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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But what do they mean?

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

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

Listen up to this important information.