WTOL 11 Leading Edge with Jerry Anderson

Brittany Gibbons on influencer branding and Toledo events; Rick Springfield on fans, 80s music, and sharing the stage with fellow rocker Sammy Hagar.

Bart Lambergman discusses NIL law and college sports; Musician and actor Rick Springfield shares stories from his music career and his journey with mental health.

Bruce Baumhower reflects on his legacy at UAW Local 12; Jennifer Bohnsack outlines plans for Isaiah 117 House, which helps kids as they enter foster care.

Christine Michaels, the new leader at ConnecToledo, discusses downtown Toledo's future. Sandy Spang, Executive Director for the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments outlines regional planning goals.Stephen Zenner, investigative journalist at the Toledo Free Press covers a school identity scandal.

Police investigation into death of Kei'mani LatigueThe process and police work that goes into something so gut-wrenching and emotional with guest Mike Haynes, President of Toledo Police Patrolman's Association.African American Legacy ProjectHonoring the 2025 Sports Legends Hall of Fame class and the leadership who works to make sure the recognition and tradition is there with Robert Smith, African American Legacy Project Director.Ohio Department of Transportation upcoming projectsMore diverging diamonds are on their way to northwest Ohio. ODOT District 2's Patrick McColley clues us in on the when and the why of the projects.

Gregory Guzman discusses FAFSA failures, student loan default risks, and rising college costs—and how families can better navigate financial aid.Subscribe to the Leading Edge Podcast, and never miss an episode.Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wtol-11-leading-edge-with-jerry-anderson/id1595682915Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2186wKl5wqh1tXaETtmrm7?si=98d2bd0fd22d493fSubscribe to WTOL 11 - https://bit.ly/32odAkM Connect with us on social media: Go 419 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Go419/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wtol11/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/WTOL11Toledo/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wtol11toledo/ WTOL 11 newsletter - https://wtol.com/email WTOL 11 Weather app - https://bit.ly/3o7ZNwO

Bryan Blair | Athletic Director | University ofToledo  It was July of 2023 when University of Toledo AthleticDirector Bryan Blair sat on the set of Leading Edge and said UToledo's Glass Bowl has untapped potential and should be northwest Ohio's premiere outdoor concert venue. Jump ahead nearly two years and on May 24th - Zac Brown Band and a host of others will perform at the Glass Bowl as part of Glass City Live. UToledo is expecting more than 15,000 fans. It'll be the first major show there since 1994 (Beach Boys). But this effort isn't just about a concert - it's about a movement for the region - to make UToledo a centrally located hub of activity. Mike White | Owner | Buckeye Real Estate GroupMike White discusses this year's St. Jude Dream Home and how his company got involved in the effort.

THE DEATH OF THE POPEThe Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas | Toledo CatholicDioceseThe world was fascinated 12 years ago as the Catholic Churchsought a replacement for Pope Benedict. That process brought them the first-ever Jesuit Pope from Argentina in Pope Francis. With the sudden passing of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church is once again in a state of transition. The naming of a new Pope will be the third such namingprocess to play out in the last 20 years - Pope John Paul II (‘78-'05), - PopeBenedict (‘05 -'13), - Pope Francis (‘13 - ‘25).CHANGE OF DIRECTION AT TOLEDO PROPULSION SYSTEMSTony Totty | President, UAW Local 14After moving toward the manufacturing of electric vehiclepropulsion components a few years ago, General Motors is shifting the facility back toward gas powered transmissions in a major expansion.  

U.S. Senator Jon Husted | (R) OHIO It's a homecoming of sorts for the freshman Senator. U.S.Senator Jon Husted returns to his hometown of Montpeiler, Ohio, as the keynote speaker of a Williams County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner. WTOL 11 got the chance to sit down with him exclusively - and in of all places - the Montpelier High School gym.Sen. Husted talks about his childhood. Growing up in a townof not even 4,000 people. A father who worked a blue collar-job and his mom athome.

KIDS AND TRAUMA Jeffrey Griffith - TPS | Lead Counselor | StudentSupports Marya Singleton - TPS | School CounselorAnna - TPS | School Facility DogFollowing the death and discovery of 13-year old Kei'ManiLatiigue, TPS Lead Counselor Jeff Griffiths told WTOL 11, “it has been rough for certain students. This has acted like a trigger for some of the trauma that they've had in the past.” It wasn't long after the loss of Kei'Mani that we discoveredthat Joaquin Simmons had also tragically been killed in a senseless act of violence. But how are parents and counselors supposed to help themthrough it - especially if these kids are either scared to ask for help, or too unaware of what they need?  BRIAN BYRD'S CANCER FIGHTBrian Byrd - Fmr. Toledo Fire Chief/Fmr. Toledo SafetyDirector He's been a pillar of strength and leadership in thecommunity. In his spare time, this former Toledo Fire Chief and Toledo Safety Director teaches CCW classes. He maintains that he exercised and ate well. So how is it, that this guy who seemed to have the world bythe tail at some points in his life, is in his biggest challenge yet. Brian Byrd has cancer - and is not backing down - though he might be weakened - he's ready for his next test.

