Fort Wayne News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Buying a crib feels impossible without that down payment—until you know about government and nonprofit programs that can slash costs by up to $18K. But beware: these “free” dollars often come with strings—like second mortgages, long stay requirements, or restricted lenders. Always compare offers, including outside options, and consult a mortgage broker. While employer-backed homebuying perks are r...

Beat the flu before it hits: Super Shot’s “Be a Flu Fighter” campaign urges everyone 6 months and up to get vaccinated—free at local clinics including the Allen County Public Library—to protect yourself and your community, with 70% coverage by 2030 as the goal. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an a...

Fort Wayne’s Johnny Appleseed Festival is back for its 51st year, bringing a nostalgic 1800s vibe with live music, food, vendors, and historical reenactments — all free and family-friendly. But don’t head out without checking the map: heavy rain forced major layout changes, moving Civil War reenactors, kids’ zone, and Trappers & Traders to new spots, while River Stage acts are relocated. Weather m...

A jury deadlocked in Allen County’s trial of Charles Chilcutt, who faces rape and sexual battery charges tied to a March 2023 incident with a 16-year-old victim. After five hours of deliberation, the mistrial was declared — but prosecutors remain committed to justice, with a new trial scheduled for March 16–19, 2027. The sheriff’s department continues its investigation, and the prosecutor’s office...

Ron Clark, a seasoned nonprofit leader with deep roots in Whitley County, is stepping into his new role as executive director of the Whitley County Council on Aging starting September 15. With over a decade of experience managing operations, fundraising, and community partnerships at organizations like Brightpoint and The League for the Blind, Clark brings a proven track record of building strong,...

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned amid mounting tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, leaving the military without a confirmed civilian leader during a pivotal six-month war with Iran. Hegseth’s controversial blocking of promotions—many of which went to women and Black officers—has ignited concerns about politicization and merit-based leadership, threatening morale and trust. Despite th...

An Exxon Mobil refinery in Joliet, Illinois, is still offline after a power outage and flooding, halting 10 million gallons of fuel daily—8% of regional supply. Compounded by slowdowns at a BP plant in Indiana and global conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, fuel prices are soaring, especially diesel, hitting record highs across the Midwest with Michigan seeing the steepest jumps. Experts warn...

New York business groups are rallying behind Mayor Mamdani to overhaul the century-old Scaffold Law, arguing its “absolute liability” rules are driving up insurance costs and choking affordable housing. They want to switch to comparative negligence to curb frivolous lawsuits and lower construction prices — but critics warn it could weaken safety standards. With Governor Hochul’s auto insurance ref...

A man survived a brutal 2015 shooting in LaGrange County after being gunned down in his own driveway—now, Indiana State Police are desperately seeking help to identify the suspect and the vehicle involved. The attack, which occurred on August 21, 2015, between 9:15 and 10:15 AM near Stroh, left the victim with serious injuries. With no arrests made and the case now cold, investigators are releasin...

Fort Wayne’s 2027 budget shows strong fiscal health, with Mayor Sharon Tucker and City Controller Pat Roller unveiling a plan to invest $42 million in neighborhood infrastructure and over $4 million in parks—while maintaining police and fire force sizes with new recruit classes. The city’s smartly balancing slowing property value growth with rising local income tax revenue and healthy cash reserve...

A Fort Wayne mother sentenced to seven years for fatally neglecting her two-month-old daughter, who died from asphyxiation while wedged between her and a couch — a tragedy fueled by drugs, unsafe sleeping conditions, and missed red flags including THC in the baby’s system. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai...

Fort Wayne’s zoo just got a life-saving upgrade: five new AEDs, now part of a nationwide emergency network called NEAR. This system lets 911 dispatchers instantly locate the closest defibrillator during cardiac emergencies, slashing response time. Zoo director Rick Schuiteman calls it a vital safety investment for visitors and staff. TRAA is urging local businesses to register their AEDs too—becau...

A 21-year-old man, Gary Morris III, is facing murder charges after a deadly shooting in Fort Wayne that left two men dead and one injured. Surveillance footage shows Morris, one of the victims Juron Stapleton, and Tavion Hamlet interacting before the gunfire erupted—just as a marijuana deal was allegedly underway. Witnesses confirm Morris and Stapleton were the only ones armed in their SUV, and Mo...

