Hey Locals,

We have a shorter newsletter than usual today due to an unforeseen website error late last night. The good news is: We resolved the issue, and we'll be making our Thursday edition free to all subscribers this week, as a result.

In Thursday's newsletter, we'll dive into how federal funding cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (PBS + NPR) affect Fort Wayne's local news landscape and its economy – potentially resulting in higher taxes.

Today, we brief you on the first living spaces at Electric Works, opening this week, as well as funding hurdles facing the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne. Plus, we share lots of fun activities for your to-do list, including Local Food Week events, Pride Fest and more!

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.

Don't forget: Now 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.

How will cuts to PBS + NPR affect Fort Wayne's economy?

Beyond lost programming, it likely means lost jobs – and higher taxes – locally.

What's happening?

• You've probably heard: lawmakers are rescinding federal funding for PBS and NPR, as part of more than $1 billion in cuts to the national Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).
• But what you might not realize is: while the debate has largely centered on perceived bias in the national media distributors (PBS + NPR), the funding cuts will primarily affect your local Fort Wayne affiliate stations, PBS Fort Wayne and 89.1 WBOI. These stations syndicate some national content, but also produce original, hyper-local media in Fort Wayne and employ local residents.
• In fact: whereas national PBS and NPR rely on the CPB for less than 10% of their annual funding needs, local stations are far more reliant, meaning they're going to take a much bigger hit (especially in Indiana, where state legislators have already made additional cuts). In total, when the new fiscal year begins in October, PBS Fort Wayne could lose about 42% of its operating budget, and 89.1 WBOI could lose about 12% of its annual revenue for 2025.
• This likely means: there will be fewer local jobs and less public information available to support hyper-local journalism in Allen County, and that has implications for the local economy – regardless of whether or not you directly utilize public media programming.

We explain more about the economic effects – and why your taxes might go up – in this week's Thursday edition!

• The Elex at Electric Works is welcoming its first tenants this week on July 25. The project will offer a total of 296 apartments (1-3 bedroom units) available in two phases: the first phase in a building along Broadway and the second phase in a building around the nearby Union Parking Garage. The Broadway building opens this week, offering 75 age-restricted (55+) and “tax-credit affordable” units, including some that are ADA accessible. In December, the Union Parking Garage building will begin leasing, offering an additional 14 affordable units for all ages, as well as about 207 market-rate units. Last week, a development partner at Electric Works, Kevin Biggs, updated City Council on the project's progress, noting that the Union Street Market food hall is about 80% leased with two additional vendors expected to sign leases by August. More on this in coming weeks.
• The Boys and Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne are feeling the effects of Trump's federal funding freeze. Last week, BGCFW President and CEO Joe Jordan said the Club is still waiting on a $350,000 grant it hopes to use for “deep-level tutoring” that benefits about 60 local students who need the most academic help. Allen County public schools return to class in early August, and Jordan tells The JG* the frozen funding will be “felt significantly." The grant is part of a 21st Century program, which is among more than $6 billion in federal education grants being withheld by the Trump administration to ensure "programs align with the president’s priorities." In the meantime, BGCFW is seeking donations online. Recently, it also took ownership of Lutheran Park and its splash pad,* likely adding to the Club's expenses. The Park was a gift from the Lutheran Foundation.
• Indiana is seeking to encourage film production in-state, and a Fort Wayne filmmaker is raising funds to make his first feature-length film here. Last week, local filmmaker Jake Ryan Baker told WANE 15 about his psychological thriller, The Part, which is fundraising and begins filming locally this fall. By chance, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun also signed Senate Enrolled Act 306 last week. It benefits Hoosier creatives and filmmakers with tax incentives on projects of more than $250,000. Similar legislation already exists in nearby states, like Illinois and Kentucky, and its effectiveness at generating economic opportunities is debated and varies nationally.

• Play: "The Office" trivia hosted by actor David Koechner a.k.a. Todd Packer at Summit City Comedy Club on July 23 at 4 p.m. (Tickets $27-$37)
• Explore: the 6th Annual Local Food Week, July 25-Aug. 3., featuring more than 90 tours and events hosted by 55 farms, restaurants, markets, and artisan food producers in Northeast Indiana. One must-do event on our list is a Summer Block Party at Draft Taproom & Coffee on July 26, starting at 2 p.m., featuring more than 25 vendors with live music by James and the Drifters at 6 p.m., and pizza and drink specials all day, including wine slushies.
• Celebrate: Pride Fest in Fort Wayne on July 25-26 at Headwaters Park. The annual parade starts at 2 p.m. on the 26th.
• Stroll: The Landing for WBOI Presents: Live & Local on July 25, 7-9 p.m., featuring music by Los Electro (Latin Rock, Psychedelic Cumbia).
• Listen: to Fireside Friday with Jess Thrower at LC Nature Park on July 25, 6:30-9 p.m. (Tickets $18-$20 include 2 drinks and 2 s'mores)
• Stretch: to all skill levels Yoga on the Lawn at Vinland Reserve Winery on July 26, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (Registration required)
• Learn: about Fort Wayne's Water Pollution Control Plant at WaterWorks FunFest on July 26, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., including family-friendly games and hands-on demonstrations about water science.

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Have a great week, Locals!

-Your Editor, Kara Hackett