Fort Wayne
Today
Sunday, January 4th, 2026
Good morning, Fort Wayne. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 4th of January.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Fort Wayne’s first alcohol-free bottle shop, Swizzle, offers no-alcohol craft beers and cocktails to help locals take on Dry January. Owner Crystal Vann Wallstrom opened the shop two years ago to expand choices for those cutting back on alcohol. WOWO
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ TekVenture Makerspace hosts the free Playing With Plays workshop every Saturday in January from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at 1830 Wayne Trace, where participants practice acting and try woodworking+sewing. 21Alive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Indiana drivers now have new special license plates available; fees support groups such as the Indiana Fever Fund, Indiana State Teachers Association Foundation (boosting education efforts), Pollinator Partnership and Purdue University locations. Residents can order them through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. WFFT-TV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ An anonymously authored report released January 3 questioned whether AI created its Economic Impact Analysis opposing a proposed Allen County casino and calls for a binding referendum on its approval. The 30-page document estimates a net negative economic impact of $81 million per year. WOWO
- ➤ Indiana BMV will offer a new pollinator specialty license plate in 2026—led by Auburn native Lisa Conrad who spent five years designing the plate to support pollinator conservation through Pollinator Partnership; Hoosiers helped gather more than 1,200 signatures to meet the needed threshold. WOWO
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ CMS will award Indiana $206,927,897 from the Rural Health Transformation Program on Monday, Jan. 5 as part of a $50 billion initiative to improve rural health care; the funds will be distributed over five years to modernize local facilities. WOWO
- ➤ On December 29, 2025, Heartland Ambulance Service began handling 911 calls outside city limits (after TRAA stopped such calls) as Allen County Fire Chiefs arranged the transition to ensure consistent emergency care. The change now means residents receive the same care in emergencies regardless of location. WOWO
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Fort Wayne has been ranked ninth nationally for historic homes for sale, with 39.3% built before 1925 in districts like West Central and Harrison Hill, a study by ProGuard found. Buyers should prepare for maintenance challenges as local market values are set to rise in 2026. WOWO
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ A Huntington family traveled to Pasadena on New Year’s Day to see Indiana defeat Alabama 38-3 in the Rose Bowl — their son Chase from IU helped decide the trip. They have not decided whether to attend the upcoming Peach Bowl against the Oregon Ducks. 21Alive
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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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