Hey Locals,

We've been at this for almost three years now (whew), and we're always looking for ways to improve what we do. Today, we're bringing our free and paid subscribers together to test a new format. We're moving our main story breakdown (a.k.a. Above the Fold) to a new Thursday newsletter for paid subscribers only. If you're currently a paid subscriber, don't worry; you're already on the list for the Thursday newsletter. If you're not a paid subscriber yet, you can join us on Thursday by becoming a paid member now.

We hope this new format keeps our Tuesday newsletters brief and engaging for everyone while creating a separate space to connect with our paid subscribers on a deeper level – where we can share more breakdowns and insights.

This Thursday: We're covering a topic you won't want to miss: Is housing in Fort Wayne still affordable? And if not, what might change that?

In today's (Tuesday) newsletter: We have updates on the city's spiffy new website and the latest on the controversy between Fort Wayne firefighters and the city/fire chief. We also share ways to get out on the rivers this weekend for a scavenger hunt or learn about local water quality (0n a boat).

This month: Our newsletter is brought to you by Olde Oak Tree Furniture & Design, celebrating its 24th anniversary in July with 25% off its locally crafted Amish-built furniture – available in chic, modern and fully customizable styles. Learn more here, and stop by its free, public anniversary party on July 19 for more perks. Details in our To-Do List!

Don't forget: In July (through Aug. 8), we're partnering with Rune restaurant to bring all paid subscribers to The Local a special BOGO deal on their house-made pasta dishes (dine-in only). Learn how to claim the offer here.

Now, let's get started!

NOTE: Links to Journal Gazette articles are marked(*) and may be behind a paywall.

Is buying a home in Fort Wayne still 'affordable' to the local workforce?

And if not... what might change that?

What's happening?

For decades, Fort Wayne has topped national charts as an "affordable" place to buy a house (i.e. accessible to the average income earner). However, as WANE 15 pointed out last week, this once-defining attribute of affordability appears to be at risk – with average home prices outpacing the area's average median income.

Fort Wayne is not unique for its rising housing prices, and nationally, median wages haven't kept pace with housing prices for decades. But in some cities, like ours, part of the challenge is the current housing stock, which lacks options for ownership beyond single-family, suburban housing.

In our Thursday newsletter (paid members only), we'll break down interviews with local housing advocates on key questions like:

• What's being done to create housing for young adults and service-industry professionals Downtown?
• Who's living in those luxury apartments?
• And what are examples of more connected (and walkable) neighborhoods right here?

Stay tuned!

