Plus, big plans for the Riverport's future.
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Editor’s Pick

The Olympic and Paralympic Symbols in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.

The Games are coming to a close. | Photo via Pexels

Shocking upsets, personal confessions, and cheating accusations. Any guesses what we’re talking about? This year’s 2026 Winter Olympics has been full of controversy, and the theatrics aren’t over yet.

The closing ceremony takes place this Sunday, Feb. 22, and NBC will be covering the spectacle live while WHAS 11 follows up with coverage. After that, if you’re going to miss the drama, here are a few on-stage productions we’ve got our eye on:
  • A taste of Broadway is coming to Derby City as “Hamilton” takes over the stage for a two-week stint at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, starting Tuesday, June 30.
  • The World Ballet Company is bringing Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” to The Louisville Palace on Friday, April 17.
  • Kentucky Shakespeare returns this summer for its 66th season, with free performances in Central Park from May to August.

Events

Friday, Feb. 20

53rd Louisville Conference on Literature Culture | Friday, Feb. 20-Saturday, Feb. 21 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | University of Louisville | $28+

Friday Family Night: Winter Nights and Warm Lights | 6-7 p.m. | Waterfront Botanical Gardens | $10+

TEDxBellarmineU 2026 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Wyatt Center for the Arts | $28

Saturday, Feb. 21

Louisville Polar Plunge | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Main Event | $100 fundraising minimum

The Simon & Garfunkel Story | 8 p.m. | The Brown Theatre | $48+

Sunday, Feb. 22

National Margarita Day | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Gravely Brewing Co | Price of purchase

Gardening: Seasons and Seeds | 2:30-4 p.m. | Blackacre State Nature Preserve & Historic Homestead | $20
See our full events calendar
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News Notes

Number

$1 million. That’s how much federal funding is lined up for plans to modernize Louisville’s Riverport. Officials say the project will bring new life to the 40-year-old marine terminal and prepare the city for future economic growth. A master plan is expected within 12 months, and when we know more, you’ll know more. (WHAS 11)

Announced

Like many malls across the country, Jefferson Mall is in financial trouble. The property owners are in foreclosure discussions to find a resolution for the debt issues they face, with the real estate value decreasing by ~70% over the past 14 years. (PBS + Louisville Business First)

Eat

It’s the first Friday of Lent, and that means you’ll likely see folks enjoying fish fries across the city. But how did the tradition start? This podcast episode explores the tradition’s roots on a journey that begins in the Ohio River. (WDRB + Louisville Public Media)

Community

The ribbon will be cut today on a new affordable housing development in the Shawnee neighborhood. The 38‑unit PortShaw Place apartment complex cost $10 million to build, and has one- and two-bedroom living spaces at its 110 Hansbrough Pl. location. (Louisville Business First)

Quoted

“To this day, I still don’t understand how I can say something about a bourbon, and it flies off the shelf.” That’s what author + veteran Fred Minnick told our friends at LEXtoday about his new release, “Bottom Shelf: How a Forgotten Brand of Bourbon Saved One Man’s Life.” He’ll be discussing the book at Buzzard’s Roost Distillery tonight.

Stat

New data shows LMPD has increased its traffic stop frequency, with thousands more taking place in 2025 than the year before. Reporting by the Courier-Journal indicates that some of the largest increases took place in the neighborhoods surrounding downtown. (Courier-Journal)

Louisvillian

It’s always nice to get a reminder of the kindness in this world. Flaget Memorial Hospital is honoring one of its most tenured volunteers this week, 85-year-old Ann King, who is settling in for retirement after 10,000+ hours of service to the facility. You can start your own altruistic legacy at a local volunteering opportunity. (WBRT)

Drink

If you’re missing “Stranger Things,” listen up. Atrium Brewing is keeping the spirit of Hawkins alive with its latest draft — Vecna’s Brunch. It’s pouring at both of Atrium’s taprooms while supplies last.

Pets

Today is National Love Your Pet Day, an excuse to show the furry friend in your life even more love than usual. Because they aren’t spoiled enough already. Make it a weekend to remember for your pup at one of Louisville’s dog-friendly businesses.

Travel

The world’s smallest country is making upgrades for visitors. The Vatican is enhancing the experience at St. Peter’s Basilica by expanding terrace access to negate long wait times, and increasing translation offerings. The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is the place to start your adventure. (AP News)

Play

Are you looking for our Games page? You can find it here. Thanks to all of our readers who let us know you’re enjoying this page — our team is continuing to work on even more ways to play in the future.

Plan Ahead

Hosting an event? Spread the word to our thousands of engaged subscribers. Our business promo portal makes it easy to find options that fit your budget, from standout email headers to scroll-stopping banner ads. First-time customers get 15% with code NEW15 at checkout.
Filed your taxes yet? E-file makes online tax filing simple, and cheaper — it’s typically about half the cost of other online tax programs, so you can file without the sticker shock. Use code GET25NOW for 25% off your federal software at checkout.*

Post of the Day

A screenshot of an Instagram post by Broadway in Louisville, announcing their 2026-27 season. On the poster, shows like "Jersey Boys," the Neil Diamond Musical, and "The Lion King" are all featured.

A taste of the Big Apple is coming to Derby City. | Post via Broadway in Louisville

And we’ve got more theatrics for you.

Another season of Broadway in Louisville is on the horizon, with a slew of world-renowned shows set to take over the city between October 2026 and May 2027. Each of the seven shows has amassed a stellar reputation, including highest-grossing musical production of all time, “The Lion King.”
Want to be featured?

The Buy

A set of shower steamers with 11 unique scents like jasmine, chamomile, lavender, and mint. The variety lets you tailor the experience to your mood: a relaxing spa night, a midday pick-me-up, or an energizing morning reset. Bonus: They make great gifts.
More worth The Buy

The Wrap

One of the best things about writing these newsletters is having the opportunity to give local artists and creatives the love they deserve. The world would be a far more boring place without them.

Sedrick Sullivan is a supremely talented photographer, bringing life to Louisville’s streets and giving a perfect reminder that beauty is everywhere. You just need to look for it.
City Editor Patrick smiling in front of a plain purple background.
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