Art Wheaton - Cornell University | ILR School The U.S. is on the cusp of implementing significant tariff measures. These new trade policies, aimed at reducing the U.S. trade deficit and encouraging domestic production begin this week. But when it comes to the auto industry, a specific 25-percent tariff on imported cars starts Thursday - and there's a tariff that'll take effect May 3rd on imported car parts.Derek van der Merwe - Athletic Director | BGSUIn his short time at the helm, he's been tasked with hiring a men's basketball coach, a women's basketball coach, an ice hockey coach, a women's soccer coach, a gymnastics coach, a softball coach, a swim and dive coach, and a volleyball coach. And if that wasn't enough - just in the last few weeks - he signed up OSU and NFL legend Eddie George as the new head football coach.

TOLEDO SAFETY DIRECTOR George Kral - Toledo Safety DirectorFormer Toledo Police Chief George Kral now oversees Toledo's police and fire departments, as well as its gun violence reduction initiatives. TOLEDO FAIR HOUSING GRANTS George Thomas - CEO | Toledo Fair Housing Center Wendy Pestrue | United Way of Greater ToledoAn update on a number of grants that were already approved by the federal government but have since been cancelled as part of billionaire Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency.

The president of DMC Technology gives the scoop on data centers; community ambassador challenges youth; mayor recalls the pandemic's challenges

ROSSFORD SCHOOLS AND DEVELOPMENTNeil MacKinnon III – Rossford mayor; Dan Creps – RossfordSchools SuperintendentHow are they doing it? What's the blueprint for theirsuccess? Rossford Schools announced plans to not only construct a new $35million middle school without a levy - but also to decrease one of the currentlevies on the books. Are we finally starting to see the dream sequence play outfor the Crossroads area? What's the secret to MORE success? Jobs,entertainment? How does the blueprint from other cities play into allthis? SEGMENT 3 (IN STUDIO)Investing in Northwest Ohio's Youngest Residents Key toEconomic FutureRev. John Jones - HOPE Toledo; Debbie Monagan - ToledoRotary & Chicks for Charity Educating our young - and the state of education is at acrossroads.Rotary Club of Toledo, Chicks for Charity Host Summit toAdvance Early Childhood Education in the Region The focus of the summit is on northwest Ohio's futurewell-educated workforce. And as they contend, four out of five children inToledo and seven out of 10 children in Lucas County start kindergarten notready to learn. The summit happens Monday, March 17, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. atthe Glass City Center Ballroom.

Hear more about Race for the Cure and the work Komen does in northwest Ohio, plus get a spring weather preview with Chris Vickers to get ready for severe weather.

Jeff Smith interviews Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who recently announced his intention to run. Also, Scott Hayes, with Project I Am, talks about this year's Acoustics for Autism music festival and the good it does for the community.

It's a groundbreaking investigation into the murders of twoToledo teenagers. This story is like nothing you've ever seen in local news - five pieces on the murders of two young boys, Ke'Marion Wilder and KyShawn Pittman and the 11 people who conspired to lure, kidnap, kill them, then cover it up.Investigative reporter Melissa Andrews and Brian Dugger discuss what they thought about the case… the wild speculation… the theories... how their love for true-crime lead them to dissect the case from a purely journalistic perspective. This was a case where the prosecution focused on how the 11involved were focused on greed, vengeance, and revenge – even if it wasn't warranted. What complicated matters more was the fact there was no DNA to link those who were prosecuted for the crime with the teenagers.

RUNNING FOR TOLEDO MAYOR Roberto Torres | Toledo Mayoral Candidate Roberto Torres is a Toledo native and a former staff member of both the Carty Finkbeiner and Jack Ford administrations. He's no stranger to politics - holding economic development positions not only in Canton, Ohio, and Grand Rapids, Michigan  but also as part of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's team.  ADRIAN COLLEGE GROWTH Jeffrey Docking, Ph.D. | President, Adrian College Adrian College is a private liberal arts college located in Lenawee County. Founded in 1859, the college has experienced significant growth in recent years, both in academic offerings and campus facilities. Known for its commitment to fostering a well-rounded student experience, Adrian places a strong emphasis on athletics at the NCAA Division III level. The college offers a wide range of sports programs, from football to ice hockey, attracting student-athletes who seek both competitive sports and rigorous academics. This blend of academics and athletics has contributed to Adrian College's reputation as a dynamic and growing institution. President Docking joins me to educate the viewers about the college and its growth/expansion, the cost of higher education, the competitive nature of schools to get students and the school's efforts to lure in student/athletes.

