http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Tue, 14 Jul 2026 04:00:57 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/personal-finance/2026/07/13/how-to-tackle-estate-planning-basics-in-6-steps/stories/20260713003 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/personal-finance/2026/07/13/how-to-tackle-estate-planning-basics-in-6-steps/stories/20260713003#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2026 10:18:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/personal-finance/2026/07/13/how-to-tackle-estate-planning-basics-in-6-steps/stories/20260713003 Contemplating your own death or disability isn’t particularly pleasant, but estate planning can bring peace of mind for you and your family. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/stock-market/2026/07/13/oil-prices-jump-following-the-latest-fighting-in-the-middle-east-ai-stocks-sink/stories/20260713102 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/stock-market/2026/07/13/oil-prices-jump-following-the-latest-fighting-in-the-middle-east-ai-stocks-sink/stories/20260713102#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2026 22:36:06 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/stock-market/2026/07/13/oil-prices-jump-following-the-latest-fighting-in-the-middle-east-ai-stocks-sink/stories/20260713102 NEW YORK — Oil prices jumped Monday following a weekend of attacks in the Middle East, while more losses for computer chip companies and other winners of the artificial-intelligence boom dragged stock markets lower. Specialist Glenn Carell, left, and Dilip Patel, center, work with trader Jeffrey Vazquez on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, June 26. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/technology/2026/07/13/popular-mobile-game-june-s-journey-recover-lost-revolutionary-war-treasures/stories/20260713004 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/technology/2026/07/13/popular-mobile-game-june-s-journey-recover-lost-revolutionary-war-treasures/stories/20260713004#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2026 10:18:14 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/technology/2026/07/13/popular-mobile-game-june-s-journey-recover-lost-revolutionary-war-treasures/stories/20260713004 Gamers are being asked to hunt down lost artifacts from the American Revolutionary War in a virtual treasure hunt that creators hope will lead to some real-world discoveries. An in-game rendering from 'June's Journey' of the missing sampler. Re-enactors from a recreated British light infantry company of His Majesty's 40th Regiment at the site of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. One of the missing items is a military cap with three ostrich feathers, taken from a British soldier during this battle. Mandatory Credit: Courtesy HM 40th Regiment of Foot, recreated via CNN Newsource A missing piece of embroidery or needlework, known as a sampler, which is believed to depict the long-demolished estate of William Alexander, a Continental Army officer in the American Revolutionary War. A composite rendering shows a two-thirds fragment of the King George III coat of arms, and the surviving one-third fragment that remains in the possession of Christ Church, Philadelphia. Players become amateur sleuths as they follow the game's crime-cracking protagonist, June. An in-game image from the 'June's Journey' hidden object game shows the Battle of Cowpens medal awarded to Gen. Daniel Morgan. The medal, inherited by Morgan's grandson after his death, was stolen from a bank vault in 1818. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/technology/2026/07/13/massive-ai-buildout-poses-latest-inflation-threat-as-consumers-pay-more-for-laptops-and-electricity/stories/20260713075 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/technology/2026/07/13/massive-ai-buildout-poses-latest-inflation-threat-as-consumers-pay-more-for-laptops-and-electricity/stories/20260713075#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2026 14:42:58 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/technology/2026/07/13/massive-ai-buildout-poses-latest-inflation-threat-as-consumers-pay-more-for-laptops-and-electricity/stories/20260713075 WASHINGTON — American consumers — and the Federal Reserve — are being hit with another high-cost headache. A shopper looks over Apple MacBook laptops on display in a Costco warehouse on June 2 in Sheridan, Colo. he William McChesney Martin Jr. building, which houses the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, is seen on April 7, 2025, in Washington. Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh speaks during a news conference following the Federal Open Market Committee meeting June 17, 2025, in Washington. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/development/2026/07/12/keystone-pipeline-system-operatorpay-26-9m-penalty-kansas-oil-spill/stories/20260712109 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/development/2026/07/12/keystone-pipeline-system-operatorpay-26-9m-penalty-kansas-oil-spill/stories/20260712109#comments Sun, 12 Jul 2026 18:31:52 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/development/2026/07/12/keystone-pipeline-system-operatorpay-26-9m-penalty-kansas-oil-spill/stories/20260712109 TOPEKA, Kan. — A proposed legal settlement with the U.S. government would require the Keystone Pipeline system's operator to pay a $26.9 million civil penalty over a major oil spill in Kansas in December 2022 and spend about $40 million more to prevent future accidents. This photo taken with a drone shows the area where the ruptured Keystone pipeline dumped oil into a creek in Washington County, Kan., in 2022. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/energy/2026/07/12/premium-gas-expensive-americans-filling-cars/stories/20260712030 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/energy/2026/07/12/premium-gas-expensive-americans-filling-cars/stories/20260712030#comments Sun, 12 Jul 2026 10:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/energy/2026/07/12/premium-gas-expensive-americans-filling-cars/stories/20260712030 The price displayed above that third button on the gas pump averaged more than $5.40 for several days this spring. American drivers still couldn’t get enough. A customer pumps gas at a gas station in Los Angeles. Gas prices are showcased at the pump at a Wawa gas station in Aston, Pa., in May. A billboard shows an advertisement for Ethyl gasoline at a Diamond D-X Service Station in Madison, Wis., in May, 1935. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/retail/2026/07/12/how-cracker-barrel-saved-itself/stories/20260712029 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/retail/2026/07/12/how-cracker-barrel-saved-itself/stories/20260712029#comments Sun, 12 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/retail/2026/07/12/how-cracker-barrel-saved-itself/stories/20260712029 NEW YORK — Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino said six months ago that she thought she was “fired by America” following a bungled revamp. Today, she could be on the path to forgiveness. A Cracker Barrel is located in Florida City, Fla. Julie Felss Masino appears in a 2025 photo. The short-lived Cracker Barrel logo is showcased on a menu. A Cracker Barrel restaurant that wasn't remodeled. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/agriculture/2026/07/11/specialty-farmers-adapt-harvests-protect-crops-extreme-heat/stories/20260711014 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/agriculture/2026/07/11/specialty-farmers-adapt-harvests-protect-crops-extreme-heat/stories/20260711014#comments Sat, 11 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/agriculture/2026/07/11/specialty-farmers-adapt-harvests-protect-crops-extreme-heat/stories/20260711014 BROOKSVILLE, Ky. — Even as the sun started to set, the day’s heat was still hanging in the air as Annie Woods walked back out to harvest squash and zucchini on her 50-acre farm. Annie Woods harvests eightball, a type of zucchini, as the sun sets July 1 at her farm in Brooksville, Ky. The sun sets July 1 over a farm in Brooksville, Ky. Annie Woods takes a drink of water while harvesting July 1 at her farm in Brooksville, Ky. Annie Woods harvests squash July 1 at her farm in Brooksville, Ky. A poblano pepper grows inside a greenhouse July 1 at a farm in Brooksville, Ky. Crops grow inside a greenhouse as fans run to keep the temperature down July 1 at a farm in Brooksville, Ky. Heat-damaged celery rests in a tray inside a greenhouse July 1 at a farm in Brooksville, Ky. Trays of seedlings sit inside a cabinet to keep cool July 1 at a farm in Brooksville, Ky. Celery grows inside a greenhouse July 1 at a farm in Brooksville, Ky. A cat pauses between rows of crops waiting for planting July 1 at a farm in Brooksville, Ky. Annie Woods inspects herbs while harvesting July 1 at her farm in Brooksville, Ky. Annie Woods lifts a crate of squash and zucchini while harvesting July 1 at her farm in Brooksville, Ky. Japanese beetles damage okra plant leaves July 1 at a farm in Brooksville, Ky. Annie Woods holds zucchini while harvesting produce July 1 at her farm in Brooksville, Ky. Annie Woods loads a crate of harvested produce into her farm vehicle July 1 in Brooksville, Ky. