As Governor Steve Beshear treks across Asia, bearing the gifts of “bourbon-whiskey” from his Old Kentucky Home, it is becoming evident that the spirits industry is thriving, and our home state is at the epicenter. Investors in places as far away as Japan are taking an interest in the beverage that was born and raised in the Bluegrass, meaning our hometown stills are experiencing unprecedented growth. With a rise in profits comes an expansion of the beloved distilleries where these liquors have been fostered for years.

Public, private and Catholic students who have excelled in and out of the classroom were honored last night by Mayor Greg Fischer as recipients of the annual Mayor’s Outstanding High School Seniors award. Fischer presented the awards to 48 students Tuesday evening at 7:45 p.m., following a reception at Louisville Metro Hall.

Two of the nicest guys in the Commonwealth appeared on the CBS Morning Show today, to discuss the UK/UofL rivalry being played out later this evening in New Orleans.  Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and Lexington Mayor Jim Gray were interviewed by CBS’s Chip Reid, who questioned them about the historical Final Four match-up that will determine who’s going to the NCAA basketball tournament championship game.

The yearly March Madness experienced here in Kentucky certainly has a tendency to reveal the smarmy underbelly of NCAA basketball fans; perhaps University of Kentucky Wildcat fans, in particular.  And, lest readers suspect this judgment reflects the unabashed (and undenied) prejudice of the University of Louisville supporter writing this article, we direct them to an interesting item appearing a couple of days ago on Craigslist.