David Speakman
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Fort Wayne is fastest-growing 'big city' in Midwest, census says
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - Fort Wayne is the fastest-growing big city in the Midwest, according to new U.S. Census Bureau's most recent population estimates released Thursday. The city's population reached an estimated 275,203 as of July 1, 2025, up from 263,918 at the 2020 census. That is a gain of 11,285 residents, or 4.28 percent, since 2020. Fort Wayne ranked as the 26th fastest-growing city in the country among cities with at least 250,000 residents.
NACS restroom dispute: What Brown said and where it started
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - Northwest Allen County Schools pushed back Thursday against claims made during the Indiana Senate District 15 race, saying recent statements about its restrooms and budget are false. The claims started at an April 16 WOWO town hall at The Mic, where incumbent state Sen. Liz Brown and challenger Darren Vogt clashed over restrooms at NACS.
NACS claps back at Liz Brown's 'transgender bathroom' claim in senate race
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - Northwest Allen County Schools is pushing back against claims made in the Indiana Senate District 15 race, saying recent statements about the district are false. Superintendent Wayne Barker said the district has been pulled into political rhetoric in an unfair way. "When statements that are entirely untrue are shared publicly about our schools, we have an obligation to correct the record and ensure the facts are clear," Barker said.
INDOT warns drivers: Watch for tractors on rural roads
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - Planting season is underway for Indiana farmers, and that means drivers will see more large slow-moving farm equipment on rural roads and highways. The Indiana Department of Transportation is urging motorists to be alert, patient and courteous when traveling on rural roads this spring. Farm equipment includes sprayers, tractors pulling planters or tillage equipment and large trucks hauling agricultural products.
Banks, Grassley demand AI security answers from tech giants
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WFFT) - Sen. Jim Banks and Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley sent letters to nine major artificial intelligence companies raising concerns about Chinese espionage targeting America's AI sector. The Indiana Republican and Iowa Republican sent the letters Wednesday to companies including OpenAI, Google, Meta, Microsoft and Amazon.
FW Habitat for Humanity marks 40 years, plans record 34 homes in Fort Wayne
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fort Wayne is marking 40 years of service and preparing for its largest build season ever with 34 homes planned for 2026-27. Since 1986, the organization has partnered with more than 367 families across Allen, Huntington and Wells counties to achieve affordable homeownership.
Coroner IDs 3-year-old killed in Fort Wayne pedestrian crash
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - The Allen County Coroner's Office has identified a 3-year-old boy who died after being hit by a car last week. Mason James Tippmann was struck by a car in the 8800 block of Flutter Road on Thursday evening around 7:30 p.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner's office said Tippmann died from blunt force injuries and ruled his death an accident. He is the eighth traffic fatality in Allen County this year.
Get rid of e-waste safely at Fort Wayne event this weekend
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - Allen County residents can recycle their old electronics at an event this Saturday. The Allen County Department of Environmental Management will host an electronics recycling event Saturday, May 2 from 8 a.m. to noon at 2911 Meyer Road. Residents can drop off items like televisions, cell phones, computers, stereo components, cords, DVDs, printers, VCRs and tablets. The event charges a fee based on how many items you bring.
Fort Wayne Civic hires Arizona theater pro as new director
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - Fort Wayne Civic Theatre has named Chelsea Anderson as its new executive and artistic director on May 4. Anderson is a director, producer, educator, actor, dialect coach and playwright who has worked with theaters including Indiana Repertory Theatre, Phoenix Theatre in Indianapolis and Great River Shakespeare Festival.
Kent State president pushes back on Ramaswamy higher ed overhaul plan
KENT, Ohio (WFFT) - Kent State University's president is pushing back against calls to reshape Ohio's higher education system, saying the state's public universities already serve as centers of excellence. Todd Diacon wrote in a Kent State Today essay that the phrase deserves serious conversation, but that discussion should include the history of Ohio's public universities, regional access and the decline in state support over time.
