http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Sun, 12 Jul 2026 04:00:57 GMT en-us hourly 1 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 said. “The Providence Bread is more expensive because it is organic, and sourdough takes a lot of time. I am a stay-at-home mom, so it made perfect sense to barter with them.” Mrs. Koehler now watches Crisine and Tim Kennedy’s three children. Tahlia, Corban, and Ransom have become friends with the Koehler children — Karlie, Joshua, and Rose. In exchange, the Koehlers get two loaves of fresh bread on Fridays and a sweet treat of cookies or cinnamon rolls. “This has been a blessing to our family,” Mrs. Koehler said. “The kids get to develop strong relationships with the Kennedy kids, and we get to continue to have Providence’s sourdough bread in our lives.” Crisine and Timothy Kennedy, also of Wauseon, started Providence Bread in their home in 2023. Known for their organic sourdough bread, focaccia, bagels, muffins, cookies, and more, the couple says their business took off.  As they rushed to keep up with the demands of running a successful bakery, they soon found themselves needing help with other projects around the home. “I used to be a truck driver, and Crisine had always wanted to own a baking business,” Mr. Kennedy said. “We figured out that if she could sell 100 loaves of bread each week, she could replace the income I made driving.” The growing popularity created even more work for Mrs. Kennedy. “Crisine worked so hard baking loaves of bread, bagels, and cookies,” Mr. Kennedy said. “Sometimes she would be up until 2 a.m. baking. She also homeschools our children. After being diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, I decided to quit driving and help with the bakery.” Mrs. Kennedy said she goes through between 500 and 700 pounds of flour a week. The bakery produces 100 loaves of bread, 300 bagels, 50 dozen cookies, plus granola as well as vegan pastries. Providence posted in May asking for a barter exchange for services like babysitting, lawn care, and home-cooked dinners for their family of five. “We were open to many things like handymen or other skills and services,” Mrs. Kennedy said. “It was a great way to help build community as well.” Soon the Kennedys began bartering in earnest. “We get milk from Canal Junction Farm in Defiance,” Mrs. Kennedy said, “My husband and I get EMF [electromagnetic field] sessions. We also get babysitting hours, tutoring for the kids, and sometimes homemade meals by bartering. We got our brand-new sign up front by bartering as well.”  Swanton resident Emily Varner has been involved with early childhood education and child care for six years. “My mom told me about their baked goods, so I went to Facebook to read about them,” Ms. Varner said. “I have to eat clean foods for my health, and their items all contain organic and clean, healthy ingredients. So I was immediately interested.” Ms. Varner said she found a post on the page requesting bartering partnerships. “I am personally called to serve God’s people, so I reached out to them,” Ms. Varner said. “I now tutor their two oldest children, and I love it.” Ms. Varner tutors three days per week, and she receives payment from the couple on a Providence Bread gift card. “I then get to stop in there and get my baked goods and eggs,” Ms. Varner said. “I love their cinnamon rolls. Oh my gosh. They are the best I have ever had. I now dream about them.” Ms. Varner said she believed more people should look into bartering. “Things are very costly now, and it can create hard times,” she said. “Being able to trade a service for goods is amazing, and it helps all of us out.” Marcus Sanchez is a full-time firefighter for the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department, and he is also a single father of one and the owner of Kindlewood Apparel Co. in Toledo. The company helps businesses source better apparel and branded products that align with their values.  “I posted on my Facebook page that I was open to bartering,” Mr. Sanchez explained. “Crisine reached out to me to do some bartering. I had not heard of Providence Bread prior to that.” Mr. Sanchez sourced organic T-shirts and tote bags for Providence Bread and had the bakery’s name and logo printed on them. “We came to an agreement that I would get a gift card to use on their baked goods,” Mr. Sanchez said. “Their sourdough bread loaves are amazing, but I really love their lemon lavender cookies as well. I could eat all of the cookies in one sitting.” Located at 11609 County Road 14-2, Providence is open Fridays through Sundays. The couple also has chickens, ducks, turkeys, and goats on their property. They sell refrigerated fresh chicken eggs in the storefront. Providence is run like a farm stand, allowing customers to self-pay.  Find more info on Providence Bread at facebook.com/providencebread. 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/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/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/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. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/real-estate/2026/07/08/new-york-s-effort-to-convert-offices-into-housing-comes-with-challenges/stories/20260712035 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/real-estate/2026/07/08/new-york-s-effort-to-convert-offices-into-housing-comes-with-challenges/stories/20260712035#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:34:34 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/real-estate/2026/07/08/new-york-s-effort-to-convert-offices-into-housing-comes-with-challenges/stories/20260712035 New York City has bet heavily on converting aging office buildings into apartments to help ease a housing shortage. But the threat of a partial collapse Tuesday by one such conversion in progress highlighted the significant challenges of those construction projects. People watch the unstable building at 235 E. 42nd St. on Tuesday in New York. The former Pfizer headquarters building is seen on Tuesday in New York City. Construction workers working on the former pharmaceutical company building, a high-profile housing project, were evacuated after it was determined that it was at risk of partial collapse. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/real-estate/2026/07/08/real-estate-transfers-19/stories/20260708001 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/real-estate/2026/07/08/real-estate-transfers-19/stories/20260708001#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/real-estate/2026/07/08/real-estate-transfers-19/stories/20260708001 June 26-July 2, 2026 Information sign about open house for home sale is seen outside of a home in Wheeling, Ill., on June 8. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/stock-market/2026/07/07/ai-stocks-sink-drag-markets-lower-worldwide/stories/20260707109 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/stock-market/2026/07/07/ai-stocks-sink-drag-markets-lower-worldwide/stories/20260707109#comments Tue, 07 Jul 2026 20:52:03 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/stock-market/2026/07/07/ai-stocks-sink-drag-markets-lower-worldwide/stories/20260707109 NEW YORK — The roller-coaster ride for AI stocks snapped back down on Tuesday and dragged Wall Street lower. Michael Pistillo, left, and Federico DeMarco work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange on July 6. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/labor/2026/07/07/microsoft-cuts-4-800-jobs-including-many-at-xbox-in-a-reset-of-its-gaming-division/stories/20260707082 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/labor/2026/07/07/microsoft-cuts-4-800-jobs-including-many-at-xbox-in-a-reset-of-its-gaming-division/stories/20260707082#comments Tue, 07 Jul 2026 10:22:07 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/labor/2026/07/07/microsoft-cuts-4-800-jobs-including-many-at-xbox-in-a-reset-of-its-gaming-division/stories/20260707082 REDMOND, Wash. — Microsoft is cutting 4,800 jobs, about 2.1% of its global workforce, including a large number of workers at its Xbox video game business. A man walks past the Xbox logo at the Microsoft booth during the E3 game show in Los Angeles, Tuesday, June 11, 2013 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/retail/2026/07/07/us-airlines-chase-profits-in-premium-cabins-deepening-a-fare-class-divide-on-flights/stories/20260707081 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/retail/2026/07/07/us-airlines-chase-profits-in-premium-cabins-deepening-a-fare-class-divide-on-flights/stories/20260707081#comments Tue, 07 Jul 2026 10:20:46 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/retail/2026/07/07/us-airlines-chase-profits-in-premium-cabins-deepening-a-fare-class-divide-on-flights/stories/20260707081 They may arrive at the same destination, but two passengers on the same flight can have strikingly different travel experiences. A Delta Airlines flight takes off in Tampa, Fla. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/stock-market/2026/07/06/rebounding-ai-stocks-send-sp-500-within-record/stories/20260706082 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/stock-market/2026/07/06/rebounding-ai-stocks-send-sp-500-within-record/stories/20260706082#comments Mon, 06 Jul 2026 20:59:47 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/stock-market/2026/07/06/rebounding-ai-stocks-send-sp-500-within-record/stories/20260706082 NEW YORK — A rebound for AI stocks lifted the U.S. market on Monday. Michael Pistillo works on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange on Juy 6. https://www.toledoblade.com/business/labor/2026/07/06/grim-job-outlook-meets-scrappy-work-force-administrative-assistants-ai/stories/20260706012 https://www.toledoblade.com/business/labor/2026/07/06/grim-job-outlook-meets-scrappy-work-force-administrative-assistants-ai/stories/20260706012#comments Mon, 06 Jul 2026 10:19:11 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/business/labor/2026/07/06/grim-job-outlook-meets-scrappy-work-force-administrative-assistants-ai/stories/20260706012 With their numbers already in decline, secretaries and administrative assistants face another growing threat: artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT and Claude that can accomplish aspects of their workload with a tap.