Law

No more smoking in the boys' room. That's the way it will be if the tobacco-free schools bill passes. If signed by the governor a bill passed in the General Assembly would mean the end of tobacco products, at any time, on school premises. Full story...

Six months ago a New Hanover County grand jury accidentally indicted a former deputy on murder charges. Now a bill is making its way through State legislature that could have cleared up a lot of confusion in that case. If this bill is passed it would mean that what goes on in the grand jury room would no longer be kept secret. Full story...

Disgraced prosecutor Mike Nifong didn't show up in court today for a hearing to consider his immediate removal as Durham County district attorney. Full story...

Closing arguments were heard today in Antonio McAllister's trial. McAllister is accused of raping and beating a 78-year-old Pender County woman. It's now up to the jury as to whether McAllister walks away a free man, or whether he's sent to prison. Full story...

One-stop voting may soon take just one stop. A bill just passed in the State Senate would allow someone to vote the same day they register. But some people are worried it could cause more problems than it's worth. The bill hasn't been signed into law yet. But already it has some people worried it could lead to more cases of voter fraud. Full story...

The Senate has agreed to allow residents to register to vote and cast a ballot immediately before an election. Full story...

The House today approved a bill inspired by the scandal surrounding the chamber's former leader. The bill would require corrupt officials to forfeit their pensions. Full story...

Governor Easley has named Jim Hardin to replace Mike Nifong as acting Durham County district attorney. Full story...

Today is the day Brunswick County Sheriff Ron Hewett was scheduled to testify before a federal grand jury in Raleigh, but the sheriff isn't there. Sheriff Hewett will not say why he isn't there -- only that he'll be working in Brunswick County the rest of the week. Hewett along with a number of other employees from the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office were issued subpoenas June 7. Full story...

A House committee today approved a bill to set aside $10 million for embryonic stem cell research in North Carolina. The measure passed despite the concerns of opponents about the protection of human life. Full story...

Lawmakers have unanimously approved legislation that allows Governor Easley to immediately remove Durham County District Attorney Mike Nifong from office. Full story...

It may not look like Mike Nifong can fall any further. His law license is lost and his reputation's in tatters. Full story...

The State Board of Elections will consider a campaign finance complaint against Representative Mary McAllister's campaign on June 27. Full story...

An attorney says defense attorneys for three Duke lacrosse players accused of rape last year made repeated requests of prosecutor Mike Nifong for the full results of DNA testing in the case. Full story...

Federal lawsuits allege that 28 Duke University computer users illegally downloaded music on the school's computer system. Full story...