Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
Good morning, Fort Wayne. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 31st of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Residents can dispose of their live Christmas trees for free at the City Utilities Biosolids facility (6202 Lake Avenue); drop-offs are accepted Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and decorative items must be removed before delivery. US 93.3
- ➤ The Fort Wayne Farm Show will host Indiana FFA’s Benefit Auction to raise money for its scholarship and leadership programs. The auction takes place at 1 p.m. (Tue, Jan. 13 and Wed, Jan. 14) at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. US 93.3
- ➤ A New Year’s Eve celebration is happening today at the Fairfield, where community members can join local festivities to welcome the new year. 21Alive
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Pint and Slice will close permanently today after years of serving our community in Fort Wayne. 21Alive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Fort Wayne artist-educator Jared L. Applegate’s solo exhibit 'Passage' will open Friday, Jan. 9 at the Garrett Museum of Art at 100 S. Randolph St — the opening reception runs from 5 to 8 p.m. and the free exhibit is open to all ages until March 1. KPC News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Questa Education Foundation announced additional support for Questa Scholars through a grant from the Ardelle and Theresa Glaze Foundation on Dec. 30. The funding came as demand for academic support doubled for the 2024-25 school year. KPC News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ State officials say revised SNAP benefits will begin this week and affect Hoosier families as new eligibility and benefit rules are set to update the program. The changes are announced to improve assistance for those who rely on SNAP. 21Alive
- ➤ A local group Save Fort Wayne launched a website to oppose a casino proposal in Fort Wayne or Allen County and urges a voter referendum to focus on the facts. City officials back the project by highlighting expected revenue for community improvements and job growth. 21Alive
- ➤ The second window for Fort Wayne opioid settlement funds will open Friday and close Jan. 30—offering individuals and families a chance to apply for help overcoming opioid addiction. The program is managed by the National Opioid Settlement Committee formed by Mayor Sharon Tucker and the City Council. 21Alive
- ➤ Nonprofits and community organizations can apply for opioid settlement grants through the city's online portal starting Jan.2 — applications run until Jan.30 and awards will be announced Feb.28. WFFT-TV
- ➤ Google will pay $12 million for an elevated water tower near its data center campus on Adams Center Road — a project to boost water system reliability in the south and southeast. City Utilities filed a permit application with IDEM and will accept public comment through Jan. 15. The Journal Gazette
- ➤ Indiana's SNAP program will no longer cover candy + sugary drinks starting Jan. 1 as part of Governor Braun's Make Indiana Healthy Again plan, affecting benefit users statewide. The change follows a bill signed in April. US 93.3
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Animal health officials confirmed a bird flu case at a commercial table egg pullet facility in LaGrange County, where 19,343 birds will be quarantined and depopulated. The outbreak has led to over 900,000 birds being removed across northern Indiana since Oct. 9. US 93.3
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The ECHL and the Komets players’ union ratified a new five-year collective bargaining agreement running through the 2029–2030 season that offers improved pay and safety measures. The league resumed play Tuesday night ahead of today's New Year's Eve game after postponing contests on Friday and Saturday. 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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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.
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