The plans aim to improve safety and access to services for Portland residents. | Image via KIPDA + KYTC
Portland, meet the Ohio River. Ohio River, this is Portland.
With I-64 blocking the way since the 1970s, Louisville’s Portland neighborhood has lost connection with its origin as a port on the Ohio River. Now there’s a plan to reconnect them.
The US Department of Transportation has awarded the Kentuckiana Regional Development and Planning Agency (KIPDA) a $14.5 million grant aimed at reconnecting Portland and other nearby West End neighborhoods to the Ohio River. The grant comes from the department’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program.
Here’s what the funding will do:
Convert 22nd Street from Northwestern Parkway to Bank Street — a span of around five blocks — to a “Complete Street,” with facilities for cars, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Re-construct two pedestrian bridges over I-64, giving Portland pedestrians more access to the riverfront, including Lannan Memorial Park and the westward expansion of Waterfront Park.
Star Party at The Parklands of Floyds Fork | 7-9 p.m. | PNC Achievement Center | Free | Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will be visible in the night sky, take a look through a telescope.
Saturday, Jan. 18
Anchal Studio Winter Sale | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Anchal Studio | Cost of Purchase | Enjoy 75% deals at this Shelby Park boutique and studio.
Carmichael’s Kids Presents Author Nick Bruel | 1-2:30 p.m. | Main Library | Free | Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the book “Bad Kitty” with the author, hear about his new book, and hang out with cats up for adoption.
January Indoor Bierhalle | 4-10 p.m. | German American Club | Cost of purchase | Sip a cold, German-style beer, and enjoy a dinner Deutschland style.
Vinyl Richie: 80s & 90s Mixtape | 7 p.m. | Zanzabar | $15 | Dig those acid-washed jeans out of the closet, we’re jamming to hits from the heyday of grunge, new wave, and old-school hip-hop.
Sunday, Jan. 19
Good Stand Up Comedy: Late Show | 9-11 p.m. | Kaiju | Free | Get up close and personal with seven local comics in the intimate back room of this Germantown bar.
From low-impact and high-energy workouts to barbell training and cardio, there’s a class for everyone. | Photos provided by YMCA Louisville; GIF created by LOUtoday team
Joining the YMCA means more than just hitting the gym — it’s about becoming part of a supportive community dedicated to your well-being.
With 1,000+ weekly group classes (think: cycling, aqua, BodyPump, and more), certified instructors are ready to guide Louisvillians at every stage of their wellness journey.
Build strength, relieve stress, and connect with others who share your goals this new year.
The best part? There’s no joining fee until Friday, Jan. 31.
150. That’s the number of acres in Louisville’s West End that will soon be dedicated to a large-scale data center. Located on Camp Ground Road, just west of Shively near Rubbertown, the new facility will be used for cloud computing + AI.. It will be in use by late 2026. (WDRB)
Fun Fact
The classic novel, “The Great Gatsby” turns 100 this April. To celebrate, Louisville’s Seelbach Hotel has unveiled the new Gatsby Suite. In the book, Louisville was the site for the wedding between Tom and Daisy Buchannan, and the two-room suite was inspired by each of the characters.
History
You can get a first-hand look at the career of longtime journalist, TV news anchor, and Louisvillian Diane Sawyer at the Frazier History Museum. Sawyer recently donated two awards from her illustrious career to the museum’s Cool Kentucky collection.
Job
Do you know a young person ready to make a splash for the community? The Louisville Metro Department of Parks and Recreation hosting lifeguard training sessions for Louisvillians 15 and older. The $200 fee will be waived in exchange for a commitment to work for the department.
Sports
After leading the Cards men’s basketball team to its most wins in five years, Pat Kelsey the subject of National Coach of the Year buzz. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Louisville Cardinals with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Giveaway
Feeling lucky? Our Fly Away Friday Giveaway, in partnership with Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), is live now through Monday, Feb. 3. LOUtoday readers have a chance to win two round-trip airline tickets out of SDF — enter here.*
Finance
When this card hit the market, it became the do-it-all card that took the top spot in thousands of peoples’ wallets. Perks include a significant first-year bonus, up to 5% cashback on everyday purchases, no annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases + balance transfers into 2026. Cha-ching.*
Shop
Upgrade your home printing with the HP Smart Tank 7602, featuring wireless setup, fast printing speeds, and two years of ink included. Get $120 off for a limited time.*
Category
History
🥊 “The Greatest” birthday of all time
Ali blowing out candles on his 578.5-lb cake for his 25th birthday. | Photo via the Muhammad Ali Center
Today would have been Muhammad Ali’s 83rd birthday. “The Greatest” was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on Jan. 17, 1942 at the Louisville General Hospital and lived in Derby City through the 1960s.
To honor the day one of the most famous Louisvillians was born, we’ve compiled a list of ways to celebrate and remember the legacy of Ali.
Visit Ali’s childhood home is located at 3302 Grand Ave. in the West End. While you can’t go inside, you can snap a photo of the pink house marked with a bronze historical plaque.
Remember Visit the heavyweight champion’s monument at Cave Hill Cemetery where he was buried in 2016. Fun fact: Staff at the cemetery collect and store the mementos left on his gravesite weekly.
A reading journal. Use it to write notes about the books you’re reading — like quotes that catch your eye, pages you want to come back to, and your overall rating. Pro tip: Use multicolor pens to make filling out your journal even more fun.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, Feb. 13 for the dedication of Louisville’s latest public art installment, “SPARK.” It will be installed on the side of the Louisville Visual Art Building on Lytle Street in Portland.
The piece includes metal elements and clear rods that will light up thanks to neon tubes. It won’t be one to miss.
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