Fort Wayne drivers pay less at pump as fuel inflation surges nationwide
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - Gas prices in northeast Indiana are below the state and national averages, even as higher energy costs pushed inflation sharply higher in March. The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in the Fort Wayne metro area was $3.557 Monday, according to AAA. That was lower than Indiana's statewide average of $3.790 and the national average of $4.111. Fort Wayne prices have eased from recent highs.
Northeast Indiana wages climb as manufacturing job losses mount
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - Northeast Indiana added jobs and saw wages rise from a year earlier, but new state labor reports show manufacturing workers made up the largest share of unemployment insurance claimants in the region during the first quarter of 2026. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development's latest industry snapshot for Economic Growth Region 3 showed 361,424 jobs in the third quarter of 2025, up 0.57% from the previous year.
Fort Wayne gets $400,000 state grant to expand Fishing Line Trail
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) — Fort Wayne is getting $400,000 from the state to help expand the Fishing Line Trail on the city's northwest side. The money is part of a new round of Indiana Trails Program grants announced by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. State officials say Fort Wayne's award will help fund about 0.72 miles of additional trail. The city is one of five grant recipients statewide.
Ball State hits $350M fundraising goal a year early in Muncie
MUNCIE, Ind. (WFFT) - Ball State University hit its $350 million fundraising goal a year ahead of schedule for its "Our Call to Beneficence" campaign. The campaign will continue raising money through June 30, 2027. Since launching publicly in 2023, the campaign has focused on three areas: student opportunity and success, enriching academics and expanding campus and community impact.
FCC considers new TV ratings for transgender, non-binary themes
WASHINGTON (WFFT) - The Federal Communications Commission is asking the public whether TV ratings should give parents more notice when children's shows include transgender or non-binary themes. The FCC's Media Bureau released a public notice Wednesday seeking comment on the issue. The agency said some parents have raised concerns that what it called "gender identity issues" are being included or promoted in children's programs without enough disclosure.
Steel Dynamics reports record profit as Fort Wayne steelmaker ships more than ever
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - Steel Dynamics reported a first-quarter profit of $403 million. The Fort Wayne-based company said that was up from $266 million in the fourth quarter of 2025 and from $217 million in the first quarter of 2025. Record steel shipments and higher steel prices helped drive the results. Steel shipments reached a record 3.6 million tons during the quarter.
Noble County deer tests positive, expanding chronic wasting disease area in northeast
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - Indiana wildlife officials have expanded the state's chronic wasting disease positive area in northeast Indiana after confirming an infected wild white-tailed deer in Noble County during the 2025-26 hunting season. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources said Monday the Noble County case was found at the edge of the state's existing positive area. Biologists widened the zone because more infected deer may be present in nearby counties but have not yet been detected.
UPDATE: Northeast Indiana needy excluded from Pacers egg donation effort
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - Eggs from a northeast Indiana company are helping feed thousands of Hoosier families, but none in the Fort Wayne area will benefit from the program this year. A spokesperson for the Indiana Pacers said Fort Wayne’s exclusion was the result of a new program still finding its footing, not a deliberate snub. “Fort Wayne is an important city for us,” Pacers spokesperson Erin Wittern said.
Fort Wayne on Sheetz's radar as chain enters Indiana market
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) — Pennsylvania-based gas and convenience chain Sheetz is exploring opportunities to bring its stores to Fort Wayne. Nick Ruffner, public affairs manager for Sheetz, said the company is evaluating locations across Indiana, including Fort Wayne. "We are not able to share specific locations or more detailed timelines at this time," Ruffner said.
Visit Fort Wayne wins state award for Jewish genealogy event
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) — Visit Fort Wayne won a state tourism award for its work bringing an international genealogy conference to the city last summer. The Indiana Tourism Association gave Visit Fort Wayne its Best Meeting/Group Partnership Award for hosting the International Jewish Genealogical Society's Annual Conference from Aug. 10-14, 2025. The conference brought hundreds of genealogists, researchers and families from around the world to Fort Wayne.
