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Councilman Ken Herndon participated in the 2026 Kentuckiana Pride Parade, joining community members in celebrating inclusion, unity, and the strength of diversity. His presence underscored a continued commitment to fostering a welcoming community where all residents are valued and have the opportunity to thrive.
Councilman Herndon and team met with the senior residents of California Square I for a meaningful conversation about their needs, ongoing District 4 initiatives, and opportunities to work together
Councilman Ken Herndon attended Change Today, Change Tomorrow’s Breaking Barriers Brunch, an event celebrating culture, community, and food justice. The brunch featured a curated farm-to-table menu by Chef Makeda Freeman, tastings, live performances, and a thought-provoking documentary highlighting food equity and access.
Through the District 4 Life Skills Initiative, Councilman Ken Herndon supports programs that equip youth with leadership and success skills. One such investment is Voices of Russell through the 50/50 Mentoring program. Councilman Herndon engaged with youth participants in a conversation about leadership and community, highlighting the importance of mentorship and youth development.
Councilman Ken Herndon presents the District 4 Life Skills Initiative: Chess Summer Camp—a free program designed to build critical thinking, patience, and strategy through chess. Offered in July, the camps are open to all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced players.
Participants will learn the fundamentals of chess while strengthening key life skills such as focus, decision-making, and sportsmanship in a fun, supportive, and community-centered environment.
Camp Schedule & Locations
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Monday, June 29 – Thursday, July 2
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Camp Edward’s Complex
701 South Hancock Street
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Monday, July 6 – Thursday, July 9
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Roots 101 Museum
124 North 1st Street
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Tuesday, July 14 – Saturday, July 18
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Nativity Academy
529 East Liberty Street
Register or Learn More
For more information or to inquire about participation, please email:
urbanlouisvillechess@yahoo.com
11th Street Rehabilitation Project Notice
The Louisville Metro Department of Transportation will begin the 11th Street Rehabilitation Project between West Chestnut Street and West Muhammad Ali Boulevard. This work is aimed at improving roadway conditions, enhancing safety, and upgrading accessibility throughout the corridor.
Project improvements will include milling and full reconstruction of the pavement to address long-term durability, as well as the installation of ADA-compliant ramps at both ends of the project limits.
During construction, 11th Street will be closed to through traffic within the project area. Access for residents, emergency services, and essential deliveries will be maintained as conditions allow; however, delays should be expected. Motorists are encouraged to follow posted detours, use alternate routes, and allow additional travel time.
🚧 Traffic Impacts:
- Full closure between West Chestnut Street and West Muhammad Ali Boulevard during construction
- Local access maintained where feasible
Project Timeline
- Expected Start: June 8, 2026
- Expected Completion: August 1, 2026
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to enhance the safety, accessibility, and overall infrastructure of our community.
For questions or concerns, please contact:
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Metro Council Community Nights at Louisville Slugger Field
The Louisville Bats, AAA affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, are once again hosting Metro Council Community Nights—special events designed to make a Bats game accessible to constituents across all 26 Metro Council districts, particularly those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend.
Two games are scheduled this season:
- Tuesday, August 11
- Wednesday, September 9
Each district is allotted up to 300 tickets, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket vouchers include free admission for a reserved seat at Louisville Slugger Field, along with a voucher for one free hot dog and one small soft drink.
This opportunity is open to individuals as well as mentoring organizations, social service agencies, youth groups, and others serving community members in need.
Important Dates:
- August 11 game request deadline: August 3
- September 9 game request deadline: September 1
Requests will be fulfilled as they are received, and distributions will continue until each district’s allocation is reached.
Request Tickets:
- Individuals/Groups (up to 20 guests): https://bit.ly/4ttW776
- Organizations/Groups (20+ guests): https://bit.ly/3RzfApE
For questions or assistance, please contact mgraham@batsbaseball.com.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to enjoy a night of baseball, food, and community spirit at Louisville Slugger Field!
