21-WFMJ News Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In today's 21 News podcast, 'The Outcue,' 21 News Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell sits down with reporter/weekend anchor Sydney Canty and reporter Leslie Huff to discuss the ongoing developments at Insight Hospital & Medical Center Trumbull. The trio discusses the rapid events that led to the shutdown of the hospital, Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital and satellite offices in the Valley.The discussion explores the impact on Trumbull County, the people, and the employees notified of the closing on the day of, who did not receive their paychecks, lost their healthcare insurance, and have an uncertain future.

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

This week, 21 News Chief Meteorologist Eric Wilhelm introduces the new weather-related 21 News podcast, "The Radar."This week is severe weather awareness week in Ohio, and Tyler Berry, a local storm chaser and weather enthusiast with his outfit "Chasing Ohio," will join Eric to discuss severe weather.Other weather-related stories will air on "The Radar" in the next few months, including a 21 News Meteorologist discussing allergies that come with the changing seasons. In May, Eric and 21 News Weekend Anchor and weather forecaster Chris Cerenelli will discuss the 40th anniversary of the deadly May 31, 1985 tornado that tore through Niles and Wheatland, Pa.

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

Today's Outcue isn't a look behind the story but an introduction to 21 News' expansion of its podcasts — adding three additional podcasts that will join The Outcue to our lineup.Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell sits down with meteorologists Jodie White and Jimmy Wendolek, who talk about their new podcast called The Vibe, which will bring you information on entertainment and events around the region; and in the second half, Mitchell is joined by 21 News Sports Director Dana Balash and 21 News chief meteorologist Eric Wilhelm, who speak about the new sports podcast 'The Score' and 'The Radar,' a weather-related podcast.Here is the lineup for the additional 21 News podcast and premiere dates:March 13: The ScoreMarch 20: The RadarMarch 27: The Vibe

 In today's Outcue podcast, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell and reporter Kaitlyn McCarthy discuss the four-part Watchdog Investigation into JobsOhio, a non-profit organization that receives state liquor profits for funding. However, for transparency's sake, the spending of these public funds can't be viewed once given to the private entity. McCarthy discussed JobsOhio with Democrats and Republicans, some of whom shared their concerns about the corporation's lack of transparency and some about issues with the organization itself. The Outcue will now be posted weekly every Thursday morning and listen for next week's Outcue, where we will introduce three new additional podcasts that will be added to our rotation. 'The Score' — a sports-based podcast with Dana Balash, will premiere on March 13, followed by 'The Radar' with 21 News chief meteorologist Eric Wilhelm and meteorologist Andrew DiPaolo discussing weather on March 20, and 'The Vibe,' an entertainment, events and culture in the Valley, hosted by Jodi White and Jimmy Wendolek beginning March 27. 

This week on the story-behind-the-story podcast, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell is joined by some of the reporters who have spent the last two years covering the toxic train derailment that occurred in East Palestine, quickly followed by the decision to vent and burn the hazardous chemicals inside the derailed tanker cars.Joining Mitchell to reflect and share stories from this anchor/reporter Derek Steyer, anchor/reporter Madison Tromler and weekend anchor/reporter Corey McCrae. All share insight and look at what has and hasn't been done in the last two years involving East Palestine and rail safety. 

In today's 21 News podcast 'The Outcue,' Assistant News director Justin Mitchell talks with 11 pm Anchor/Reporter Erin Simonek and Senior Digital Content Manager Robert McFerren about what it is like to cover breaking news on the fly while gathering information to report to viewers.The journalists discuss this week's announcement by the White House that it was using an executive order to freeze all federal grants and loans to review the spending and the process of gathering information for breaking news stories.If you have a story idea or something you want us to investigate, you can call the newsroom at 330-744-8821, email news@wfmj.com or watchdog@wfmj.com.