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/07/11/behind-the-wheel-the-best-used-sedans-for-under-15-000/stories/20260711012 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/07/11/behind-the-wheel-the-best-used-sedans-for-under-15-000/stories/20260711012#comments Sat, 11 Jul 2026 10:45:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/automotive/2026/07/11/behind-the-wheel-the-best-used-sedans-for-under-15-000/stories/20260711012 According to Edmunds data, the average transaction price of a 3-year-old used vehicle is more than $30,000. This is a big discount compared with buying new, but it’s still potentially out of reach financially for a lot of people. Fortunately, spending about half that can still get you a car with a compelling combination of comfort, reliability, fuel economy, and modern technology. The Honda Civic is a longtime popular choice for a small sedan that offers peppy acceleration and solid fuel economy as well as solid construction. Aim to find a 2016 Civic, pictured, the year it received a redesign and a new optional turbocharged engine. The Kia Forte is a stylish and quiet small sedan that offers an extensive list of available features. The 2019-2021 model years should work with a $15,000 budget cap. The Mazda 3 is a small sedan with a sense of style to match its fun-to-drive demeanor. Buyers should look for a third-generation model produced from 2014 through 2018. The Toyota Corolla is a sensible, comfortable choice for a small sedan that offers an appealing list of advanced driver assist features. You should be able to find a 2015 to 2017 Corolla for under $15,000. The Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize sedan that offers more space for passengers and their cargo than the other sedans on this list. The 2019 Malibu, pictured, is worth a look for its revised styling and updated infotainment tech. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/technology/2026/07/11/ai-powering-economy-americans-falling-behind/stories/20260711008 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/technology/2026/07/11/ai-powering-economy-americans-falling-behind/stories/20260711008#comments Sat, 11 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/technology/2026/07/11/ai-powering-economy-americans-falling-behind/stories/20260711008 At the Richmond Neighborhood Center in San Francisco, more than 200 people are on the waitlist for the food pantry. The center is just a couple of miles west of “AI Alley,” where a cluster of major AI companies take in billions of dollars in investments and pay out high salaries to employees — in turn making home prices and rent payments soar. An aerial view of the downtown San Francisco skyline is seen in 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/stock-market/2026/07/10/us-stocks-rise-wall-street-shows-still-hungry-ai-winners/stories/20260710096 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/stock-market/2026/07/10/us-stocks-rise-wall-street-shows-still-hungry-ai-winners/stories/20260710096#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2026 23:33:24 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/stock-market/2026/07/10/us-stocks-rise-wall-street-shows-still-hungry-ai-winners/stories/20260710096 NEW YORK — U.S. stocks ticked higher Friday after Wall Street showed its appetite is still big for winners of the artificial-intelligence boom. Trader Michael Milano, center, works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on June 26. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/development/2026/07/10/manufacturer-investing-1-3-billion-and-800-jobs-in-northwest-ohio/stories/20260710050 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/development/2026/07/10/manufacturer-investing-1-3-billion-and-800-jobs-in-northwest-ohio/stories/20260710050#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2026 17:40:09 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/development/2026/07/10/manufacturer-investing-1-3-billion-and-800-jobs-in-northwest-ohio/stories/20260710050 DEFIANCE — A project touted by Gov. Mike DeWine last year as the largest investment in Defiance County’s history took another step forward this week. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/retail/2026/07/10/bread-for-babysitting-wauseon-bakery-embraces-bartering/stories/20260704019 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/retail/2026/07/10/bread-for-babysitting-wauseon-bakery-embraces-bartering/stories/20260704019#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:52:58 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/retail/2026/07/10/bread-for-babysitting-wauseon-bakery-embraces-bartering/stories/20260704019 Ashley and Eli Koehler of Wauseon were already buying sourdough bread from Providence Bread when Mrs. Koehler read a call for bartering on the bakery’s Facebook page. “I saw she was looking for services, and we were already buying the bacon cheddar sourdough bread,” Mrs. Koehler Providence Bread's team, comprising Chris and Alina Velasquez, Lu Valencia, Crisine and Tim Kennedy with children Tahlia, Corban, and Ransom; Anastasia Barnes, and Alexa Short, stand inside the shop on July 3. Customers Samantha Burkholder and Theresa Metzger traveled from Whitehouse to visit Providence Bread's shop near Wauseon on July 3. Providence Bread's storefront near Wauseon on July 3. Marcus Sanchez stands next to Providence Bread-branded shirts he traded for baked goods on July 3. Emily Varner, right, barters her time tutoring Tim and Crisine Kennedy's children Corban, Tahlia, and Ransom for goods at Providence Bread near Wauseon on July 3. Customers shop for bread and pastries at Providence Bread on July 3. Crisine Kennedy, right, bartered hickory nuts with Dale Genter, left, at Providence Bread's shop near Wauseon on July 3. Chris Velasquez, father of owner Crisine Kennedy, works in the Kennedy family's home bakery near Wauseon on July 3. Lu Valencia, cousin of Providence Bread owner Crisine Kennedy, stocks English muffins at the Wauson-area store on July 3. Providence Bread's home kitchen stores baked goods on July 3. A prayer box and a "bless your neighbor" basket invite customers to request prayer or nominate someone to receive a gift basket from Providence Bread near Wauseon on July 3. Ashley Koehler and Eli Koehler, with children Rose, Joshua, and Karlie, visited Providence Bread to barter on July 3. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/real-estate/2026/07/10/treasurer-s-office-announces-mailing-of-2025-tax-bills/stories/20260708086 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/real-estate/2026/07/10/treasurer-s-office-announces-mailing-of-2025-tax-bills/stories/20260708086#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:07:42 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/real-estate/2026/07/10/treasurer-s-office-announces-mailing-of-2025-tax-bills/stories/20260708086 The Lucas County Treasurer’s Office has started mailing the second-half 2025 real estate tax bills, which are due by July 31, Treasurer Lindsay Webb said. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/development/2026/07/10/swiss-company-boosts-floor-cleaner-production-at-toledo-facility/stories/20260614023 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/development/2026/07/10/swiss-company-boosts-floor-cleaner-production-at-toledo-facility/stories/20260614023#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2026 10:44:30 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/development/2026/07/10/swiss-company-boosts-floor-cleaner-production-at-toledo-facility/stories/20260614023 When TASKI, which produces industrial floor-cleaning machines, acquired Toledo-based NSS in 2023, the company’s leadership was looking to expand its operations in the North American market. Van Walter, TASKI national service manager, explains products at TASKI's manufacturing facility on June 4 in South Toledo. Van Walter, TASKI national service manager, explains products at TASKI's manufacturing facility on June 4 in South Toledo. Van Walter, TASKI national service manager, explains products at TASKI's manufacturing facility on June 4 in South Toledo. Van Walter, TASKI national service manager, explains products at TASKI's manufacturing facility on June 4 in South Toledo. Mike Dilley, supply chain director, explains the company's manufacturing process at TASKI's facility on June 4 in South Toledo. Van Walter, TASKI national service manager, explains products at TASKI's manufacturing facility on June 4 in South Toledo. TASKI's manufacturing facility on June 4 in South Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/stock-market/2026/07/09/stocks-recover-losses-oil-prices-ease-calm-returns-financial-markets-worldwide/stories/20260709110 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/stock-market/2026/07/09/stocks-recover-losses-oil-prices-ease-calm-returns-financial-markets-worldwide/stories/20260709110#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:08:18 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/stock-market/2026/07/09/stocks-recover-losses-oil-prices-ease-calm-returns-financial-markets-worldwide/stories/20260709110 NEW YORK — Stocks rose, and oil prices eased Thursday as financial markets calmed in the wait to see what will come next after President Donald Trump raised doubts about the temporary truce in the war with Iran. Traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York on July 6. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/technology/2026/07/09/news-outlets-sanction-openai-ai-copyright-fight/stories/20260709101 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/technology/2026/07/09/news-outlets-sanction-openai-ai-copyright-fight/stories/20260709101#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:08:41 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/technology/2026/07/09/news-outlets-sanction-openai-ai-copyright-fight/stories/20260709101 NEW YORK — The New York Times, the Daily News and other media outlets are asking a federal judge to impose sanctions on OpenAI, escalating a fight over artificial intelligence and copyright that could shape the future of a struggling news industry. CEO of OpenAI Sam Altman talks to CEO of Google DeepMind Demis Hassabis, not seen, on the sidelines of the G7 summit, on June 17 in Evian-les-Bains, France. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/labor/2026/07/09/us-jobless-claims-dip-modestly-to-215-000-last-week-as-layoffs-remain-at-historically-healthy-levels/stories/20260709085 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/labor/2026/07/09/us-jobless-claims-dip-modestly-to-215-000-last-week-as-layoffs-remain-at-historically-healthy-levels/stories/20260709085#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 14:18:18 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/labor/2026/07/09/us-jobless-claims-dip-modestly-to-215-000-last-week-as-layoffs-remain-at-historically-healthy-levels/stories/20260709085 WASHINGTON — The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits dipped slightly last week as layoffs in the U.S. remain historically low. A help wanted sign is seen outside of a company in Wheeling, Ill., on June 8. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/stock-market/2026/07/08/oil-prices-rise-stocks-drop-worldwide-trump-says-cease-fire-iran-over/stories/20260708111 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/stock-market/2026/07/08/oil-prices-rise-stocks-drop-worldwide-trump-says-cease-fire-iran-over/stories/20260708111#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:12:20 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/stock-market/2026/07/08/oil-prices-rise-stocks-drop-worldwide-trump-says-cease-fire-iran-over/stories/20260708111 NEW YORK — Oil prices rose, and stock markets dropped in shaky trading worldwide Wednesday after President Donald Trump raised doubts about the temporary truce in the war with Iran. Options traders Serge Marinovich, left, and Phil Phil Fracassini work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on June 26. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/agriculture/2026/07/08/neighbors-speak-out-against-proposed-210-000-hen-poultry-operation/stories/20260708083 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/agriculture/2026/07/08/neighbors-speak-out-against-proposed-210-000-hen-poultry-operation/stories/20260708083#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2026 18:15:52 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/agriculture/2026/07/08/neighbors-speak-out-against-proposed-210-000-hen-poultry-operation/stories/20260708083 DEFIANCE — Nearly every time a new plan emerges to build a major livestock facility in northwest Ohio, residents band together to raise concerns about anything from stench to potential impacts on water quality, air quality, roads, and property values. Some of the nearly 100 people who attended. Shirley Gebers, 89, lives in a house across the street from the proposed CAFO site. She has concerns about the ODA letting Mark and Diana Wachtman house 210,000 egg-laying chickens there. Deb Peter, Shirley Gebers' daughter, grew up in a house on Flory Road, across the street from the proposed CAFO site. She and her brother, Craig Gebers, of Toledo, said they want to maintain the area around the house they grew up in for their mother, who still lives in it. Jason Rickenberg, who lives along Flory Road less than a mile from the proposed CAFO site, provides his comments. Some of the nearly 100 people who attended. Sam Mullins, Ohio Department of Agriculture chief of livestock environmental permitting, talks with an attendee after the event. Sam Mullins, Ohio Department of Agriculture chief of livestock environmental permitting, talks with an attendee after the event. Sandy Bihn, Lake Erie Waterkeeper founder, delivers her testimony in the case as Sam Mullins, Ohio Department of Agriculture livestock environmental permitting chief, listens. Sandy Bihn, Lake Erie Waterkeeper founder, delivering her testimony in the case.