 Metro Council Meeting Highlights from Thursday, June 25
Below is a recap of the regularly scheduled Metro Council meeting
The Louisville Metro Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Below is a summary of key legislative actions and recognitions from the meeting.
Top Actions from Tonight’s Meeting
- Approved the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Operating and Capital Budgets for Metro Government.
- Approved the creation of a new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district for the Baseball New Development Area, authorized industrial revenue bonds, and declared adjacent properties surplus.
- Approved amendments to the noise ordinance.
- Approved the collective bargaining agreement for Louisville Free Public Library employees.
Old Business
Approved
- O-175-26: Approved the FY27 Operating Budget for Metro Government
Passed by a vote of 22-3, with one abstention
- O-176-26: Approved the FY27 Capital Budget for Metro Government
Passed by a vote of 22-3, with one abstention
- O-180-26: Created the Baseball New Development Area (TIF)
Creates a new tax increment financing district on the eastern side of Slugger Field to support construction of multi-family housing, a parking structure, hotel, office space, and retail development.
- R-076-26: Granted Industrial Revenue Bonds to MGI Louisville
Authorizes $275 million in industrial revenue bonds for MGI Louisville’s Baseball New Development project.
- R-077-26: Surplus Properties Adjacent to Slugger Field
Declares properties on East Witherspoon Street, Franklin Street, Jackson Street, and East Main Street as surplus to support the Baseball New Development project.
- O-043-26: Illegal Signage in the Right-of-Way and Citations
Allows Metro Government to cite business owners whose signs are illegally posted, authorizes Metro agencies to remove signage, and increases related fines and fees.
- O-133-26: Amended LMCO Chapter 99 Regulating Noise
Prohibits noise levels of 85 decibels or higher measured at 50 feet.
- O-177-26: Permits for Parks and Special Events
Requires park facility and special events permit holders to comply with the terms of any Neighborhood Development Fund grant agreement.
- Neighborhood Development Funding Approved For:
- Stage One Family Theatre’s Play It Forward Program
- Riverview Independence Festival – June 27
- South Points Buy Local Fair – July 12
- St. Matthews Fire & Rescue Freedom Fest – July 3
- Gathering Strength for Adaptive Recreation Showcase – July 25
- St. Joe’s 177th Annual Picnic for the Kids – August 8
Recognitions and Proclamations
- Councilwoman Josie Raymond recognized District 10 Page, Drew Harden.
Consent Calendar
All items passed unanimously
- O-162-26: Approved the Louisville Tourism Budget
- O-163-26: Approved the TARC Budget
- O-174-26: Issued Bonds for Norton Healthcare
Authorizes $750 million in Health System Revenue Bonds.
- R-044-26: Approved the Greater Louisville Lodging Management District Budget
- R-074-26: Approved a Collective Bargaining Agreement
For the Louisville Free Public Library employees.
- O-160-26: Issuance of Conditional Use Permits
Requires applicants seeking a conditional use permit to be current on taxes and have no Metro liens against them.
- O-140-26: Digital Display Off-Premises Signs
Amends the Land Development Code to define digital display signs, permit them in specified zoning districts, and establish operational standards.
- Neighborhood Development Funding Approved For:
Watch the Meeting
Tonight’s Council meeting and attachments may be viewed online and on the Louisville Metro Council Facebook Page.
  Please join our Healthy Start program for an evening of family and adventure at the Louisville Zoo's Wild Lights experience at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 9 at 1100 Trevilian Way.
 Practice Languages, Build Community at the Language Café
 Language Café
Hosted by Kentucky Performing Arts and the Louisville Metro Office for Immigrant Affairs, the Language Café offers a welcoming space for community members to practice and strengthen language skills in an informal, friendly setting. Sessions are open to all and include opportunities to engage in Spanish, English, French, Swahili, Japanese, and Korean.
