N.Y. county bans use of alcohol-inhaling machine
HUNTINGTON, N.Y. - The Suffolk County Legislature unanimously approved what could be the first law in the country prohibiting a machine that allows users to inhale alcohol.
The measure, approved by a 17-0 vote Tuesday, makes it illegal to sell, buy or use the alcohol without liquid - or AWOL - machine, which combines liquor with pressurized oxygen, turning it into a mist that can be inhaled through the nose or mouth.
AWOL's makers say the device is a low-calorie, low-carbohydrate way for people to get a euphoric feeling without the hangover that might result from drinking.
Critics charge that AWOL will lead to increases in drunken driving, underage drinking and other alcohol abuses.
AWOL is distributed and marketed in the United States by Spirit Partners of Greensboro.
N.C. woman could face death penalty in girl's poisoning
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. - A woman accused in the poisoning death of a 7-year-old girl could face the death penalty if convicted, an Onslow County judge ruled Monday.
Carolyn Futrell, 33, of Richlands, has pleaded not guilty in the slaying of Kayla Allen, who died from insecticide poisoning in August 2003 while Futrell was her legal guardian.
