9/23: House votes to extend jobless benefits to 27 states

LOUISIANA: List of 27 states on House bill to get jobless benefit doesn't include LA

The House has voted to give the jobless in 27 states with unemployment topping 8.5% another 13 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits. The Senate is set to vote on a similar matter.

One of the 17 Democrats to vote against the bill, Rep. Charlie Melancon of Louisiana, said he did so because the unemployed in his state, with its lower unemployment rate, did not qualify. The jobless in neighboring Mississippi are eligible.

GOP Rep. Geoff Davis of Kentucky, one of the 27 states qualifying for the additional benefits, has a different take on the legislation, saying the need for the legislation was "yet another sign of the failure of this administration's stimulus plan to create jobs."

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Gov. Riley offers deal in Medicaid dispute

ARKANSAS: First lottery ticket sale ceremony to be held

FLORIDA: PSC scandals and proposals on rate hikes draw scrutiny

GEORGIA: Assume floodwaters are contaminated, say health officials

KENTUCKY: Reports show most schools are making progress

MISSISSIPPI: Voter ID issue won't be on 2010 ballot, says secretary of state

NORTH CAROLINA: State gets a "D" grade on economy

SOUTH CAROLINA: 17.4% in the state lack health insurance

TENNESSEE: Opponents to guns-in-bars take issue to court

VIRGINIA: State to use federal funds to expand health care access

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