Join us Thursdays, July 2–30 and August 6, from 5:00–6:00 PM. Light snacks and beverages will be provided. Participants are encouraged to register in advance and come connect, learn, and grow together.
Sign up today at, https://form.jotform.com/261625134113143 and follow Language Cafés on Instagram for updates!
OFW Allies Training: Engaging Men in Gender Equity
OFW Allies Training
Friday, July 24 | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Join the OFW Allies Training for a one-day immersive experience focused on how men can actively support and advance gender equity. Participants will hear from a dynamic lineup of speakers addressing topics such as caregiving, mental health, and community resources.
Engage in meaningful dialogue, expand your understanding, and help strengthen a broader network of allies committed to equity and inclusion.
Register, here.
Celebrate Louisville’s Global Community at the Americana Global Lou Festival
 The community is invited to attend the Americana Global Lou Festival, a vibrant celebration of Louisville’s diverse cultures and traditions. Hosted by Americana Community Center, the festival features international food, music, dance, arts, and family-friendly activities. Join neighbors from around the world for a day of connection, learning, and celebration.
Learn more at: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanaCommunityCenter
Historic Friendly Match Brings Global Soccer to the City
 Saturday, July 25 | 8:00 PM
The community is invited to witness a historic international soccer match as Louisville City FC hosts the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Team on Saturday, July 25, at Lynn Family Stadium. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. This exciting friendly offers fans a taste of global competition as excitement builds toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Click here for a list of events going on around Louisville
We understand how frustrating it can be to miss your regular garbage, recycling, or yard waste pickup. To help ensure smooth collection — and to make sure any true misses are handled quickly — please keep the following guidelines in mind.
The most important rule: Be ready by 6 a.m.
All waste must be set out no later than 6 a.m. on your collection day.
Even if your route is usually serviced later in the day, please do not rely on past timing. Collection schedules can change from week to week due to:
- Different drivers running routes
- Traffic, weather, or equipment issues
- Operational adjustments for efficiency
Setting your waste out late — even by a small amount of time — can result in it not being collected.
Please wait until after 6 p.m. to report a miss
Collection crews often work into the evening to complete routes.
Do not report a missed collection until after 6 p.m. on your collection day.
Your material may still be collected later in the day.
Late set-outs will not be collected
If your waste was not out before 6 a.m., crews will not return to collect it later in the day. In these cases:
- Please do not report the stop as missed
- Our routing technology helps verify service times and locations, so accuracy matters
Think it was truly missed?
If your waste was out on time and still not collected after 6 p.m., we want to hear from you.
Here’s what to do:
- Report the issue through Metro311 (online is the fastest option)
- Go to the Metro311 webpage
- Select “Trash Complaints & Violations”
- Choose “Missed Waste Services”
Once you’ve reported a missed collection:
- Leave your cart out, or
- Set it back out by 6 a.m. the next day
Important: If carts are brought in and then set back out late the following day, they can be missed again.
Helpful tips to avoid missed pickups
- Set your waste out the night before collection day
- Make sure carts are placed correctly and are accessible
- Double-check your schedule, especially after holidays
- When in doubt, put it out the evening before
By following these steps, you can help ensure reliable service and quick resolution if something does go wrong. Thank you for helping keep our community clean and running smoothly!
ROARchestra Returns: Summer Breeze – Yacht Rock Classics
Saturday, July 11 | Louisville Zoo
The Louisville Zoo and the Louisville Orchestra are teaming up once again for the return of ROARchestra—an unforgettable summer tradition that blends live music and outdoor fun.
This year’s concert, SUMMER BREEZE: YACHT ROCK CLASSICS, brings nostalgic hits and smooth summer vibes to the Zoo, featuring favorites like Margaritaville, Africa, Escape (The Piña Colada Song), Sailing, and What a Fool Believes, performed live by the Louisville Orchestra under the direction of ROARchestra conductor Bob Bernhardt.
