Election Day highlights • Mayor's committee on Black Fort Wayne report • The Phil After Dark's 80s dance party!
Quick heads up: We, The Local's Co-Founders, Kara and Mike, are taking a three-month parental leave from the newsletter to welcome Baby No. 2 into our family. Thankfully, we have a highly capable team who will be taking over while we're gone, including our regular contributors: Rachel Horton, Chrystel Lopez, and Jeff Blossom. Don't hesitate to email them with questions and story tips at thelocalfortwayne@gmail.com. Now, back to this week’s news!
Hey Locals,
It’s Election Day! After reporting on key races, the county's switch to vote centers and more, we’re curious to see how today’s results unfold – and whether voter turnout increases.
In this week’s Above the Fold, we break down highlights from the Urban League’s recent State of Black Fort Wayne report, which inspired Mayor Sharon Tucker to launch a new committee to address its findings.
In Briefs, we share details on Google's latest grant for Fort Wayne and a historic designation for the Chief Richardville House. We also have updates on how the City plans to use its nearly 90-pound stash of foreign currency.
In our To Do list, we highlight a local author's book discussion at Sunbound Books, as well as The Phil's latest After Dark event: A concert that transitions into an 80s-themed dance party and lounge!
A quick look back at our Halloween weekend highlights: After accidentally dressing as Elizabeth Holmes on Friday, I (Rachel) decided to roll with what was a relatively easy costume (blonde hair, black turtleneck, delusions of biotech brilliance) for the rest of the weekend. I also dropped by Penny Drip for some post-farmers market sustenance (after lugging around what felt like a metric ton of winter squash and sweet potatoes) and had a delightful meal: A caramelized onion, apple, ham, and cheese sandwich, with a side of beetroot vegetable soup. (The mix of earthy root vegetables and gingery spice was perfect for a fall day.)
What were your Halloween weekend highlights? Hit reply to this email, and let us know!
In November: We’re also partnering FW Curling Club to bring all paid subscribers a special deal: 50% off on their public Learn to Curl sessions. The next one is Nov. 13, 7-9:30 p.m. We'll share more in next week's Local Spotlight!
Learn how to claim your offer here.
Now, let’s get started.
NOTE: Links to Journal Gazette articles are marked(*) and may be behind a paywall.
The State of Black Fort Wayne:
And Mayor Tucker's new committee.
What's happening?
Last week: the Fort Wayne Urban League released its 2026 State of Black Fort Wayne report, providing an “in-depth, data-driven look at the labor market, educational attainment, and economic milestones shaping our local Black community.” While the report found some bright spots, like high levels of high school diploma attainment, it also “revealed a number of economic and social deficits affecting Allen County’s Black residents,” according to The JG.*
Now: Mayor Sharon Tucker has announced a new committee that will examine ways to address some of the disparities.
So... what are some of the top issues affecting Black residents, and why does it matter to the broader community?
Stay tuned for Thursday’s newsletter – available to paid subscribers only – where we’ll break down key findings.
- It’s Election Day in Allen County, and registered voters can cast a ballot at any of the county’s 53 Vote Centers, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. So far, early voting numbers suggest far higher turnout than in previous years. As of Friday morning, more than 33,000 citizens voted early, WANE 15 reports. Election officials tell The JG* they’re hoping for a 45% voter turnout rate this election. The ballot includes the Allen County Superior Court Judicial Race, public questions on judges, bail, and a potential casino, a heated FWCS Board of Trustees at-large race (as well as the District 1 seat*) and more. For more information on candidates and to get personalized voting information, visit Vote411.org.
- Google donated $3M to the Ivy Tech Foundation to expand workforce training and development throughout Indiana, WPTA 21 reports. The funding will “support the launch of fiber optic and network installer training programs” at Ivy Tech campuses across the state, according to the school’s press release. In Fort Wayne, training will focus on preparing students for careers in fields, like fiber optic installation and network infrastructure. “Through this partnership, we will connect participants to no-cost training that prepares them for high-demand jobs while supporting the employers and industries that drive our local economy,” says Kim Barnett-Johnons, chancellor of Ivy Tech Fort Wayne. Students interested in the program can complete an online form to receive updates on future developments.