LUCAS COUNTY REVALUATION TURMOILKatie Moline | Lucas County AuditorLucas County Auditor Katie Moline is currently at the centerof a property revaluation issue that has caused concern among residents. The revaluation process, which adjusts property values for tax purposes, has led to significant increases in property assessments across the county, sparking public frustration. Recently, former Lucas County Auditor Anita Lopez weighedin, expressing criticism of the handling of the situation. Lopez, who held the position before Moline, suggested that the current administration could have done more to mitigate the impact on homeowners and improve communication about the process. Her comments highlight the growing divide over how the revaluation was managed and its implications for local taxpayers.Moline has engaged the services of an independent thirdparty to conduct a review of the county's troubled property valuation processes. Ms. Moline says the precise scope of the third-party review was still being worked out and that the costs of such a review were, at this time, unknown. She added that the intention of the review is to look at “the glitch” that happened in 2024 and to determine best practices for future valuations in Lucas County. Ms. Moline reiterated that she is confident that her office has found the programming error that caused more than 1,400 properties to be incorrectly valued.The owners of those properties that were erroneously valued have now been notified. They should receive a new tax bill, and refunds are being processed for those who have already made a payment based on an inflated property value.

MAUMEE'S CITY ADMINISTRATOR   Patrick Burtch | City Administrator | Maumee    A newspaper article back in 2020 … which you can find on MLIVE.COM … has a headline that reads, “LOVE HIM OR LOATHE HIM, THE FEATHER-RUFFLING PATRICK BURTCH CHANGED JACKSON.” It refers to Maumee City Administrator Patrick Burtch during his time as a “visionary” city manager for Jackson, Michigan. 2020 was right about the time he was resigning from that position to take the job in Maumee. The article reads:    “Burtch knew he'd have to ‘ruffle a lot of feathers' to make Jackson the city he envisioned. But after seven years of ruffling, the pushback started taking its toll.'When you know you're going into it, realizing you're stirring up a fire by blowing oxygen on that fire and it could burn you - that's a tough decision to make,' Burtch said.' But it's not a decision I'm willing to go back (on).” The barrage of citizens spewing disdain for him at the City Council meeting occasionally got to Burtch. He'd sometimes argue back during public comment, and later said the vitriol is one of the reasons he knew it was time to move on.”    For the first time - Maumee City Administrator Patrick Burtch joins LEADING EDGE to discuss his vision - development - the sins of prior administrations - his management style - his public persona - his history - and the reason he believes Maumee's best days are to come.

LOOKING BACK ON DISTRICT 9 ELECTION Tom Pruss | Former Libertarian US House Candidate  Headlines in November read “This libertarian candidate may have swung Ohio's most competitive congressional race.” Tom Pruss received 14,800 votes in what was one of the closer House races in the U.S. Without a doubt, it was one of the tightest races ever for the longest serving women in Congress, Democrat Marcy Kaptur. So, what was his read on the race and does he feel like he cost Republican Derek Merrin the race - in what was becoming a red wave across many parts of Ohio and the U.S.?   OHIO POLITICS David DeWitt | Editor-In-Chief | Ohio Capital Journal Ohio politics is in a state of flux with the appointment of Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted to fill JD Vance's Senate seat. David DeWitt, with the Ohio Capital Journal, gives his thoughts on who's names are in the running to fill the empty seat, including someone familiar to northwest Ohioans... Lydia Mihalek? HIGHER  EDUCATION & TOLEDO TOMORROW  Bob Savage | Toledo Tomorrow How does Toledo Tomorrow "school" kids on what to expect from higher education - and what they should expect in return for their choices when it comes to fields of interest?  

TRUST IN LEADERSHIP Clint Longenecker, Ph.D. | Distinguished University Professor Emeritus | UToledo Two years ago Clint Longenecker did a study with two-star retired Army Gen. John Gronski. Longenecker says the gist of the study is this simple fact that if you do not trust your leader or boss - it creates a strange and less than productive work environment. There are certain leader behaviors that drive leadership trustworthiness and another set of behaviors that breed a lack of trust and even mistrust which can have devastating organizational and career consequences. MENTAL HEALTH JOURNEY & BREAKING THE STIGMA AMONG MINORITIES Bernadette Joy Graham - MA, LPCC | Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Graham wrote in a recent edition of the Sojourner Truth newspaper: Being a therapist is a rewarding but often challenging profession that requires compassion, patience and a deep understanding of the human experience. For Black therapists, the journey is uniquely shaped by both their professional training and the cultural context in which they grew up with experiencing their own lived experiences.

