http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Fri, 29 May 2026 14:16:49 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2026/05/29/to-the-editor-better-days-ahead-for-n-toledo/stories/20260529006 https://www.toledoblade.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2026/05/29/to-the-editor-better-days-ahead-for-n-toledo/stories/20260529006#comments Fri, 29 May 2026 10:26:26 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2026/05/29/to-the-editor-better-days-ahead-for-n-toledo/stories/20260529006 North Toledo residents will often tell you they feel forgotten. They feel overlooked, disenfranchised, and disconnected from the systems that are supposed to serve them. Many have lost trust in government and organizations after years of feeling ignored. The new mural being pained at Jamie Farr Park in North Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/technology/2026/05/29/entrepreneur-bets-ai-support-small-businesses/stories/20260514031 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/technology/2026/05/29/entrepreneur-bets-ai-support-small-businesses/stories/20260514031#comments Fri, 29 May 2026 14:03:38 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/technology/2026/05/29/entrepreneur-bets-ai-support-small-businesses/stories/20260514031 Most small businesses don’t make it to their fifth birthday. Sarah Horn, founder of Manifest, a company that aims to support small business owners with AI tools and expert coaching, stands inside the Main Library in Toledo on May 18. Sarah Horn, founder of Manifest, stands inside the Main Library in Toledo on May 18. Sarah Horn, founder of Manifest, stands inside the Main Library in Toledo on May 18. Sarah Horn, founder of Manifest, stands inside the Main Library in Toledo on May 18. Owner of A Walk in the Park Dirk Broersma gets a kiss from Milo, a dachshund, in Maumee in 2021. T Elizabeth Bauer, a dog daycare counselor at A Walk in the Park, works with dogs at the Maumee facility. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/29/mathematical-model-determine-lake-erie-species-diversity/stories/20260526089 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/29/mathematical-model-determine-lake-erie-species-diversity/stories/20260526089#comments Fri, 29 May 2026 13:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/05/29/mathematical-model-determine-lake-erie-species-diversity/stories/20260526089 Scientists at the University of Toledo are developing a mathematical framework to aid in measuring the health of ecosystems. UT professor Song Qian works on campus at the University of Toledo. William Hint is a professor in the University of Toledo department of environmental sciences. Song Qian is a UT professor in the department of environmental sciences and lead author on a study working toward figuring out species diversity levels in Lake Erie. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/05/29/photo-gallery-best-pictures-for-week-ending-may-28/stories/20260529087 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/05/29/photo-gallery-best-pictures-for-week-ending-may-28/stories/20260529087#comments Fri, 29 May 2026 13:26:37 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/05/29/photo-gallery-best-pictures-for-week-ending-may-28/stories/20260529087 Blade photographers head out every day to capture the triumphs, tragedies, and oddities of life in Lucas County and beyond. At right, Maureen Czerniakowski helps her granddaughter Lola, 2, cross a bridge along the Riverwalk May 26 in Toledo Anthony Wayne’s Jett Smith warms up before his at bat at sunset during the OHSAA Division II high school baseball district semifinal between Anthony Wayne and St. Francis de Sales at Carter Park in Bowling Green on May 26. Anthony Wayne’s Avrie Plontz dives safely into second past Fremont Ross’ Rubi Almaguer during the softball D-II district final at BGSU’s Meserve Field in Bowling Green on May 22. Anthony Wayne defeated Fremont Ross, 7-0. Clay’s Brayden Toneff gets hit by a pitch during the OHSAA Division II high school baseball district semifinal between St. John’s Jesuit and Clay at Carter Park in Bowling Green on May 26. Star of “The Paper” and “The Office” Oscar Nuñez throws out the first pitch during The Paper night at Fifth Third Field in Toledo on May 23. David Oravecz, a retired United States Marine Corps non-commissioned officer who is the executive director of the Lucas County Veterans Service Commission, walks up to pay his respects to the memorial wreaths during the