Guests are invited to relax under the stars with blankets and lawn chairs while enjoying food, drinks, and adult beverages available for purchase. Zoo gates open at 7:00 PM, with the concert beginning at 8:30 PM.
Tickets are on sale now at LouisvilleZoo.org/roar, with advance pricing starting at $30 for adults (ages 12+) and $15 for children (ages 3–11), including parking. Prices increase July 1, so early purchase is encouraged.
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind evening of music, community, and summer magic—one of Louisville’s most anticipated seasonal events.
Rain date: Sunday, July 12
 
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I Too Am a Kentuckian Exhibition Opening & Community Day
Friday, July 4 | Frazier Kentucky History Museum
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with the opening of the new exhibition I Too Am a Kentuckian at the Frazier History Museum. Enjoy free admission from 1:00–4:00 PM when you mention the exhibition name at entry.
This special community day features family engagement activities, guided exhibition tours, and opportunities to hear directly from the curator. Explore how Kentuckians—past and present—have contributed to the Commonwealth’s ongoing pursuit of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Event Highlights (1:00–4:00 PM):
- Free admission with mention of “I Too Am a Kentuckian”
- Family engagement activities hosted with the Pursuit of Happiness exhibition
- Guided tours at 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM
- Curator availability at 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM
The exhibition, open July 4, 2026–July 4, 2027, showcases inspiring stories of individuals and communities whose contributions continue to shape Kentucky’s identity.
Don’t miss this meaningful celebration of history, community, and Kentucky pride.
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4th of July Weekend is coming up! Here's what's going on AroundLou:
Riverview Independence Festival Presented by Louisville Metro District 12 Councilman Jonathan Joseph: June 27th, 5-10:30PM
8202 Greenwood Rd, Louisville, KY 40258
Fireworks, Food Trucks, Family Activities, and Live Music
St Matthews Freedom Fest 2026: Friday July 3rd
Westport Rd, Between Independence Bank And St. Matthews Ave., Louisville, Kentucky 40205, United States
Join us for the St. Matthews Freedom Fest, a fun-filled, family-friendly community celebration happening on July 3rd, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM on Westport Road behind Drake’s! 🎆
Stars and Stripes Fest ft JD Shelburne with Brock Shoemaker: July 3rd-4th, 6pm
Jeffersontown Amphitheater
July 3rd: Celebrate Independence Day weekend at the first-ever J-Town Stars & Stripes Fest at the Jeffersontown Amphitheater on Friday, July 3rd, featuring country music star JD Shelburne live in concert. Kick off the holiday weekend with a fun, family-friendly night of live music under the summer sky.
Enjoy a variety of food trucks and concessions throughout the evening. Alcohol will be available for purchase for guests 21+ with valid ID.
July 4th: Celebrate Independence Day weekend at the first-ever J-Town Stars & Stripes Fest at the Jeffersontown Amphitheater on Friday, July 4th, featuring The Crashers live in concert. Kick off the holiday weekend with a fun, family-friendly night of live music under the summer sky.
Opening Acoustic Set by Josh Logan
Enjoy a variety of food trucks and concessions throughout the evening. Alcohol will be available for purchase for guests 21+ with valid ID.
Bluegrass & Booms: July 3rd-4th, 10AM-10PM
Kentucky Kingdom
We will soar, splash, and kick off the Fourth of July weekend with a BOOM! Kentucky Kingdom’s Bluegrass & Booms will commemorate Independence Day weekend with daily fireworks and unique food. Guests can enjoy rich sounds by day of live music filling the air and play by night with extended operating hours. It will be the ultimate birthday bash at Kentucky Kingdom as America turns 250!
Dawn's Early Light: July 4th, 5-10AM
Locust Grove
As the place “where Louisville begins,” Locust Grove feels a profound responsibility to approach this July Fourth with intention. We invite you to join us before dawn on the morning of July 4th, gathering around a sacred fire tended by local Indigenous Elders. Together—with guidance from spiritual, religious, and cultural leaders from across our city—we will welcome the sunrise in song as dawn breaks on this 250th anniversary.