SYLVANIA'S NEW MAYOR  Mayor Mark Frye - (R) Sylvania  Mark Frye was sworn in as Mayor of Sylvania on January 6, replacing longtime Mayor Craig Stough who is retiring before his final term is up. Frye will fill the rest of Stough's last term. Frye talks about what he would like to accomplish while mayor, the large number of trees that have been cut down near the U.S. 23 interchange, the city's relationship with Lourdes University and his own future plans.   HOW TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?  Erin Mrozek - Small Business Expert | LegalZoom The new year is the most popular time to start a new business. Many new businesses start off small with the majority of new business owners working out of their homes. Small business is booming, and they have doubled from 2014 to 2024. While you might have an incredible business idea, understanding the legal essentials to starting a business is also important. She talks about everything from the first steps to launching a business, from registering your business name, to tax and insurance requirements and more.

BGSU - MOMENTUM  Rodney Rogers, Ph.D. - President | BGSU BGSU President Rodney Rodgers discusses what the university is doing to prepare for the future of education including what it is doing to ensure college remains affordable for students. WHAT'S GOING AROUND?  Dr. Brian Kaminski - ProMedica Dr. Kaminski discusses communicable diseases coming out of the holidays and heading into the winter stretch . Also, how AI is being used in healthcare.

MAYOR CRAIG STOUGH RETIRING   Craig Stough  | Mayor | Sylvania   Sylvania Mayor Craig Stough says he plans to retire at the end of the month.    "I have been one of the luckiest people on Earth to have served in Sylvania. It has been the honor and privilege of my life to serve 10 years on Sylvania City Council and 29 years as Sylvania's Mayor." Stough's current term runs through 2025 - but he says he wants to make the call on his terms - and give proper time for a seamless transition.   Stough was sworn in as Mayor in 1996 - first serving on council in 1986.   A city representative says current council president Mark Frye will finish out the remaining term starting January 1 - and then choose whether to run for the office in 2025.     BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF TOLEDO COST ANALYSIS   Jim Ravas | President and Chief Executive Officer | Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo   Recently, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ohio received a completed research work from Ohio University outlining the cost-benefit analysis of funding for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ohio.   Every $1 invested in the Boys & Girls Clubs will generate $35.16 in lifetime benefits for members, caregivers, youth workers, and Ohio Communities. Annually, $1 invested in the Boys & Girls Clubs generates $12.25 of economic and social impact.   Surveying 20,527 youth in Ohio who participate in after-school programming with the Boys & Girls Clubs, 9,442 or 46% are less likely to use drugs and drink than their peers not participating in the Clubs.   The strategy is to offer a safe place for our youth grades 1-12 and proactively provide programming that will keep them safe and enable them to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.   Additionally - The Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo are committed to a clear vision: every young person should be equipped to make healthy decisions for their social, emotional, and physical well-being.   WHISKEY EXPERT (Re-air from August)   Elliot MacFarlane | Whiskey Wizard

SHERIFFS AS IMMIGRATION AGENTS GUEST: Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn - Wood County The Trump administration is planning big changes in how the country is governed once they take power. One of those being the plans to give local sheriffs more power to act as immigration agents amid a mass deportation crackdown. Wood County Sheriff Wasylyshyn discusses how his office is preparing for the possibility; what it will take, how much it will cost, and do they have the wherewithal to do it. THE SEASON OF GIVING: CHARITABLE CHALLENGES GUEST: Mary Helen Darah | Sylvania Area Family Services

Arturo Polizzi just steered one of northwest Ohio's largest employers out of a financial crisis. ProMedica was - as he puts it - hemorrhaging money when he became the leader of the company  two years ago. Today, the company is on, what he calls, solid footing. WTOL 11 is the first Toledo station to sit down with ProMedica's president-CEO for an in-depth discussion of the healthcare organization's past and future.