Fort Wayne FC's new pro soccer venue gets a name: Ruoff Mortgage Stadium
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) — Fort Wayne Football Club announced a multiyear naming rights partnership with Ruoff Mortgage for its new soccer stadium. The venue under construction at Bass Road and I-69 will be called Ruoff Mortgage Stadium. "Taking on the naming rights for what will now be Ruoff Mortgage Stadium is a natural and exciting evolution of our partnership with Fort Wayne Football Club," Music said.
Same-sex households double nationally; more likely to marry in Indiana than Ohio
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WFFT) — Same-sex couple households continued to grow in Indiana in 2024, but the state remained below the national average and trailed nearby Illinois and Ohio, according to newly released U.S. Census Bureau data. There were an estimated 22,050 same-sex couple households in Indiana in 2024. That's about 0.8% of all households in the state. The national share was 1%. Illinois matched that at 1%, and Ohio came in at 0.9%. Kentucky and Michigan were both at 0.8%, the same as Indiana.
Busco Bird flu cleanup underway after U.S. 33 truck crash near Blue Lake
CHURUBUSCO, Ind. (WFFT) — A Waste Management truck carrying ducks that had been put down because of bird flu outbreaks rolled into a ditch Friday morning on U.S. 33 in rural Whitley County. The crash was reported around 8:20 a.m. on U.S. 33, north of Blue Lake near the Blue River bridge. Authorities secured the scene and set up a 100-foot perimeter as a precaution.
Indiana police academy raises $22K for Special Olympics
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Busco Bird flu cleanup underway after U.S. 33 truck crash near Blue River
CHURUBUSCO, Ind. (WFFT) — A Waste Management truck carrying ducks that had been put down because of bird flu outbreaks rolled into a ditch Friday morning on U.S. 33 in rural Whitley County. The crash was reported around 8:20 a.m. on U.S. 33, north of Blue Lake near the Blue River bridge. Authorities secured the scene and set up a 100-foot perimeter as a precaution.
Fort Wayne firefighters wear mismatched socks for Down syndrome day
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) — Fort Wayne firefighters wore mismatched socks Friday to support World Down Syndrome Day. Crews at Station #1 participated in the tradition to stand for acceptance, inclusion and advocacy for people with Down syndrome in the community. The mismatched socks represent the uniqueness of the condition, which is caused by an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. Email your news tips to: news@wfft.com
Proposed Google data center expansion will reshape, move Adams Ditch
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - State environmental regulators are reviewing a permit request tied to the next phase of Fort Wayne's Google data center campus, a project that would reroute part of Adams Ditch, temporarily affect another stream and disturb a forested wetland on the city's southeast side.
New CEO ends Vera Bradley outlet sale in cost-cutting efforts
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - Vera Bradley returned to profitability in the fourth quarter for the first time in more than a year. The Fort Wayne-based company reported net income of $2.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, or $0.09 per diluted share. That's a sharp turnaround from the $20 million loss it posted in the same quarter a year earlier. But the company said its fiscal 2027 guidance assumes it will not hold its annual outlet sale event in Fort Wayne.
TOR:CON guide: deciphering tornado threats in Fort Wayne
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - Storm Team 55 uses a tool called TOR:CON to help explain tornado risk when severe weather is in the forecast. TOR:CON stands for Tornado Condition Index. It uses a scale from 0 to 10 to estimate the chance of a tornado developing within 50 miles of an area. Each number roughly matches a 10% chance. A TOR:CON of 4 signals about a 40% chance of a tornado within 50 miles, while a 7 suggests a 70% chance. The higher the number, the greater the tornado risk.
Ex-officer from northeast Indiana gets 9 years in Allen County rape
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - A former northeast Indiana law enforcement officer was sentenced Monday to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to rape in Allen County. Allen Superior Court Judge David Zent sentenced Conner W. Esmond to nine years, with three years in the Indiana Department of Correction and six years suspended. Esmond also received 18 days of jail credit and was ordered to have no contact with the victim. He will serve three years on active adult probation.
