Wednesday, January 7th, 2026
Good morning, Fort Wayne. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control received a $10K grant from Community Foundation to support its pet retention assistance program that funds vaccines, microchips, ID tags and spaying/neutering for pet owners facing hardship. The program aims to keep pets safely at home this new year. 21Alive
- ➤ Allen County Public Library plans a new Aboite branch on Southwest Allen County Schools land near Summit Middle School as it seeks to replace its undersized, maintenance-prone facility (details remain preliminary). The memorandum does not set a timeline but signals community benefits. The Journal Gazette
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ U.S. Rep. Jim Baird and his wife were hospitalized after a crash while he was returning from Washington; his son said they are stable + expected to fully recover. A spokesperson confirmed Baird's vehicle was hit and noted his long history of service. 21Alive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Fort Wayne PBS station said it is reviewing its operations after the Corporation for Public Broadcasting closed on Jan. 6 plus it plans to continue delivering local programming and community service amid funding changes. 21Alive
- ➤ The Rolland Center at the Allen County Public Library opened a free exhibit titled The Lincolns at Home yesterday that displays over 600 historic photos of Abraham Lincoln’s family life. The exhibit is available at the Main Library through the end of 2026. WOWO
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A new report reveals that electrician demand will grow nearly three times faster than overall job growth in the state due to renewable energy shifts. Trade school (or apprenticeship) options offer affordable entry into the field, promising local job opportunities. KPC News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Indiana Department of Education reported a record 92% graduation rate statewide in 2025, marking the third consecutive year of improvement; multiple Allen County schools, including some Fort Wayne schools, achieved rates of 90% or above (with some reaching 100%). 21Alive
- ➤ Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne has opened its 2026 scholarship applications with over 75 award opportunities available through a Universal Scholarship Application—allowing students to apply for multiple awards with one form. High school seniors, college students, and non-traditional learners should review requirements and submit applications, with most due on April 1. 21Alive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Jan. 6, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles unveiled five Special Group Recognition license plates that support programs for women and girls, with $25 of the $40 fee from the Fever Fund plate benefiting nonprofits & universities. Buyers can purchase them at branches or BMV Connect kiosks. US 93.3
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Fort Wayne will host Division III men’s basketball quarterfinals & semifinals at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum on March 19 & 21. Tickets go on sale Friday, Jan. 9 at 10:00 a.m. with promotional prices through Jan. 15. US 93.3
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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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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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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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