Community Focus with Jaden Jefferson

On this week's Community Focus, I'm spacing out with Imagination Station Chief Scientist Carl Nelson, to talk the upcoming April 2024 solar eclipse 🌕 ☀️, and everything there is to know for prime viewing! 🕶️

On this week's Community Focus, I'm joined by friend/host and executive producer of "Finding Festivals", Haylie Robinson, a former festival queen who's now exploring the people and places of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan!

You've likely seen him on a show or a few shows discussing trends in gas prices. Well, now, he's on my show! Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, joins me on this week's Community Focus… with a bit of good news!

A University of Toledo study has found that insurance may not be helping us save as much on prescriptions as we tend to think. Dr. Varun Vaidya, professor of pharmacy practice at UToledo, joins me on Community Focus.

Hala Jabri is a student at Maumee High School, who after going through some tough times mentally herself, is dedicating her time to helping others. She joins me on Community Focus, following an event she held this week to remove stigma and educate about mental health.

On this week's Community Focus, my extended interview with UAW Local 14 President Tony Totty on what goes into contract negotiations with the 'big three' automakers — and how the industry and leadership in the union has changed.

It began with a legal document in the 1920s, which meant nothing until the 1970s, when that document led to the Greater Toledo Community Foundation. I speak with their president, Keith Burwell, on the foundation's 50th year providing grants to causes in the region.

Writers and actors simultaneously remain on strike, as some heads of major studios walk back controversial comments, and the streaming world starts to feel a lot like cable — just without the whole storytelling thing. Matt Foss, associate professor of theatre for The University of Toledo, joins me on Community Focus.

From recreational marijuana on the ballot in November, to an ousted press secretary, to Toledo being ranked number one on a list of "under-the-radar cities to retire" — it's the Community Focus Rundown Edition!

On this week's Community Focus, I'm catching up with Dr. Melissa Miller, professor of political science at Bowling Green State University, to discuss Ohioans' shut down of Issue 1, some Republicans' hesitancy to distance from Trump, and much more.

On this week's Community Focus, I'm joined by Ohio Secretary of State and U.S. Senate candidate Frank LaRose to discuss his policies for if he's elected, and the confusion surrounding the August special election he's tasked with overseeing.

On this week's edition of Community Focus, I'm joined by LaVera Scott, director of the Lucas County Board of Elections, to discuss early voting for the August 8th special election, reproductive rights on the ballot in November, and what you need to know. Originally Aired: July 30, 2023

On this week's Community Focus, I'm joined by Ohio Democratic Party Chair Liz Walters to discuss Issue One, abortion, and a new contender taking on Senator Sherrod Brown in 2024.

Andre McCallum is the founder of the Toledo Ark program, which teaches life lessons to youth in the community through boxing, while also providing a safe space. McCallum joins me on Community Focus to share his story.

* Note: I reached out to Ohio Right to Life to provide them with the opportunity to appear on the show, as well, but they did not respond to my request. Petitions to add abortion to the November ballot in Ohio were recently submitted, and on this week's Community Focus, I'm joined by one of the many who worked to collect signatures: Megan Schmidt, a pro-abortion rights activist.

Emergencies can happen at any time, cause damage, and even cost lives. On this week's Community Focus, I'm joined by Abby Buchhop, director of the Lucas County Emergency Management Agency, to discuss her team's response to the recent Point Place disaster.

Senior citizens are a growing population in our community — and one woman who's witnessed that growth firsthand for 49 years — is outgoing Area Office on Aging President & CEO Billie Johnson, who joins me on this week's Community Focus.

Phase two of Glass City Metropark has opened to the public, Toledo is preparing for the Italian Bowl's arrival in July, and on this week's edition of Community Focus, I'm joined by Destination Toledo President & CEO Lance Woodworth.

Steve Reamey is one of the voices you hear on your morning drive during the week on Party 103.3. He's also on the board of Equality Toledo, and joins me on Community Focus, to discuss Pride Month and the challenges currently facing the LGBTQIA+ community.

Last week, Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz launched the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement. And this week, on Community Focus, I'm joined by the director of that new office: Malcom Cunningham.

On this week's Community Focus, I'm joined by Secretary of State Frank LaRose — who despite expressing disapproval about August special elections back in 2021 — is supporting this year's. I asked him why, and about the many questions surrounding the election.

My coverage of Ohio's upcoming, controversial special election continues on Community Focus, as this week, I'm joined by State Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson (D) OH-11. Hear about her efforts to ensure every voice, regardless of political affiliation, is heard.

The Ohio House has voted to send a proposal to require a 60% threshold for voters to pass amendments to the state constitution. Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) joins me on Community Focus to discuss the many concerns about this.

On this week's Community Focus, University of Toledo Head Women's Basketball Coach Tricia Cullop, who recently signed a contract extension through the 2029-30 season. Hear her take on NIL deals and the active transfer portal.

On this week's Community Focus, I'm joined by Nick Komives, an at-large member of Toledo City Council, to discuss the city's efforts to slow climate change, while also providing incentives for residents to do their part.