In this Issue
Hello Neighbors and Friends,
This week in Kentuckiana has been eventful, to say the least. From two shootings at school bus stops, a homicide and 4-hour standoff in Jeffersonville, to frustration over the “Big Beautiful Bill” tax provision on overtime, and even the announcement about the seizure of more than 7,000 pairs of fake Van Cleef & Arpels earrings at Louisville’s airport — it’s enough to make you wonder, what is going on in our society?
But amid the chaos, there’s also a great deal of positive, encouraging news right here in Louisville:
- Ford – $2 billion EV truck investment bringing 2,200 jobs to our city.
- GE Appliances – $500 million HQ expansion with 800 new jobs and a cutting-edge laundry factory.
- Texas Roadhouse – Purchasing its HQ buildings and hitting record earnings, a true hometown success story.
- West End School – Cutting the ribbon on its newly built campus, now enrolling girls Pre-K through 2nd grade for the first time in 20 years.
This week, I was honored to attend the West End School ribbon cutting, busy speaking out against the senseless acts of violence plaguing our city, and diligently advocating for you at Thursday's Metro Council meeting.
At the Council meeting, we passed two measures:
- Additional fees for court services to fund courthouse upgrades, bonds, and administrative costs.
- A resolution urging parents and guardians to be mindful of their children’s whereabouts and activities, especially after school and in the evenings.
I also issued a strong statement condemning the recent school bus stop shootings and the lawlessness we are experiencing. WLKY featured my message, in part, during their coverage of the incidents on August 14. Click here to read my full statement:
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:c1c34fd5-e07a-4dfb-b19e-dc13a39058d6
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I plan to enjoy some time at the Kentucky State Fair this weekend and, most importantly, connect with you at Muffins with McCraney. Let’s work hard, play hard, and keep building a stronger, safer, and more connected community. Hope to see you soon in and around District 7!
This Saturday: Serving Up Conversation That Counts
District 7, the wait is over. This Saturday, August 16, Councilwoman McCraney is inviting you to pull up a chair, grab a muffin, and join a conversation that matters to you, your commute, and your community.
The topic is traffic, and we are getting straight to the point. From construction delays to congestion relief, this is your chance to hear directly from the people who can make a difference.
What You Can Expect
• Clear answers on why your drive takes longer and what is being done about it
• Updates on the major roadwork happening now and what’s next
• A seat at the table to ask questions and share your experiences
This is not just an update. It is a forum for real solutions and a rare opportunity to speak directly with decision-makers.
Your voice can shape the conversation and the outcome and yes, there will be fresh muffins, hot coffee, and neighbors ready to connect.
Saturday, August 16 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
The Arterburn, 310 Ten Pin Lane
THANK YOU, Public Works! The median at the railroad tracks on Washburn looks good... It's a great safety measure, too.
Thank you, Jim, for seeing something and saying something. You noticed the unattended grass on Westport Road, between Fenley and Washburn, and called us. A simple phone call to the Nicklies Company resulted in a freshly cut lot within a day. Kudos to you!
If you see unkept property and can identify the owner, first call the company directly to request the lot be cut. Next, if that avenue yields no resolution, please call Metro311 (dial 311 on your phone) to report the issue. Lastly, if all else fails, call my office, and we will report the issue for you.
By all means, if you SEE SOMETHING, PLEASE SAY SOMETHING!
I spotted this downed sign at the Westport Road Exit off 264-East. KYTC will be notified of the issue and asked to remove the sign, because it looks like they failed to take it with them when it was replaced.
Maintaining the beauty and safety of District 7 is my priority, so it helps to SEE SOMETHING AND SAY SOMETHING.
A dangerous situation in District 7 was resolved quickly last Friday thanks to the teamwork of the St. Matthews Police Department, Lyndon Police Department, and Louisville Metro Police Department.
Their coordinated response led to the swift arrest of a suspect involved in a violent home invasion, kidnapping, and bank robbery in St. Matthews. The arrest was made possible in part by a vigilant witness who reported suspicious activity.
This incident is a reminder of how important it is for residents to stay alert and report anything unusual to law enforcement right away. Community awareness and strong police collaboration help keep District 7 safe.
If you see something, say something, together, we can protect our neighborhoods.
