Good morning, Toledo!
Big decisions are shaping Toledo this week, from a surprising cancellation in Findlay to community champions who refuse to let their neighborhoods fade. Whether you're looking for free resources as school approaches, catching live music on the riverfront, or wondering about that giant pickleball sculpture downtown, we've got the stories that matter to Northwest Ohio.
News
Findlay Cancels Data Center Talk
Findlay pulled the plug on a planned virtual meeting with New Albany officials after transparency concerns surfaced. The session was meant to help council members learn how New Albany manages its 40-plus data centers, but the city opted to redirect folks to New Albany's website instead.
Mayor Christina Muryn says there are no current data center plans for Findlay, the meeting was purely informational. Still, the postponement raised a few eyebrows about what exactly would've been discussed behind closed doors.
Rockets Head to Memphis
Toledo football is adding a home-and-home series with Memphis starting in 2027. The Rockets will host the Tigers at the Glass Bowl in 2028 after traveling south the year before. It's the first time the two programs have ever met, and it gives Toledo another solid non-conference matchup as the program continues its recent bowl streak under new leadership.
Community Spotlight
Your Best School Supply Is Free
As summer winds down, Toledo-Lucas County Public Library is quietly helping families get ready for the school year. Nancy Eames and her team offer books, audiobooks, and learning materials for all ages, plus that essential free library card. It's a low-key resource that keeps showing up when families need it most.
Neighbors Who Won't Give Up
Bertha Isom and Joe Silas have been fighting for years to get two abandoned properties on West Oakland Street cleaned up. Despite broken promises and out-of-pocket costs, they keep pushing the city to act, not just for themselves, but for the block they call home.
It's the kind of quiet persistence that holds neighborhoods together, even when the system moves slow.
City Updates
Giant pickleball sculpture unveiled at Glass City Riverwalk as part of '100 Pieces of Public Art'
The pickleball sculpture is eight feet in diameter and right outside of Toledo Pickle. It was created by Toledo Custom Fiberglass, Dean Ball and Dean Davis.
Illegal dumping at Toledo recycling bins costs taxpayers thousands
Officials say a recent cleanup at a Kroger recycling site cost more than $1,000 after bulky items were dumped into the clearly marked recycling bins there.
Events This Week
Toledo Celebrates 16 Years of Pride with Three-Day Festival
Toledo Pride Festival
Friday – Sunday
Downtown Toledo
Northwest Ohio's largest LGBTQIA+ celebration features a parade, local entertainment, food and merchandise vendors, and community organization networking across three days of festivities.
Bluegrass and BBQ on the Toledo Riverfront
Open Bluegrass Jam at Riverside Barbeque Co.
Friday 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Riverside Barbeque Co., 915 N. Summit St., Toledo, Ohio
An afternoon of live bluegrass music hosted by Asa Danekind, perfect for fans, musicians, and anyone looking to enjoy great food with a side of local music.
Toledo's Premier Jazz Weekend Returns This August
5th Annual Glass City JazzFest
Friday and Saturday
Toledo Zoo Amphitheater & Glass City Metropark
Two days of world-class jazz celebrating Toledo's legendary Art Tatum, featuring nationally acclaimed artists including Lindsey Webster, Kandace Springs, Chris Standring, and more across two stunning venues.
Free Comedy Night Under the Stars
Crumbley Comedy Backyard Summer Special
Friday 8-10 PM
Toledo Spirits Company
Catch local comedians delivering unforgettable performances while sipping craft cocktails in the distillery's backyard.
Light Up Your Friday Night in Downtown Toledo
Friday Night Lights in Ostrich Alley
Friday · 9:00 PM
Ostrich Towne, Downtown Toledo
Kick off your weekend with live music, glowing lights, and drinks in one of Toledo's most vibrant Friday night destinations.
Summer Night Market Returns to Toledo
Toledo Night Market
Saturday 6-10:30
Toledo Farmers' Market
An evening of local artisans, food trucks, craft drinks, and live music featuring The Skittle Bots—over 85 vendors in a vibrant open-air setting.
Toledo Choice Sponsors
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
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
JLS Cosmetics is a Toledo-area automotive detailing and pressure washing business offering both mobile and stationary services. They specialize in interior and exterior vehicle care including ceramic coating. High standards with private product help customer clients keep their vehicles looking clean and refreshed. With the convenience of mobile detailing. JLS Cosmetics can bring professional vehicle care right to you! Check out their Facebook in the link below or reach out to 567-395-2676. JLS Cosmetics
Well that’s all for now, thanks for reading.
Hope you have a great weekend!
Sincerely, Eli