O Say Can You See!
Louisville Metro Hall & Jefferson Square
527 W. Jefferson Street
Saturday, July 4, 11 a.m. FREE
“Hamilton” cast members from Broadway Across America will read from the Declaration of Independence.
Beginning with a flyover from the Smoke On Aviation team and greetings from Mayor Craig Greenberg, the show will celebrate Louisville America 250 with an additional performance from members of the “Hamilton” cast, historic re-enactments of the Boston Tea Party and Paul Revere’s ride, patriotic songs from the St. Stephen Choir, a massed Color Guard led by the Sons of the American Revolution, the audio-visual debut of the poem, “Proud to be American” narrated by Lonnie Ali, all capped by a rousing salute from Zambelli Fireworks of daytime pyrotechnics.
I Too Am a Kentuckian: July 4th
Frazier History Museum
Celebrate 250 years of Kentucky’s spirit in I Too Am a Kentuckian. Those words were spoken by one of the most famous Kentuckians of all, Abraham Lincoln. The exhibition is a powerful journey through the Commonwealth’s ongoing pursuit of America’s founding ideals and the many people who have made a mark and continue to on our beloved Kentucky. From voting to civic duty, public and military service, and community leadership, I Too Am a Kentuckian showcases how everyday citizens preserve the promises of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Through inspiring stories of individuals, communities, and pivotal moments, visitors see how the spirit of the Founding Fathers lives on in the Bluegrass State—and how many people take great pride in saying, “I too am a Kentuckian.”
Crescent Hill 4th of July Festival: July 4th, 10AM-10PM
BuMusic, Art Fair, Kids Zone with FREE Inflatables & Field Games, Prizes, Food, Dessert & Beer Trucks, Pet Contest, Cake Baking Contest, Opening Ceremonies, Cake Wheel (Gaming license – EXE0002296) & MORE!
Waterfront Park Fourth of July presented by Louisville Metro Government, Mayor Craig Greenberg, and Ford: July 4th, 5:00pm-10:00pm
TurfMutt Great Lawn
A Fourth of July Celebration Rooted in Louisville
Join us at Waterfront Park for a uniquely Louisville Fourth of July celebration as part of the Louisville America 250 commemoration, honoring 250 years of American spirit through music, culture, and community. This free event on the TurfMutt Great Lawn features a full evening of family-friendly activities, local food and beverage, and a dynamic lineup of live performances curated by the Kentucky Performing Arts and produced by Jou Jou Presents. From gospel and Appalachian traditions to Latin fusion, Americana, and soul, the evening showcases the sounds that continue to shape American music.
Guests can explore interactive experiences and enjoy a wide variety of food and drink offerings, including Brown-Forman bars.
The night concludes at 10:00 PM with Louisville’s A250 Fireworks Show, an expanded display over the Ohio River celebrating the spirit, creativity, and community that define our region.
 
Homebuyer Education Class – Free HUD-Certified Training
Dreaming of homeownership?
Join us on Saturday, July 25, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at The Historic Broadway Theater for a free HUD-certified homebuyer education class.
This session will walk you through the homebuying process, help strengthen your financial readiness, and connect you with down payment assistance and affordable housing opportunities. Participants who complete the course will earn a HUD certificate, often required for many homebuyer assistance programs.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided, and attendees will have the chance to win gift cards and other door prizes. Take the first step toward owning your home—your journey starts here!
  
The AI Race: America, China, and the Future of Innovation
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Filson Historical Society | 1310 S. 3rd St.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping more than technology—it is transforming business, work, and global economic competitiveness, with impacts reaching right here in Kentucky.
