http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Sat, 11 Jul 2026 04:03:20 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/11/a-jury-your-peers-why-deliberation-rooms-often-dont-reflect-county-racial-makeup/stories/20260707090 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/11/a-jury-your-peers-why-deliberation-rooms-often-dont-reflect-county-racial-makeup/stories/20260707090#comments Sat, 11 Jul 2026 11:21:23 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/11/a-jury-your-peers-why-deliberation-rooms-often-dont-reflect-county-racial-makeup/stories/20260707090 In 2000, a report by the Ohio Courts Futures Commission conceived of a vision for courts in the year 2025 — one in which jury pools “reflect the full diversity of the communities they serve.” Lucas County jury pools often do not reflect the county's racial makeup, prompting questions about how jurors are selected and whether changes are needed. Ronnie Wingate, a Toledo defense attorney, said he has long seen jury panels that do not reflect Lucas County's racial makeup and believes that disparity can undermine defendants' confidence that they will receive a fair trial. Judge Joseph McNamara of the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas said jury pools should better reflect the community's racial makeup, arguing that more representative juries can help guard against implicit bias in the courtroom. Judge McNamara is shown July 2 at the Lucas County Courthouse in Toledo. Delveon Lear, right, speaks with his attorney during his aggravated murder trial June 12 at the Lucas County Courthouse in Toledo. The trial, which ended in convictions for Lear and his brother, is highlighted in a broader examination of why jury pools often do not reflect Lucas County's racial makeup. Diamani Lear listens during his aggravated murder trial June 12 at the Lucas County Courthouse in Toledo. The trial, which ended in convictions for Lear and his brother, is highlighted in a broader examination of why jury pools often do not reflect Lucas County's racial makeup. Gretchen DeBacker, who has defended clients in Lucas County for 20 years, could not recall ever before having stood in front of a jury that lacked any minority representation. But she said she has seen jury pools over time get less representative of the county, which is 20.5 percent Black, according to U.S. Census estimates. Fletcher Word, publisher of the Sojourner's Truth, said historical distrust of the criminal justice system and economic barriers can make some Black residents less likely to respond to jury summonses, contributing to less representative jury pools. David Klucas, a Lucas County defense attorney, said he has seen jury pools with few or no minority members and believes Black residents are consistently underrepresented among prospective jurors. Kurt Bruderly, a Lucas County defense attorney, said Black defendants often worry about whether they'll be judged by a jury that reflects their community, adding that he's seen cases in which those concerns influenced whether a client chose a jury trial or accepted a plea. Kathy Tucker, former board president of Women of Toledo, said more diverse juries can bring a broader range of life experiences into deliberations and help balance the biases that individual jurors may bring into the courtroom. Bernie Quilter, Lucas County clerk of courts, oversaw the county's annual jury draw and said the computer-generated selection process is random and does not discriminate. Judge Ian English of the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas said the racial makeup of a jury does not determine whether a trial is fair, arguing that jurors are committed to reaching impartial verdicts based on the evidence. Judge Joseph McNamara of the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas said jury pools should better reflect the community's racial makeup, arguing that more representative juries can help guard against implicit bias in the courtroom. Judge McNamara is shown July 2 at the Lucas County Courthouse in Toledo. Judge Joseph McNamara of the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas said jury pools should better reflect the community's racial makeup, arguing that more representative juries can help guard against implicit bias in the courtroom. Judge McNamara is shown July 2 at the Lucas County Courthouse in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/10/13-year-old-seriously-injured-after-being-hit-vehicle/stories/20260710094 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/10/13-year-old-seriously-injured-after-being-hit-vehicle/stories/20260710094#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2026 22:44:59 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/10/13-year-old-seriously-injured-after-being-hit-vehicle/stories/20260710094 A 13-year-old boy sustained life-threatening injuries Friday after being hit by a Jeep on Detroit Avenue, Toledo police said. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/10/fremont-airport-host-fliers-tires-fly-car-show/stories/20260708091 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/10/fremont-airport-host-fliers-tires-fly-car-show/stories/20260708091#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:29:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/10/fremont-airport-host-fliers-tires-fly-car-show/stories/20260708091 FREMONT — The Fremont Airport invites aviation and car enthusiasts to its Fliers & Tires Fly-In Car Show at the airport from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 18. The Fremont Airport sign appears under the wing of a plane. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/10/advocates-worry-ohio-moratorium-erodes-gains-home-care-employment/stories/20260709084 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/10/advocates-worry-ohio-moratorium-erodes-gains-home-care-employment/stories/20260709084#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:20:28 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/10/advocates-worry-ohio-moratorium-erodes-gains-home-care-employment/stories/20260709084 COLUMBUS — The DeWine administration’s policy blocking the Medicaid enrollment of new home care providers could derail the employment growth seen by the industry in recent years, according to advocates with the Ability Center of Greater Toledo. Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, arrives to an event at the National Governors Association Winter Meeting on Feb. 19 in Washington. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/07/10/disabled-day-care-provide-engagement/stories/20260710082 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/07/10/disabled-day-care-provide-engagement/stories/20260710082#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2026 19:34:34 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/07/10/disabled-day-care-provide-engagement/stories/20260710082 A day care facility for the developmentally disabled in Oregon will help keep individuals actively engaged throughout the day rather than sitting at home with little to do, its owners said. Licensed social workers Tonya Tooson and Arnethia Levy plan to open a building at 3545 Navarre Ave. to give up to five disabled people “a place to go.”  “We would like to have people 18 years old and over with disabilities to go and enjoy their day,” Ms. Tooson said. In June, they went before the Oregon Planning Commission to seek a special use permit in a business zone.  The vacant 2,200-square-foot, single story building was formerly an insurance company. Care facilities require Special Use Exemptions, said Building and Zoning Inspection Commissioner Steven Shrake. The application will go before Oregon City Council on July 27.   The city’s project review committee, public service department, and the building and zoning department have no objections to the request, Mr. Shrake said. The planning commission recommended approval of the exemption with the following pre-conditions: ● A site plan is submitted for review indicating a parking plan layout and accessible parking spaces. ● Life safety and alteration plans, and issuance of a new certificate of occupancy for a change of occupancy complying with the 2024 Ohio existing building code. ● The special use exemption will expire when ownership changes or is no longer used as a care facility. “A lot of people with disabilities who are at home, sitting around, can come out and enjoy each other. They’ll have lots of activities, play games, and watch movies,” Ms. Tooson said. “It will give them a chance to socialize with each other, a safe place for them to come and enjoy their lives, something to look forward to.” Clients will also be taken on field trips to places like the zoo, the art museum, and parks, Ms. Tooson said. “As licensed social workers, we can also help them with depression and anxiety,” she said. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Transportation can be arranged for clients to be picked up, dropped off, and returned home, she said. Some will use a TARTA curb-to-curb bus service for people with disabilities. Eligible clients will have a diagnosis of higher functioning intellectual disabilities, like autism, she said.   Two trained direct care providers will be on staff during service hours of 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Ms. Tooson and Ms. Levy will attend a few times per week to oversee operations.  Dr. John Evola, a dentist whose office is next door to the building, said at the planning commission meeting that he was concerned about the safety of his clients, particularly his older customers.   “I’ve been there for 30 years,” he said. “It’s been a great area to run my business over the years. I have a lot of elderly patients, and my concern is for their safety. My son works with autistic individuals. I praise you for that. Is there some system you can put into play to assure that people don’t leave the building when they’re not supposed to?”  Ms. Levy said the clients will not pose a threat if they leave the building. “That’s why we wanted to keep it small. I know we could have gone to 10 or 15, but we want to keep a close eye on the clients,” she said answering Dr. Evola during the meeting.  “We can’t lock them in there, but we’ll have safety precautions in place,” she said. “Our staff will have a lot of training, and we work with their caregivers so we can notice if a client is getting antsy or things like that,” Ms. Levy said. We know how to de-escalate situations. We know their behaviors and triggers. We try to alleviate that before it escalates.” The building will be ADA compliant. Plans call for expanding an existing ramp, and enlarging the restroom to accommodate people in wheelchairs, she said. “We want to be prepared if we get clients with wheelchairs,” she said. “Other than that, the space is fine. We don’t need to do any structural changes.” Tonya Tooson, owner, left, and Nicole Brazzel, program director, at a future Caregiver Grove facility on Navarre Avenue in Oregon on July 10. A future Caregiver Grove facility is located on Navarre Avenue in Oregon on July 10. Tonya Tooson is owner at a future Caregiver Grove facility on Navarre Avenue in Oregon on July 10. Tonya Tooson, owner, left, and Nicole Brazzel, program director, are ready to work at a future Caregiver Grove facility on Navarre Avenue in Oregon on July 10. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/10/dry-forecast-clear-lake-erie-beach-advisories/stories/20260710083 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/10/dry-forecast-clear-lake-erie-beach-advisories/stories/20260710083#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2026 19:15:39 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/07/10/dry-forecast-clear-lake-erie-beach-advisories/stories/20260710083 After Friday night’s thunderstorms have moved out, northwest Ohio is expected to see at least six days of dry, sunny weather, with temperatures climbing back into the 90s. Lake Erie swimmers spend time at Maumee Bay State Park. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/10/toledo-officer-hurt-when-cruiser-strikes-roadway-excavation-during-pursuit/stories/20260710081 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/10/toledo-officer-hurt-when-cruiser-strikes-roadway-excavation-during-pursuit/stories/20260710081#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:15:04 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/10/toledo-officer-hurt-when-cruiser-strikes-roadway-excavation-during-pursuit/stories/20260710081 A Toledo police officer was injured Friday when a police cruiser he was operating crashed during a pursuit of two people wanted on felony charges. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/10/photo-gallery-best-pictures-for-week-ending-july-9/stories/20260710075 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/10/photo-gallery-best-pictures-for-week-ending-july-9/stories/20260710075#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:27:42 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/10/photo-gallery-best-pictures-for-week-ending-july-9/stories/20260710075 Blade photographers head out every day to capture the triumphs, tragedies, and oddities of life in Lucas County and beyond. Brendo Schack, manager of Just Skateboarding, skates July 3 at the DIY Skatepark in North Toledo. Debbie Dalke yells up to the windows as she protests U.S. Sen. Jon Husted’s campaign stop July 9 at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green. People wait for the City of Maumee and Perrysburg fireworks July 3 at Fort Meigs in Perrysburg. LaJoia Hamilton lifts weights during a free fitness class July 6 at UpTown Green in central Toledo. Elodie Adeline Christine Schreiber hugs family and friends after becoming a U.S. citizen during the U.S. District Court naturalization seremony as part of Sauder Village’s celebration of America's 250th birthday July 4 in Archbold. Lily Zelina stands in a flooded ditch, which her family has dubbed 'the moat,' on July 7 near Curtice. New citizens wait to receive their certificates during the U.S. District Court naturalization ceremony as part of Sauder Village’s celebration of America's 250th birthday July 4 in Archbold. People watch a screening of the documentary, Music for Mushrooms, to officially announce the formation of Decrim Nature Toledo on July 8 at Black Kite Coffee in Toledo. Young Owen handles a snake during a summer nature camp July 6 at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in Perrysburg. Kids play as they wait for the City of Maumee and Perrysburg fireworks July e at Fort Meigs in Perrysburg. A man rides his bike along a trail July 5 at Wildwood Preserve Metropark in Toledo. People watch the Maumee and Perrysburg fireworks July 3 at Fort Meigs in Perrysburg. Rosa Linda Brown, center left, and Teresa Gott, center right, both residents at the Glen, cut the ribbon during a news conference and ribbon cutting ceremony July 8 at the Glen in Toledo. Gage Workman celebrates a run with Tyler Gentry during a Toledo Mud Hens game against the Iowa Cubs July 5 at Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo. Carrying American flags Jason Portala, left, and Steve Majewski, start off during the 33rd annual Starr Spangled 5K Race and Walk on July 4 at Starr Elementary School in Oregon. Committee members look through yearbooks as they prepare for the 'All Sylvania Reunion' on July 7 at the Sylvania Historical Society. The August event will celebrate the 50 year anniversary of Sylvania High School splitting into Northview and Southview. The Toledo Mud Hens' ground crew removes tarps after downpours delayed the game July 5 at Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo. The Martin family works out together July 8 at Pine Glen Park in West Toledo. Parents Dennis and Heidi with daughter Selene, 15, have a years-long routine to walk around the park, "and talk," and stop to do pull-ups and other exercises. First responders including Haz-Mat attend to a then unidentified leak July 9 at the Old West End Community Health Center in central Toledo. Jerusalem Township and Oregon fire personnel head out in an Oregon Fire and Rescue Department boat during the search effort for missing 11-year-old Angelique Cunningham on July 3 in Jerusalem Township. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz plays the piano after a proclamation to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Georgjz419 on July 3 in downtown Toledo. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted speaks during his campaign stop July 9 at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green. Peyton Eaton, 8, throws his head back and smiles while on a swing with his friends and siblings on a and sunny day July 7 at Glass City Metropark in Toledo. Ironworkers from Bay Crane Midwest reinstall the Art Tatum Celebration Column by Cork Marcheschi in Toledo on July 7. Lisa Sokoloski, left, Pete Sokoloski and 7-year-old Claire Sokoloski participate in an interactive part of the walk as they re-enact Prussian-style musket warfare used by the Legion of the United States, during an educational walk around held by Metroparks Toledo on July 3 at the Fallen Timbers Battlefield in Maumee. While sporting American flag dresses, cousins Neyla Stallard, 7, left, and Audrey Booth, 8, watch as Anthony Haddad removes items during the opening of a time capsule from the United States' bicentennial in Sylvania on July 4. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/transportation/2026/07/10/big-boy-locomotive-train-to-revisit-northwest-ohio-early-next-week/stories/20260710077 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/transportation/2026/07/10/big-boy-locomotive-train-to-revisit-northwest-ohio-early-next-week/stories/20260710077#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:12:17 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/transportation/2026/07/10/big-boy-locomotive-train-to-revisit-northwest-ohio-early-next-week/stories/20260710077 The Big Boy is on its way back toward northwest Ohio. Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, arrives to the Fostoria Iron Triangle Rail Park in Fostoria on June 6. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/animals/2026/07/10/lucas-county-canine-care-control-to-host-meeting-in-search-of-potential-partners/stories/20260708085 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/animals/2026/07/10/lucas-county-canine-care-control-to-host-meeting-in-search-of-potential-partners/stories/20260708085#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:01:24 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/animals/2026/07/10/lucas-county-canine-care-control-to-host-meeting-in-search-of-potential-partners/stories/20260708085 Lucas County Canine Care & Control will host an informational meeting in search of new rescue partners on July 14. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/07/09/miller-named-interim-superintendent-of-ottawa-hills-schools/stories/20260709091 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/07/09/miller-named-interim-superintendent-of-ottawa-hills-schools/stories/20260709091#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:18:43 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/07/09/miller-named-interim-superintendent-of-ottawa-hills-schools/stories/20260709091 Bill Miller, the district’s assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, will serve as Ottawa Hills schools’ interim superintendent after the Board of Education approved his appointment Thursday. Board President Kathy Lathrop said the contract is for one year and allows the board time to determine what its search process will be for a new superintendent. Mr. Miller’s contract runs from Aug. 3 through July 31, 2027. His salary is $158,000. “This is good timing for us,” Ms. Lathrop said during the special meeting. “Dr. Miller will be able to make plans for this year as well.” The board also accepted the resignation of Superintendent  Adam Fineske, who has stepped down as superintendent effective Aug. 2. Mr. Fineske will serve as president and CEO of WGTE Public Media. “It is with sadness that we accept your resignation,” Ms. Lathrop said. “But you have an exciting opportunity. Thank you for all you have done for the district.” Mr. Fineske thanked the board for the last seven years. “We have had ups and downs in the past, but it is with a heavy heart and a lot more emotion than I thought that I had that I step down,” Mr. Fineske said. “I still have a son in high school, so I will continue to support the district all the way as a parent.” Mr. Miller said after the meeting “It feels great” to lead the district. “I would like to thank Dr. Fineske, who has been a great mentor to me,” Mr. Miller said. “My top priority is having a smooth transition for all involved. I want to pause and look at all of the great talent we have, improve ourselves internally, and work with the community.” Mr. Miller has been with the district since 2000, when he was hired as an English and reading teacher. He earned his PhD in curriculum and instruction from the University of Toledo in 2015. He was named director of curriculum and instruction in 2016. Mr. Miller acquired his superintendent’s license in 2020 and was named assistant superintendent in 2022. Mr. Miller said he will be working with the board; Tom Siloy, treasurer/CFO; and the community as the district heads into the next levy season. “We will begin talking about what a levy in 2027 might look like,” Mr. Miller said. “I plan on having community meetings and focus groups to discuss our options. We have to secure the district’s financial future.” Former Ottawa Hills Superintendent Adam Fineske, left, stands beside interim Superintendent Bill Miller. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/09/second-defendant-pleads-out-fatal-shooting-botched-robbery/stories/20260709112 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/09/second-defendant-pleads-out-fatal-shooting-botched-robbery/stories/20260709112#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 22:18:10 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/09/second-defendant-pleads-out-fatal-shooting-botched-robbery/stories/20260709112 A second defendant in a botched robbery last year that ended with one of the robbers fatally shot has pleaded out to involuntary manslaughter and other charges. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/07/09/university-host-ai-workshop/stories/20260708106 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/07/09/university-host-ai-workshop/stories/20260708106#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 20:19:06 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/07/09/university-host-ai-workshop/stories/20260708106 The University of Toledo will bring educators together to discuss how to best integrate artificial intelligence into classrooms ranging from preschools to universities in a daylong seminar July 30. Kristiana Walker, left, and Angela Lugibill, both freshmen and members of the marching band, enjoy lunch outside the Lancelot Thompson Student Union at the University of Toledo in Toledo in 2020. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/09/husted-uses-campaign-rally-attack-opponent/stories/20260709116 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/09/husted-uses-campaign-rally-attack-opponent/stories/20260709116#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2026 01:43:22 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/09/husted-uses-campaign-rally-attack-opponent/stories/20260709116 BOWLING GREEN — Resident Rick Netz wants U.S. Sen. Jon Husted (R., Ohio) to be re-elected in November. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted speaks during his campaign stop at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green on July 9. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted meets with people during his campaign stop at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green on July 9. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted’s arrives before speaking to constituents during his campaign stop at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green on July 9. Debbie Dalke yells up to the windows as she protests U.S. Sen. Jon Husted’s campaign stop at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green on July 9. Kay Chapman holds a sign while protesting outside of U.S. Sen. Jon Husted’s campaign stop at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green on July 9. People wait for U.S. Sen. Jon Husted to arrive at his campaign stop at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green on July 9. People clap during U.S. Sen. Jon Husted’s campaign stop at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green on July 9. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted speaks during his campaign stop at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green on July 9. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted speaks during his campaign stop at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green on July 9. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted speaks during his campaign stop at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green on July 9. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/09/man-indicted-fatal-hit-skip-christmas-night/stories/20260709109 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/09/man-indicted-fatal-hit-skip-christmas-night/stories/20260709109#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:21:25 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/09/man-indicted-fatal-hit-skip-christmas-night/stories/20260709109 A Toledo man has been indicted for felony leaving the scene of an accident and misdemeanor vehicular homicide for a fatal crash Christmas night that killed a pedestrian. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/09/coroner-s-office-seeking-family-4-recently-deceased-individuals/stories/20260709098 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/09/coroner-s-office-seeking-family-4-recently-deceased-individuals/stories/20260709098#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:59:11 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/09/coroner-s-office-seeking-family-4-recently-deceased-individuals/stories/20260709098 The Lucas County Coroner’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding relatives of four people who recently died. The Northwest Ohio Medical Technology Center houses the Lucas County Coroner's Office, Lucas County Toxicology Lab, and the Lucas County Veterans Service Commission. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/09/judge-gives-abke-maximum-sentence-for-abusing-4-h-proteges/stories/20260709100 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/09/judge-gives-abke-maximum-sentence-for-abusing-4-h-proteges/stories/20260709100#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:48:07 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/09/judge-gives-abke-maximum-sentence-for-abusing-4-h-proteges/stories/20260709100 BOWLING GREEN — A former member of the Wood County Fair Board received a maximum 17-year prison term Thursday from a Wood County judge for sexually preying on several 4-H participants. Brock Abke, left, appears in Wood County Common Pleas Court with defense lawyer Aaron Schwartz. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/09/washington-township-expected-to-name-new-police-chief/stories/20260709090 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/09/washington-township-expected-to-name-new-police-chief/stories/20260709090#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:55:52 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/09/washington-township-expected-to-name-new-police-chief/stories/20260709090 After serving as the interim Washington Township police chief for less than a month, Eric Hart is expected to be fully appointed to the position on Tuesday, township officials said. Washington Township police chief badge. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/09/ohio-earns-top-business-ranking-from-cnbc/stories/20260709092 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/09/ohio-earns-top-business-ranking-from-cnbc/stories/20260709092#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 16:49:25 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/09/ohio-earns-top-business-ranking-from-cnbc/stories/20260709092 COLUMBUS — Ohio is the best state for doing business in the country, according to CNBC. "Ohio is outpacing every state in the nation because we have worked together to create a strong economy, pro-business environment, and a work force that is ready to innovate," Gov. Mike DeWine said. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/09/homicides-down-25-percent-over-the-first-six-months-of-2026/stories/20260709095 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/09/homicides-down-25-percent-over-the-first-six-months-of-2026/stories/20260709095#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 16:26:42 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/09/homicides-down-25-percent-over-the-first-six-months-of-2026/stories/20260709095 Homicides within the city of Toledo were down 25 percent over the first six months of 2026 compared to the first six months of 2025. Toledo mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz relays mid-year crime statistics for the city at the Police Safety Building on July 9 in downtown Toledo. Toledo mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz relays mid-year crime statistics for the city at the Police Safety Building on July 9 in downtown Toledo. Toledo mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz relays mid-year crime statistics for the city at the Police Safety Building on July 9 in downtown Toledo. Toledo mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz relays mid-year crime statistics for the city at the Police Safety Building on July 9 in downtown Toledo. Toledo mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz relays mid-year crime statistics for the city at the Police Safety Building on July 9 in downtown Toledo.