12/18: Louisiana ranks as the happiest state, says CDC

AP: Louisiana ranks as the happiest state, says CDC

A new study comparing self-described pleasant feelings with objective measures of good living found that those living in sunny, outdoorsy states generally have reason to feel fine.

The happiness ratings were based on a survey of 1.3 million people across the country by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It used data collected over four years that included a question asking people how satisfied they are with their lives.

Ranking No. 1 in happiness was Louisiana; however, one researcher urged a bit of caution in that ranking, noting that part of the happiness survey occurred before Hurricane Katrina struck the state, and part of it took place later. Nevertheless, he said, "We have no explicit reason to think there is a problem" with the ranking.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Cities, towns in Alabama see census as crucial for federal dollars, power

ARKANSAS: Gov. Beebe wants panel to gauge racial profiling problem in Arkansas

FLORIDA: Ausley considers dropping Senate bid and running for state CFO instead

GEORGIA: State to spend $42 million on fiber optic loop for rural Internet

KENTUCKY: State's unemployment rate drops to 10.6%

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour slams health reform bill

NORTH CAROLINA: Judge rules state's sex offender law unconstitutional

SOUTH CAROLINA: State economists say revenues are meeting expectations

TENNESSEE: Ethnic groups say 'white' isn't descriptive enough on census

VIRGINIA: Gov. Kaine to deliver budget news today

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12/9: Climate change in Ky. could bring poverty or growth

KENTUCKY: Experts say climate change could bring poverty or growth to Kentucky

A group of state and national experts met at the Kentucky Science & Technology Corp.'s climate change conference and said that the state could move toward increased poverty or see an opportunity for growth depending on the speed and direction of climate change.

If the weather changes, the energy costs could rise and coal industry could dry up. Or, if there's limited climate change, the state could benefit by gaining businesses that other states lose if the state beefs up education and infrastructure.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Bipartisan group wants further study of state's 2-year college system

ARKANSAS: In 71 days, lottery generates $25 million for scholarships

FLORIDA: Senate approves Tri-Rail funding plan by 27-10

GEORGIA: Green-building measure for Atlanta on hold for now

LOUISIANA: Editorial: Teamwork on coastal restoration

MISSISSIPPI: Next state health officer to face Ky. challenges: Obesity, heart disease, cancer

NORTH CAROLINA: Medical malpractice reports now available online

SOUTH CAROLINA: Public meeting on racial profiling to be held in Columbia

TENNESSEE: Obesity and diabetes rates go up in Tennessee counties

VIRGINIA: Governor-elect McDonnell doesn't want any tax hikes

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