21-WFMJ News Podcast

A recent survey from the Ohio Federation of Teachers found that more than two-thirds of teachers have serious concerns over returning to the classroom. In today's 21 News Podcast, managing editor Justin Mitchell speaks with Leah Condon, a high school teacher in the Jackson-Milton School district. Condon says there is simply still too much unknown about the COVID-19 and how it can spread in se...

Tim Stried from the Ohio High School Athletic Association talks about whether it will be possible to move forward with a fall season and the obstacles that still remain including one of the biggest so far: testing for the coronavirus.

In today's edition of the 21 News podcast, we speak with Dr. Adam Borland, clinical psychologist from the Cleveland Clinic, about longterm coping with anxiety and depression as the coronavirus pandemic hits the half year mark. Borland talks about what to focus on, what not to focus on and what some of the warning signs are that you or a loved one may need some help dealing with the stress of...

In today's 21 News podcast, internationally renowned virologist Dr. Benjamin Neuman, a Niles native and Biology Department Head for Texas A&M University, discusses whether it's safe to reopen daycares and gives his insight on where we are with the pandemic. Any cause for optimism? What should and shouldn't we be doing with schools? Listen up!  

Jennifer Brindisi speaks with teachers, school administrators, parents and medical experts about their concerns for returning back to school in the fall. How will it work? Can it be done safely? Will it be effective?

In today's edition of the 21 News podcast, WFMJ managing editor Justin Mitchell speaks with Marc Lotter, President Trump's national director of communications for his 2020 re-election campaign. Items discussed include the state of the 2020 race, whether the President's message is still resonating with voters outside of his base and what it all means for the three states likely to de...

In today's edition of the 21 News podcast, Mahoning County Educational Service Center Superintendent Traci Hostetler talks about the challenges districts face planning a return to school in the fall. Hostetler says districts will all have their own distinct plans, but they will all be based on two or three different contingencies. Will students all go back in the classroom, either full or par...

The COVID-19 pandemic has hurt most businesses, but the entertainment industry has been devastated. WFMJ's Glenn Stevens talks with JAC Management and JAC Live owner Eric Ryan, who manages and books shows for the Covelli Centre and the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre.

In a special extended edition of the 21 News podcast, Malaynia Spiva moderates a wide ranging discussion on race relations with a diverse panel that includes faith leaders, political figures, community activists and historians who take a long, hard look at this moment in history.  The discussion is based around three basic questions:  What do you think people still don't understand about how...

In today's podcast, national political correspondent for Politico David Siders speaks with WFMJ news managing editor of content Justin Mitchel about the state of the 2020 election. What role will Ohio play in deciding who is the next president of the U.S.? Will the conventions play a role in making or breaking the candidates? What about the debates? And ultimately, how are the political polls...

WFMJ Today's morning anchor Christa Lamendola interviews CNBC auto analyst Phil Lebeau on the significance of the Lordstown Endurance as it is unveiled today officially. Where does it fit into the electric car market, what does it mean for the future of the Valley?

21 News reporter Andrew DiPaolo speaks with Dr. Linda Saif , a coronavirus expert whom we spoke with in early April.  Two months later, how does Dr. Saif think Ohio is doing with its handling of the coronavirus, now that case numbers are show some decline and the state is largely reopened? Are we through this now or are we in a lull between waves? Listen up and see what Dr. Saif has to say. Saif i...

WFMJ Sports Director Dana Balash speaks with Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted about what to expect when high school sports resume around Ohio and if it will be in time for fall sports. Lt. Governor also talks with Dana about the concerns of keeping the athletes and the fans safe when contact sports, such as football, do return. Husted talks about how the reopening of businesses and restaurants around the...

In today's edition of the 21 News podcast, managing editor of content Justin Mitchell speaks with Ty Powell, the organizer of the "We Matter" march in Warren on June 1. At 19, Powell has been concerned with racial disparities and police brutality since she was a young child. Powell said she saw the death of George Floyd as the moment she knew she had to become involved to make a cha...

In this exclusive interview, 21 News anchor Derek Steyer talks with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, asking questions of concern from residents throughout the Valley. Will Valley and state schools reopen in the fall? Will the Canfield Fair take place this year? When can nursing home visitations resume? When will the mass gathering ban end? Listen to these and many more important topics to everyone in the Va...

During the months of the COVID-19 ordeal, economic hardship has hit lots of families throughout the Valley, and many families' tight budgets are getting stretched even tighter.  Fortunately, there's a lot that can be done do to maximize your grocery dollars by making sure the food you buy stays good longer—even fresh foods such as vegetables and eggs. In today's edition of the 21 Ne...

As the school year 2019-20 comes to a close, school districts around the Valley, around Ohio and around the nation, are all looking at what to do for the safety of students and staff if the coronavirus pandemic continues. Each school building and district may have unique issues from busing to occupancy.  In today's edition of the 21 News podcast, J. Breen Mitchell, Managing Editor for News Co...

College students face many challenges, especially in the pandemic world of higher education. Many current students many not being eligible for stimulus checks because they are still declared as dependents, even though they may be out of work or trying to start out on their own. In today's WFMJ News podcast, Andrew DiPaolo speaks with Mark Kantrowitz , Forbes contributor, and publisher of savi...

As retail stores reopen around the Valley, what is the future for this already hard-hit industry? Will it be able to recover quickly or are shoppers' habits now changed by coronavirus fears of going out to stores? What changes in retail may be permanent?  In today's 21 News podcast, co-anchor/reporter Lindsay McCoy speaks with Katherine Cullen of the National Retail Federation about thes...

With social distancing in effect because of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are finding themselves using video conferencing apps, such as Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, more and more, for work and for staying in touch with family. But there may be an unintended effect, "Zoom fatigue," or the feeling of tiredness, anxiousness, and worry that video calls bring. In today's 21 News podcast...

In today's edition of the 21 News podcast, a world-renowned coronavirus expert, Texas A&M virologist and Niles native, Dr. Benjamin Neuman , who was also a member of the team who named the virus, provides valuable insight about SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19, as it is better known.  Dr. Neuman speaks about whether people can develop immunity to the virus, about testing for coronavirus and where...

In today's edition of the 21 News podcast, Managing Editor for News Content J. Breen Mitchell speaks about efforts to expand coronavirus testing with Dr. Lena Esmail from Youngstown's QUICKmed Urgent Care, asking the question everyone wants to know, "what will it take to get to a point where we can test everyone?" Late last week, Gov. Mike DeWine said more testing swabs and mor...

On today's 21 News podcast, anchor Derek Steyer talks with the president and CEO of the Ohio Restaurant Association, John Barker.  It has been more than a month since all bars and restaurants closed for except carry out, how will these establishments rebound? What are others doing to get through during these tough times? What does the future hold for dining in? Tune in to find out what the od...

In today's edition of the 21 News podcast, WFMJ anchor Leslie Barrett speaks with Dr. Constantine Economus, an obstetrician-gynecologist in Boardman, about the concerns and issues that are facing pregnant women and new mothers during the coronavirus pandemic. Dr. Economus discusses what doctor's offices are doing to keep all patients safe; staying up with daily changes and information on...

In today's edition of the 21 News podcast, WFMJ news anchor Derek Steyer speaks with Youngstown State University President Jim Tressel about the adjustments 2020 graduates will have to make as they enter the job market amid the record levels of unemployment hitting the state and the nation. Derek also discusses with YSU President Tressel the possibility of whether on-campus classes could resu...