12/31: New 2010 law will limit payday loans in Kentucky

KENTUCKY: USA TODAY: New 2010 law will limit payday loans in Kentucky

Borrowers will be limited to two loans totaling no more than $500 at any one time. Payday lenders typically apply high interest rates on loans tied to a borrower's employment paycheck.

"Kentucky seems to be leading the way" in limiting payday loans, said Meagan Dorsch, spokeswoman for the National Conference of State Legislatures.

A leading grower of tobacco and maker of cigarettes, North Carolina will join the states making it illegal to light up inside most restaurants and bars. Excluded are cigar bars, country clubs and places operated by non-profit organizations such as veterans groups.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Prepaid Alabama College Tuition (PACT) program changes upset contract holders

ARKANSAS: Editorial: Arkansas gets a nice break

FLORIDA: Peacocks a problem for much of Florida

GEORGIA: State's super speeder law to begin Friday

LOUISIANA: Spending reduction plans released by Gov. Jindal's office

MISSISSIPPI: Lawmakers to consider tax on pre-sweetened soda

NORTH CAROLINA: State is 8th most religious in nation, according to Pew Research Center

SOUTH CAROLINA: A.G. McMaster joins 12 others in threatening lawsuit over health care deal

TENNESSEE: State's Medicaid program on electronic health records to get $2.7 million in federal funds

VIRGINIA: Gov.-elect McDonnell proposes privatizing state's liquor stores

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