Giving thanks by giving back Caden Laney - Toys for Tiny Heroes - Congenital Heart Defects Patient Tanya Laney - Toys for Tiny Heroes - Caden's Mom This story is about more than just the toy drive of this Swanton congenital heart defect patient - it's also about community connections - and family finding comfort in knowing they're not alone. The Laney family is giving thanks to love and time together.   Adrienne McCoy - Administrative Assistant | Toledo Fire & Rescue Dept.   According to Chief Allison Armstrong, McCoy has been through a lot this past year. She has batted through breast cancer, lost her mother, and her husband just got a kidney transplant - yet - Chief Armstrong says - she stays very positive and does things in the community.     Robert Pownell | Volunteer/Mentor | The Program Inc. Pownell shares a story about one of the young men involved in the Program Inc. mentoring program and his growth while being with us. Pownell will be prepared to share why he chose to volunteer for The Program as his personal story is deeply connected to the impact he is having with the young men in our community.  Giving thanks by giving back. Three stories that illustrate what the Thanksgiving holiday is all about.

State Rep. Josh Williams ( R ) | District 41 / District 44 talks about his election to a new district. Also, what people in his district are saying are about what they think the top priorities in the statehouse should be. Newly-elected State Representative-Elect Erika White (D) | District 41 says she is ready to get to work, and hopes people can come together in the “center” to get things done. Nicole Kalaf-Hughes, PhD, Associate Professor of Political Science at BGSU breaks down what the election results tell us about the state and the country.

The state of labor relations as it relates to layoffs at Toledo Jeep plant; Local actress and mother of four seeing success as background actress in TV and movies. GUEST: Art Wheaton | Cornell University | School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) Arthur Wheaton is an industry education specialist based in the Cornell University ILR School office in Buffalo, New York Wheaton discusses the recent layoffs at the Stellantis Assembly plant in Toledo as well as what the recent election means for labor relations in the U.S. Art has more than 15 years of experience as a labor educator teaching collective bargaining, negotiations, and conflict resolution for unions and management. He also has extensive expertise in international labor union and management research and is a resource person of the ILO and the European Foundation Living and Working Conditions.   GUEST: Sydney Trumbull | Local Actress  Sydney Trumbull is a local actress who recently appeared in Season 5 Episode 1 of Netflix's Unsolved Mysteries. She helped to tell the story of Kate Brown and Carnell Sledge and their unsolved murders that occurred in a Cleveland Metropark in 2019. Trumbull is a background actor who has also appeared in TV shows like Law and Order SUV, a Toledo Walleye promo, and will be in a few more movies and TV shows to be released in 2025. Most recently she worked on the set of Happy Gilmore 2 and was able to introduce herself to Adam Sandler. She'll be meeting Rob Schneider.

BGSU poll seeks to better understand where citizens stand on issues of government, elections, and political preferences. Guest Joshua Boston, Ph.D. | Associate Professor of Political Science | BGSU Democracy and Public Policy Research Network Poll • Voters' election/campaign engagement • Voter evaluations of governing elites (approval and favorability), the country's direction, economic situation, governing institutions, etc. • Ohio Issue 1 (redistricting/gerrymandering) • Direct democracy (elections that pose questions of governance/public policy directly to voters) • Perceptions of U.S. Electoral College and other challenges to election integrity • Past voting behavior in 2022 state elections and 2023 abortion ballot initiative

Ohio Dept of Development Director Lydia Mihilak discusses economic development in northwest Ohio .    I-475 Neighborhoods Coalition Coordinator Peggy Daly-Masternak discusses opposition to the widening of I-475 in west Toledo.

ConnecToledo and Toledo's Master Plan ConnectToledo President Paul Toth, MBA discusses updates to the 2017 Downtown Toledo Master Plan including work that has been done on the Downtown Toledo Glass City Riverwalk.   Toledo area housing market Eddie Campos, realtor and President of Northwest Ohio Realtors talks about the area's housing market.  

Immigration  Baldemar Velasquez |  F.L.O.C. - President & Founder  According to a new Scripps News/Ipsos survey, more than half of all Americans, including a quarter of Democrats, support the mass deportation of immigrants who are living in the country illegally. Immigration continues to be in the top 5 issues driving people to the polls in November. But, as we see with each report, there needs to be some perspective, and it may come from the American Immigration Council and a history lesson on the foundation of our ancestors. Neighbor 2 Neighbor  Rev. Gayle Catinella | Rector, St. Michael's in the Hills Church Raina Dawson | ABLE/LAWO I'm sure you've seen the signs - HEART your neighbor. They've popped up all over NW Ohio in the past several months. It's all part of the local neighbor2neighbor effort.  On their website they say:  The fracturing of our society into good and bad, people I agree with and people I don't agree with, people like me and people not like me, is moving us so far away from each other that it's hard to imagine coming together again. If we look for differences, we will find them. But if we look for similarities, we will find that as well. The time has come to repair the breach. The time has come to soften our hard hearts. It won't be perfect. But if we can commit to treating our neighbors, all our neighbors, all people, with civility and respect, with basic decency, we will get back the society we all long for-peaceful, kind and productive. It takes everyone to declare that we value our neighbors for real change to occur. So, during this time of political back-and-forth, during a contentious election season, conversation is happening.   ISSUE 30 - Lucas County Children Services Levy Randy Muth | Exec. Dir. - Lucas County Children Services 1.5 Mill Levy. Executive Director says the agency will run out of money come December 2025.

