Cheap hybrids on the way

Hybrids under $20,000 soon to come

Both Honda and Toyota have announced new hybrid vehicles around $20,000, about 20% to 30% cheaper than the current Prius. These hybrids should be available by 2011.

The Honda Insight, which gets fewer miles per gallon than the Prius, will be promoted as the "Hybrid for Everyone."

How will the Big Three respond? Only time will tell.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Shortfall in college tuition plan angers participants

ARKANSAS: Full House to review penny cut in grocery tax

FLORIDA: Senate to look at sales-tax exemptions

GEORGIA: Metro governments form co-op to buy gas

KENTUCKY: Group ranks state as 11th on "Filthy 15" states for coal ash

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal to put together panel on streamlining government

MISSISSIPPI: Counties could lose bridge repair funding if they don't start spending

NORTH CAROLINA: Budget woes lead state to delay hiring, purchases

SOUTH CAROLINA: $109 million to be used on energy-related projects

TENNESSEE: Gun thumbprint rule voted out by House

VIRGINIA: GOP chairman denies ten charges put forth by ousters

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