State investigation starts after lawmakers call for probe into NIPSCO rate hikes
INDIANAPOLIS (WFFT) - The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission announced plans to investigate energy affordability with the five largest investor-owned utilities in the state. The investigation will focus on Duke Energy, CenterPoint Energy, AES Indiana, Northern Indiana Public Service Company and Indiana Michigan Power. "Hoosiers deserve transparency and accountability when it comes to their energy bills," State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) said.
INDOT plans big changes for U.S. 30; expect some lane closures
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - Construction is starting this year on a new interchange at Flaugh Road as part of a major project to improve traffic flow and safety along U.S. 30 in northeast Indiana. The Indiana Department of Transportation says crews will build a diverging diamond interchange just west of where Flaugh Road currently crosses U.S. 30. A new roundabout on Flaugh Road and bike and pedestrian paths are also part of the plan.
HART reports big drop in overdoses across Fort Wayne in 2025
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - The Hope and Recovery Team reported major drops in overdoses and a big jump in outreach efforts across Allen County in 2025. HART said it connected 337 people to treatment or recovery resources last year. Non-fatal overdoses fell 23 percent compared to 2024, and fatal overdoses dropped 12 percent during the same time. The program also saw a 38.4 percent increase in officer referrals from 2024 to 2025.
ACLU sues Ball State over student protest restrictions
MUNCIE, Ind. (WFFT) - The ACLU of Indiana filed two federal lawsuits Monday challenging Ball State University policies that restrict student protests. The group says the policies are unconstitutional and were used to punish students who tried to deliver written concerns to the university's president. The lawsuits target a provision in Ball State's expressive activity policy that bars protests and demonstrations within 50 feet of most campus buildings.
Allen County's 2025 in review: $73.6M boost, pandemic funds transform infrastructure
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - Allen County commissioners released a new report showing how they spent $73.6 million in federal pandemic relief money on infrastructure projects across the county. The "2025 Year in Review" report shows commissioners directed a large share of the American Rescue Plan Act funding toward water, sewer, stormwater and broadband projects. County leaders dedicated $34.6 million to a water, sewer and stormwater subgrant program aimed at underserved areas.
Hanjung America to bring 300 jobs with new electric vehicle component factory in Huntington
HUNTINGTON, Ind. (WFFT) - A South Korea-based manufacturing company is planning its first U.S. factory in Huntington. The project is expected to bring more than 300 jobs and strengthen Indiana's growing energy-storage and electric-vehicle battery supply chain. Hanjung America, a subsidiary of Hanjung NCS, said it will build and equip a new manufacturing facility on 133 acres at the Riverfork West Industrial Park. The company plans to break ground in April and begin operations in June 2027.
Capital Improvement Board approves $1.5M for Fort Wayne North River District
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - The Allen County Fort Wayne Capital Improvement Board approved up to $1.5 million to support North River District development. An initial payment of up to $182,500 will cover half the cost of a proposed professional services agreement with PB Development of Kansas City for master planning services. The remaining portion of the $1.5 million will be spent on eligible costs at the North River site, including master planning, architectural design and engineering.
Federal funds boost Fort Wayne's airport expressway project plans
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - Fort Wayne City Council is preparing for a significant meeting tonight. A key item on the agenda is a federal grant agreement related to the Airport Expressway railroad project, which aims to replace an at-grade crossing with an overpass. The ordinance under consideration would approve the grant agreement between the Federal Railroad Administration and Fort Wayne’s Board of Public Works.
Google launches website to address Fort Wayne data center concerns
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) — Google has unveiled a new website (fortwaynedatacenter.com) dedicated to its Fort Wayne data center. The site aims to address public concerns through a "myths vs. facts" section, community claims, and a frequently asked questions page. Google stated it began work on the Fort Wayne campus in 2024 and emphasized the importance of data centers in supporting services for industries like healthcare and banking. The website also highlights Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
Missing Michigan woman found dead in DeKalb County, ruled homicide
CORUNNA, Ind. (WFFT) - A woman reported missing in Michigan was found dead in DeKalb County, and an autopsy confirmed her death as a homicide. Authorities believe the killing happened in Michigan. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office said deputies got a call at 11:18 a.m. on Friday, February 13, about a body seen in the 2100 block of County Road 17 near Corunna. A local resident reported the finding while walking in the area. Deputies found the deceased person in a marshy area not far from the road.