The second season of the 21 WFMJ News podcast begins today.In today's episode, assistant news director Justin Mitchell talks with 21 News reporters Leslie Huff and Kaitlyn McCarthy and two stories we covered this week.The first story-behind-the-story is ongoing in-depth coverage of the fast changes happening with Sharon Regional Medical Center, from the last-minute deal with Tenor Health to the Buhl Legacy Trust's statement that it is not backing down in litigation over the hospital.The second story discusses a story we broke about Congressman Mike Rulli's (OH-6) decision to hire a man as his congressional communications director who was forced to repay tens of thousands of dollars as part of an alleged fake charity scheme set up purporting to assist the residents of East Palestine.If you have a news story you think we should cover or a news tip that needs investigated, email us at news@wfmj.com, watchdog@wfmj.com, or call the newsroom at 330-744-8821.

In the final two-part episode of season one of the Outcue, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell discusses some of the big news stories in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys in 2024 with the reporters that covered them.Mitchell will be joined in part two by reporter/weekend anchor Chris Cerenelli, reporter/ 6 p.m. anchor Madison Tromler, and reporter Kaitlyn McCarthy.Listen to the stories behind the stories as told by the people on the front lines.Also, watch for the daily Year in Review posting to WFMJ.com, which will be posted every day through December 31 and recall some of the bigger news stories of the year. Each day will cover one month until we reach the end of the year on New Year's Eve.Thank you for listening, and we will be back next year with Season 2.

In the final two-part episode of season one of the Outcue, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell discusses all the big news stories in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys in 2024.Senior Digital Content Manager Robert McFerren joins Justin in part one. They discuss the news stories we reported on each month throughout 2024, which was a very busy year with many big stories.Listen to the stories behind the stories in covering the events, and stay tuned to next Friday for part two, in which Mitchell talks with the reporters about some of the big stories and their stories and perspectives behind them.Also, watch for the daily Year in Review posting to WFMJ.com, which will be posted every day through December 31 and recall some of the bigger news stories of the year. Each day will cover one month until we reach the end of the year on New Year's Eve.Part Two will be posted to WFMJ.com on December 27.

In today's Outcue, assistant news director Justin Mitchell and reporter/WFMJ Weekend Today anchor Sydney Canty discuss understanding complex court filings and other similar complicated stories that reporters have to deal with in the day-to-day duties of doing their job — and make them understandable for all.Canty discusses her story earlier this week on the Ohio Supreme Court ruling that Trumbull and Lake counties' federal lawsuit against major pharmacy chains over their roles in contributing to the opioid crisis was not based on the correct law and cannot move forward. Canty shares with Mitchell some of the complex stories she has covered and how reporters learn to gather and sort through information quickly and accurately.

On today's Outcue, we talk about Public Records Requests, what they are, what they do, and why they are becoming increasingly more difficult to obtain.What is a public records request? Government offices are paid for with taxpayers' money, and you have the right to view the documents, records, and data within the office.According to the Ohio Attorney General's office, "The public's right to access such information is a cornerstone of our democracy. So, in a very real sense, this [Ohio Sunshine Law Manual] equips Ohioans with the knowledge they need to keep watch over the officials they elect and the agencies that are in place at every level of state government."Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell and Senior Digital Content Manager Robert McFerren discuss some of the issues and ways public officials have found ways to battle public records requests.

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

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

“The Outcue” is a 21 News journalist perspective of our top news stories.Each week, the 21 News staff, including reporters and managers, discuss behind the scenes in covering stories for you — from the newsgathering process to getting the final product on the air, in this new video podcast.In this week's episode, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell talks to 21 News chief meteorologist Eric Wilhelm and meteorologist Andrew DiPaolo about weather reality vs. weather rhetoric.What do people get wrong regarding the science of weather prediction? Why do some people make weather disasters political?Let's hear what the weather guys hear most often.

