Top 5 stories of 2025 + 6 ways to ring in 2026
Hey Locals,
We're taking a brief step away from the couch this week to bring you our top five stories of 2025. Plus, six To Do List items to help you ring in 2026.
Next week, we have a few announcements going into the New Year, including some new team members to introduce. Then we'll be back at it with your weekly updates starting on Jan. 13.
Don't forget: There's still a little time left to redeem our December deal with Oyster Bar, where all paid subscribers to The Local get complimentary calamari with the purchase of any main dish during lunch hours. Details here.
Now, let's get started!
Top 5 posts of 2025
According to readers like you...
What's happening?
As we prepare to ring in the New Year and plan for The Local in 2026, we wanted to take a quick look back at our top five most-read posts from 2025 and offer a little insight on why we think these stories captured your attention.
Let's face it: It can be hard to meet people in Fort Wayne, and it's gotten even more difficult in our dating-app-driven, post-pandemic society. Thankfully, our reporter Rachel Horton stepped up to check out a group hosting meetups in Fort Wayne – some for singles (yes), but others for anyone seeking friends. She did a great job on this story, and in 2026, we're excited to have Rachel writing for us more often. We also have some fun in-person events in the works where, we can't promise true love, but we might help you connect with fellow subscribers.
Oyster Bar is a local legend, and it's become a favorite for our team this year, so when a reader requested we do a story on its new menu and cocktail list, we couldn't resist the opportunity. This post reminds us that local restaurants are foundational to our city's character and what makes it a great place to be. In 2026, we look forward to finding more ways to support local food entrepreneurs amidst what appears to be an ever-more challenging environment. And you might find us at the YLNI Farmers Market soon, too! Details TBA!
One of the biggest hot button issues this year has been Google's data in Fort Wayne, which has evolved quite a bit since it got its early approvals from local officials in 2023. One of the biggest changes to catch the public's attention? The amount of wetlands the project plans to fill. But understanding the implications of this can be complicated. For this story, we consulted local experts to break it down for you – and that's something we plan to keep doing in 2026, as the data center saga progresses.
Homelessness and immigration policy were two key issues in national politics that made waves locally in 2025. When a prominent Fort Wayne gas station owner, Paramjit Singh, was detained by ICE in Chicago this summer, the story made national and international headlines. (For the record: we haven't heard or seen any updates on Mr. Singh's case, but we are contacting his attorney to learn more.)
Last, but not least: our report on City Clerk Lana Keesling's dual office holding was our top-read story of the year. This was a collaboration between me (Kara) and Rachel, and it started with a question emailed to us by a reader like you. In the process of looking into Keesling's dual roles – one as the state's Republican Party Chair – we learned that the reason she may have worked two jobs this year is because she's eligible for a city pension come January. This means: while advocating for city budget reductions (in SB1) alongside the state Republican Party, Keesling has been both earning a city salary and holding out for a city pension. Our report was republished by The JG, and in 2026, we intend to keep sharing stories with the local newspaper, as well as filling gaps in the local news ecosystem – as we're able.
Thanks again to our paid subscribers for making all of this work – and more – possible in 2025! We couldn't do it without you. And if you're not a paid subscriber yet, we'd love it if you considered supporting our journalism in 2026. Learn more here.
Six ways to celebrate 2026...
- Fuel up on caffeine: with drinks from the Fort Wayne Coffee Club's NYE + Morning After Menu, where you can get one drink for $10 (or two for $17), 6 a.m.-8 p.m., on NYE for pickup or delivery (3+ drinks only).
- Contribute to a good cause: at The Abstract's Pink Pony Club themed NYE party, benefitting the Brave Alliance with music, signature drinks and a silent auction + 50/50 raffle. ($40/ticket)
- Dance the night away: at the Brass Rail's NYE Recession Indicator Party, playing recession pop, R&B and electronic hits with a $10 cover, and music starting at 9 p.m.
- Reserve a table: at The Fairfield's fancy skyline bash, or at local favorites, like Black Rabbit, Spoke & Ivy or Rune, which are all offering dining experiences for NYE.
- Call it an early night: with JK O'Donnell's Irish New Years Toast at 7 p.m. with music by The Mighty McGuiggans starting at 6 p.m.
- Make a resolution: to attend new Barre classes launching at Discover Yoga FW on The Landing, on Jan. 1 at 2 p.m.
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Have a great week, Locals!
-Your Editor, Kara Hackett