Monday was the last chance for smokers to light up on this resort island before a new smoking ban in indoor restaurants, bars and businesses. A law banning smoking in indoor businesses statewide is being considered by lawmakers in Columbia. Legislative leaders received more good news about North Carolina's financial picture Monday, learning the state has an additional $260 million than had been expected in its coffers from April tax filings. In March 2006, the victim's sexual assault...

My question for the forum: do you watch this show? Do you find it as thrilling, exciting and thought provoking as I do? Jack Bauer for president '08? I really need to know if I am alone with this as my sleep pattern has been significantly altered since becoming a "24 freak"?! Also, I figured this show may be popular with the HBO crowd so advice from you regulars is much appreciated! My question for the forum: do you watch this show? Do you find it as thrilling, exciting and thought...

A survey done in mid-February found that nearly two-thirds of Wisconsin residents support a statewide ban on smoking in bars, restaurants and work places. The governor also said Tuesday he would only sign a bill backed by public health advocates, and that would have to include the tavern ban. The powerful Tavern League lobby, which represents the state's 13,000 bar owners, is pushing for an exemption. But on Tuesday, he said the league would consider a phase-in that allowed smoking to...

Prosecutors alleged the judge was being bribed so he would award the lawyer lucrative guardianships in child custody cases and give him advice on winning divorce cases. During the five-week trial, surveillance videos showed divorce lawyer Paul Siminovsky giving Garson a $250 box of cigars and $1,000 in cash. In closing arguments, he described Garson as "no better than the health inspector who turns the other way for 20 bucks when the rats have infested the restaurant. Prosecutors say...

As for the typical conversation, well, regular John Shortman s story of killing four (or was it five?) steelhead and a bull elk with one shot ought to give you an idea. Any directions to the tavern have to include the words, Don t blink, because it s easy to drive past the dark wood building, even though it is barely set back from the road. Shortman (who has a small nameplate at his seat at the bar) initiated the Alcohol Meetings one fateful Thursday when he showed up for a beer and...