05.17.2024

Today’s Forecast

71º | 80% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:29 a.m. | Sunset 8:49 p.m.
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🌳 Downtown is growing green

Trager MicroForest making progress in downtown Louisville

Earlier this year, we reminded you about the Trager Microforest project, which will turn Founder’s Square — a pocket park between 4th + 5th Streets along Muhammad Ali Boulevard — into a densely packed forest.

Earlier this month, Mayor Craig Greenberg and other local officials offered an update on how the project is growing along.

Currently, the space is fenced off to allow workers to prepare. Over the next several weeks, they will install new walkways and an irrigation system. This fall, the real stars of the show — aka the trees — will be planted.

An artists rendering shows trees filling a microforest in a downtown space. — Officials hope the Microforest will combat extreme heat in downtown Louisville.
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Photo courtesy the Louisville Downtown Partnership

“We want to reimagine our city center as a vibrant urban forest. The Trager MicroForest Project is not just about redesigning Founders Square, it is a catalyst and a living laboratory for pioneering green initiatives,” Patrick Piuma, director of the Envirome Institute’s Urban Design Studio, who is overseeing the project, said. “By integrating nature, we are learning how to tackle extreme weather and promote a healthier urban core. We’re not just planting trees; we are looking at a new vision of health that harnesses nature’s ability to rejuvenate our community.”

The project comes from the The University of Louisville’s Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, which is leasing the space from the Metro Government for the next 30 years. It’s been in the works since 2022, when the Trager family donated $1 million to the cause.

Events

Friday, May 17

Forbidden Broadway Greatest Hits | Friday, May 17-Sunday, May 19 | Times vary | Highview Arts Center, 7406 Fegenbush Lane, Louisville | $15-$18 | Get a laugh to these satirical spins on Broadway classics like “Les Misérables,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” and “Wicked.”

Saturday, May 18

Old Louisville Springfest | Saturday, May 18 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Toonerville Trolley Park, 1215 S. Brook St., Louisville | Free | Listen to music all day, sip a cold one in the beer garden, and let the kids burn off some energy on the inflatables.
Makerplace Workshop | Saturday, May 18 | 1-3 p.m. | Kentucky Science Center, 727 W. Main St., Louisville | $20-$30 | Build a home for your succulents in this glasswork class — also includes general admission to the museum.
B-Movie: “Werewolf of London” | Saturday, May 18 | 5-9 p.m. | Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, 6220 Old Lagrange Rd., Crestwood | $20-$25 | See this 89-year-old film about a botanist who collects a Tibetan flower that might be the antidote for werewolves.
Maggie Rose: No One Gets Out Alive Tour | Saturday, May 18 | 8 p.m. | Headliners Music Hall, 1386 Lexington Rd, Louisville | $20-$70 | See this soul + country singer known for 2017’s “Body on Fire.”

Sunday, May 19

Bark & Brunch By The Bridge | Sunday, May 19 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Waterfront Park, 1101 E. River Rd., Louisville | Free | Bring your furry friends to shop pet-friendly vendors and enjoy brunch with other pet-lovers.
All-Star Comedy Showcase | Sunday, May 19 | 7-8:30 p.m. | TEN20 Craft Brewery, 1020 E. Washington St., Louisville | Free | Stand-up comedy from around the region, including Indianapolis, takes the stage for you to enjoy over beer + pizza.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Community

The PGA Championship teed off on Thursday, but memories aren’t the only thing the tournament will leave behind when its gone. The PGA of America REACH Foundation donated $250,000 to help renovate Seneca Golf Course. Did you know: Seneca once hosted a PGA Tour event?

Trending

Have you seen the blimp floating over Derby City? Louisvillians snapped photos of it over Seneca Park. It’s in town for the PGA Championship — let’s hope it stays high enough to avoid those long drives off the tee.

Try This

Ten20 Craft Brewery in Butchertown is hosting the Fest of L this weekend. Shop over 20 vintage and handmade vendors, with live music, food, and drinks available. Stop by at 1020 E. Washington St., tomorrow and Sunday, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Edu

DuPont Manual senior Chase Phillips has been named a 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholar. Phillips was one of just five Kentuckians and 161 students in the US to make the prestigious list distinguishing high school seniors.

Festival

The Louisville Juneteenth Festival will move to Lynn Family Stadium this summer. The fifth edition of the festival will take place Saturday, June 15 at 2 p.m., following a Racing Louisville game at the stadium. The festival’s lineup is TBD, and tickets are not yet on sale.

Sports

Khani Rooths, a highly rated high school prospect, has committed to Pat Kelsey and Louisville men’s basketball. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Cards with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Fun Fact

Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) averages over a dozen departures to sunny destinations daily. So, where are you jetsetting next, Louisville? Explore low-fare, nonstop options here.*

Shop

Check out rebellious and eco-friendly styles from Velvet Outlaw. Level up any outfit with unique pieces featuring upcycled materials, applique, fringe, and rhinestones.*

Finance

Ah, the art of the balance transfer. This card offers not one, not six, but 18 months of 0% intro APR on balance transfers, giving you nearly two years to save big. (Plus, you can earn 2% cash back on purchases with no annual fee.) Learn more and apply.*

Biz

Maybe it should be called Laugh-ville

6 places to see comedy in Louisville

The Louisville Comedy Club opened in 2022. | Photo by LOUtoday.

After a long day at work, there’s few better ways to unwind then by slapping your knee with a good chuckle, or even falling out of your chair with a great guffaw — or maybe that’s just us.

So today, we ha-ha-have six places where you can get a giggle, let out a laugh, and have some hilarity in Derby City.

Comedy Clubs

Louisville Comedy Club
This downtown Louisville club (110 W. Main St.) is located directly across from Whiskey Row. It regularly hosts national touring acts like Jay Pharoah from “Saturday Night Live” and Adam Carrolla.

The Caravan Comedy Club
Where can you find a grocery store, public library, movie theater, and comedy club all in the same place? Mid City Mall, of course. The current iteration of this club (1250 Bardstown Rd.) began in 2017, but the space has hosted a comedy venue since 1987. It regularly features both national + local comics, and often hosts community musical performances as well.

Let's laugh some more

Asked

What’s your best Louisville joke?

Hit us with your best punch line

The Buy

Small biz. Celebrate National Small Business Month by exploring our retail shop, Six & Main, featuring local brands from across the country. Find unique gifts for your friends or treat yourself to something new.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Jeff

From the editor

While Louisville is consumed with the PGA Championship this weekend, let’s not forget some of the other local athletes having success.

That includes the Spalding Eagles baseball team, who won the SLIAC Tournament for the second consecutive year. They begin the NCAA Tournament this morning at 11 a.m. in Lexington. vs. Beloit College.

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