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Thursday, December 18th, 2025

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Good morning, Toledo. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • The City of Toledo is offering free drop-off for live Christmas trees at six marked park locations until Jan. 31, 2026. Residents must remove all lights and decorations before delivery (Jermain Park, Ravine II, Byrne Park, Detwiler Park, Bowman Park, and Highland Park).  Spectrum News 1
  • Whitmer High alumni who became pro athletes teamed with the Washington Local Schools Foundation on Wednesday to help 75 local children shop at Target, with current high school seniors also assisting * the event brought holiday cheer to the community.  WTVG
  • Wood County Humane Society in Bowling Green needs a new roof costing about $100,000 as donations drop and maintenance patches no longer work; the shelter is now raising funds with plans to begin work next year (ongoing challenges affect service longevity).  WTVG
  • The Zepf Center Safety Net was awarded a $50,000 grant from Sylvania Franciscan to support runaway and homeless youth in northwest Ohio. The funding will boost services in Toledo + expand community programs.  The Blade

CULTURE NEWS

  • Toledo Zoo is marking 40 years of Lights Before Christmas (a local tradition) and visitors still can enjoy the family-friendly light displays at the zoo today.  WTOL

ECONOMY NEWS

  • A local financial expert offers holiday shopping tips to help stretch dollars for last-minute buyers in Toledo. The advice covers budgeting strategies that shoppers can use to maximize their spending during the season.  WTOL
  • Mike Vanderpool and Gary Thompson from the Regional Growth Partnership discussed proposals for data centers in Northwest Ohio in an episode of Make It Happen today, covering topics like power grids, water usage, and local job growth. They detailed zoning, +pipelines and tax agreements+ that may influence community development.  Toledo Free Press

EDUCATION NEWS

  • The University of Toledo announced on Wednesday that it is launching a new cancer research institute (aimed at advancing treatment) during a board meeting on campus, with further details to be shared.  The Blade
  • University of Toledo Board approved capital investments at its final meeting including a $3.5 million DaVinci 5 robotic system for UTMC + a new Series 2026A Bond to fund up to $40 million in campus improvements and new collective bargaining for campus security. The moves support academic and clinical expansion.  The University of Toledo

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Ohio’s Department of Development announced that local governments near major work projects can apply for funding from the REDD program. The program offers $10 million this fiscal year and accepts applications through 5 p.m. Jan. 16.  Spectrum News 1

LIFESTYLE NEWS

  • AAA said more than 5 million Ohioans will travel for the holidays from Dec. 20 to Jan. 1, with 4.5 million driving, over 283,000 flying, and more taking buses, trains, or cruises as gas prices drop below $3 (Ohio’s average is $2.67). Extra holiday days off work drive the increase.  Spectrum News 1

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • & Juliet

    7:30-9 p.m. — The Stranahan — Ticket prices vary — Experience a musical twist on the iconic love story that celebrates love and new beginnings.

    Fri, 12/19/25

    View event
  • Holiday Series: Walleye vs. Heartlanders

    1-7 p.m. — Huntington Center — Stream on FloHockey — Catch the Iowa Heartlanders take on the Toledo Walleye in an exciting hockey showdown.

    Sat, 12/20/25

    View event
  • Run Santa Run 5K - Perrysburg

    9 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Second Sole — Registration fees apply — Celebrate the season with a festive 5K run surrounded by holiday cheer.

    Sun, 12/21/25

    View event
  • It's a Wonderful Life - Free Movie Night

    7-9:10 p.m. — Maumee Indoor Theater — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with a heartwarming screening of a classic film about hope and kindness.

    Mon, 12/22/25

    View event
  • Walleye Hockey Game vs Wheeling Nailers

    7:15-8:45 p.m. — Huntington Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch the Toledo Walleye as they aim for a win at home following the holiday season.

    Fri, 12/26/25

    View event
  • Jean Holden for Lucille's 4th Anniversary Celebration

    7:15-10:15 p.m. — Lucille's Jazz Lounge — Check event page for details — Celebrate four years of live music with a performance by Toledo's own Jean Holden.

    Sat, 12/27/25

    View event
  • Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour

    2:00 – 3:30 PM — Huntington Center — Cost varies — Experience a century of jaw-dropping basketball skills and outrageous fun with the legendary Globetrotters.

    Mon, 12/29/25

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  • Miami (OH) RedHawks vs Bowling Green State Falcons Men's Basketball

    7-8:30 p.m. — Stroh Center — $3 — Catch an exciting college basketball matchup between two in-state rivals.

    Tue, 12/30/25

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  • Midnight Special 5K

    11:45 PM – 5:45 AM — Patron Saints Brewery — Registration fee applies — Celebrate New Year's with a unique race that lets you run into the next year!

    Wed, 12/31/25

    View event
  • Toledo Rockets Women's Basketball vs. Western Michigan Broncos Women's Basketball

    2-6 p.m. — John F. Savage Arena — Check for ticket prices — Catch exciting women's college basketball action as the Rockets take on the Broncos.

    Sat, 1/10/26

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you.

~ Jean-Paul Sartre

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