Join internationally recognized journalist and technology expert Rebecca Fannin for a timely conversation on the global AI race between the United States and China. Drawing on decades of experience and insights from her book The New Tech Titans of China, Fannin will explore how emerging technologies are driving innovation, reshaping industries, and influencing the future of entrepreneurship and economic growth.
The program will be moderated by Lisa Benson, President and Publisher of Louisville Business First, who will bring a local business perspective to this global discussion. Together, they will examine what these rapid changes mean for Kentucky’s workforce, business leaders, and communities.
Following the discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session.
Whether your interests include business, technology, entrepreneurship, or the future of work, this event offers a valuable opportunity to understand how global innovation trends may shape our local economy.
Limited copies of the featured book will be available—reserve your copy when you register.
Register here: https://worldaffairscouncilofkentucky-bloom.kindful.com/e/non-member-the-ai-race-america-china-and-the-future-of-innovation?blm_aid=938090497&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
       
2025-2026 School calendars
Jefferson County Public Schools
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Calendar:
- Start date: Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025
- Labor Day: Monday, Sept. 1 (No school)
- Family Teacher Conferences: Wednesday, Sept. 24
- Professional Development Flex Day: Monday, Sept. 29
- Fall Break: Tuesday, Sept. 30, to Friday, Oct. 3
- Professional Development Gold Day: Monday, Nov. 3
- Thanksgiving Break: Wednesday, Nov. 26, to Friday, Nov. 28
- Winter Break: Monday, Dec. 22, to Jan. 2, 2026
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday: Monday, Jan. 19 (No school)
- Professional Development Gold Day: Monday, Feb. 16
- Family Teacher Conferences: Tuesday, Feb. 17
- Professional Development Flex Day: Friday, Apr. 3
- Spring Break: Monday, Apr. 6 to Friday, Apr. 10
- Oaks Day: Friday, May 1 (No school)
- Election Day: Tuesday, May 19 (No school)
- Last day for students: Friday, May 22, 2026
- To view the district's full calendar, click here.
- To find your school's start time, click here.
- To find your student's bus route, click here.
- To visit the district's back to school website, click here.
Jefferson County Catholic Schools
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Calendar:
- Start Date: Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025
- Labor Day: Monday, Sept. 1 (No school)
- Fall Break: Friday, Oct. 10, and Monday, Oct. 13
- Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 4 (No school)
- Thanksgiving Break: Wednesday, Nov. 26, to Friday, Nov. 28
- Christmas Break: Monday, Dec. 22, to Friday, Jan. 2, 2026
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday: Monday, Jan. 19 (No school)
- Winter Holiday Break: Friday, Feb. 13, and Monday, Feb. 16
- Good Friday: Friday, Apr. 3 (No school)
- Easter Monday: Monday, Apr. 6 (No school)
- Spring Break: Tuesday, Apr. 7 to Friday, Apr. 10
- Oaks Day: Friday, May 1 (No school)
- Last day for students: Friday, May 22, 2026
- To view the district's full calendar, click here
Back-to-School Community Events
Families across Louisville are invited to take part in several upcoming back-to-school celebrations designed to help students start the year confident and prepared.
Republic Bank Foundation YMCA Back-to-School Bash
Saturday, August 2 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
1720 W. Broadway
This free event will feature school supplies, free haircuts and hairstyles, live music, bounce houses, and food trucks—everything students need to feel ready and confident for the first day of school.
Hammer’s 3rd Annual Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway
Saturday, August 2 | 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Lynn Family Stadium
Families can receive backpacks filled with school supplies, along with free tickets to that evening’s Louisville City FC game—helping students get set for success both in and out of the classroom.
Black Diamonds Barbershop Giveaway
Monday, August 4 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
3983 7th Street Rd.
Black Diamonds Barbershop will also offer free school supplies—including backpacks, pencils, pens, paper, and more—while providing a welcoming space for the community to gather and support local youth. Donations are also accepted at the barbershop.
These events are a wonderful opportunity to ensure students are prepared, supported, and ready to thrive this school year.
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