The Louisville Metro Council held its regularly scheduled Council meeting Thursday, August 14.
Click HERE to watch the meeting summary on YouTube.
The next Metro Council meeting is Thursday, August 28, at 6:00 p.m.
To watch the Council meeting and access the agenda and related attachments, click HERE.
To see all meetings on Facebook Live, go to the Metro Council Facebook page by clicking here. To watch Metro Council Meetings live on YouTube, you can visit the LouisvilleMetroTV channel by clicking here,
The public can also view all council and committee meetings on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184, or on UVERSE at Channel 99. Proceedings are live-streamed from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page here.
For additional information or questions, you can reach the Metro Council Clerk’s Office at (502) 574-3902.
District 7 is getting even hotter and tastier. Dave’s Hot Chicken, the fast-growing chain known for its fiery Nashville-style chicken tenders and sliders, is opening a new location in St. Matthews at Shelbyville Road Plaza.
This exciting addition marks the first Dave’s Hot Chicken inside Louisville Metro, giving District 7 residents a front-row seat to one of the country’s most talked-about food sensations. With more than 200 locations nationwide and a lineup of celebrity investors, Dave’s is famous for drawing long lines and loyal fans wherever it opens.
The brand made its first local debut just across the river in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and now St. Matthews will be home to the newest spot for hot chicken lovers.
Opening details will be announced soon. Get ready, District 7, because our dining scene is about to sizzle.
Stay Informed on Traffic and Construction Updates
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) offers free email and text alerts to keep you updated on traffic conditions, lane closures, and construction projects in your area.
How to Sign Up:
- Visit the KYTC District 5 website at https://transportation.ky.gov/DistrictFive
- Scroll down and click Sign Up for Traffic Alerts
- Enter your email address and select the counties or roadways you want updates on
- You can also opt to receive text message alerts for real-time notifications
This is a simple way to stay ahead of delays and know what’s happening on our roads before you head out.
Road Closures for 2025 Ironman 70.3 Louisville – August 17
The 2025 Ironman 70.3 will take place Sunday, August 17, bringing road closures and parking restrictions to Louisville and parts of Oldham County. Expect delays and plan alternate routes.
Main Impacted Streets: River Road • Witherspoon Street • Adams Street/Spring Street • Lexington Road • Scenic Loop • Cochran Hill Road • Beargrass Road • Park Boundary Road • Barret Hill Road • 2nd Street • 3rd Street • 4th Street • Guthrie Street • KY 146 • KY 53 • US 42 • KY 393
Parking restrictions will be in effect from midnight August 14 through 7 p.m. August 17 on portions of the above streets.
Full closure details and timing:View the complete list of road closures
Kentucky Joins Nationwide Effort to Curb Impaired Driving
As Labor Day weekend approaches, Kentucky officials are urging everyone to celebrate the end of summer responsibly by planning for a sober, designated driver if alcohol is part of your festivities.
The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and law enforcement agencies nationwide in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which runs from August 13 through September 1. The goal is to reduce impaired driving crashes, which often increase during holiday weekends.
“Alcohol, drugs and even prescription medications can impair your ability to drive safely,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray. “You may feel OK, but impairment slows your judgment, coordination and reaction time.”
Mark your calendars for Friday, September 6 from 11 AM to 2 PM Location: Charles and Mimi Osborn Cancer Center Address: 4003 Kresge Way, Baptist Health Louisville
Join Baptist Health for a powerful day of prevention, education, and celebration at the upcoming Community Against Cancer Block Party. This family-friendly event is all about raising awareness around cancer prevention and encouraging early detection through accessible, free resources.
Whether you’ve been personally impacted by cancer or simply want to take charge of your health, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
What to Expect:
- Free Cancer Screenings Get screened for skin, oral, prostate, breast, and lung cancers on-site.
- Educational Resources Learn about risk factors, prevention tips, and how to stay on top of your health.
- Family Fun Enjoy games, music, photo booths, and plenty of giveaways.
- Support Connections Find community and care through local organizations offering services and support.
These block parties are designed to break down barriers to care and create space for community, conversation, and healing. Whether you're stopping by for information, a screening, or just a good time with your neighbors, you're supporting a stronger, healthier Louisville.
