Fort Wayne
Today
Saturday, January 3rd, 2026
Good morning, Fort Wayne. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 3rd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Fantasy of Lights 2025 provided support for Blue Jacket’s mission — funds raised are set to boost local community programs in Fort Wayne. Organizers say the event builds on past efforts to strengthen local support. 21Alive
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Ohio’s minimum wage increased to $11 for non-tipped employees on Jan. 1, with new rates applying to larger businesses, while Indiana’s wage remained at $7.25, unchanged since 2007. WFFT-TV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Fort Wayne couple Jeremy Storch and Whitney Hadley-Salay begin a two-year Peace Corps assignment in Thailand today + they will undergo three months of training to teach English while living with a host family and embracing new challenges overseas after years of planning. The Journal Gazette
- ➤ Southwest Allen County Schools will host a two-hour showcase at Homestead High School on Thursday evening to present limited open enrollment options for district residents and out-of-district families. The event is designed to help families learn about flexible enrollment rules for students beginning in the fall. The Journal Gazette
- ➤ Fort Wayne students aged 13 to 18 can join the Indiana House Page Program starting in January to see how laws are made at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Lawmakers say participants will tour the building and meet state reps and must arrange their own lunch and transportation. WFFT-TV
- ➤ The Indiana House of Representatives is accepting applications for its 2026 page program that starts in January. The program lets students aged 13 to 18 tour the Statehouse, watch the legislative process, and meet their state representative on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays during the session. 21Alive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Hoosier students interested in state government can apply for the Indiana House Page Program during the 2026 legislative session. Rep. Ben Smaltz said pages will watch the legislative process in person, tour the historic Statehouse and interact with their state representative. KPC News
- ➤ Earthjustice warned NIPSCO against passing repair costs for a broken coal unit at Schahfer to customers — a DOE order issued on Dec. 23, 2025 directs the unit to run until March 23 — while the company reviews its plan. The environmental group argues the costs are excessive and unlawful. WFFT-TV
- ➤ The second application window for the Fort Wayne Opioid Settlement Fund is now open, giving local residents another chance to secure financial support. Updated eligibility guidelines and application instructions let locals know how to apply. 21Alive
- ➤ The Indiana BMV announced that five new Special Group Recognition license plate designs are now available for eligible vehicles by showing support for selected colleges, universities & organizations. Customers may pick their plates in person & online, or at a BMV Connect Kiosk. 21Alive
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Swizzle, the first local bottle shop without alcohol, helps residents with Dry January by offering nonalcoholic craft beers and cocktails this month. Owner Crystal Vann Wallstrom opened the shop after her personal experience with alcohol to provide new drinking options. 21Alive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The DeKalb boys and Warsaw girls basketball teams will host New Year tournaments the first weekend to showcase local talent for home fans. Teams from Wawasee and other Northeast Indiana areas will join the events. WFFT-TV
- ➤ Winter tournaments launched during the first weekend of 2026 as teams took part in New Year events in DeKalb, Warsaw and Wawasee (other Northeast Indiana teams joined competitions statewide). WFFT-TV
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Make 2026 the greatest year of your life
On January 10, 2026, Timothy will be leading a 3 hour Heroic workshop where you will join Heroes in your local community for a powerful, in-person Heroic Workshop experience designed to help you master your Energy, Work, and Love — and activate your best self. You’ll leave with clarity, a protocol, and the momentum to make 2026 your greatest year ever.
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2026 Winter Artistic Extravaganza
Unity Performing Arts Foundation will showcase all its artistic programs with performances and testimonials from youth ages 7 to 19, highlighting the impact of our leadership and arts training. Featured performances include the three-time World Champion Voices of Unity Youth Choir along with creative writing, public speaking, drama, dance, and piano programs led by our expert directors. This is your chance to see the excellence UNITY brings to young people and to learn how your child can become our next member. Visit UPAF.com or call 260-481-6719; admission is available exclusively through Eventbrite.
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2026 Winter Artistic Extravaganza
Unity Performing Arts Foundation will showcase all its artistic programs with performances and testimonials from youth ages 7 to 19, highlighting the impact of our leadership and arts training. Featured performances include the three-time World Champion Voices of Unity Youth Choir along with creative writing, public speaking, drama, dance, and piano programs led by our expert directors. This is your chance to see the excellence UNITY brings to young people and to learn how your child can become our next member. Visit UPAF.com or call 260-481-6719; admission is available exclusively through Eventbrite.
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Fort Wayne Philharmonic - American Beauty
7:30-9:30 p.m. — PFW Music Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate America's 250th birthday with American classical music featuring renowned violinist Holly Mulcahy.
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Comedy and Magic Night with Taylor Hughes & Nick Paul
4-6 p.m. — Summit City Comedy Club — Tickets required — Enjoy an unforgettable blend of comedy, magic, and storytelling from world-class performers.
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Plates and Mates Dinner Series
6-7:30 p.m. — DAE GEE KOREAN BBQ — $10 reservation — Enjoy a curated dinner with like-minded locals, fantastic food, and great conversations.
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Nouvelle Annee Celebration
10 AM – 5 PM — Historic Old Fort — Free entry — Celebrate the New Year at a French colonial outpost with cultural insights and interactive experiences.
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Jack Shaw Live Comedy Show
7-10 p.m. — Summit City Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughs with Los Angeles-based comedian Jack Shaw.
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Pablo Francisco Live Comedy Show
7-9 p.m. — Summit City Comedy Club — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedy legend Pablo Francisco, known for his high-energy performances and quick wit.
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Recycled Creations: Art for Grades K–3
Over five Saturdays — Purdue University Fort Wayne — Cost not specified — Connect and collaborate with young artists using recycled materials.
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Ft. Wayne RV & Camping Show
11 AM – 2 PM — Allen County War Memorial Coliseum — Cost details unavailable — Discover the latest in RVs and camping gear for your next adventure.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.
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Reveal the authorAbout Fort Wayne Today
Welcome to the Fort Wayne Today, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Fort Wayne, Indiana community. If you like the Fort Wayne Today, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Fort Wayne.
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