News Engine artwork

News Engine

44 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 months ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratings

News Engine is an ongoing discussion with locals, leaders, decision-makers, reporters, editors, and newsmakers that impacts your daily life. Ed Pikulski is a broadcaster, photojournalist, editor, and Director of Interactive Media for Times-Shamrock Communications. 

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Episodes

Inside the mind of WNEP's Joe Snedeker

August 28, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 48.6 MB

WNEP morning meteorologist Joe Snedeker joins the News Engine Podcast to discuss, well, everything.  Joe goes into detail about how he got his start at WNEP, when and why he began wearing shorts in the middle of winter, the rigors of the annual Go Joe bike ride, and why he can't sit still and battles a short attention span. It all adds up to a high-energy morning broadcast that has lasted over two- decades. Joe shares his feelings about the work St. Joseph's Center does, how he handles any...

Umbrellas, hearts and skeletons: Frank Dubas is using Scranton as his canvas

August 23, 2023 18:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MB

Many people have seen Frank Dubas' creations. From his colorful umbrellas over Bogart Place to his community Gardens of Cedar, Dubas has been making Scranton a more colorful place while creating a splash on social media. Learn more about how he did it and what's next. You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Google Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Spotify Contact News Engine: c...

PennDOT takes us inside the 10-year I-81 widening project

August 02, 2023 17:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MB

Rich Roman, District Executive for PennDOT’s Engineering District 4, joins the News Engine Podcast to discuss the 7.5-mile Interstate 81 widening project between Scranton and Avoca. The enormous project will cost $500 million and take 10 years but it will be 5 years before crews start digging. Between now and then there's a lot of planning. Rich takes us inside the expansion and discusses how traffic will be affected and what drivers and commuters can expect. He also discusses a similar 7-...

Veteran Earl Granville is inspiring us to battle adversity: "You don't need a uniform to serve your country"

June 14, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 56.3 MB

Carbondale native Earl Granville is a decorated Army veteran who served tours in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, famously losing his leg to a roadside bomb and his twin brother to suicide. Earl joins the News Engine podcast to tell us about how he battles adversity and how he helps veterans and law enforcement, sharing insight into how his injury and the loss of his brother helped guide him toward the work he does today. Earl shares the story of the loss of his leg in combat, his twin broth...

Meet the volunteer team that's restoring and reopening the Brooks Mine at Nay Aug Park

May 30, 2023 19:00 - 56 minutes - 38.7 MB

Chris Murley and Dan Shurtleff have a love of coal mining and its history. They understand how mining helped shape the region and wanted to find a way to share their knowledge and love of anthracite mining with a new generation who may know little or nothing about the industry that helped build Northeast Pennsylvania. The mining enthusiasts took one look at the long-forgotten Brooks Mine at Nay Aug Park and knew they found something special. Knowing the mine was perfect to rehabilitate and ...

2023 Primary election analysis: Reassessment and Notarianni, the rise of Gaughan and McGloin, voting for change and the shrinking Democratic edge

May 22, 2023 19:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MB

The Times-Tribune politics reporter Borys  Krawczeniuk breaks down the Primary election by taking a look at what happened to Jerry Notarianni and if reassessment was to blame. Borys also digs into the emergence of Bill Gaughan onto the Lackawanna County stage, what Matt McGloin is going to need to learn to be a commissioner, and how local voters sought change and younger leadership. Over the past several years Borys has been tracking a change in voter registration in Lackawanna County and ...

Ernie Preate on his path from prosecuting historic Lackawanna County murder cases to prison reform

April 14, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 44.6 MB

Former Lackawanna County District Attorney and Pennsylvania Attorney General Ernie Preate joins the News Engine Podcast for an extensive interview that details his rise to the top of county and state politics, his stunning fall, and his desire to reform prisons he helped fill. You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Google Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Spotify Contact News E...

