Our Team

We're the people behind the byline.

The Empire Times isn't a big media company. It's just us—a team of journalists who decided to build something we could all stand behind. We share the workload, we challenge each other, and we edit each other's work to make sure it's as strong as it can be.

So, what's with the "Empire Times Staff" Byline?

It means we built the story together.

From the first phone call to the final fact-check, our work is a group effort. We think that makes the journalism better. That byline isn't about erasing our names; it's about showing our shared promise to you that the story is solid, fair, and meets our standards.

Meet the people who started it all:

Elaine L. Piccolo

Elaine believes the most important news isn't just about laws and budgets, but how they feel at the kitchen table. She digs into how big decisions impact real people.

On X: @Elainelpiccolo

Fannie T. Cook

Give Fannie a spreadsheet or a dense report, and she’ll find the story hidden inside. She’s our go-to for deep-dive investigations that hold people accountable.

On X: @fannietcook

Kathleen R. Decesare

Kathleen is drawn to the stories that often go untold. She looks for the humanity and nuance in issues of social justice and culture, giving a platform to voices you might not otherwise hear.

On X: @decesare12452

Henry R. Fernandez

Henry has a knack for untangling the big, messy topics. He connects the dots between global tech and international events to show you exactly why it matters, right here at home.

On X: @RHenry797