Memorial Day Ceremony at the All Wars Memorial, Civic Center Mall in Toledo May 23. Clay celebrates their 1-0 win over St. Francis in the D-II baseball district final at Carter Park in Bowling Green on May 28. J.J. Paines-Franklin shares popcorn with his frend Ronin Niegeroes, 13, each of Pierce Middle School, as kids from regional schools enjoy a Toledo Mud Hens daytime baseball game at Fifth-Third Field on May 27 in downtown Toledo. A Great Blue Heron takes flight May 26 at Side Cut Metropark in Maumee. Toledo’s Max Clark dives into second base during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Indianapolis Indians at Fifth Third Field in Toledo May 24. Toledo’s Woo-Suk Go loses his hat while throwing a pitch during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Indianapolis Indians at Fifth Third Field in Toledo May 24. One of the firefighter explorer group members runs by a car fire before helping put it out during a mock disaster event held by Bedford Township Fire Department at the Monroe County Fairgrounds in Monroe, Mich., on May 23. Leona Simmons, Thomas Middle School, raises a foul ball collected in the stands as kids from regional schools enjoy a Toledo Mud Hens daytime baseball game at Fifth-Third Field on May 27 in downtown Toledo. Toledo Mud Hens infielder Max Burt makes the throw to get the double play against Columbus in a Minor League Baseball game at Fifth Third Field on May 27 in downtown Toledo. Volunteer Nikkey Richardson of the Mecca Court No. 73 and her granddaughter Chloe Highsmith, 4, place flags on veterans’ graves for Memorial Day on May 22 at Historic Woodlawn Cemetery in Toledo. About 200 volunteers will be placing over 6,000 American Flags on veterans’ graves. Gary and Elizabeth Deal with a photo of their late daughter, Christina Deal, at their home in Jerusalem Township on May 25. Christina was murdered in 2003. Kids chase foam during the Perrysburg Memorial Day Parade in Perrysburg on May 25. A first grade class listens as Jordan Mosby, an eighth grade student, explains the types of produce he is growing in the Big Green Garden at East Broadway Elementary in Toledo May 22. Marleta Smith and her escort Gavin Eckhart dance together during the 58th Debutante Cotillion at Parkway Place in Toledo on May 23. Gabby Padilla, of El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folklorico, facing camera at right, performs at the Cultura Sobre Ruedas (Culture on Wheels) event at the Believe Center in Toledo on May 24. People enjoy the warm weather at the Toledo Botanical Gardens in Toledo on May 26. Lake pitcher Parker Dart celebrates defeating Perry, 2-0, during a Division IV regional semifinal softball game May 27 in Clyde. Railroad workers stand next to a train derailment on the CSX track that crosses East Manhattan Boulevard in Toledo May 23. Shells fly from the guns during the 21-gun salute at the memorial service at Fort Meigs Union Cemetery in Perrysburg on May 25. Veronica Falter carries a “Freedom is not free” sign in the Perrysburg Memorial Day Parade in Perrysburg on May 25. Clay celebrates their win over Northview during the softball D-II district final at BGSU’s Meserve Field in Bowling Green on May 22. The rifle squad of the American Legion Post 468 give a rifle salute during a Memorial Day memorial service at Toledo Memorial Park in Sylvania on May 25. James Mann prays during an Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) prayer service May 27 at the Masjid of Al-Islam in Toledo. Imam Ibrahim Rahim leads an Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) prayer service May 27 at the Masjid of Al-Islam in Toledo. Toledo/Sylvania Elks Lodge No. 53 march with a large American flag during the Memorial Day parade in Sylvania on May 25. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/technology/2026/05/29/blue-origin-rocket-explodes-on-the-launch-pad-during-an-engine-firing-test/stories/20260529085 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/technology/2026/05/29/blue-origin-rocket-explodes-on-the-launch-pad-during-an-engine-firing-test/stories/20260529085#comments Fri, 29 May 2026 10:38:17 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/technology/2026/05/29/blue-origin-rocket-explodes-on-the-launch-pad-during-an-engine-firing-test/stories/20260529085 CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — A rocket belonging to Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin exploded during a test at the launch pad Thursday night, shaking nearby homes and briefly painting the sky orange. A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket stands ready for launch at the Cape Canaveral Space Force station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., April 18. A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket explodes during an engine-firing test on May 28 in Cape Canaveral, Fla. