Fort Wayne Update April 27th

Good morning, Fort Wayne - Here’s your Update

— Jenny Sumangid & Jordan Bechtel
The Fort Wayne Update

Monday, April 27
Hi – 80° Low – 60° | 🌦 Rain & Storms Late → ⛈ Thunderstorms
A mostly cloudy and breezy day with highs near 80°F as SE winds pick up, followed by showers developing later. Storm chances increase sharply into the night with likely thunderstorms, possibly severe, and a wet, humid low around 60°F.

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Eight Indicted In Fort Wayne Illegal Gambling Investigation
• A federal grand jury indicted eight people accused of operating an illegal gambling business tied to Elks Lodge 155
• The case follows a joint investigation by the FBI, Indiana Gaming Commission, Indiana State Police, and Allen County Prosecutor’s Office
• The lodge previously had its gaming license revoked, was fined $25,000, and banned from charity gaming for 10 years after violations were found
→ Read more from WANE

Kentucky Derby Themed Fundraiser Supports Homeless Families
• Vincent Village is hosting a “Racing Towards Home” Kentucky Derby party on May 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Chateau on Broadway
• The ticketed event will feature live music, Derby viewing, food, and themed activities including a best dressed contest
• Proceeds will support services for homeless families including workforce training, mental health support, and youth programming
→ Read more from WANE

New City-Owned Vehicles Policy To Cut Costs By $500,000
• The city will restrict use of city owned vehicles outside Allen County starting July 1 as part of a cost saving measure
• About 90 employees will be affected, including 80 police officers who will lose take home vehicles
• Officials say the change will save about $500,000 annually as the city responds to reduced revenue from state policy changes
→ Read more from WANE

Commissioners Reject Proposed 689 Home Development In Southwest Allen County
• Allen County commissioners denied a rezoning request that would have allowed a 689-home development on 170 acres
• Nearby residents opposed the project citing environmental concerns and its proximity to Fort Wayne International Airport
• Officials say the land could still be developed in the future despite the proposal being rejected
→ Read more from WANE

Fort Wayne Philharmonic Opens New Downtown Venue
• The Philharmonic Center at 826 Ewing Street opened with a ribbon cutting and evening performance
• The venue has a 200 seat capacity and will host concerts, community events, and private functions
• Pianist Jodie DeSalvo performed on opening night as part of the celebration
→ Read more from WANE

Unemployment Falls As Childcare Investment Targets Workforce Gaps
• The Fort Wayne metro unemployment rate dropped to 3.4 percent in February from 3.9 percent a year earlier with nearly 3,000 more people employed
• State leaders approved a $200 million investment to expand affordable childcare and reopen enrollment for a program serving about 14,000 children
• Local providers say more than 2,200 children in Allen County still need vouchers and 12 childcare centers closed during the funding pause
→ Read more from WANE

Allen County Expands Early Voting To Multiple Satellite Locations
• Early voting, which began April 7, will expand beyond the Rousseau Centre to several satellite sites through May 4
• Locations will operate extended weekday and weekend hours including evenings until 8 p.m. at select sites
• Primary Election Day is set for May 5 with polls open statewide from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
→ Read more from WPTA

YWCA Northeast Indiana Hosts Race For A Reason 5K
• Racers gathered at Purdue Fort Wayne at 9 a.m. Saturday for the annual Race for a Reason 5K event
• The event included a 1 mile walk run, resource fair, and raffle prizes alongside the main race
• Funds raised support YWCA programs including domestic violence services, addiction recovery, therapy, and advocacy
→ Read more from WPTA

Humane Fort Wayne Receives $25,000 Donation
• Humane Fort Wayne received a $25,000 donation from the Fort Wayne Home and Garden Show on Friday
• The funds will support the shelter’s mission, and event staff also volunteered at the facility
• Organizers say they have donated more than $110,000 to local nonprofits since 2020
→ Read more from WPTA

Bicyclist Critically Injured In Crash
• A bicyclist was taken to a hospital in life threatening condition after a crash Friday night near Lima Road and Cumberland Avenue
• Police say the man was crossing Lima Road when he was struck by a southbound vehicle
• A second bicyclist was not hit and the driver reported no injuries as the investigation continues
→ Read more from WPTA

TinCaps Announce 2026 Alternate Identities and Special Game Promotions
• Fort Wayne TinCaps will play Wednesday home games as the “Fort Wayne Pufferbellies” with themed uniforms and promotions
• Other alternate identities include Manzanas Luchadoras, Fort Wayne Wizards, and Fort Wayne Daisies honoring local and cultural history
• The season also features themed events like Pro Wrestling Night, Peppa Pig Night, and weekly promotional game nights
→ Read more from WANE

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Americans Growing More Pessimistic About Economy As Prices Stay High, Polls Show
• Multiple national polls found around 70% of Americans say the economy is getting worse.
• Large majorities report rising costs for groceries and gas, with most calling them major financial problems.
• Most voters disapprove of President Trump’s handling of the economy and inflation, according to Fox and Marquette polling.

Why it matters here:
Widespread economic frustration often translates into spending changes locally, from groceries to travel to everyday services.

→ Get the full national breakdown from our team at The Nova

Not Talking Out of School: The Hector & Carol Garcia Retrospective
8:00 am – 9:00 pm @ PFW Visual Arts Building — Free

2026 Summer Selections
8:00 am – 9:00 pm @ PFW Visual Arts Gallery — Free

Workers Behind the Wheels Gallery
9:00 am – 5:00 pm @ Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum — $10 – $15

Sue Davis: Familiar Paths & New Directions
10:00 am – 6:00 pm @ The Orchard Gallery of Fine Art — Free

Monday Blues Jam Sessions
7:00 pm @ The Club Room at The Clyde — Free

On Stage w/Eva Noblezada
5:30 pm @ Embassy Theatre — $263.65–$340.75

The God Committee
7:30 pm @ PPG ArtsLab — $15–$22

Midsummer Night’s Dream
7:30 pm @ Arts United Center — $35–$55

Falsettos
7:30 pm @ USF North Campus Auditorium — $23.44–$33.64

Gypsy
8:00 pm @ Three Rivers Music Theatre — $20–$25

Latch String Karaoke
10:00 pm @ Latch String Bar & Grill — Free

Tue, Apr 28th🏒
Fort Wayne Komets @ Indy Fuel— 7:05 PM EDT

Wed, Apr 29th🏒
Fort Wayne Komets @ Indy Fuel— 7:05 PM EDT

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Thanks for reading. Together, we’re making Fort Wayne an even better place to live.

— The Fort Wayne Update