Meet the Scranton Priest who helped raise over $1 million to help fund Ukraine's freedom fight against Russia

March 21, 2023 16:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MB

Rev. Myron Myronyuk, the pastor of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Scranton, has spent the past year on a personal mission to help purchase supplies for soldiers from his Ukraine homeland.  He purchases helmets, body armor, tourniquets, uniforms, boots, vehicles, drones, and medical supplies and ships everything to the front lines in Ukraine. Father Myron speaks to the soldiers - including his twin brother Taras - weekly and offers spiritual and emotional support, confession,...

Scranton's coldest case: Reporter Lew Marcus looks back on the Tommy Genova murder

March 06, 2023 20:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MB

On Jan. 26, 1981, Scranton School Director Tommy Genova was running late for a school board meeting. He exited his car behind the district's administration building and was shot in the back, dying a few hours later.  Scranton Tribune reporter Lew Marcus was in the building covering the school board meeting when the shooting occurred and talks about that night and the years that followed. Editor's note: During the episode, we refer to Tommy Genova's brother as a state trooper. The trooper me...

Scranton City Council President and Steamtown Marathon founder Bill King hits the ground running

February 28, 2023 20:00 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MB

After years as a teacher, principal, school superintendent, and founder and director of the Steamtown Marathon, Scranton City Council President settles into his new role just a year after being sworn in. You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Google Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Spotify Contact News Engine: [email protected] If you know someone who you'd like to ...

The Rock 107 Birthday Bash: The End of an Era

February 22, 2023 19:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MB

What started Monday as an annual social media post noting Rock 107's birthday wound up being a bit of a sad announcement for loyal fans of the 43-year-old classic rock radio station. Word began spreading that Northeast Pa's Classic Rock radio would probably be unable to host future birthday bash parties. You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Google Podcasts Listen and subscrib...

State representative Kyle Donahue talks about his days on Scranton City Council and prepares for Harrisburg

December 09, 2022 18:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MB

Newly elected state representative and former Scranton City Council President Kyle Donahue looks back on his days working for the city while he looks ahead to his position in Harrisburg representing the 113th legislative district. Donahue talks about his accomplishments during his tenure on council and discusses one of his few regrets and some unfinished business the new council and mayor will have to address. Representative Donahue dives into the Nay Aug pool project, what could have been...

Election wrap: Cartwright, Bognet, Fetterman, Oz, Trump, 2024, Scranton City Council and Mayor Cognetti

November 15, 2022 20:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MB

Award-winning Scranton Times-Tribune journalist Borys Krawczeniuk breaks down what happened during the 2022 general election. Borys talks about the Fetterman vs Oz race, transparency, and how things might have been different if Oz lost the primary election. We also discuss "tough hombre" Matt Cartwright, the ballot fiasco in Luzerne County, Trump's impact on the election, and what could happen in 2024. We also ask Borys how Scranton City Council might change with the departure of Kyle Don...

Scranton developer John Basalyga on how he got his start, challenges of building a 17 story skyscraper, and if he wants to run for office

November 08, 2022 18:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MB

John Basalyga began building his name and reputation as a teenage roofer, eventually starting his own company and branching out into real estate development. John discusses how he got his start, describes the harrowing bidding process when he purchased the Steamtown Mall, updates us on the Scranton skyscraper project, and tells us if he has any interest in running for public office. You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Listen and subscribe o...

Pulitzer Prize winning reporter and 'Bad City' author Paul Pringle

November 01, 2022 13:00 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MB

Luzerne County native and three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning LA Times reporter Paul Pringle talks about investigative journalism and his new book, Bad City: Peril and Power in the City of Angels. The true-crime events that lead to the investigation into USC School of Medicine Dean Dr. Carmen Puliafito are a shocking tale of drugs, sex, corruption, and several failed systems. Paul discusses the reporting process, the behind-the-scenes story of why his editors would not publish his story abou...

