News Updates
+ Be part of the Worldfest Parade of Cultures
 Louisville Metro Government is looking for participants for its annual Parade of Cultures during Worldfest. Individuals and groups must sign-up to walk in the parade, which takes place at noon on Saturday, September 2.
The WorldFest Parade of Cultures is a celebration of the different cultural heritages that make Louisville a unique and vibrant place to live and work. Worldfest takes place each year during Labor Day Weekend and features live music, food and vendors.
+ Mayor Greenberg announces $4.6 million in grants for early learning
 Mayor Craig Greenberg recently announced the approval of $4.6 million in grants to boost early learning. The funds, made possible through the American Rescue Plan, will help ensure school readiness, assist parents with their child’s education, expand access to educational therapies, provide free books, build natural play areas and more to enhance school readiness and future academic success.
The grants will address the following goals:
- Evidence-based programs and projects that address COVID-related developmental delays;
- Programs with proven results in screening, outreach and high-quality early learning, including increasing access to these programs;
- Improvements to or development of natural outdoor learning and play spaces.
Among the named grant recipients was Americana Community Center, which will use its grant funds for generational school readiness programming for refugee parents and children up to 5 years old.
+ Large item pickup now available by appointment
 Large Item Pickup by appointment now is available in the Urban Services District.
Those who live within the District will be able to quickly get rid of up to four large items once a week by simply making an appointment. This means more opportunities to dispose of large items, less "junk" sitting out for weeks, and improved neighborhood cleanliness.
Louisville Metro Public Works suggests that residents consider donating or giving away large items that are still usable. If items are not usable, check the list of items accepted for pickup and then schedule an appointment.
+ Office of Sustainability creates guidebook for residents to lead greener lives
 The Mayor's Office of Sustainability has launched the Green Resources for Residents guidebook, a one-stop resource to help individuals and families save costs while going green!
Residents can learn about financial incentives available through the Inflation Reduction Act, Louisville Metro Government, LG&E and more. Many thanks to Office of Sustainability intern Alyssa Burton, the Louisville Metro Green Team, and partner organizations for their contributions to this resource.
+ Public Health and Wellness asks residents to help prevent mosquito bites and breeding grounds
To protect Jefferson County residents from diseases the pests can carry, the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) is out in the community actively treating known breeding grounds, trapping mosquitoes and testing them for diseases such as West Nile virus, St. Louis Encephalitis virus, La Cosse Encephalitis virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus.
Each spring and summer, LMPHW mosquito control experts treat 14,500 catch basins to eliminate mosquito larvae, as well as 8,982 miles of swampy areas and large areas of land known to collect standing water. The department also places 148 mosquito traps around the city and county.
To protect you and your family from mosquitoes, remember the three D’s: Drain, Defend, Dress.
Drain: Prevent mosquito breeding grounds by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, toys, pet water dishes, discarded tires and drain birdbaths on a regular basis.
Defend: Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. To optimize safety and effectiveness, repellents should be used according to the label instructions. More information about insect repellents can be found here.
Dress: Wear long sleeves, long pants, socks and closed-toed shoes when outdoors. Avoid perfumes and scented lotions.
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+ Sign-up for LENSAlert & Smart911
Sign up to receive emergency alerts on your cell phone!
Text "LENSAlert" to 67283
Policy Updates
+ USCIS announces fee-exempt re-parole process for Afghan Nationals
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+ DHS, State Department announce enhancements to the Central American Minors program
The most recent enhancement, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the State Department on April 12, builds on President Joe Biden’s Executive Order in the following ways:
Central American Minors program applicants interviewed between August 16, 2017 and January 31, 2018, who did not qualify for refugee status and were ineligible for parole consideration following the 2017 termination of the parole component of the CAM program will now be eligible to pursue parole.
+ DHS announces upcoming re-parole process for Afghan nationals
On May 5, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it is establishing a process to re-parole eligible Afghan nationals so they can continue living and working legally in the United States. Beginning in June, Afghan nationals who arrived in the United States under humanitarian parole through Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) will be able to request a re-parole through online and paper filing. As with any parole request, these requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons and significant public benefit. Additional details regarding the process will be available soon.
+ USCIS opens HART Service Center focusing on humanitarian cases and backlogs
On March 30, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the opening of the Humanitarian, Adjustment, Removing Conditions, and Travel Documents (HART) Service Center, the sixth service center within its Service Center Operations (SCOPS) directorate, and the first to focus on humanitarian and other workload cases.
In an effort to address the backlog associated with humanitarian immigration relief, the center has reassigned 150 current service center personnel and plans to hire an additional 330 employees, with nearly full staffing by June 30, 2025. While the center is currently hybrid, it is envisioned to be a 100% virtual service center across multiple time zones, identified by specialized work rather than a physical location.
+ Redesign of Green Cards and Employment Authorization Document
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began issuing redesigned Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards) and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to improve security. The new Green Card and EAD designs contain improved technology and designs meant to further secure the documents. Current cards remain valid until their expiration date unless otherwise noted. Green card holders are encouraged to apply for the new cards.
+ Guidance for Adjustment of Status applications
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated their guidance in their policy manual to clarify that both asylees and refugees must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least one year when their Adjustment of Status is adjudicated. This new physical presence requirement supersedes the old rule which stated that asylees and refugees must have been physically present in the U.S. for one year at the time they file their adjustment of status application.
Events
+ Anchal hosting summer sale
 Saturday, June 17 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The nonprofit Anchal is hosting its annual summer sale at 2500 Montgomery St. with one-of-a-kind samples, seconds, and discounted items all up to 70% off. The event is a great time to snag some rare deals.
- The first 10 customers to arrive will receive an original framed piece of textile art hand-stitched by an Anchal artisan
- Complimentary mimosa bar & coffee
- Connect with the Anchal team members inside the studio
Anchal provides female artisans in India an opportunity to earn money to support their families.
+ “The Fannie Lou Hamer Story” at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage
Saturday, June 17 | 7 p.m.
"The Fannie Lou Hamer Story” is a one-woman play about voting rights activist, Fannie Lou Hamer, through song and storytelling at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.
Hamer was an American voting and women's rights activist, community organizer, and a leader in the civil rights movement. She was the vice-chair of the Freedom Democratic Party, which she represented at the 1964 Democratic National Convention
General admission is $25, and VIP tickets are $30.
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+ Load in Nine Times: United States Colored Troops
Monday, June 19 | 6-7 p.m.
As part of the city's Juneteenth celebration, Danville native and poet Frank X Walker will debut a collection of poems centered on African Americans in Kentucky during the Civil War. Eighteen of those works will be unveiled as part of the museum’s Commonwealth exhibition. The event is free, but registration is required.
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+ REACH Small Business Celebration and Networking
 Saturday, June 24 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The REACH small business event will provide opportunities to network and to learn how to speak with financial organizations for funding your business goals. You will also become familiar with a number of business loans and other financial resources - from banks to nonprofits to government - available in Louisville.
10 a.m.: Open Networking
11 a.m.: Main program with Lunch
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.: Speed Networking with financial and business resource organizations
REACH is a resource program for new American and immigrant-owned businesses impacted by COVID-19.
+ Eat lunch at the Food Truck Clinic
 Every Thursday, now through October 19 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Enjoy some of your favorite local food trucks for lunch all summer long. Join Louisville Metro Departments of Health and ABC, Louisville Division of Fire and Jefferson County Fire as they host Food Truck Clinic Thursdays.
Located in the alley at Armory Place, behind the Metro Development Center at 444 S. 5th St.
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