• Fort Wayne's fire union and the city (and chief) are still at odds regarding solutions to the department's staffing, representation and leadership. Last week, Mayor Sharon Tucker and Fire Chief Eric Lahey announced a plan to fast-track firefighter training at the academy by reducing the 22-week academy program to 10-weeks for about 15 recruits who already have EMS basic training and certification. This was described as an "emergency measure" to "get firefighters on as soon as possible.” Even so, the union tells WANE 15 this doesn't resolve the root of their concerns, which they describe as ongoing leadership issues. Union President Jeremy Bush noted that the fire department has been understaffed for years without resolution. "We're advocating for a change in leadership," he said. "And that's not going to go away."
• The City of Fort Wayne launched a redesigned website on July 9 to make it "simpler for residents to access city services and stay engaged,” Mayor Sharon Tucker says. The site was designed in partnership with one of the nation’s leading developers of local government websites, CivicPlus. The city says updates include a more user-friendly, intuitive layout, a virtual assistant ChatBot to ask questions, a prominent public meetings and events calendar, and increased inclusivity via support tools for people with disabilities and language barriers.
• City Council opted to postpone a vote on the Urban Trail for a second time due to two council members (Michelle Chambers and Scott Myers) being absent, according to Council President Russ Jehl. City officials working on the project supported the decision, though council member Rohli Booker questioned the motivations behind postponing votes for the trail, both in September and now. The city and council compromised on some changes to the funding structure for the trail project to ensure it didn't cut into neighborhood funding. Jehl still called the urban trail a "luxury" project due to its cost ($1.7 M for expanding two blocks of sidewalk into a trail). It will also require additional funding for future phases.
• Most of City Council approved another large city road project to improve Paulding Road between Downtown and Airport Expressway. The project involves reducing lanes to slow traffic and differentiate Paulding Road from the highway-esq. Airport Expressway. Other improvements include increased pedestrian signals and infrastructure, drainage, and landscaping. Councilman Marty Bender voted against the bill but all other members approved it, with Councilman Geoff Paddock noting it will create "a really attractive entryway into the city" from the airport and meet public demands for a bench near a Citilink stop on Paulding.
• The Allen County Public Library received a $10K grant from the Dr. Louis and Anne B. Schneider Foundation to support its imagination library – though more funding is still needed to keep the program accessible to all eligible children. Earlier this year, the state legislature cut funding for the program, which delivers a new book each month to more than 7,300 children in Allen County who have enrolled. ACPL leaders have voiced concern about the funding losses – expected to total $12M at the state level in 2026 and $17M in 2027. ACPL Foundation Chairman (and County Commissioner) Rich Beck tells WANE 15: “In Allen County, there are nearly 26,000 children who qualify, and our goal is to raise enough funds that every one of them can benefit from this powerful program. Support from partners like the Dr. Louis and Anne B. Schneider Foundation is essential to ensuring long-term sustainability.” The ACPL Foundation raises funds to cover the cost of books and mailing, which totals about $15,000 each month.
• Parkview Health will remain an in-network provider for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Indiana. The region’s largest health care provider and the state’s largest health care insurer have had contentious contract negotiations in the past but reached a deal last week, which runs Jan. 1, 2026-Dec. 31, 2029. Officials say discussions are ongoing regarding Anthem’s Medicare Advantage network, which is not included in the current contract.

• Try: a delicious (and authentic) iced Chai Latte by Just Chai at the YLNI Farmers Market Downtown on Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. We stopped by recently and loved it! They also sell blends you can brew at home.
• Celebrate: Olde Oak Tree Furniture & Design's 24th anniversary on July 19, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., with 25% off its locally crafted Amish-built furniture. Olde Oak Tree offers chic, modern, mix-and-match styles for homes and businesses. Its anniversary event is free and features extra discounts, giveaways, free lunch by Nolt's Marketplace, drinks by Mocha Lounge Dupont and donuts from Leo Donuts!
• Get outside: for a special Pedal Paddle Play scavenger hunt on the riverfront followed by a free public after party at Promenade Park. The ticketed scavenger hunt begins July 19 at 10 a.m. and offers thousands of dollars in prizes along five miles of riverfront. (BYO boats and bikes, or rent from Fort Wayne Outfitters.) The free, public after party is 11:30-1:30 p.m., featuring live music and vendors on environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation. Tickets ($30 individual/$55 doubles; ages 15 and younger free) support Northeast Indiana Water Trails.
• Learn: about Water Quality Activism while touring Fort Wayne's rivers on the Sweet Breeze canal boat. The 45-min. tour on July 19 at 2 p.m. will be led by Jacquelyn Buck, Executive Director of Northeast Indiana Water Trails. (Limited $22 tickets must be purchased by July 18 at midnight.)
• Dance: at a free, all-ages K-Pop Random Dance Play on July 18, 5-8 p.m. at Promenade Park in partnership with Korea Festival Fort Wayne. "Whether you’re a K-Pop super fan or just love to dance, this is the perfect activity to get out and get active," a post says.
• Dine: at the St. Joe Pickle Festival on July 17-19, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (in St. Joe., Ind.) and at Mac-&-Cheese Fest at Parkview Field on July 19, 3-8 p.m., featuring more than 30 mac and cheese dishes, live music, beer and cider.
• Shop: the Downtown Fort Wayne Summer Sale July 17-19, including a special Ladies Night Out on July 17, 5-9 p.m., including a music by Alicia Pyle at the Porch Off Calhoun (6-8 p.m.) and special events at the Botanical Conservatory, Artlink, Friends of the Third World, Saisaki and Creative Women of the World.

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Have a great week, Locals!

-Your Editor, Kara Hackett