

21 Sports talks with Guardians, more with former Valley sportswriter, Newsday Yankees beat writer

October 10, 2022 17:00 - 15 minutes - 11 MB

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!  

Will eliminating programs make YSU more sustainable in long run or hurt the school?

September 20, 2022 21:00 - 9 minutes - 6.81 MB

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.

Mercy Health support for addicted mothers

September 01, 2022 19:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MB

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 be...

Mercy Health support for addicted mothers

September 01, 2022 19:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MB

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 be...

Who will be most impacted by student loan forgiveness?

August 24, 2022 19:00 - 10 minutes - 7.38 MB

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. 

Who will be most impacted by student loan forgiveness?

August 24, 2022 19:00 - 10 minutes - 7.38 MB

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.