UToledo Leadership Matt Schroeder |  University of Toledo Interim President    The Toledo Blade reported in September that the University of Toledo had experienced a 3.8 percent decline in total enrollment. As part of the article, UToledo Interim President Matt Schroeder said, “It will take discipline and execution of our enrollment and recruitment plans to turn this around. We have to hold ourselves accountable.” The school has said its plan includes efforts to diversify enrollment, improve student success, and to better tell the UToledo story to prospective students. So what is Toledo's story of now and of the future … while also drawing on its past.   Four Hundred and Nineteen Podcast  Gretchen DeBacker | Kevin Mullan | Matthew Killam 18 of ‘em and counting.  We always like to feature people with passion and purpose - and this group has shown it in producing this Toledo-based podcast. Four Hundred and Nineteen focuses on some of the region's movers and shakers.

WESTGATE VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER - Its History and its future  Liz Holland | CEO | Abbell Associates   In an uncertain and trying economy, the plans that once were on the books are now changing for Westgate Village North on the north side of Central and Secor and the former home of Sears and Elder Beerman. Until recently the plan was to go mixed-use on the site. But according to the Toledo Blade, housing is out and commercial is in.  So what are the current plans for the long vacant property?   FIRE SERVICE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Rudy Ruiz | 6th Bugle Fire Service Exec. Leadership Conf. As coordinator of the 3rd Annual Sixth Bugle Fire Service Administrative Assistants Leadership Conference, Rudy Ruiz realized there needed to be a supportive conference for our administrative assistants. Speakers discussed Culinary Medicine, Legal Issues Facing the Fire Service, Maintaining Mental Health, Using AI to improve Day-to-Day Administrative Work, and communication. 

PROMENADE PAVILLION CONCERT SEASON IN REVIEW Hunter Brucks | HB Concerts Inc.  Toledo city leaders handed Hunter Brucks the keys to operate the summer concert series at Promenade Park (newly renamed Promenade Pavillion) last year. Once all the t's were crossed and the “i's” were dotted … he had a shorter window to secure acts, secure a stage, and make something out of it. There were cancellations - low ticket sales for some and just a few shows that could be called successful. Additionally, Lucas County is looking into a study with ConnecToledo about the future of not only the site - but also the programming. So what's the future of the summer concert series and how does Brucks grade himself on the job he did this year? SCHOOL SAFETY | STRATISITE REVISITED Scott Lowry - StrataSite  Jen Saba  - St. John's Jesuit HS  Disaster planning in an age of mass violence. How schools are preparing for the threat of emergency situations. StrataSite is a Toledo company meant to remove roadblocks toward the “outside” emergency response plan creation, sharing and adoption between all responding agencies during an emergency. The program serves hundreds of schools in Ohio and Michigan - including St. John's Jesuit in Toledo, which is using Stratisite this Fall for the first time. PRODUCER, ACTOR, AND COMEDIAN JOE GATTO  Joe Gatto | Producer, Actor, Comedian “Impractical Jokers”   You know him from the popular show, “Impractical Jokers,” but Joe Gatto is much more than a prankster on TV. He's a standup comedian, bringing his show to the Glass City this month. But he is also an author  of a children's book - “Where's Bearry?”.

VOTING PREPS LaVera Scott | Director | Lucas County Board of Elections Lucas County BOE Director LeVera Scott talks about what it takes to put on a general election when one of the presidential tickets changes so late in the campaign. “PARENT STRESS IS A SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE” Erin Wiley, MA, LPCC | Psychologist | The Willow Center Psychologist Erin Wiley discusses Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy's recent statement that parental stress is a major public health issue.

DOLLARS AND SENSE Alan Lancz | Registered Investment Advisor Bankrate reports just 6% of the nearly 400 items the Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks are cheaper today than before the pandemic-induced recession, and most people are feeling it in their wallet. Still, inflation is at the lowest point it's been since March 2021. At the same time, the Dow Jones is hovering around 40,000 and a record high. So is the economy good… or not? The answer… It depends on who you ask. SAFETY FORCES CULTURE/BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS Dr. Marvin Whitfield | Blue Force Mobile Training Team Dr. Marvin Whitfield's Blue Force Mobile Training team of subject matter experts conduct onsite training in professional development, workplace safety, and cultural competency for individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. They are recognized as subject matter experts based on experience, education, and advanced levels of continuous training.

