Today’s Weather

Wednesday, July 2
Hi – 86° Low – 63° | ☀️ Mostly Sunny & Pleasant | Wind WNW 5–10 mph (day), W 5–10 mph (night)
Wednesday will be warm, sunny, and comfortable—perfect summer weather! Expect mostly sunny skies with a high of 86°F and low humidity at 55%. A light breeze from the west-northwest keeps the air feeling fresh, and the UV index is very high, so sun protection is a must. Wednesday night stays clear and mild, with a low around 63°F and light winds from the west.

In today’s edition:

💸 Cigarette Tax Increases by 200%, Goes Into Effect July 1

🚌 Citilink launches premium Access Plus+ bus service

🏗️ 2 finalists chosen for North River redevelopment

👪 New Indiana law reinforces parents’ rights

👥 Gang enhancement sought in Pikes Pub attack case

🥇 FWCS student wins gold at SkillsUSA nationals

🐱 FWACC offers $4 cat adoptions for Fourth of July

🎆 Get to know your fireworks before lighting up

🥁 2025 General ‘Mad’ Anthony Wayne Parade canceled

Sports

🏒 Gorniak, Groll re-sign with Fort Wayne Komets

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📰News

💸 Indiana’s cigarette tax increased by 200% on July 1, raising the tax from nearly $1 to around $3 per pack. The new law also affects all tobacco products, including vapes, e-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco. This change, part of the 2025 state budget, aims to address a $2.4 billion shortfall and is expected to generate $400 million annually. Tobacco Free Allen County hopes the hike will reduce tobacco use, especially among youth. Free statewide quit services are available by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Read more from WANE 15 here.

🚌 Citilink has launched a new premium bus service called Access Plus+, expanding transportation to residents outside the usual ¾-mile ADA coverage zone. The standard fare remains $3, while Access Plus+ trips cost $4.50 (or $4.28 via the Token Transit app). If any part of a trip goes beyond fixed routes, the full fare is at the premium rate. Riders are advised to confirm their fare in advance. The service aims to improve access across Fort Wayne while supporting independence and daily routines. For more information about Access Plus+, visit here or contact Citilink at 260-432-4546. Read more from WANE 15 here.

🏗️ The City of Fort Wayne has selected Price Brothers Development and Related Midwest as the two finalists to lead the North River property redevelopment. The chosen firm will develop the North River Fieldhouse a major sports complex and future phases including housing, retail, restaurants, and a hotel. The project is expected to cost $50–$60 million, support nearly 900 jobs, and bring in $36 million annually. City leaders thanked all teams involved and emphasized community impact. Read more from WANE 15 here.

👪 Senate Bill 143, authored by State Senator Liz Brown, went into effect July 1 and reinforces the rights of Indiana parents in decisions about their children’s health, education, religion, and upbringing. The law was introduced in response to concerns over government overreach, particularly by the Indiana Department of Child Services. It also strengthens protections for homeschool families and ensures parents have access to their child’s health information. Read more from WANE 15 here.

👥 Prosecutors have filed motions to add “criminal gang” enhancement charges against six men accused in a violent beating at Pikes Pub on May 30. The men Vard Warnock, Justin Wert, Jerrad Impton, Douglas Zuber, Ryan Minick, and Christopher Yoho allegedly attacked James Simmons, a Black man, and are said to be members of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club. The enhancement would require prosecutors to prove the men committed the crime to benefit or promote the gang. If approved, the sentencing could be significantly increased. Read more from WANE 15 here.

🥇 Isaiah Powers, a recent graduate of the FWCS Career Academy at Anthis, won a gold medal in cabinet making at the 2025 SkillsUSA national competition. Powers built a coffee table in eight hours and was judged on accuracy, professionalism, and craftsmanship. He credited his carpentry instructor for helping him discover his strength in detailed woodworking. Now working in a cabinet shop, Powers encourages others pursuing trades to stay disciplined and passionate. Read more from WANE 15 here.

🐱 Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control is celebrating the Fourth of July with $4 cat adoptions from July 1–3. The offer applies to all adult cats and kittens with approved applications at 11 off-site locations. FWACC ensures every cat is microchipped, vaccinated, and spayed or neutered before adoption. The shelter will be closed for adoptions on July 4. Read more from WANE 15 here.