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

 “The Outcue” is a 21 News journalist perspective of our top news stories. Each week, the 21 News staff, including reporters and managers, will discuss behind the scenes in covering stories for you - from the newsgathering process to getting the final product on the air, in this new video podcast. In this week's episode, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell looks behind the scenes with 21 News Coordinating Producer Rachel Kerr and what a news producer does. Many of you may remember that Mary Tyler Moore's character on the classic sitcom was a news producer, but we never saw Mary do much work.  Listen and learn about the tasks that go into producing a daily newscast. The podcast name — The Outcue — is a broadcast term meaning 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 behind the scenes in covering stories for you — from the newsgathering process to getting the final product on the air, in this new video podcast.In this week's episode, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell talks with 21 News Director Sheila Miller and Senior Digital Content Manager Robert McFerren about the editorial decision-making process that comes with covering sensitive news stories — and what does and doesn't get mentioned — on the air.The podcast name — The Outcue — is a broadcast term meaning 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 to getting the final product on the air, in this new video podcast.In this week's episode, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell talks with 21 Sports reporter Brittany Bissell and sports videographer Dan Pushcar about Friday night football and what goes into covering all the local teams each week during the football season.

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

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

In this week's Outcue podcast, 21 News Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell and Senior Digital Content Manager Robert McFerren discuss the story behind the story, looking at the fast-changing coverage of the Steward Health bankruptcy filings.Our coverage has been following the bankruptcy court case in Texas and reporting those looking to place bids for control of Trumbull Regional, Hillside Rehabilitation, and the satellite facilities.These stories we start working on in the morning may be completely different by the afternoon. We discuss keeping up with fluid stories like these and the importance of keeping everyone informed on the importance of these hospitals— from caring for the community to providing good-paying jobs to the tax revenue brought in to pay for essential services.

In this week's Outcue, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell and Senior Digital Content Manager Robert discuss the story behind the story of 21 News coverage for months concerning the bankrupt Steward healthcare facilities in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys.Trumbull Regional Medical Center and Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital, including satellite offices, all received mass layoff notifications this week, with the last date set for September 19 unless someone buys those facilities. Local investors are attempting to get financing to keep the facilities open but are racing against time.Sharon Regional was granted an extension to August 30 for a group in Pennsylvania attempting to buy the facility. Otherwise, their clock for the shutdown will begin as well.Our discussion looks at the fallout if the parties attempting to save miss the deadlines and the potential economic impact the Valley has been through many times before.

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

On this edition of the 21 News podcast, 'The Outcue,' Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell talks with Senior Digital Content Manager Robert McFerren about the drive and burn that makes journalists do what they do.This podcast explains what happens behind the scenes and the story behind the story.In this case, we requested all the emergency calls handled by Youngstown Police and Fire Dispatch Center on May 28, the day of the downtown Realty building explosion, after a natural gas line was cut in the facility.How many calls could that be? In total, there were more than 300 calls. Why go through them now? A reporter's intuition that says we will find a new angle to an ongoing story. And we did.We looked into why it took more than two hours for Ohio Edison to respond that day to a severe crisis where water was pouring into the Realty building, and emergency crews needed the electricity shut off to attempt to rescue people from inside the building. We listened as Police and Fire dispatch pleaded and ultimately became frustrated over the lack of timely response, only to find a crew came downtown, saw the roads closed due to the emergency, and allegedly left, according to the 911 calls.

In today's Outcue, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell is joined by 21 News Director Sheila Miller and Senior Digital Content Manager Robert McFerren to discuss how we address news bias in coverage in today's political climate.The newsroom management team discusses how much discussion and thought goes into all newsroom reporting, including political coverage.This podcast discusses the frame of reference for covering all news -- including political stories -- and our rule as a watchdog over all forms of government, local, state, and national. The Outcue is the term for the last few words of a news story before it ends. But the end of what you see on television is often only the story's beginning. This is The Outcue, a journalist's perspective on how we work for you. 

In this week's The Outcue, Assistant News Director Justin Mitchell talks with anchor/reporter Madison Tromler, who speaks about the National Transportation Safety Board hearing this week in East Palestine, discussing what caused the February 3, 2023 train derailment and why the vent-and-burn was a botched decision.The discussion examines the key moments from the day's nearly 8-hour final report that are quickly processed and disseminated to our viewers and readers online and how a reporter's know-how helps identify key moments and findings.The Outcue is the term for the last few words of a news story before it's over. We know that the end of what you see on television is often only the beginning of the story. This is The Outcue.