Saving our Community: One Year Later | Peace in Motion Malcolm Cunningham & Josh Davies, Save our Community School-based team It's been a little over a year since Malcolm Cunningham was tabbed as the leader of Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz's initiative to combat gun violence in Toledo. In that time, there's been a significant change in the number of gun violence-related homicides - since the peak during the pandemic. When he took over the program, Cunningham talked about the importance of youth programming, the technology of Boston University's RISE lab and the forecasting of violence, and the violence interrupters program. So what have we seen in a year's time - what's working and what isn't? Additionally, the Mayor has announced a five-year plan called “Peace in Motion” focusing on: *Increasing protective factors *Building community capacity for violence prevention *Addressing the role of social media in violent conflicts *Providing comprehensive support for victims and survivors of gun violence … as well as economic opportunities and neighborhood development. Passion for food Moussa Salloukh | Chef | Restaurateur | Owner - Souk Navy Bistro, La Scola, and Souk owner Moussa Salloukh is truly a generational talent and hopefully northwest Ohio appreciates what it has in his skill, his passion and his purpose. With Souk, over the last five years or so - he has been able to utilize social media, and his own YouTube Channel. But we haven't even mentioned the food, the appetizers, the creative entrees, the desserts, the wine. Is it test fail for him … what is his palate for the downtown, the living/business/social climate, the Docks, the Metroparks, and the recently mentioned Culinary Mavericks venture.

“NEVER HAVE A BAD HAIR DAY: REDEFINING RESILIENCE BY EMBRACING LIFE CHALLENGES” McKenna Reitz - Author | “Never Have a Bad Hair Day: Redefining Resilience by Embracing Life's Challenges” Former Springfield Schools' teacher and volleyball coach, and Alopecia Areata-aware spokesperson, McKenna Reitz, has been on talk shows, she's been on the TEDx circuit, and now she's getting ready to release her first book. She says it's a deeply personal journey, filled with stories of overcoming adversity, embracing vulnerability, and finding strength in the most unexpected places. It's about transforming life's challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience.  Elliot MacFarlane “The Whiskey Wizard” - Whiskey Ambassador  A local historian, MacFarlane (aka Whisky Wizard) is well known for his knowledge of whiskey provenance and lore; he will present the background of the featured spirits, as well as historical points of interest regarding the art of distillation.

A new electric vehicle center at Toledo Public Schools' Toledo Technology Academy will teach the mechanics and engineers of the future all about the cars and trucks that are quickly gaining a major presence on roads around the world. The initiative is something that car dealers and UAW representatives have been calling for for years and will keep Toledo at the forefront of the vehicle manufacturing of the future.

Leading Edge | Historic election, partnerships for growth, Wood Co. Fair - July 28, 20 Dr. Sam Nelson – University of Toledo, Political Science and Public Administration It's been an historic summer ahead of the presidential election in the fall, with an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump followed one week later by President Biden announcing he will not be running for re-election but instead will be endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to run against Trump. D. Paul Zito – Regional Growth Partnership of NW Ohio, VP of Int'l Development Toledo continued its mission to reach out to communities around the globe and form partnerships this week when they hosted a contingent from China. Those partnerships are meant to bolster culture, the arts, business and communication. Additionally, in May, RGP Northwest Ohio was awarded the “President's E Award for Export Service at the US Department of Commerce ceremony in DC. Paul Perry – Wood County Fair. It's summer. That means it's time for rides, milkshakes, Pork-A-Lean sandwiches and the culmination of 4-H club members' hard work through the year. Subscribe to the Leading Edge Podcast, and never miss an episode. Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...  Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2186wKl...  Subscribe to WTOL 11 - https://bit.ly/32odAkM Connect with us on social media: Go 419 Facebook -   / go419    Facebook -   / wtol11    Twitter -   / wtol11toledo    Instagram -   / wtol11toledo    WTOL 11 newsletter - https://wtol.com/email WTOL 11 Weather app - https://bit.ly/3o7ZNwO

For more than two years, WTOL's 11 Investigates team has looked into the blight issue in the city of Toledo. There are hundreds of homes that are uncared for or abandoned. And many times, the owners simply don't pay their real estate taxes.       But there's something our team has never experienced before… a series of properties that have seemingly slipped under the radar of state and city officials including a trailer park off the Anthony Wayne Trail. BRIAN DUGGAR | 11 Investigates lead reporter Processing and dealing with traumatic events shown on TV, including the recent assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump. How to help children who can be confused about what they see and how adults can deal with the trauma itself and the stress of explaining it to their children. NICK RYBAK, MSW - LSW | Mercy Health

Rick Longenecker is on a mission to connect UToledo graduates from around the country and help them share there stories. Also, teaching kids skills of the future.