🎆 Ahead of the Fourth of July, Phantom Fireworks in Fort Wayne reminds customers to understand the fireworks they’re using. Aerial fireworks like mortars, roman candles, and repeaters are popular, while ground fireworks include fountains and smoke effects. For mixed experiences, assortments are available along with sparklers and Pop-Its. Always check for fuses, have water nearby, and never relight duds. Adult supervision is crucial, even for small fireworks. Read more from WANE 15 here.

🥁 The General “Mad” Anthony Wayne Organization has canceled its July 19 parade due to financial constraints. The event was meant to replace the Three Rivers Festival Parade. Chairman J. Michael Loomis cited a lack of sponsorship and rising costs for safety and security as key reasons for the decision. No refunds are needed, as transactions were not processed. Planning for next year’s parade is expected to begin in September. Read more from WANE 15 here.

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Events 

Wednesday, July 2nd

🎨 Arts

• 47th Members’ Showcase at Artlink
  Ongoing (June 26 – July 30) @ Artlink
  Free

• Charles Yang: Fermata
  8:00 am – 5:00 pm @ Honeywell Center – Clark Gallery (Wabash)
  Free

• PFW Summer Selections Exhibition
  8:00 am – 9:00 pm @ PFW Visual Arts Gallery
  Free

• Hubble and Webb Space Telescopes: New Views of the Universe
  10:00 am – 4:00 pm @ Science Central
  $10 – $12

• My PURSEonal Favorites
  10:00 am – 6:00 pm @ Fort Wayne Museum of Art
  $8 – $10

• FAILE: A Riot of Existence, Wishing on You
  10:00 am – 6:00 pm @ Fort Wayne Museum of Art
  $8 – $10

• Truthful Illusions: Realism in the Age of Abstraction
  11:00 am – 6:00 pm @ Fort Wayne Museum of Art
  $8 – $10

🎶 Music

• StraitJack (Alan Jackson/George Strait Tribute)
  6:00 pm @ Union 12 (Columbia City)
  Free

• Open Mic w/ Dr. Dom
  6:30 pm @ Deer Park Irish Pub
  Free

• Mitch Gallagher Band (Wednesday Jazz Sessions) (Featured)
  7:00 pm @ The Club Room at The Clyde
  No cover

• Open Jazz Jams
  7:00 pm – 10:00 pm @ Pedal City
  Free

🐾 Tours

• Fort Wayne Zoo
  9:00 am – 6:00 pm @ Fort Wayne Zoo
  $22 – $24

🎉 Festivals

• Union 12 Food Truck Night: Western Night w/ StraitJack
  5:00 pm – 9:00 pm @ Union 12 (Columbia City)
  Free

• Craft Club
  7:00 pm – 9:00 pm @ Union Street Market at Electric Works
  Free

🎶 Special Events

• Hellcat Trivia
  6:00 pm @ Chapman's Brewing at Electric Works
  Free

• Dicky’s Wild Hare Team Trivia
  7:00 pm – 9:00 pm @ Dicky's Wild Hare
  Free

🏀🏈Sports🏒⚾

🏒 Forwards Jack Gorniak and Josh Groll have re-signed with the Fort Wayne Komets for the upcoming hockey season. Gorniak, 25, scored a career-best 18 goals and 16 assists last season and won the team’s “Mr. Hustle Award” for the second time. Groll, 23, joined late last season, tallying 4 points in the regular season and 4 more in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Ethan Keppen signed with the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors, and Yannick Turcotte signed with the Chicago Wolves. Read more from WANE 15 here.

🗓️ Tincaps Schedule

Wed, July 2
⚾ vs Lansing— 7:05 PM EDT

Thu, July 3
⚾ vs Lansing— 7:05 PM EDT

Fri, July 4
⚾ @ Lansing— 7:05 PM EDT

Sat, July 5
⚾ @ Lansing— 7:05 PM EDT

Sun, July 6
⚾ @ Lansing— 1:05 PM EDT

🗓️ Fort Wayne FC Schedule

Sat, July 5
⚽ vs Lansing City Football— 6:00 PM EDT

A Message from The Fort Wayne Update

Members make it possible.

The Fort Wayne Update helps readers like you stay in the know quickly and clearly.

If you love what we do, becoming a Member is the best way to support it.

You will help us cover more of the city, and give back to the community.
Members also get exclusive perks along the way.

👉 Become a Fort Wayne Update Member