The NTSB issued more than two dozen recommendations Tuesday in East Palestine concerning the toxic train derailment and vent and burn of the vinyl chloride that began nearly a year and a half ago. These recommendations found that the rail industry had no standards in place for overheating wheel bearings and detectors and that the chemicals' vent and burn were unnecessary.21 News anchor Lindsay McCoy sat down with Steven Ditmeyer, a retired executive of the Federal Railroad Administration who has had extensive careers in rail spanning decades, including the research and development of rail safety standards, to discuss the NTSB's findings.

In this week's The Outcue, senior digital content manager Robert McFerren talks about the heat wave that has stalled over the Valley with chief meteorologist Eric Wilhelm and meteorologist Andrew DiPaolo.While the scorching heat has not broken any records yet, the long-range forecast shows we are in for one long, hot, and possibly dry summer. The trend may last well into the fall and winter.Find out about previous dry trends in the Valley, how this Florida-like weather makes forecasting more difficult, and how it can impact your well-being. The Outcue is the term for the last few words of a news story before it's over. We know that the end of what you see on television is often only the beginning of the story. This is The Outcue.

After a major breaking news story like the Realty Building explosion, there are often questions that remain.How did this happen? What are the lessons we can learn from this? And is everyone in charge providing the information the public has a right to know?In this episode of The Outcue, assistant news director Justin Mitchell sits down with Madison Tromler and Chris Cerenelli to talk about how the thought process has to shift from what's happening right now to the longer view of what the public needs----and has a right---to know.The Outcue is the term for the last few words of a news story before it ends.But the end of what you see on television is often only the beginning of the story. This is The Outcue, a journalist's perspective on how we work for you.

In this week's The Outcue, assistant news director Justin Mitchell, anchor Derek Steyer, and chief videographer Pat Connelly discuss covering breaking news in the aftermath of the explosion at the Realty Building from an apparent gas leak.They discuss how all news stories that everyone is currently working on for that day are paused, and everyone goes into all hands on deck to cover the immediate need to gather news as it happens.Hear our chief videographer's story of what he heard and saw as he was just down the street when the accident occurred. Also, we hear from Derek Steyer, who was quick on the scene, and his account of the incident.The Outcue is the term for the last few words of a news story before it's over. We know that the end of what you see on television is often only the beginning of the story.This is The Outcue.

On this week's Outcue, assistant news director Justin Mitchell sits down with two veteran WFMJ videographers - Ron Martin and Bob 'Bubba' Meluch - who share their stories about their time in the field and talk about stories that will stick with them their entire life.Our videographers are those who are on the frontlines getting images for broadcast - some happy, uplifting, others from potentially dangerous scenes.The Outcue is the term for the last few words of a news story before it's over. We know that the end of what you see on television is often only the beginning of the story.This is The Outcue.

In this week's The Outcue, assistant news director Justin Mitchell, anchor Madison Tromler, and senior digital content manager Robert McFerren discuss stories we cover when someone calls us with concerns over a purchase they have made and are unhappy with the company.The Latin phrase "caveat emptor," which means "let the buyer beware," alludes to placing the burden of due diligence on the consumer when buying a good or service. However, consumers have rights and call newsrooms with their stories.Listen to see how we determine what the story is when we receive calls from unhappy customers. Learn about the process we go through to check into the concern. The Outcue is the term for the last few words of a news story before it's over. We know that the end of what you see on television is often only the beginning of the story.This is The Outcue. 

This week, after months of speculation, Steward Healthcare filed for bankruptcy.  The move was not unexpected, but it leaves questions about what its impact will be on the future of healthcare in the Valley. Will hospitals remain open? Will nurses unions remain? Could another hospital system move in and take over? In this week's The Outcue, assistant news director Justin Mitchell and anchor Madison Tromler discuss what they've been hearing, who they've been talking to and what the sentiment is for those who this move will affect the most. The Outcue is the term for the last few words of a news story before it's over. We know that the end of what you see on television is often only the beginning of the story. This is The Outcue. 

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.