ICE’s massive 2026 roundup of 50,000 immigrants—most with no criminal records—shakes up long-held assumptions about migration enforcement. It sparks a deep philosophical debate: What’s the government’s duty to dreamers seeking refuge or opportunity? Is freedom of movement a fundamental human right—or should nations preserve cultural cohesion through controlled borders? And crucially, does restrict...

Diesel prices in Virginia just hit a record $6.35 per gallon — up 4 cents overnight and soaring over 76% in a year — as truckers face new 16-hour driving waivers to ease supply chain strain. National diesel averages $6.45, while regular gas climbs to $4.17, hitting wallets hard across industries from farming to daily commutes. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.c...

As summer fades, small businesses can reignite customer interest with smart, budget-friendly fall marketing—think seasonal themes, community ties, and interactive campaigns. Engage customers through contests or user-generated content, build local goodwill with volunteer drives or partnerships, simplify shopping with bundled offers, and reward loyal patrons with exclusive perks—all while keeping yo...

Hair Country, a beloved Huntertown salon for over 30 years, is rebranding as Southwest Hair & Co. Huntertown — a move signaling growth while honoring its roots. Acquired by Southwest Hair & Day Spa, the new location will blend the original’s warm community vibe with fresh investments in tech, products, and education. The company’s mission? To empower beauty pros through mentorship, elevate client...

When opportunities knock, be ready to seize them—because timing and preparation make all the difference. Know your business inside out: your story, your customers, your finances, and your vision. When asking for cash, be crystal clear on how it’ll fuel growth—whether it’s gear, expansion, or talent. Don’t try to predict every future need; instead, keep your core info organized so you’re never scra...

The “Boston Miracle” strategy—blending tough enforcement with social support—cut murders in the 90s by targeting specific groups, warning them of consequences, then offering jobs and help. Now, cities like Tucson are testing this model for low-level crimes tied to homelessness, focusing on offenses like trespassing that plague communities but stem from survival struggles. While the core idea of fo...

Purdue Fort Wayne’s Gold Top Music Group is kicking off auditions for their sixth annual Goldstock festival, set for January at the Clyde Theatre — and they’re expecting a record-breaking turnout. With last year’s 80+ submissions and a dual-stage format keeping the energy flowing all day, this student-run event showcases everything from full bands to solo artists, curated by the very students who...

Rain’s turning the Johnny Appleseed Festival into a muddy adventure — but don’t cancel your plans! Organizers had to scramble, moving key attractions like Trappers N Traders, Civil War reenactors, and kids’ zones far from the rising St. Joseph River. Now you’ll find Trappers near Appleseed’s grave, reenactors beside root beer, and kiddos up on the hill by the boat ramp. Bring umbrellas, boots, and...

Adams County’s Flock cameras are sparking a privacy showdown: half are already broken, residents demand they be removed, and the Sheriff’s contract locks them in for two more years—creating a tense standoff between tech-driven policing and community demands for personal space. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn...

Fort Wayne’s smoke shop owner Johnathan Miller, 56, faces felony charges including marijuana dealing, corruption, and money laundering after undercover raids exposed his stores selling products with THC levels as high as 86%. Authorities found warehouses stocked with concentrated THC over 3% and uncovered suspicious Certificates of Analysis, fake paperwork, and texts suggesting Miller knowingly op...

Allen County’s new unified fire and EMS district is set to launch in January, covering all 550 square miles—including underserved southeast areas—with one streamlined system. The $1.2 million budget increase (about 2.6%) will fund 30 new positions, two new fire stations, and civilian paramedics to cut costs, while ensuring everyone pays the same rate—meaning some bills rise, others fall. Council v...

The Fed just raised rates for the first time in three years, hiking them to 3.75–4%, signaling a hard pivot to crush inflation — but with President Trump pushing back and warning it could backfire, the next moves hinge on his policies. Economists say global tensions, trade deals, and tariffs could ease inflation pressure, while others argue true relief lies in boosting productivity through AI, ene...