Regional

By TOM LOFTUS

The Courier-Journal

The first plank of the platform that Matt Bevin released as a longshot candidate for governor early this year is labeled: “Right to Work. Enacting Pro-Business Legislation.”

So as the Republican governor settles into office – with a shrinking Democratic majority in the Kentucky House – the outlook is better for passage of the so-called right-to-work bill that would ban union membership or payment of union dues as a condition for employment.

By TOM EBLEN

Lexington Herald-Leader

This was an eventful year for Kentucky businesses: Toyota accelerated, bourbon distillers rolled out more barrels, Tempur Sealy employees lost some sleep, King Coal coughed and wheezed, and so much more.

As Toyota marked its third year as the world’s top-selling automaker, the Georgetown assembly plant that since 1988 has been churning out Camrys, Avalons and Venzas opened a new production line in October to make the Lexus ES 350.

By JACOB BLAIR

Landmark News Service

Carroll, Grant and Owen counties in Kentucky are three of seven across the Commonwealth that currently do not have a Drug Court program, but that could change in the near future.

Chief Circuit Judge Leslie Knight and Chief District Judge Elizabeth Chandler have recently requested state funding for a drug court program, Administrative Office of the Courts Public Information Specialist Jamie Neal said.

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to end the year with real meaning by donating blood for hospital patients in need.

Holiday activities, severe weather and seasonal illnesses, like the flu, can pull people away from their regular blood donation schedules. This creates a greater need for blood donations this time of year, especially around the winter holidays. To encourage donations, all those who come to donate Dec. 23, 2015, through Jan. 3, 2016, will get a long-sleeve Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.