Though John Cosper is from Southern Indiana, his work details many experiences that happened in Louisville. | Photo by LOUtoday
What’s better than a good book? A good book written by your neighbor (or former neighbor). If you’re looking to get a few local names on your 2025 reading list, consider this your table of contents.
“Three Ways to Disappear” by Katy Yocom | Release date: 2019 | This tale of two sisters spans from Kentucky to India as the two learn what to save from the past and what needs to be let go.
“Stronger at the Seams” by Shannon Stocker | Release date: 2024 | This YA novel from an award-winning local author follows a teen navigating chronic health problems, losing her mother, and starting high school.
Friends of the Library Book Sale | Every 2nd and 4th Friday + Saturday | Times vary | Jeffersonville Township Public Library, Jeffersonville, IN | Free
Louisvillians have until this Friday, Jan. 9 to run for mayor this year in Louisville’s first non-partisan mayoral election. There are eight candidates currently registered in the mayoral race. Stay tuned for more coverage ahead of the May primary election. Hint: Only odd-numbered council districts are up for election this year.
Development
Ballard Park’s renovation is underway. The Smoketown park on East Caldwell Street will feature a new basketball court, native plant gardens, and a playground, along with plenty of green space.
Real Estate
The fate of the Baker Boy Hot Donuts sign is in the hands of Tao “Tom” Liu, the new owner of the former Mellow Mushroom building on Shelbyville Road. Liu is planning to turn the building into a third location for the seafood restaurant Pier 17. (Louisville Business First)
Eat
Mike Linnig’s will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 29, marking its 102nd season in business. If that’s not soon enough for you, check out our guide to other spots to snag a basket of fried fish in the 502. (WDRB)
Number
Speaking of fish... 74 million. That’s how many pounds of Asian carp have been harvested in Kentucky since 2013. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife will pay commercial fishermen 15 cents/pound harvested this year, up 5 cents from last year. Learn more about the state’s approach to curbing the invasive species. (WHAS)
Drink
The new 7 Brew location on Dixie Highway opens this weekend. To celebrate, the coffee stand is running a limited, pay-what-you-want menu from Friday, Jan. 9 to Sunday, Jan. 11, with all proceeds benefiting Shirley’s Way.
Plan Ahead
Put a ring on your wedding planning game at the Kentucky Derby Museum Wedding Showcase, happening Sunday, Feb. 15. Meet your perfect match in local vendors, explore dreamy venues, and gather ideas to make your big day unforgettable. Grab tickets.*
Sports
Can Pat Kelsey’s squad overcome injuries and shooting woes to take on the No. 6-ranked Duke Blue Devils? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Cards with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Biz
Kickstart the new year by expanding your business’s reach. Our business promo portal puts your message in front of our thousands of highly engaged local subscribers in as little as two days. Plus, first-time customers save 15% with code NEW15 at checkout. Get started.
Health
Did you find yourself straining to hear during holiday gatherings? Make 2026 a year of better hearing with Horizon IX. This revolutionary hearing aid delivers natural sound so real, experts are calling it a miracle. Dual processors separate speech from noise for effortless clarity so you won’t miss a single word. Start your 45-day no-risk trial.*
Wellness
Interested in a THC or CBD journey in 2026? Women-owned and operated brand TribeTokes is offering 15% off with code DRYJAN15, plus a free CBD/CBG tincture when you spend $40. Try pineapple THC gummies or mini THCA prerolls for some California sober fun during dry January.†*
The Buy
Are you resolving to drink more water this year? Set yourself up for success with a sleek, insulated water bottle that keeps liquids chilled for up to 24 hours. Bonus: It’s dishwasher safe.
This weekend, I tried the new Cuban cafe on Logan Street, Sweet Colada, for the first time. Let me tell you, it did not disapoint. I had a Cuban sandwich (mine was vegetarian) served with plantains and La Colada, a simple, sweet espresso drink that was the perfect start to a Sunday morning. Check out the menu — you can thank me later.
This sandwich was huge — I had half for breakfast and the other half the next morning.