Community Focus with Jaden Jefferson

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.