4/21: In bad home market, buying often now beats renting

New York Times: In bad home market, buying often now beats renting

For most of the last decade, renting a home has been a better financial move than buying one. An analysis by the New York Times provides a "rent ratio" comparison -- the purchase price of a house divided by the annual cost of renting a similar one. Using the number 20 as a basis point, a number above 20 points to renting; a ratio well below 20 is considered a good indication of when to buy.

In many metro areas, including Atlanta and areas of south Florida, the average ratio is now 16 or lower, compared with 25 a few years ago. Take a look at some of the cities here. (Note that in North Carolina's Charlotte and Raleigh, the basis is over 25, pointing to renting as a better deal, while Atlanta is ranked 14.9)

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Electronic bingo bill passage still unclear in Alabama

ARKANSAS: Desegregation agreement discussed by attorney general, school leaders

FLORIDA: Gov. Crist to run as independent for Florida Senate

GEORGIA: State Senate preserves arts council funding

KENTUCKY: State launches project to exchange health information electronically

LOUISIANA: State has second-highest auto fatality rate in the nation

MISSISSIPPI: Universities in state to take a $100 million budget cut

NORTH CAROLINA: Gov. Perdue says legislators have to cut another 2% from budget

SOUTH CAROLINA: Legislators to talk about offshore drilling

TENNESSEE: Bill would ban guns in bars, but not in restaurants

VIRGINIA: Gov. McDonnell expects battle over cutting spending for troubled kids

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

4/15: Tea party leaders worried about extremists at rallies

AP: Tea Party leaders worried about extremists at rallies

As tax-day tea parties gear up for their biggest day of the year, leaders are concerned their efforts may draw extremists who could disrupt the movement's message.

Some rally organizers have canceled controversial speakers, increased security and have urged participants to bring cameras to snap photos of any disrupters. "We don't want to be misrepresented, whether it's by someone who is not part of the group and has their own agenda, or whether it's by some fringe extremist who may actually be a racist," said Jim Hoft, a political blogger and tea party activist who is one of the speakers for a rally in suburban St. Louis.

The National Tea Party Federation, a newly formed coalition of regional tea party groups, estimates that between 1,700 and 2,000 tax-day rallies are occurring Thursday in communities across the country.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Gubernatorial candidate Artur Davis rebuffs black political groups

ARKANSAS: Tea Party leaders worried about today's rally

FLORIDA: School voucher plan makes strides in legislature

GEORGIA: GA may be first state to eliminate state arts council

KENTUCKY: Q&A: What happens if there's no state budget?

LOUISIANA: Legislature to discuss healthcare lawsuits, swine control today

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour unveils new spending proposal

NORTH CAROLINA: Charlotte school system may lay off 1,000 because of budget problems

SOUTH CAROLINA: Senate approves 50-cent increase in cigarette tax

TENNESSEE: State's environmental regulatory agency hit from both sides

VIRGINIA: No vetoes by Gov. McDonnell on any legislation sent by 2010 General Assembly

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

3/10: Ga. leaders may increase fees dramatically

Macon Telegraph: State leaders may increase fees dramatically to balance budget

Georgia legislators are working to balance the budget, and they're considering raising fees to do that. Some fees will be raised substantially. And the annual sales-tax-free, back-to school shopping weekend will likely not take place this year.

The idea is to take many of the 1,800-plus fees the state charges for various licenses, court costs and inspections and raise them until they fully — or close to fully — fund that government function. Many fees haven’t changed in decades, something the state Department of Audits has pointed out more than once in recent years. For instance, the Georgia Department of Transportation charges just $10 to license a new airport.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Unemployment rate in state rises to 11.1%

ARKANSAS: State as 'ground zero' for climate politics as Lincoln vs. Halter heats up

FLORIDA: Norovirus clusters found across the state

GEORGIA: State leaders may increase fees dramatically to balance budget

KENTUCKY: House passes $3.4 billion transportation bill

LOUISIANA: State still has a problem with underground cockfighting

MISSISSIPPI: House approves legislation to create 12 charter schools

NORTH CAROLINA: Researchers find higher price on junk food means less consumed

SOUTH CAROLINA: State spending cuts could mean 2,300 fewer state employees

TENNESSEE: Toddler dies after mistaking loaded gun for Wii game controller

VIRGINIA: Editorial: In Virginia, legalized discrimination is alive and well

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

2/25: Florida considered a 'growing gang capital'

FLORIDA: State is considered a 'growing gang capital'

There are an estimated 49,000 gang members living in Florida, making up 1,100 gangs.

South Florida has the most gang members at 19,685, with Palm Beach County considered a hotbed of gang activity.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Jerry Bailey says data sharing among different agencies and departments is helping bust more bad guys, but adds there is room for improvement.

"We're going to have to be able to talk better, to share more of the information, but the big thing is getting it all into a centralized database so that gang that's working today in Palm Beach County and tomorrow in Leon County, that we can better track their movements and their activities," says Bailey.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State has spent only 7% of $71.8 million stimulus package

ARKANSAS: Legislators prepare to cast final votes on spending plan today

GEORGIA: Pew Center study shows state's children need better dental care

KENTUCKY: Cockfighting supporters want the practice legalized

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal proposes bill to give colleges control over tuition

MISSISSIPPI: Budget battle enhanced by $14 million federal funds windfall

NORTH CAROLINA: Editorial: Governor's order might help create jobs

SOUTH CAROLINA: State House committee passes tobacco tax increase

TENNESSEE: State is ranked #2 in credit card debt

VIRGINIA: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield customers to see double-digit rate increases

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

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

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