School is back in session for Northwest Allen County Schools, and while the rules of the road haven’t changed, its bus drivers say too many people are forgetting them. READ: https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/08/05/nacs-bus-drivers-urge-safety-2026-27-school-year-begins/ 

As the 2026-27 school year nears for Fort Wayne Community Schools, the school district is sharing a reminder about a community resource.

FWCS reminds community of Clothing Bank availability ahead of 2026-27 school year

As the 2026-27 school year nears for Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS), the school district is sharing a reminder about a community resource.

21alivenews.com

He pointed to new disruptions putting pressure on fuel prices as his reason for continuing the suspensions. REPORT: https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/08/05/braun-declares-new-energy-emergency-continuing-gas-tax-suspensions/ 

A $23 billion class-action settlement with the Department of Education could result in debt forgiveness for 450,000 student loan borrowers following years of legal disputes spanning three presidential terms.

450,000 student loan borrowers may get debt forgiven in $23B settlement

A $23 billion class-action settlement with the Department of Education could result in debt forgiveness for 450,000 student loan borrowers.

21alivenews.com

A 33-year-old Hartford City woman is taking a plea deal after her heavily bruised 7-year-old stepdaughter had a seizure and suffered a severe brain injury. REPORT: https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/08/05/hartford-city-stepmother-accused-causing-7-year-olds-severe-brain-injury-takes-plea-deal/ 

Children in Northwest and Southwest Allen County School districts celebrated their first day of school Wednesday. READ MORE HERE: https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/08/05/nacs-sacs-celebrate-start-2026-27-school-year/

Southwest Allen County Schools has lost more than 500 students since 2022. REPORT: https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/08/05/sacs-launches-open-enrollment-program/

Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan’s Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, defeating U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens in a massive victory for the party’s progressive wing in a battleground state.

Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate primary in major victory for Democrats’ progressive wing

Abdul El-Sayed has won Michigan’s Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.

21alivenews.com

NEW: Fort Wayne's Botanical Conservatory will soon open a new outdoor garden and seating area, showcasing diverse edible plants that can flourish in the Hoosier state. >> https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/08/05/botanical-conservatory-open-new-outdoor-garden-featuring-edible-plants/ 

Illinois police say a teenager accused of killing a 78-year-old man while wearing a clown costume was taken into custody Tuesday. REPORT: https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/08/05/police-arrest-teen-clown-costume-accused-murder/ 

Drivers in most states are spending $10 more per week on gas than they were a year ago, according to a new NerdWallet analysis — an increase that adds up to hundreds of dollars more annually for many families.

How to spend less on gas as prices climb this summer

Drivers in most states are spending $10 more a week on gas than last year. A NerdWallet expert shares simple ways to save at the pump and stretch your summer budget.

21alivenews.com

Happy first day back to school for many area schools! It's looking BEAUTIFUL!

First Alert Forecast: Staying warm for Back to School season

The 80s hold on this week as kids head back to class.

21alivenews.com

A man has been charged nearly 40 years after he allegedly killed his pregnant wife in 1988 in Missouri, according to authorities. REPORT: https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/08/04/man-charged-1988-cold-case-murder-his-pregnant-wife/ 

The fires have destroyed at least 700 buildings and forced about 67,000 people to evacuate. REPORT: https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/08/04/man-charged-with-setting-spokanes-largest-wildfire-went-prison-killing-his-father/ 

A pastor in Florida is accused of sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy and exposing him to HIV. REPORT: https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/08/04/pedophile-preacher-pastor-accused-sexually-abusing-14-year-old-exposing-teen-hiv/ 

A Georgia woman has filed a lawsuit after an alleged tissue sample mix-up led to an unnecessary hysterectomy. REPORT: https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/08/04/woman-files-lawsuit-after-alleged-cancer-misdiagnosis-leads-unnecessary-hysterectomy/ 

Midwest Metal Fest was thrown into limbo when the venue announced its closure. REPORT: https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/08/04/festival-promoters-fight-final-showcase-amid-century-music-hall-closure/

Community members came out to the Fort Wayne City Council meeting Tuesday to share their thoughts on renewing the Flock Safety camera contract. REPORT: https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/08/05/community-members-share-opinions-potential-renewal-flock-safety-camera-contract/ 

The attorneys general, including Todd Rokita, are calling for a ban on unregulated products containing Delta-8 or Delta-10 THC, citing safety risks. REPORT: https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/08/04/hemp-loophole-closure-faces-pushback-attorneys-general-urge-congress-act/ 

With the fate of tiny structures along S.R. 190 being discussed soon, it’s important to understand what can be built on properties and where. REPORT: https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/08/04/future-noble-county-tiny-structures-be-discussed-by-board-zoning-appeals/

One railroad crossing in New Haven is blocked an average of 22 times a day, cutting off downtown from the rest of the city. Now, city officials are taking the issue to Washington. REPORT: https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/08/04/move-that-train-new-haven-takes-blocked-crossing-fight-congress/

Fort Wayne city leaders are planning new sidewalks and LED streetlights along Oliver Street as part of the first phase of the mayor’s Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. REPORT: https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/08/04/fort-wayne-plans-new-sidewalks-led-streetlights-oliver-street-safety-project/

The Komets have announced the signings of former NHL defenseman Simon Despres and forward Randy Hernandez. DETAILS: https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/08/04/komets-add-former-nhl-defenseman-depres-forward-hernandez/

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche cleared a critical hurdle in his bid to be confirmed to the post after swaying Republican holdouts to advance his nomination for a floor vote.

Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general clears critical hurdle after deal with GOP holdouts

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has a cleared critical hurdle in his bid to be confirmed to the post after swaying Republican holdouts on a Senate committee to advance his nomination for a floor vote.

21alivenews.com

FIRST ALERT TRAFFIC: A water main break north of downtown has closed lanes, backing up traffic along Spy Run and Tennessee avenues. >> https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/08/04/water-main-break-closes-lanes-backs-up-traffic-north-downtown/ 

Per a plea agreement, she will continue to be barred from having contact with the dogs and must also complete a counseling program for sexual perpetrators. REPORT: https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/08/04/fort-wayne-woman-sentenced-bestiality/ 

He was previously charged with murder in a deadly shooting, but charges were dismissed without prejudice, meaning they could be refiled at a later date. REPORT: https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/08/04/court-docs-fort-wayne-victims-meta-glasses-lead-police-iding-attempted-murder-suspect/ 

Closures will only be in place during working hours. REPORT: https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/08/03/lane-closures-planned-state-road-8-near-albion/

Open Streets Fort Wayne is set for next weekend, when downtown roads will be transformed into a safe space to bike, walk, and enjoy more than 130 activities. DETAILS: https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/08/04/open-streets-fort-wayne-returns-downtown-next-weekend/ 

An Ohio mother says her 6-year-old son drowned while in the temporary custody of child services, and she is demanding to know how it happened. REPORT: https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/08/04/mother-demands-answers-after-6-year-old-son-drowns-while-foster-care/