Jamie Farr, well-known to Toledoans for his years on the hit television show M*A*S*H, as well as the professional women's golf tournament that bore his name, is 90!

Base Molecular Resonance Bo Short | Base Molecular Resonance Technologies  Lee Duke | Base Molecular Resonance Technologies    Touting it as a piece of technology with applications in military, medical, and security - BMRT contends that its Base Molecular Resonance tool will give those who have cancer and don't know it more time - it will give schools, malls, governmental building a much more advance warning to molecules in guns - and it will warn border control agents of illegal drugs and/or dangerous weapons. The investors say the technology is still two years away from being available commercially - but they believe it will be a game changer when it comes to more than 200 forms of cancer.    Teaching Teachers AI   Chelsea Chandler, Ph.D. - BGSU | Associate Dir. | Center for Faculty Excellence   Dr. Chandler is helping to lead discussions and trainings with BGSU faculty and staff on how the technology can be used and implemented ethically and responsibly in both academics and work. She's also providing high-level insight on how the learning community is adapting to the semi-new technology overall, much like many other colleges and universities.

Rossford Schools and the benefits of business Dan Creps | Superintendent = Rossford Schools Mayor Neil MacKinnon | Rossford  Northwest Ohio is an interesting study when it comes to its schools. As of late, a suburban Toledo district that's been growing by leaps and bounds over the last two decades doesn't have room for more kids - and voters have turned down two straight levy requests. The money to ease overcrowding - according to Perrysburg Schools - isn't there. And the schools say - despite the failure of these ballot issues - the townships and city continue to approve new developments and multifamily units that will lead to adding more students - and the schools cannot turn students away. The schools say money is a problem - and apparently the tax base isn't taking care of it.  Now - juxtapose that with what's happening just a few miles away in Rossford. A smaller town - Perrysburg's population is about 25k … Rossford is more than 6k - but in a town - where schools aren't bursting at the seams - business and industry is flooding the schools with cash … and a lot of it.   Ohio's political temperature David DeWitt | Editor-in-Chief | Ohio Capital Journal Ohio's been important in most, if not all, presidential election years. But, much like the talk of tornado alley shifting – we are seeing trends that Ohio's importance in determining the outcome is waning. Why is that?

City of Toledo Let's Move program City of Toledo, Director of Parks and Youth Services Jacqueline Johnson Mercy Health Registered Nurse Sandy Sulier Mercy Health Nurse Coordinator Bethany Pfeiffer Let's Move is a city of Toledo-run program designed to improve the overall health of Toledoans. Flag City Honor Flight Bob Weinberg – Flag City Honor Flight

NCAA Revenue Sharing and Lawsuit Settlement Stewart Mandell | College Football Editor-in-Chief | The Athletic  We are living through what will undoubtedly be the redefining of college sports as we know it. The NCAA is about to not only settle a series of multi-million dollar lawsuits, but also embark on a revenue sharing program that will see Power 5 conference teams (Big Ten included) flooded with $20 million dollars a year to distribute to its players. Will the settlement have any impact on mid-major schools like UT or BGSU? Gordie Howe International Bridge Heather Grondin | Chief Relations Officer | Windsor- Detroit Bridge Authority  The Gordie Howe International Bridge is set to open in September 2025. They've used the words "game changer" as if there's never been a link between the US and Canada before. Hear what the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority has to say about the new span.

Carol Ann LaBounty – daughter of D-Day paratrooper It's Memorial Day weekend - a day for remembrance of those who have died in service to our country. In a matter of weeks, Carol Ann LaBounty and her family will undertake a journey thousands of miles away. They're headed to Normandy, France. This year marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when allied forces stormed the beaches at Normandy in what was a devastating battle in World War II. Carol and family will honor her father who made quite a name for himself.  Today we honor Carol Ann LaBounty and her dad P-F-C George Rajner - a paratrooper - a member of East Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment assigned to the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army better known as the BAND OF BROTHERS.  Wendy Pestrue - President & CEO - United Way of Greater Toledo United Way 211 is a free and anonymous information and referral service available to anyone in Lucas, Ottawa or Wood County with a health or human service need. 211 has a database of thousands of different health and human service resources for residents of Lucas, Ottawa and Wood counties.    It connects the community with resource advisors 24/7 to get information about: food, housing and utility assistance; employment services; childcare; healthcare; legal services; veteran services; tax preparation services and so much more. Now, the United Way is making an effort to educate teenagers about the service.