Supreme Court ruling could impact elections in the South

NORTH CAROLINA: Black candidates could be held back by Supreme Court ruling

A U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Monday on a North Carolina case decreed that at least 50% of a district's population must be minorities to be protected by the federal Voting Rights Act.

This ruling could make it harder for some minorities in the South and Southwest to win elections after district lines are redrawn following the 2010 census.

In a 5-4 decision, the court shot down a redistricting plan that split up rural Pender County to increase the number of African-American voters to 39 percent in House District 18, and thereby increased the likelihood of electing a black lawmaker.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Supporters, foes of gambling bill prepare for big fight

ARKANSAS: Senate repeals legislation on taxing mini-warehouses and self-storage services

FLORIDA: Survey shows residents would support laws to reduce car emissions

GEORGIA: Atlanta Gas Light to fund experimental program for businesses

KENTUCKY: State's economic incentives programs may be tightened

LOUISIANA: Child homelessness is highest in Louisiana, says report

MISSISSIPPI: Conditions are favorable for wildfires in the state

SOUTH CAROLINA: Stem cell debate reignited with proposed reversal of policy

TENNESSEE: Coal ash oversight is imminent, says EPA

VIRGINIA: Restaurant smoking bill signed into law by Gov. Kaine

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org