Good morning, Toledo!
From a roller hockey league that never rolled to a bridge finally reopening, this week's edition captures the full spectrum of Toledo life, the setbacks and the comebacks. Inside, you'll find heartwarming community programs making real impact, a job market that's holding its own, and enough summer festivals, concerts, and outdoor events to keep your calendar wonderfully crowded. Plus, discover how America's favorite pastime is helping feed local kids, one home win at a time.
Your opinion matters!
We’ve added a quick poll at the bottom of today’s newsletter. We want to know how many Rocket football games you attend each year!
Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! @toledodispatch
News
Roller Hockey League Folds Before First Game
The eXtreme Roller Hockey League shut down days before its debut at the Huntington Center, leaving local sponsors scrambling. Business owners who invested thousands say they're getting little clarity on refunds, with one commissioner suggesting only 10 percent might come back. Ticket holders will see refunds within days, but sponsors are still waiting to hear what the arena can recover from the league's deposit.
Mud Hens Wins Feed Kids
Every time the Mud Hens win at home this summer, hungry kids across Northwest Ohio get fed. Yark Automotive and the team are each putting up $50 per victory for Connecting Kids to Meals, which serves thousands of free meals daily when school's out.
Yark employees are also packing 1,500 weekend meal bags later this month. It's a solid partnership that turns baseball wins into something bigger.
Community Spotlight
Summer Under the Stars
July brings outdoor movie nights to parks and breweries across the area, turning warm evenings into community gatherings. From Twin Oast's lakeside double features to free screenings in Holland and Toledo parks, these events offer a low-key way to connect with neighbors while the sun sets.
It's the kind of summer tradition that keeps people coming back year after year.
Investing in People
The Zepf Center's HOPE program has been quietly connecting our neighbors experiencing homelessness to housing, jobs, and support since 2018. With a new $1.5 million federal grant, they're doubling down on what matters most: helping people find stability and keep it.
It's the kind of work that strengthens the whole community, one person at a time.
City Updates
Monroe Street Bridge Finally Reopening
The Monroe Street bridge in Sylvania is set to reopen August 8th after being closed since March for repairs and widening. The $30.2 million project has been tough on downtown businesses, with some citing the closure as a factor in shutting down. Weather permitting, both lanes will be back open soon.
Job Market Holding Steady
Toledo's unemployment claims are hitting historic lows, which sounds like great news on the surface. But experts are calling this a low-hire, low-fire moment—fewer people losing jobs, but also fewer new opportunities opening up.
It's a stable picture, though not exactly a dynamic one. The numbers look good, but the story behind them is a bit more nuanced than the headlines suggest.
Events This Week
Northwest Ohio's Favorite Pizza Festival Returns This Summer
14th Annual Sylvania Pizza Palooza
Friday, July 24 & Saturday, July 25, 2026 · 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Centennial Terrace, Sylvania
Sample slices from top local pizzerias, vote for the People's Choice Award, and enjoy two nights of outdoor fun with family and friends. Get details →
Summer Concert Series Brings Rock Tribute and Local Favorites to Promenade Park
Party in the Park: Christmas in July
Friday, July 24
Promenade Park, Toledo
Enjoy free live music from the Bradberries and Naked Karate Girls, plus food trucks, cold beer, and festive summer vibes at this weekly community celebration.
Mud Hens Host Louisville in Weekend Series
Toledo Mud Hens vs Louisville Bats
Friday & Saturday, 7:05 PM · Sunday, 4:05 PM
Fifth Third Field, Toledo
Catch all the action as the Mud Hens take on the Bats in a three-game home stand this weekend.
Holiday Cheer Meets Summer Heat at Toledo's Festive Midsummer Market
Blitzen In July: Thrift & Sip
Saturday 6-9 PM
Maumee Bay Brewing Company Warehouse and Hops Garden
Celebrate Christmas in July with craft beer, vintage shopping, live music from Tasty Bits, and the annual summer release of Blitzen (one of our favorite beers) winter warmer, plus free admission to the vendor market.
Free Summer Concert Series at the Toledo Zoo
Music Under the Stars presented by Meijer
Sunday · Gates at 6:00 PM, Concert at 6:30 PM
Toledo Zoo Historic Amphitheatre
Enjoy free live performances from regional bands and orchestras in a family-friendly outdoor setting, featuring everything from big band and jazz to symphonic favorites.
Toast to Tequila with a Margarita Flight & Distillery Tour
National Tequila Day Margarita Tasting Tour
Friday 7-9 PM
Toledo Spirits Distillery
Along the Maumee River Sip three handcrafted margaritas made with Orange Tiger Orange Liqueur while exploring the distillery's production process on a guided behind-the-scenes tour.
How many Rocket football games do you attend per year?
Toledo Choice Sponsors
Dave Crumbley Comedy Looking for live comedy in Toledo? Crumbley comedy features ticketed shows, free open mics, showcases, and special events throughout the area. Find upcoming dates, buy tickets, or sign up to perform at crumbleycomedy.com
Jack and Irene’s WISH House You don’t have to choose between living alone and a nursing home. That’s why we created Jack & Irene’s WISH House, a welcoming, inviting, safe haven where adults who need a little extra support can continue living with dignity, independence, purpose, and a true sense of belonging in a place they can call home. Schedule a personal tour today. jackirenewish.com
Kora James & CO Is your clean, fragrance-free baby skincare and lifestyle brand based in Sylvania, Ohio. Ingredient transparency is at the core of the brands identity, giving parents products they can trust for their little ones. Kora James & Co, is projected to launch Spring of 2027. www.korajamesco.com
Well that’s all for now, thanks for reading.
Hope you have a great weekend!
Sincerely, Eli