ACPL buys land off Paulding Road for new Shawnee Branch expansion
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - The Allen County Public Library has bought a neighboring property to make way for a new, expanded Shawnee Branch. This project will replace the current building with a larger, modern facility. The library completed the purchase of 5610 Noll Avenue on February 13. This parcel is directly adjacent to the existing Shawnee Branch.
Indiana Senate committee GOP members push through amendment to cut early voting days in half
INDIANAPOLIS (WFFT) - A Republican-led Indiana Senate committee advanced a last-minute change Monday to cut the state’s in-person early voting period nearly in half. The decision has sparked criticism from voting-rights advocates who argue it limits voter access ahead of the 2026 elections. The Senate Elections Committee voted 7-2 along party lines to attach this change to House Bill 1359.
Fort Wayne mourns loss of Linda Bloom, former county commissioner
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) — Linda Bloom, a trailblazer in Allen County, passed away on Wednesday. She was the first woman elected as an Allen County commissioner and served for 24 years until her retirement in 2018. Bloom's career in public service spanned four decades. Before becoming a commissioner, she worked as the county treasurer and auditor. Steven R.
Ashley winery wins big at San Francisco wine competition
ASHLEY, Ind. (WFFT) — Acres Away Winery celebrated a significant achievement by winning three awards at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. This event is one of the largest and most respected wine competitions in North America.
Inmate dies at Noble County Jail; state police investigate
ALBION, Ind. (WFFT) — The Noble County Sheriff's Department has called on the Indiana State Police to investigate an inmate's death at the Noble County Jail. Early on Saturday, detectives from the Indiana State Police Investigations Bureau were brought in after an inmate experienced a medical emergency shortly after being received into the jail. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts by jail staff and Parkview EMS, the inmate did not survive. Authorities do not suspect foul play at this time.
Court sets July trial date for Fort Wayne woman accused of criminal sex acts with dog
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) — A Fort Wayne woman is facing serious charges of bestiality and appeared in court today, where a judge scheduled a pretrial conference for June 30 and a jury trial for July 23. Cassie L. Snay is charged with two counts of Level 6 felony bestiality under Indiana law. The case was filed on December 9, 2025, with a probable cause affidavit and a warrant issued shortly after.
Saint Francis gets $125K grant for AI study in Fort Wayne
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) — The University of Saint Francis received a $125,000 planning grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc., to explore the role of artificial intelligence in higher education. This funding is part of the Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education initiative. The grant supports Saint Francis in addressing AI opportunities and challenges, aligning with its mission to equip and support students and staff.
Lafayette Place weekend house fire kills 3 pets; no people injured, officials say
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) — A fire damaged a two-story home on Friday night, January 2, on Fort Wayne’s northeast side. Three pets died, but no people were injured, the Fort Wayne Fire Department said. Crews were dispatched around 10:19 p.m. to 4518 Wilmette Street. Firefighters arrived within minutes and found an active fire on the first floor, said officials. Firefighters forced entry to put out the flames and searched the home. No people were home at the time of the fire.
One dead in Sunday early-morning house fire on Fort Wayne's southeast side
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) — One person died in an early-morning house fire on Sunday on Fort Wayne’s south side. The Fort Wayne Fire Department got a call around 3:21 a.m. about a fire at 4616 South Park Drive. Firefighters arrived within four minutes to find the home engulfed in flames, with fire coming from multiple windows and through the roof. Due to the fire's intensity, crews worked from outside in a defensive operation.
Boil order lifted in New Haven after water main break repair
NEW HAVEN, Ind. (WFFT) — The boil order advisory in New Haven has been lifted following a water main break along State Road 930 on Thursday night. The break caused a loss of water pressure across most of the city. The Board of Health conducted two water tests, both of which returned favorable results, allowing the advisory to be lifted. City officials believe the break may have been caused by prolonged frigid temperatures or aging infrastructure.
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