Fort Wayne
Today
Thursday, January 29th, 2026
Good morning, Fort Wayne. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Black Pine Animal Sanctuary said its Primate House needs a new furnace to keep the animals safe and will review repair options soon, aiming to ensure a warm environment through the winter. 21Alive
- ➤ Cindy’s Diner, a Fort Wayne institution, celebrated 75 years of serving the community on Jan. 28 — marking its legacy as a local staple with warm meals and familiar faces. 21Alive
- ➤ Don Chevillet, a longtime broadcaster in Fort Wayne, died at 98. His decades of service connected local audiences and left a lasting legacy. 21Alive
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ John Deere has begun construction on a $125 million distribution center on 234 acres between Lowell and Hebron to improve parts distribution and create 150 full-time jobs + enhance domestic manufacturing in northern Indiana. WOWO
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Reece Neuenschwander launched @The260Perspective four months ago with his husband Hunter to showcase downtown life on TikTok and Instagram; the page now gets over 200,000 views monthly and supports local businesses in Fort Wayne. 21Alive
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ 2Investigates released the Grocery Tracker report on Jan. 28 at 5:01 p.m. that examines grocery pricing trends & inventory changes which may affect local shoppers. 21Alive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ More than 150 students recently graduated from Indiana Connections Academy as the Class of 2026 in a virtual ceremony. Local graduates include Dominic Hose of Auburn + Lillian Wahl from St. Joe. KPC News
- ➤ A U.S. Census Bureau report shows that 17% of Allen County schoolchildren lived in poverty in 2024, with over 20% of Fort Wayne Community Schools students. The school board accepted over $14 million in Title I funds — support for tutoring, literacy and preschool programs as families face rising costs. The Journal Gazette
- ➤ Trine University announced that veteran executive vice president Tony Kline will succeed Earl D. Brooks II as he retires from his role. Kline is set to become the institution's 19th president after more than 13 years of dedicated service. The Journal Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Indiana Department of Homeland Security urged residents to strengthen online security in recognition of Data Privacy Day today. Officials recommend creating long passwords with a mix of uppercase, lowercase letters, numbers and symbols to guard accounts from cybercrime. WFFT-TV
- ➤ Gov. Braun said Indiana’s Emergency Operations Center returned to normal operations after the winter storm last weekend, and it will continue to monitor conditions to stay prepared for future emergencies. WFFT-TV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Goshen Health announced on Jan. 28 that its board signed a Letter of Intent to pursue a partnership with Parkview Health (aiming to expand local health services). 21Alive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Special Olympics Indiana is hosting its annual Polar Plunge on Saturday (Jan. 31) in Fort Wayne to support athlete programs and strengthen community spirit. Organizers expect a lively turnout from local families and sports enthusiasts. 21Alive
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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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Open Mic Night
7:30 p.m. — Baker Street Centre/C2G Music Hall — Free entry — Showcase your talent or enjoy local performers in a vibrant atmosphere.
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Purdue Fort Wayne vs. Youngstown State Men's Basketball
7-9 p.m. — Allen County War Memorial Coliseum — Ticket prices vary — Catch the excitement as the Mastodons face off against the Penguins in this thrilling basketball matchup.
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Comedy Night with William Montgomery
7-11:30 p.m. — Summit City Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with the uniquely entertaining comedian known for his work on Kill Tony.
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Fort Wayne Philharmonic - American Dreams
7:30-9:30 p.m. — PFW Music Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the captivating sounds of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic in an unforgettable concert.
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Fort Wayne Philharmonic: Gems in Miniature
7 p.m. — Clyde Theatre — Starting at $38.75 — Experience delightful chamber arrangements performed by Philharmonic Musicians with insightful commentary.
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Fort Wayne ChocolateFest 2026
6-9 p.m. — Ceruti's Catering, Inc. — Ticketed event — Indulge in an evening of irresistible chocolate delights and emotional pleasures as you explore the world of chocolate.
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Valentine’s Day Dinner
6-9:30 p.m. — Fort Wayne Zoo — $195-$225 per couple — Enjoy a romantic gourmet dinner with stunning views and live music in a unique zoo setting.
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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