- Councilman Scott Myers (R-4) received a one-year drivers license suspension following his OWI arrest earlier this year, as well as an additional 180 days of restricted driving privileges, WOWO reports. Myers entered a rehabilitation facility after his June 2026 arrest, resulting in a three-month absence from City Council. In response to reports of his driving restrictions, he sent a message to WANE 15 claiming he currently has “minimal temporary restrictions.” He tells WOWO’s Kayla Blakeslee that he has “real accountability” currently and says he’s “never stopped working hard” for the residents in his district.
- The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma added The Chief Richardville House (also known as Akima Pinsiwa Awiiki) to its National Register of Historic Places, WANE 15 reports. The honor coincides with the 200th anniversary of the 1826 Treaty of Mississinewa, which provided funding for the construction of the house that would serve as a home for Chief Jean Baptiste de Richardville and his descendants for generations. The home is currently owned by the Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society, which has overseen the property’s preservation since acquiring it in 1991. Chief Douglas Lankford of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma says the occasion “offers an opportunity to reflect on the history of the Miami Tribe and the importance of protecting historic places that connect present and future generations to the Tribe’s ancestral homeland.” For more information on the house, stop by the upcoming Miami Indian Heritage Days on Nov. 7 & 8.
- The City of Fort Wayne found a home for its 87 pounds of foreign coins. Earlier this year, WANE 15 reported on City Clerk John McGauley’s aim to find solutions for the collection of foreign currency amassed from City parking meters during the past 20 years. Eventually, McGauley was connected with American Airlines, whose partnership with UNICEF’s “Change for Good” program uses the donated coins to fund “essentials to children in need, such as nutrition, medication, and educational programs,” WANE reports. The coins were picked up by American Airlines representatives last week at Fort Wayne International Airport. McGauley says this may be an ongoing partnership, given how often the coins turn up.
What else? Find out what's being funded in Fort Wayne, from the defense industry to student journalism, as we share additional briefs for paid subscribers only!
Get funding for your ideas in Fort Wayne:
Learn what grant funders are looking for.
What's happening?
In November, we’re partnering with the City of Fort Wayne’s Department of Neighborhoods to promote their upcoming (FREE dinner!) Power Lab event on Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the ACPL’s Main Branch (former Maker Space room). This event is geared toward helping locals like you get funding for community projects and events. (Read the full event description here.)
- Did you know: You don’t have to be formally involved in a neighborhood to attend! This event is free and open to anyone who wants to learn and meet other like-minded locals.
- You might remember: The Local’s Editor/Co-Founder, Kara, spoke at a Power Lab event earlier this fall. Our team appreciated how the series meets residents where they are and connects them (IRL) with other locals who can help – while providing free dinner!
Sign up now for the Nov. 19 Neighborhood Power Lab, where you’ll learn from Holly Muñoz about writing winning grant applications.
- Learn: the fundamentals of line dancing at Promenade Park on Nov. 3, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – no partner required. ($10)
- Explore: ARCH’s new historical preservation project at the Calhoun Project Open House on Nov. 5, 7 p.m. Meet at the buildings on 1902 to 1912 Calhoun Street and get a sneak peek of the project – with light refreshments.
- Read: Fort Wayne author Amanda Uhle’s memoir "Destroy This House," and join her for a discussion at Sunbound Books on Nov. 6, 6:30-7:30 p.m. in conversation with speaker/author Carrie Wisehart.
- Boogie: at The Phil’s 80’s dance night, a concert that transitions into an 80s-themed dance party and lounge with DJ JK Harper, on Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. ($25)
- Stretch: at Creative Women of the World’s Networking & Yoga series, starting Nov. 3 at 5 p.m. Sessions focus on “practical tools to manage stress and make more conscious choices." (Registration required; sessions start at $5.)
- Donate: seasonal items, like coats, gloves, scarves, and hats, at area businesses in partnership with Handing Out Hope. Locations and businesses interested in hosting a collection box can contact the collection’s organizer here.
- Stroll: First Fridays on Broadway, and check out three new murals along the Arts District.
What else? A Wild West fundraising gala, robots, and more. We share additional things To Do for paid subscribers only!
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Have a great week, Locals!
-Your Editor, Kara Hackett
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