Fort Wayne
Today
Thursday, February 12th, 2026
Good morning, Fort Wayne. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Fort Wayne Zoo announced today that Raya, a baby Sumatran orangutan born on Jan. 11 to Tara and Tengku, has arrived. The zoo expects guests to meet her later this spring and will share updates on her milestones via social media. The Journal Gazette
- ➤ A baby Sumatran orangutan named Raya was born on Jan. 11 at Fort Wayne Zoo to parents Tara and Tengku and will be open to guests later this spring, as zoo officials stressed her birth is a vital step in conservation efforts for her endangered species. WFFT-TV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A full-service grocery store is coming to downtown on Pearl Street near Pearl Arts Center — a long-planned project by developer Chuck Surack. Construction will begin this spring with an expected opening in early 2027 to meet local demand for easier grocery access. WFFT-TV
- ➤ Local entrepreneur Chuck Surack unveiled plans for a new downtown grocery store that will offer fresh produce & community-focused services. The project is set to move forward soon as more details are expected to be announced. 21Alive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Veterans Memorial Shrine and Museum in Fort Wayne will reopen in April after closing last December for a reorganization that included a new tracking system (its grounds remain open 24/7). The museum is working to return loaned items and duplicates to veteran groups. 21Alive
- ➤ The Allen County Public Library is hosting a series of free events in celebration of Black History Month across branches, including art workshops, collage sessions, textile classes, and free breakfast programs. One session takes place today at the Main Library (Art in Circles, a workshop inspired by Alma Thomas) while additional events are scheduled throughout February. WFFT-TV
- ➤ Travel and Leisure named Fort Wayne the Midwest’s most underrated city for its central location among major cities and premier restaurants (Rune, Tolon, and Nawa) featured in its current issue. US 93.3
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Southwest Allen County Schools now accepts transfer applications for district and non-district residents for nearly 400 open elementary seats; residents must apply by Feb. 27 while non-residents have until April 1. The new open enrollment policy aims to fill classrooms and support school programs (transport unavailable). The Journal Gazette
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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.
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Emo Philips Live Comedy Show
7-9 p.m. — Summit City Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience the brilliant humor of Emo Philips in an intimate comedy setting.
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Beat Making Workshop for Girls
7-10 p.m. — Sweetwater Academy of Music & Technology — Learn to create beats using Ableton Live in a fun, supportive environment for girls aged 8 and up.
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Bert Kreischer Live in Fort Wayne
7-9 p.m. — Allen County War Memorial Coliseum — Tickets available — Catch comedian Bert Kreischer for an unforgettable night of laughter.
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Church and Pastoral Revival Celebration Anniversary
3-7 p.m. — Paper Mill on The Landing — Free entry — Celebrate a year of faith and community with heartfelt dinner, worship, and fellowship.
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Don McMillan's Comedy Show
7-11 p.m. — Summit City Comedy Club — $ — Experience laughter and insights on whether AI can ever replace comedians through Don McMillan's unique blend of charts and humor.
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Mechanical Mayhem
7 p.m. — Allen County War Memorial Coliseum — Check the event page for pricing — Experience thrilling monster truck races and tractor pulls in an epic motorsports showdown.
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Gravel Switch Concert
7-11 p.m. — Piere's Entertainment Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heartfelt sounds of Gravel Switch live on stage with their soulful tunes.
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Writers' Room
6:30-8 p.m. — Fort Wayne Improv — Free entry — A bi-weekly gathering for writers to create, share ideas, and hold each other accountable in a supportive atmosphere.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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