The Louisville Zoo has welcomed two furry new residents, thanks to a very special delivery from UPS. Meet Chuckels and Myalla, a pair of koalas who traveled from the West Coast to their new Kentucky home as part of “Operation Boomerang.”
Mayor Craig Greenberg announced the arrival, thanking UPS for ensuring the safe and comfortable transport of the marsupials. “I know Chuckels and Myalla will bring a smile to the faces of the hundreds of thousands of people who visit our zoo every year,” Greenberg said.
Chuckels, a 10-year-old male, is named in honor of Chuck Bieler, the man who pioneered the koala program in the United States. Myalla, a 6-year-old female, takes her name from an Aboriginal word meaning “big talk.” Both have previous joey offspring and arrived in Louisville with a breeding recommendation.
While koalas are solitary by nature and will be housed separately, guests can look forward to seeing them in their new habitat near Glacier Run, alongside other Australian species like the wallaby, emu, and cassowary. Expect to spot them napping often, as their eucalyptus diet requires long digestion times.
Koalas are classified as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, with their populations declining due to habitat loss and human development. The Louisville Zoo hopes the arrival of Chuckels and Myalla will inspire visitors to learn more about conservation efforts for this beloved species.
The koalas are currently acclimating to their new surroundings and will be viewable soon. Keep an eye on the Zoo’s website and social media for updates. You can also watch their journey from the West Coast to Louisville here: Watch the UPS transport video
The Louisville Zoo is open daily year-round, with current hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (guests may stay until 6 p.m.) through September 21, 2025.
Ready to spread your wings into the world of birdwatching? Join Bernheim Forest and Arboretum for an inspiring morning designed especially for beginner birders. Whether you’re curious about the birds in your own backyard or eager to explore the variety of species that call Bernheim home, this event is the perfect place to start.
Participants will learn tips for spotting, identifying, and appreciating birds in their natural habitats all while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of Bernheim. Bring your binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, and a sense of adventure.
Event Details
• When: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• Where: Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, 2075 Clermont Rd, Hwy 245, Clermont, Kentucky 40110
• Admission: $15 for Bernheim members, $20 for non-members
• Contact: nature@bernheim.org | (502) 955-8512
The 23nd annual WorldFest, Louisvilleʼs premier international festival, attracts more than 150,000 attendees over the four-day Labor Day weekend. WorldFest celebrates and showcases the international cultures and communities that make up the city of Louisville and neighboring areas. WorldFest is free to attend and open to all ages, featuring entertainment stages, Parade of Cultures, Global Village, and more!
- Three entertainment stages showcasing international, national, regional and local performers all weekend long.
- Nearly 150 International vendors featuring international arts, merchandise, food, and beverages.
- A Global Village highlighting cultures and customs from all over the world.
- A World of Information that informs citizens about services for our international residents.
- A Children’s International Activity Zone to learn about cultures and customs, arts, crafts, and more.
- A Parade of Cultures with nearly 1,000 participants celebrating all the diverse cultures in Louisville.
A Naturalization Ceremony pronouncing more than 300 new Americans to Louisville as new citizens: This event will take place Friday, August 29, 2025 1:00 p.m., at Muhammad Ali Center, 6th floor.
Get ready to treasure hunt at one of the nation’s best flea markets. The KY Flea Market Labor Day Spectacular will fill the Kentucky Exposition Center with over 700 booths featuring antiques, collectibles, jewelry, clothing, bath and body products, surplus items, and so much more.
Admission is free, and shoppers can enjoy half-off parking with any purchase.
Event Details:
Location: Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Ln., Louisville, KY 40209
Dates & Times:
• Friday, 10 AM – 6 PM
• Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM • Sunday, 11 AM – 5 PM
• Monday, 10 AM – 5 PM
Contact:
Email: info@stewartpromotions.com Phone: (502) 456-2244
Fun Fact: Popcorn, now America’s favorite movie snack, was actually banned from theaters in the 1920s and 30s. Back then, theater owners wanted the movie-going experience to feel as upscale as the opera. That changed during the Great Depression, when they discovered popcorn was an affordable treat that could boost profits. The ban was lifted, and the rest is salty, buttery history.
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