Pulitzer Prize winning reporter and 'Bad City' author Paul Pringle

November 01, 2022 13:00 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MB

Luzerne County native and three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning LA Times reporter Paul Pringle talks about investigative journalism and his new book, Bad City: Peril and Power in the City of Angels. The true-crime events that lead to the investigation into USC School of Medicine Dean Dr. Carmen Puliafito are a shocking tale of drugs, sex, corruption, and several failed systems. Paul discusses the reporting process, the behind-the-scenes story of why his editors would not publish his story abou...

On the Road with WNEP's Mike Stevens

October 25, 2022 16:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MB

Mike Stevens spent over three decades traveling Pennsylvania's roads for his series of features and stories with everyday people. Mike joins the News Engine podcast to tell us some of his favorite stories, how he managed to do it and what he's been up to since he partially retired a few years ago. Explore the "Stevens Says" collection of short essays and the Photo Link work Mike does. You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Listen and subscrib...

State Rep. Thom Welby keeps his promise, finishing his one year in Harrisburg

October 11, 2022 18:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MB

Thom Welby, Representative for the Pennsylvania 113th legislative district, has spent his promised one year in Harrisburg. Thom discusses his regrets, successes, take on partisan politics, hopes for fairer school funding, tax relief for senior citizens, his future plans for elected office, and his legacy. You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Google Podcasts Listen and subscribe...

Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown talks crime, homelessness, unions, development, and reelection

October 04, 2022 14:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MB

Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown discusses the challenges and successes he's encountered during his first term running the largest city in Luzerne County. Mayor Brown talks about crime, blight, homelessness, and investing in the city and makes the surprise announcement that he'll be seeking a second term. You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Google Podcasts Listen and subscribe...

Scranton Police Chief Tom Carroll

June 28, 2022 03:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MB

Scranton Police Chief Tom Carroll talks about policing The Electric City. The chief discusses school safety and violence, gangs, community cooperation, recruiting challenges, and more. You can report a crime tip anonymously HERE. You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Google Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Spotify You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get y...

Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti: Part 2

June 19, 2022 02:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MB

Part 2 of our interview with Scranton Mayor Paige Gephardt Cognetti. The mayor discusses her vision for the city, the train to New York, and her plans for the future. Join us for a wide-ranging discussion about all things Scranton. You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Google Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Spotify You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get ...

Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti: Part 1

June 14, 2022 02:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MB

Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti discusses a wide range of topics important to the city and surrounding areas.  In this episode, the mayor talks about her unconventional path to Scranton, the brutal world of Lackawanna County politics, battling corruption and its legacy, the Scranton School District and how it impacts the entire city, Scranton's financial status, and how the pandemic surprisingly helped streamline some city operations. You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you...

Season 2 Promo

June 10, 2022 19:00 - 52 seconds - 669 KB

Season 2 of News Engine starts in less than a week.  Here's what you can expect. You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Google Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Spotify Contact News Engine: [email protected] If you know someone who you'd like to hear on the News Engine podcast or would like to join us we'd love to hear your guest suggestions. Visit the News Engine ...

Season 2 Preview

December 15, 2021 18:00 - 52 seconds - 668 KB

In season 2 of the News Engine Podcast, we'll venture outside of Times-Shamrock and talk to other media organizations, community leaders, and local decision-makers that have an impact on your daily life. Look for the new season of News Engine in early 2022. You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Google Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Spotify Contact News Engine: contactus@ti...

Local history: Marywood fire, lost in the mine, death of three brothers, and a sick boy's Christmas wish

December 08, 2021 11:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MB

This week we talk to Scranton Times-Tribune local history writer Erin Nissley. Erin tells us about how readers respond to her articles and what happens when they reach out to tell us the rest of the story. Included in this week's podcast are the jeweled crown discovered after the 1971 Marywood fire and the untold story of one Scranton firefighter's really bad day. We also tell the story of two Scranton boys who went missing for days in a local mine, the tragedy that claimed the life of thr...

