The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deadly fire Thursday morning. A man died in the fire at a house at 40 Wallace Street in the Duncan Community.

It’s another big example of how much my native North Carolina has changed.

The General Assembly has approved a smoking ban, and Governor Beverly Perdue says she will sign it into law.

That’s right.  A smoking ban in the state where tobacco has been king for generations.

The ban applies to most restaurants and bars.  Private clubs and cigar bars are excluded.

If you’re smoking and refuse to stop, you can be fined up to fifty dollars.

The ban would take effect January 2, 2010.

The North Carolina Statehouse approved a ban on smoking at bars and restaurants Wednesday.

A statewide smoking ban has been tentatively approved by the North Carolina State Senate which could pave the way for the proposed ban to become law.

A bill headed to the state Senate floor would make it illegal to smoke in a car if there is a child who is ten or younger inside.

The new ordinance prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places in the city, including restaurants, bars and malls.

The Great American Smokeout starts on Nov. 20.

The vaccine protects against bacteria that cause bacterial pneumonia, meningitis and other illnesses.