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/retail/2026/05/29/tomatoes-become-latest-symbol-of-america-s-affordability-squeeze/stories/20260529084 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/retail/2026/05/29/tomatoes-become-latest-symbol-of-america-s-affordability-squeeze/stories/20260529084#comments Fri, 29 May 2026 10:36:26 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/retail/2026/05/29/tomatoes-become-latest-symbol-of-america-s-affordability-squeeze/stories/20260529084 NEW YORK — Tomatoes, ubiquitous in everything from fast-food burgers to haute cuisine, are taking on a new role beyond the plate: A nagging reminder of rising costs. Tomatoes await customers on the shelves of a supermarket in New York on May 26. https://www.toledoblade.com/opinion/editorials/2026/05/29/editorial-endorsement-can-t-trump-voters/stories/20260529008 https://www.toledoblade.com/opinion/editorials/2026/05/29/editorial-endorsement-can-t-trump-voters/stories/20260529008#comments Fri, 29 May 2026 10:28:20 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/opinion/editorials/2026/05/29/editorial-endorsement-can-t-trump-voters/stories/20260529008 Republican Derek Merrin has President Trump’s “complete and total endorsement” in the 9th congressional district rematch with incumbent Democrat Marcy Kaptur. But if he wins, Mr. Merrin will not serve northwest Ohio well unless his first and foremost allegiance is to voters here and the issues that assist them. Derek Merrin, a Republican candidate running for Ohio’s 9th Congressional District primary, speaks during an event at Schaller Memorial Building in Perrysburg on March 26. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/05/29/otsego-junior-high-speller-cherishes-final-trip-nationals/stories/20260528093 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/05/29/otsego-junior-high-speller-cherishes-final-trip-nationals/stories/20260528093#comments Fri, 29 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/05/29/otsego-junior-high-speller-cherishes-final-trip-nationals/stories/20260528093 Kendall Mehl, the Otsego Junior High School student who won the The Blade’s Northwest Ohio Championship Spelling Bee in March, came up short of the top trophy in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Kendall Mehl competes at the Scripps National Spelling Bee https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/movies/2026/05/29/review-in-d-day-tale-pressure-andrew-scott-is-a-forecaster-with-news-nobody-want/stories/20260529024 https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/movies/2026/05/29/review-in-d-day-tale-pressure-andrew-scott-is-a-forecaster-with-news-nobody-want/stories/20260529024#comments Fri, 29 May 2026 10:12:27 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/movies/2026/05/29/review-in-d-day-tale-pressure-andrew-scott-is-a-forecaster-with-news-nobody-want/stories/20260529024 Sure, folks discuss the weather a lot, especially in Britain. Brendan Fraser, left, and Andrew Scott in a scene from 'Pressure.' Brendan Fraser, background left, Andrew Scott, center, and Kerry Condon in a scene from 'Pressure.' Brendan Fraser, standing center, in a scene from 'Pressure.' Brendan Fraser in a scene from 'Pressure.' Andrew Scott, left, and Kerry Condon in a scene from 'Pressure.' https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/movies/2026/05/29/movie-review-backrooms-goes-from-internet-meme-to-the-big-screen/stories/20260529007 https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/movies/2026/05/29/movie-review-backrooms-goes-from-internet-meme-to-the-big-screen/stories/20260529007#comments Fri, 29 May 2026 10:12:44 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/movies/2026/05/29/movie-review-backrooms-goes-from-internet-meme-to-the-big-screen/stories/20260529007 What evil lurks in the drabbest of interiors? Chiwetel Ejiofor in a scene from 'Backrooms.' Renate Reinsve in a scene from 'Backrooms.' Chiwetel Ejiofor in a scene from 'Backrooms.' Renate Reinsve in a scene from 'Backrooms.' Chiwetel Ejiofor in a scene from 'Backrooms.' https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/05/28/manon-rheaume-hires-josh-sciba-as-coach-of-the-pwhl-s-detroit-expansion-team/stories/20260528118 