4/19: Simpler, smaller "one pot" meth labs found in LA

LOUISIANA: Simpler, smaller "one pot" meth labs found in Louisiana

Law enforcement officials say a new "one pot" method of manufacturing methamphetamine is springing up across the U.S. The smaller meth operations are not only reduced in size, these "cooking" facilities also require much less in the way of equipment, chemicals, and source material such as cold medicine.

Louisiana State Police Lt. Doug Cain said, "It can happen just about anywhere. In a hotel room, in an apartment, right in the middle of town, in somebody's car."

Cain said that the new method of cooking meth leaves behind toxic trash in addition to the risk of explosion. "If they're thrown out in the trash in an apartment building, or they're thrown into a neighborhood ditch, that causes problems for citizens in that area," he said.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Needs of some disabled persons not met by state programs

ARKANSAS: Unemployment rate continues to rise in state

FLORIDA: Former Governor Jeb Bush's influence seen in this legislative session

GEORGIA: State begins to sell assets, imperiling city, county governments

KENTUCKY: Both sides blame budget impasse on the other

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour backs VA Gov. McDonnell on 'Confederate History' declaration

NORTH CAROLINA: State AG won't challenge health care reform

SOUTH CAROLINA: WhatWorksSC looks at best ideas for South Carolina's schools

TENNESSEE: TN's coal ash transferred to Alabama site and causes health problems

VIRGINIA: Budget may cut public broadcasting funds

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

3/22: Health care overhaul approved by Congress

New York Times: Health care overhaul approved by Congress

Democrats hailed the votes as a historic advance in social justice, comparable to the establishment of Medicare and Social Security. They said the bill would also put pressure on rising health care costs and rein in federal budget deficits.

“This is the Civil Rights Act of the 21st century,” said Rep. James E. Clyburn of South Carolina, the No. 3 Democrat in the House.

However, Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Republican of Florida, called it “a decisive step in the weakening of the United States.” Rep. Virginia Foxx, Republican of North Carolina, said it was “one of the most offensive pieces of social engineering legislation in the history of the United States.”

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State's congressmen vote 'no' on healthcare reform

ARKANSAS: Arkansas is more likely to institutionalize disabled than most states

FLORIDA: State's AG says health care reform violates the Constitution

GEORGIA: State hospitals could suffer severe financial crisis

KENTUCKY: Reading gap between boys and girls is larger in KY than other states

LOUISIANA: Lawmakers consider ban on high-caffeine drinks for kids

MISSISSIPPI: State's next 'cash crop' could be its musical heritage

NORTH CAROLINA: Opinion: NC Senate should ignore flawed House annexation bill

SOUTH CAROLINA: Meeting in the middle on the environment

TENNESSEE: Sen. Alexander says health plan could cripple education in state

VIRGINIA: State to file lawsuit over healthcare reform

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