Good morning, Fort Wayne.

Four local nonprofits are finalists in the 3Rivers Big Give initiative and are in public voting from Oct.

21 to Nov. 4 & if selected, each will receive a $75,000 grant to boost critical community services.

Throughout September, 259 Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC employees volunteered nearly 980 hours as Charity of Choice Champions supporting 35 local nonprofits across northern Indiana (their 16th annual campaign).

The effort strengthens community bonds and meets local needs.

3Rivers Credit Union announced eight nonprofit finalists for its Big Give initiative awarding $225,000 to groups; four nonprofits — A Mother’s Hope, Blessings in a Backpack — Fort Wayne, Miss Virginia’s Food Pantry, and The Shepherd’s House — will compete for three $75,000 grants as voting continues until Nov. 4.

Data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that Midwest inflation was 4.2% in September compared to 3.7% nationally while gas prices rose 35.5% — the highest annual jump — and economists expect the Fed to raise rates at its Oct.

27-28 meeting.

Purdue University Fort Wayne received a $10,000 grant through the Ellucian Foundation’s PATH Scholarship program to help students facing financial hardship remain enrolled this fall—students may get up to $2,500 for immediate needs.

State education leaders approved FWCS's plan Wednesday to stagger at-large board seats so that starting in 2028 both seats are not elected in the same year.

One elected member will serve a two-year term determined by seniority & vote counts while all other board rules remain unchanged.

Kassie Taksey, a board member seeking reelection, spoke out after a board meeting recording circulated online and captured hurtful remarks about a local taxpayer and her family while her 10-year-old listened.

She said the board apologized and raised ballot concerns ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

Voters in Allen, DeKalb and Steuben counties will decide on Public Question No. 3 on Nov.

3, voting on a casino gambling proposal that requires a $500 million investment plus $150 million in state fees. Supporters expect job gains while opponents worry about social impact.

Kroger Health will host prescription drug takeback events Saturday, Oct.

24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at locations in Fort Wayne, New Haven, Kendallville, Warsaw, Elkhart and Greencastle High School — law enforcement officers will collect unused medications outside the stores.

Alliance Health Centers in Fort Wayne received a $30,000 grant from St. Joseph Community Health Foundation to expand its OB/GYN program + improve prenatal care access for uninsured and underinsured women in underserved neighborhoods.

TRAA partners with Summit CPR & Safety to give away a free AED as part of The Heartbeat Starts Here initiative for Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month.

Local organizations are urged to register AEDs with the NEAR Registry by Oct. 31 to improve emergency response.

In an Oct. 21 announcement, the American Red Cross urged Hoosiers to donate blood and platelets to boost the holiday supply.

Donors in Fort Wayne can earn gift cards and free A1C testing by visiting local centers and other drives scheduled through November.

Fort Wayne has opened the third phase of its a LOT to LOVE program today to support housing development on 37 vacant city-owned lots.

The initiative offers discounted lots, grants for unexpected site conditions, and pre-approved blueprints (with extra incentives for small builders) to address the housing crisis.

Saint Francis women’s basketball, the preseason favorite in the Crossroads League and ranked ninth nationally, will open its season at home on Tuesday, Oct.

27 at 8 p.m. at Hutzell Athletic Center. Key players on preseason all league teams (including guard Cali Gregory) aim to build on last season’s record of 30 wins and 5 losses.