http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Tue, 04 Aug 2026 10:55:36 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/04/michigan-democrats-pick-between-moderate-and-progressive-in-high-profile-senate-/stories/20260804088 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/04/michigan-democrats-pick-between-moderate-and-progressive-in-high-profile-senate-/stories/20260804088#comments Tue, 04 Aug 2026 10:49:24 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/04/michigan-democrats-pick-between-moderate-and-progressive-in-high-profile-senate-/stories/20260804088 DETROIT — Michigan Democrats vote Tuesday in a closely watched Senate primary between moderate U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and progressive favorite Abdul El-Sayed, with the winner heading to a November contest critical to the party's hopes of reclaiming the Senate majority. Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive candidate in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Michigan, greets people at a campaign rally Aug. 3 in Detroit. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., talks to reporters during a campaign event, Aug. 3, in Grand Rapids, Mich. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/03/pickleball-palooza-expo-marks-national-pickleball-day/stories/20260802126 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/03/pickleball-palooza-expo-marks-national-pickleball-day/stories/20260802126#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2026 21:03:30 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/03/pickleball-palooza-expo-marks-national-pickleball-day/stories/20260802126 Pickleball Palooza Plus More is coming to Toledo Pickle Co. on Saturday, National Pickleball Day. Phil Zinsmaster reaches to hit the ball during the Serve for Science Pickleball Tournament at Toledo Pickle on Sept. 13, 2025 in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/08/03/third-defeendant-pleads-manslaughter-robbery-shooting/stories/20260803082 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/08/03/third-defeendant-pleads-manslaughter-robbery-shooting/stories/20260803082#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2026 20:03:41 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/08/03/third-defeendant-pleads-manslaughter-robbery-shooting/stories/20260803082 The last of three men charged with a botched robbery last year that ended with one of the robbers fatally shot has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and is poised to get the same prison sentence as the others. Pete Wheatley, Jr. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/08/03/3-men-shot-in-central-toledo/stories/20260803067 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/08/03/3-men-shot-in-central-toledo/stories/20260803067#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:46:39 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/08/03/3-men-shot-in-central-toledo/stories/20260803067 Three men were shot and injured in the central city, police said. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/03/wage-theft-clinic-kicks-off-northwest-ohio-worker-center/stories/20260803096 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/03/wage-theft-clinic-kicks-off-northwest-ohio-worker-center/stories/20260803096#comments Tue, 04 Aug 2026 02:31:31 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/03/wage-theft-clinic-kicks-off-northwest-ohio-worker-center/stories/20260803096 From age 6, Martin Ramirez picked tomatoes and cucumbers in northwest Ohio alongside his mother and five siblings, often seeing their employer undercount the harvested amount to pay them less. People attend the Wage Theft Clinic at Mott Branch Library in Toledo on Monday. Organizers Sean Nestor and Jeanette Eckert talk. Information sits on a table. Martin Ramirez smiles. Sean Nestor wears a Job for Justice shirt. Dan Morey with the City of Toledo speaks with a participant. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/08/03/ladderup-renters-climb-homeownership/stories/20260730089 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/08/03/ladderup-renters-climb-homeownership/stories/20260730089#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2026 10:17:39 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/08/03/ladderup-renters-climb-homeownership/stories/20260730089 For nearly four years, Nate Saldivar and his wife made monthly payments on a West Toledo house, hoping each one was bringing them closer to a place they could finally call their own. Nate Saldivar holds a photo of his late wife Brianna Saldivar in front of the South Toledo home he now owns through LadderUp Housing's program on July 29. Nate Saldivar holds a photo of his late wife Brianna Saldivar in front of the South Toledo home he now owns through LadderUp Housing's program on July 29. Nate Saldivar holds a photo of his late wife Brianna Saldivar in front of the South Toledo home he now owns through LadderUp Housing's program on July 29. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/08/03/report-indigent-defendants-monroe-lack-adequate-legal-representation/stories/20260803078 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/08/03/report-indigent-defendants-monroe-lack-adequate-legal-representation/stories/20260803078#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2026 21:43:17 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/08/03/report-indigent-defendants-monroe-lack-adequate-legal-representation/stories/20260803078 MONROE — Criminal defendants in Monroe County who are indigent do not receive effective legal representation, and a public defender office should be established, according to a report issued Monday by the Sixth Amendment Center. Commissioners Henry Lievens, left, and David Vensel listen to public comments during a meeting of the Monroe County commissioners Nov. 4, 2025, at the Monroe County Courthouse. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/03/trash-to-treasure-toledos-newest-riverfront-trail-opens/stories/20260803094 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/03/trash-to-treasure-toledos-newest-riverfront-trail-opens/stories/20260803094#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2026 22:33:23 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/03/trash-to-treasure-toledos-newest-riverfront-trail-opens/stories/20260803094 Toledo officials on Monday dedicated a new public park that transforms a former confined disposal facility into a restored riverfront destination along the Maumee River. Attendees get a view of the Maumee River and freighters as they stop at a boardwalk while walking around the trail after the dedication for Pontiac Preserve. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz looks out toward Lake Erie during a walk around the trail after the dedication for Pontiac Preserve, the newest addition to Toledo's parks system. City Council President Vanice Williams looks through her binoculars during a dedication for Pontiac Preserve, the newest addition to Toledo's parks system, in Toledo. Attendees get a view of the Maumee River as they stop at a boardwalk. City Council President Vanice Williams speaks. People walk around the trail. Joe Fausnaugh, Toledo’s public services director, speaks. Joe Fausnaugh, Toledo’s public services director, speaks. A map of the park and potential additions to it. Steve Day, a landscape architect with the City of Toledo, left, and Dave Zabler, a Point Place resident, chat during a walk around the trail. Dignitaries cut the ribbon. A expanse of wetland seen during a walk around the trail. City Council President Vanice Williams looks at a house wren through her binoculars,. City Council President Vanice Williams looks at a house wren through her binoculars. A expanse of wetland seen during a walk around the trail. A house wren. A house wren. An egret sits on a branch. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz speaks. David Zavac, a U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur staffer, speaks in her absence after yesterday’s car crash. Freighter John G. Munson. Freighter John G. Munson. People walk around the trail. A train goes on a bridge over the Maumee River and boaters head out in the water. A house wren at Pontiac Preserve, the newest addition to Toledo's parks system, in Toledo on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026. City Council President Vanice Williams looks at a house wren through her binoculars during a walk around the trail after the dedication for Pontiac Preserve, the newest addition to Toledo's parks system, in Toledo on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/08/03/us-rep-marcy-kaptur-continues-recover-after-auto-accident/stories/20260803084 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/08/03/us-rep-marcy-kaptur-continues-recover-after-auto-accident/stories/20260803084#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2026 20:38:09 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/08/03/us-rep-marcy-kaptur-continues-recover-after-auto-accident/stories/20260803084 U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) and her campaign manager continued to recover on Monday after an auto accident. Toledo Police investigate a hit-and-run crash involving U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur on North Detroit Avenue in Toledo on Aug. 2. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/03/lake-erie-algal-bloom-doubles-in-size-in-a-week/stories/20260803077 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/03/lake-erie-algal-bloom-doubles-in-size-in-a-week/stories/20260803077#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2026 18:57:58 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/03/lake-erie-algal-bloom-doubles-in-size-in-a-week/stories/20260803077 Western Lake Erie’s algal bloom has doubled in size in a week. Algae begins to bloom at Luna Pier, Mich., on July 27. The latest National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimate, released Monday, states that the bloom has grown to 200 square miles. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/03/ballot-language-approved-for-ohio-voter-photo-id-amendment/stories/20260803070 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/03/ballot-language-approved-for-ohio-voter-photo-id-amendment/stories/20260803070#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2026 17:58:18 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/03/ballot-language-approved-for-ohio-voter-photo-id-amendment/stories/20260803070 COLUMBUS — Ohio voters will be asked this November if the state’s current voter photo ID requirements should be added to the state constitution. People cast their votes during the final day of early voting at the Lucas County Board of Elections’ Early Vote Center in Toledo on May 4, 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/03/task-force-urges-fast-resumption-of-carp-barrier-project/stories/20260803073 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/03/task-force-urges-fast-resumption-of-carp-barrier-project/stories/20260803073#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2026 17:51:35 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/08/03/task-force-urges-fast-resumption-of-carp-barrier-project/stories/20260803073 Four co-chairmen of the House Great Lakes Task Force, including U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo), have told the Trump Administration it is imperative that work resume on the invasive carp barrier near Chicago as soon as possible. File photo of invasive carp moving northward toward Chicago https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/03/michigan-s-primary-competitive-democratic-u-s-senate-race-el-sayed-stevens/stories/20260803074 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/03/michigan-s-primary-competitive-democratic-u-s-senate-race-el-sayed-stevens/stories/20260803074#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2026 17:27:47 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/03/michigan-s-primary-competitive-democratic-u-s-senate-race-el-sayed-stevens/stories/20260803074 WASHINGTON — Michigan voters will decide a competitive Democratic U.S. Senate primary Tuesday in a contest that not only has implications for control of the chamber next year but will also test the growing clout of the party’s progressive wing as well as that of a powerful pro-Israel organization. U.S. Senate candidates Abdul El-Sayed, left, and U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens participate in a televised debate July 27 in Southfield, Mich. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/08/03/circumstances-disputed-at-gunman-s-sentencing-for-fatal-shooting/stories/20260803069 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/08/03/circumstances-disputed-at-gunman-s-sentencing-for-fatal-shooting/stories/20260803069#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2026 17:17:58 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/08/03/circumstances-disputed-at-gunman-s-sentencing-for-fatal-shooting/stories/20260803069 The mother of a woman who was fatally shot by her boyfriend in October disputed after his sentencing Monday that the shooting was accidental. Jeffrey Townsend, Jr. (right), goes over his plea documents with defense lawyer Jeff Crowther in Lucas County Common Pleas Court on July 30. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/08/03/coroner-s-office-seeking-family-of-recently-deceased-individual-2-14/stories/20260803068 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/08/03/coroner-s-office-seeking-family-of-recently-deceased-individual-2-14/stories/20260803068#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:53:04 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/08/03/coroner-s-office-seeking-family-of-recently-deceased-individual-2-14/stories/20260803068 The Lucas County Coroner’s Office is seeking family members of a 78-year-old woman. The Northwest Ohio Medical Technology Center which houses the Lucas County Coroner's Office, Lucas County Toxicology Lab, and the Lucas County Veterans Service Commission. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/03/ohio-dnr-to-host-walk-through-history-event/stories/20260728100 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/03/ohio-dnr-to-host-walk-through-history-event/stories/20260728100#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:32:44 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/03/ohio-dnr-to-host-walk-through-history-event/stories/20260728100 DEFIANCE  — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Watercraft will host a two‑day Walk Through History event at Independence Dam State Park. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/08/02/u-s-rep-marcy-kaptur-hospitalized-after-car-crash-sources-say/stories/20260802111 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/08/02/u-s-rep-marcy-kaptur-hospitalized-after-car-crash-sources-say/stories/20260802111#comments Sun, 02 Aug 2026 16:28:15 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/08/02/u-s-rep-marcy-kaptur-hospitalized-after-car-crash-sources-say/stories/20260802111 The driver believed to be at fault in a crash Sunday morning that sent U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) to the hospital is still at large, Toledo Police Officer Prince Flores said Monday afternoon. Toledo police investigate a crash involving U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur on North Detroit Avenue in Toledo on Aug. 2. Toledo police investigate a crash involving U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur on North Detroit Avenue in Toledo on Aug. 2. Toledo police investigate a crash involving U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur on North Detroit Avenue in Toledo on Aug. 2. Toledo police investigate a crash involving U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur on North Detroit Avenue in Toledo on Aug. 2. Toledo police said two individuals were taken to a nearby hospital following a crash at 10:48 a.m. at North Detroit and Central avenues. Toledo police investigate a crash involving U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur on North Detroit Avenue in Toledo on Aug. 2. An engine lays on the sidewalk from a crash involving U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur on North Detroit Avenue in Toledo on Sunday, August 2, 2026. Toledo police investigate a crash involving U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur on North Detroit Avenue in Toledo on Aug. 2. U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) speaks during a news conference in West Toledo on June 18 joining city officials to announce a new batch of funding for lead paint remediation. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/02/friends-library-sale-offers-books-records-board-games-1/stories/20260729088 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/02/friends-library-sale-offers-books-records-board-games-1/stories/20260729088#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2026 03:56:37 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/02/friends-library-sale-offers-books-records-board-games-1/stories/20260729088 The August Friends of the Library book sale will be Thursday through Saturday. Books are seen on a shelf during the Friends of the Library Book Sale in Toledo on Sept. 21, 2024. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/02/photo-gallery-first-day-monroe-county-fair/stories/20260802129 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/02/photo-gallery-first-day-monroe-county-fair/stories/20260802129#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2026 01:14:53 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/02/photo-gallery-first-day-monroe-county-fair/stories/20260802129 4-H kids and their animals shined on a rainy start to the 2026 Monroe County Fair on Sunday. The fair runs Aug. 2-8 at the Monroe County Fairgrounds in Monroe. Symone Rutkowski, 11, left, and Alanna Ogonowski, 16, practice showing their sheep. Chickens sit in its enclosure. The Kane family, from left, Dylan, Hayes, 1, and Tequila check out the chickens. Alanna Ogonowski, 16, practices showing her sheep during the Monroe County Fair. Kalyn Strahley, a 4-H judge, in red at right, and Grace Herkimer, assisting her, in light blue, during poultry judging. The Kane family, from left, Dylan, Hayes, 1, and Tequila check out the chickens. A rabbit sits in its enclosure. Alanna Ogonowski, 16, practices showing her sheep. Kalyn Strahley, a 4-H judge, judges chickens. Brantley Szabo, 11, feeds a rabbit. A rabbit takes a drink. People walk through the rain. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/02/residents-gather-perrysburg-yard-pay-tribute-veterans/stories/20260802121 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/02/residents-gather-perrysburg-yard-pay-tribute-veterans/stories/20260802121#comments Sun, 02 Aug 2026 22:17:33 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/02/residents-gather-perrysburg-yard-pay-tribute-veterans/stories/20260802121 Friends, neighbors, and veterans gathered in a Perrysburg backyard Sunday afternoon to commemorate a historical moment that many Americans might associate with a different date: the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration, best remembered for its adoption by the Continental Jessye Wright sings the National Anthem. Susan Rasure holds her hand up while singing the National Anthem. Guests hold hands as they say the Pledge of Allegiance. Guests hold hands as they say the Pledge of Allegiance. David Miller speaks during a party to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in Perrysburg. The color guard performs the 21-gun salute to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in Perrysburg.