RALEIGH, (AP) — North Carolina senators have given initial approval to two bills that respond to a judge's ruling that found unconstitutional a key section of changes to forced annexation rules in 2011. The Senate voted mostly along party lines Thursday in favor of the legislation. One bill adjusts the method by which people can successfully block a municipality's effort to…

RALEIGH, (AP) — A judge's decision to refuse to dismiss charges against two people linked to North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue's 2008 campaign means the first trial is slated to begin next month. Judge Abraham Jones denied motions by lawyers for Perdue campaign donor "Buzzy" Stubbs and former campaign aide Juleigh Sitton. They were indicted last November on charges that…

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) — City leaders in Myrtle Beach want an extension of a 1 percent sales tax that raises money for tourism promotion. The state tax took effect in 2009 and is set to expire in six years. But The Sun News of Myrtle Beach reports that for long-term planning, city leaders need to know if the money will be coming after that. City manager Tom Leath says city council will…

GREENSBORO, (AP) — Defense attorneys for John Edwards are saying in their closing arguments that the former presidential candidate committed sins but did not commit any crimes. Lead defense attorney Abbe Lowell said Thursday during closing arguments that the government did not prove Edwards knowingly or intentionally violated campaign finance law. That's a key element that must be…

CHAPEL HILL, (AP) — University of North Carolina President Emeritus William Friday is in critical condition at UNC Hospitals. Hospital spokeswoman Stephanie Crayton confirmed the 91-year-old was in the hospital Wednesday, but didn't release any other details. Friday was president of UNC for 30 years, leading the school through integration, the sponsorship of the state education network…