Powdered alcohol creator tries to get ahead of state bans

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) -- The creator of powdered alcohol is furiously trying to fend off efforts to ban the product in Maine and across the country before it even hits stores. After winning federal approval last month, Palcohol founder Mark Phillips is preparing to soon begin selling the powder, which makes vodka and rum drinks or cocktails when mixed with water. But first, Phillips must convince skeptical lawmakers from Hawaii to Maine, who are working frantically to keep powdered alcohol off limits. "We're all trying to get our laws in place before it hits the shelves, and he wants to get it on the shelves as...