Local history: Marywood fire, boys lost in a mine, death of three brothers, and a sick child's Christmas wish

December 08, 2021 11:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MB

This week we talk to Scranton Times-Tribune local history writer Erin Nissley. Erin tells us about how readers respond to her articles and what happens when they reach out to tell us the rest of the story. Included in this week's podcast are the jeweled crown discovered after the 1971 Marywood fire and the untold story of one Scranton firefighter's really bad day. We also tell the story of two Scranton boys who went missing for days in a local mine, the tragedy that claimed the life of thr...

Scranton Times-Tribune columnist Chris Kelly answers your questions

December 02, 2021 19:00 - 41 minutes - 28.5 MB

We collected your questions and asked Scranton Times-Tribune columnist Chris Kelly everything and anything that was on your mind, including Teddy Daniels, Joe Biden, COVID, Republicans, and Frank Scavo. You asked - Chris answered. You can read Chris' blog HERE and his column HERE. You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Google Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Spotify You can su...

Inside the mind of cartoonist John Cole

November 24, 2021 15:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MB

Scranton Times-Tribune cartoonist John Cole takes us inside the world of editorial cartoons - everything from how he got started to how locals react to his caricatures. John also tells us about some of his favorite people to draw, who's on his radar, and what to do if you don't like what you see. You can see John's work here. You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Google Podcasts...

NEPA's Largest Christmas Tree: Secrets of the Times Tower

November 17, 2021 09:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MB

In 1960 The Scranton Times began decorating the WEJL radio tower that sits atop the building with Christmas lights, making it NEPA's tallest Christmas tree. On Wednesday, November 24, 2021, we'll light the tower again and celebrate with fireworks and a block party. Times-Shamrock Director of Engineering Kevin Fitzgerald talks about the long history of the tower, how hard it is to light and what happens during lightning strikes and earthquakes. We also discuss some of the special occasion...

Election analysis, surging Republicans, rigged elections, Arora's future, and the train to NYC

November 10, 2021 10:00 - 27 minutes - 18.6 MB

Scranton Times-Tribune investigative reporter Borys Krawczeniuk wraps up the 2021 election, offers his take on Nisha Arora's future, breaks down the increase in Republican voter registration, looks ahead to the midterm election, and explains how hard it is to rig an election. Borys also discusses the possibility of the proposed Scranton to New York City rail line. 

Election analysis, surging Republicans, rigged votes, and the train to NYC

November 10, 2021 10:00 - 27 minutes - 18.6 MB

Scranton Times-Tribune investigative reporter Borys Krawczeniuk wraps up the 2021 election, offers his take on Nisha Arora's future, breaks down the increase in Republican voter registration, looks ahead to the midterm election, and explains how hard it is to rig an election. Borys also discusses the possibility of the proposed Scranton to New York City rail line.  You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts ...

Election analysis, surging Republicans, rigged elections, and the train to NYC

November 10, 2021 10:00 - 27 minutes - 18.6 MB

Scranton Times-Tribune investigative reporter Borys Krawczeniuk wraps up the 2021 election, offers his take on Nisha Arora's future, breaks down the increase in Republican voter registration, looks ahead to the midterm election, and explains how hard it is to rig an election. Borys also discusses the possibility of the proposed Scranton to New York City rail line. 

Why Penn State won't win a national championship for 25 years (and more from inside the press box)

November 03, 2021 16:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MB

This week Times-Shamrock Penn State writer Donnie Collins takes us inside the press box in a behind-the-scenes look at how we cover Penn State football. Donnie talks about whether or not the Nittany Lions can ever win a national championship, when Joe Paterno should have retired,  if he ever gets James Franklin angry, and more. Follow our Penn State coverage here Read Donnie's Penn State blog here

Penn State's future, drunken Iowa fans, program reboot, and a 14 hour game

November 03, 2021 16:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MB

This week Times-Shamrock Penn State writer Donnie Collins takes us inside the press box in a behind-the-scenes look at how we cover Penn State football. Donnie talks about whether or not the Nittany Lions can ever win a national championship, when Joe Paterno should have retired,  if he ever gets James Franklin angry, and more. Follow our Penn State coverage here Read Donnie's Penn State blog here You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. List...