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/05/28/manon-rheaume-hires-josh-sciba-as-coach-of-the-pwhl-s-detroit-expansion-team/stories/20260528118#comments Thu, 28 May 2026 21:10:32 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/05/28/manon-rheaume-hires-josh-sciba-as-coach-of-the-pwhl-s-detroit-expansion-team/stories/20260528118 Manon Rheaume made her first big move as general manager of the PWHL team in Detroit, hiring Josh Sciba to coach the expansion franchise that begins play next season. Former professional goaltender Manon Rheaume poses for a photograph with three of her masks in 2016 in Detroit. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/golf/2026/05/28/alex-smalley-position-win-pga/stories/20260528128 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/golf/2026/05/28/alex-smalley-position-win-pga/stories/20260528128#comments Fri, 29 May 2026 01:43:11 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/golf/2026/05/28/alex-smalley-position-win-pga/stories/20260528128 FORT WORTH, Texas — Alex Smalley was right back in a position to win at the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial two weeks after the third-round leader at the PGA Championship settled for second place. Alex Smalley hits from the ninth fairway during the first round of the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 28. Ryan Gerard watches his tee shot on the ninth hole during the first round of the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 28. Tom Kim, of South Korea, walks after a tee shot on the sixth hole during the first round of the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 28. Keegan Bradley watches his tee shot on the ninth hole during the first round of the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 28. Brian Harman lines up a putt on the eighth hole during the first round of the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 28. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/05/28/clippers-offense-proves-too-much-for-mud-hens/stories/20260528129 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/05/28/clippers-offense-proves-too-much-for-mud-hens/stories/20260528129#comments Fri, 29 May 2026 02:18:55 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/05/28/clippers-offense-proves-too-much-for-mud-hens/stories/20260528129 For the second straight day, the visiting Columbus Clippers built an early lead that carried them through, resulting in a 10-3 win over the Toledo Mud Hens on Thursday at Fifth Third Field. Toledo’s Max Clark runs to third during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Indianapolis Indians at Fifth Third Field in Toledo May 24. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/05/28/besgrove-no-hitter-lifts-clay-past-st-francis-district-title-win/stories/20260528126 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/05/28/besgrove-no-hitter-lifts-clay-past-st-francis-district-title-win/stories/20260528126#comments Fri, 29 May 2026 00:42:41 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/high-school/2026/05/28/besgrove-no-hitter-lifts-clay-past-st-francis-district-title-win/stories/20260528126 BOWLING GREEN — Led by a complete game no-hitter from starting pitcher Bryce Besgrove, Clay baseball claimed an OHSAA Division II district championship against St. Francis de Sales at Carter Park with a 1-0 win on Thursday, advancing to regionals for the second season in a row. Clay’s Bryce Besgrove throws the ball during the D-II baseball district final at Carter Park in Bowling Green on May 28. Clay defeated St. Francis, 1-0. Clay celebrates their 1-0 win over St. Francis in the D-II baseball district final at Carter Park in Bowling Green on May 28. Clay defeated St. Francis, 1-0. St. Francis’ Nick Hood fields the ball during the D-II baseball district final at Carter Park in Bowling Green on May 28. Clay defeated St. Francis, 1-0. St. Francis’ Blake Reeder hits the ball during the D-II baseball district final at Carter Park in Bowling Green on May 28. Clay defeated St. Francis, 1-0. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/05/28/netanyahu-israeli-military-take-70-percent-gaza/stories/20260528127 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/05/28/netanyahu-israeli-military-take-70-percent-gaza/stories/20260528127#comments Fri, 29 May 2026 00:34:08 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2026/05/28/netanyahu-israeli-military-take-70-percent-gaza/stories/20260528127 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he has directed Israel’s military to take over 70 percent of Gaza’s territory. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he has directed Israel’s military to take over 70 percent of Gaza’s territory. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/28/abc-stations-call-fcc-early-call-license-renewal-unconstitutional/stories/20260528125 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/28/abc-stations-call-fcc-early-call-license-renewal-unconstitutional/stories/20260528125#comments Thu, 28 May 2026 23:06:12 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/05/28/abc-stations-call-fcc-early-call-license-renewal-unconstitutional/stories/20260528125 WASHINGTON — Local TV stations owned by ABC across the United States blasted the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday for launching an “unlawful, arbitrary and unconstitutional” early review of their broadcast licenses as a dispute between the network and the Trump-controlled agency intensifies. Federal Communication Commission (FCC) chairman Brendan Carr speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Dallas on March 27. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/transportation/2026/05/28/cruise-ship-makes-return/stories/20260528108 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/transportation/2026/05/28/cruise-ship-makes-return/stories/20260528108#comments Thu, 28 May 2026 22:59:02 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/transportation/2026/05/28/cruise-ship-makes-return/stories/20260528108 One day shy of the anniversary of its Toledo debut, the cruise ship Victory I will return to the Maumee River Friday for the first of two visits in 2026. Victory I cruise ship docked at One Maritime Plaza in 2025 in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/05/28/port-authority-ashland-manor-covenant-house-renovations/stories/20260528110 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/05/28/port-authority-ashland-manor-covenant-house-renovations/stories/20260528110#comments Thu, 28 May 2026 21:47:40 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/05/28/port-authority-ashland-manor-covenant-house-renovations/stories/20260528110 The Ashland Manor and Covenant House apartments could soon be getting new owners — and then renovations. Ashland Manor, at 2030 Ashland Ave., is seen from its east side on May 28. Covenant House, at 702 N. Erie St., is seen from its northeast side on May 28. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/28/medicaid-josh-williams-anti-fraud-package/stories/20260527100 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/28/medicaid-josh-williams-anti-fraud-package/stories/20260527100#comments Thu, 28 May 2026 21:43:53 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/28/medicaid-josh-williams-anti-fraud-package/stories/20260527100 COLUMBUS — Legislation introduced by state Rep. Josh Williams (R., Sylvania Township) is now the Ohio House Republicans’ comprehensive package addressing fraud, waste, and abuse in the Medicaid program. Josh Williams answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/05/28/grayson-rodriguez-pitches-5-strong-innings-angels-7-1-win-tigers/stories/20260528119 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/05/28/grayson-rodriguez-pitches-5-strong-innings-angels-7-1-win-tigers/stories/20260528119#comments Thu, 28 May 2026 21:16:21 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/05/28/grayson-rodriguez-pitches-5-strong-innings-angels-7-1-win-tigers/stories/20260528119 DETROIT — Grayson Rodriguez pitched five strong innings as the Los Angeles Angels beat the Detroit Tigers 7-1 on Thursday for their fifth victory in six games. Los Angeles Angels pitcher Grayson Rodriguez throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers on May 28 in Detroit. Los Angeles Angels' Mike Trout, left, slides safely into home plate as Detroit Tigers catcher Jake Rogers (34) receives the throw during the eighth inning of a baseball game on May 28 in Detroit. Detroit Tigers pitcher Ricky Vanasco throws against the Los Angeles Angels during the eighth inning of a baseball game on May 28 in Detroit. Los Angeles Angels' Vaughn Grissom hits a one-run double against the Detroit Tigers during the eighth inning of a baseball game on May 28 in Detroit. Los Angeles Angels' Vaughn Grissom (5) celebrates scoring against the Detroit Tigers during the eighth inning of a baseball game on May 28 in Detroit.