You asked: Why does the newspaper publish opinions and endorse candidates

October 27, 2021 16:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MB

An inside look at why The Times-Tribune endorses candidates, why it's important to give our readers a place to express their opinions, and why we publish our opinions.  Associate editor Pat McKenna discusses how news and opinion sections work at a newspaper as we shine some light on the decisions we make each day. You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Google Podcasts Listen and ...

You asked: Why does the newspaper publish opinions and endorse candidates

October 27, 2021 16:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MB

An inside look at why The Times-Tribune endorses candidates, why it's important to give our readers a place to express their opinions, and why we publish our opinions.  Associate editor Pat McKenna discusses how news and opinion sections work at a newspaper as we shine some light on the decisions we make each day. You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Google Podcasts Listen and ...

Stop the Presses! Newsroom Chaos on Election Night

October 20, 2021 18:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MB

Election night can be chaotic in any newsroom. Times-Tribune news editor Chad Sebring talks about the process, what happens if there's an upset, and the time he got to say "stop the presses!" You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Google Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Spotify You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Listen and subs...

NEPA High School Sports with Joby Fawcett

October 13, 2021 19:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MB

We talk to Times-Tribune sports writer Joby Fawcett about his favorite sport, how NEPA athletes rank, advice for parents and athletes, what drives him nuts, and his storied rivalry with the Ismail brothers. Visit Joby's high school sports Facebook page You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Google Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Spotify You can subscribe to the News Engine Pod...

NEPA high school sports with Joby Fawcett

October 13, 2021 19:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MB

We talk to Times-Tribune sports writer Joby Fawcett about his favorite sport, how NEPA athletes rank, advice for parents and athletes, what drives him nuts, and his storied rivalry with the Ismail brothers. Visit Joby's high school sports Facebook page

Inside The Mind Of Columnist Chris Kelly

October 07, 2021 15:00 - 32 minutes - 22.7 MB

We dig inside the mind of Times-Tribune columnist Chris Kelly. Chris discusses the hard interviews, local corruption, who's doing a good job, and why newspapers are vital. Check out what readers are saying about this episode HERE or try an online or home delivery subscription HERE. Thanks for listening! You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Google Podcasts Listen and subscribe ...

Inside The Mind Of Chris Kelly

October 07, 2021 15:00 - 32 minutes - 22.7 MB

We dig inside the mind of Times-Tribune columnist Chris Kelly. Chris discusses the hard interviews, local corruption, who's doing a good job, and why newspapers are vital. Check out what readers are saying about this episode HERE or try an online or home delivery subscription HERE. Thanks for listening!

Agnes Remembered: New Book Release Coming

September 30, 2021 19:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MB

We discuss "Agnes Remembered," a 136-page hardcover book featuring photos of the 1972 flood that is now available for pre-order. http://agnes50.thestormbook.com/ Agnes Remembered: 50 Years After The Wyoming Valley's Worst Disaster You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Google Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Spotify You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get ...

Paint Pittston Pink

September 23, 2021 20:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MB

Citizens' Voice Staff photographer Sean McKeag and Circulation Director Joe Nealon discuss the Paint Pittston Pink Gentlemen's Dash and the fundraising efforts that have helped raise over $450,000.00 in the past 8 years. Paint Pittston Pink Support Sean McKeag You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Google Podcasts Listen and subscribe on Spotify You can subscribe to the News En...

Pilot

September 23, 2021 13:00 - 52 seconds - 668 KB

Times-Shamrock Communications, a media company based in northeast Pennsylvania that owns four daily newspapers, three radio stations, and an outdoor media company. We'll give our listeners a look under the hood at how we do what we do and why we do it. We'll discuss local events and how they impact our coverage. Nothing is off-limits. During each episode, I'll interview decision-makers, reporters, editors, and insiders that will help you understand the news we cover. You can subscribe to ...