Christine Zhu

1 day ago | ncnewsline.com | Christine Zhu

The North Carolina Senate Agriculture, Energy, and Environment Committee voted Wednesday morning to confirm Donald van der Vaart as a member of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, forwarding the resolution to the Senate Select Committee on Nominations. Appointed by Republican Treasurer Brad Briner, van der Vaart previously served as North Carolina’s environment secretary. He’s a climate skeptic who was considered for EPA administrator during the first Trump administration.

1 week ago | ncnewsline.com | Christine Zhu |Brandon Kingdollar

The North Carolina Senate passed 20 bills Wednesday afternoon in its final series of votes prior to the General Assembly’s Thursday crossover deadline, after which only bills that have passed at least one chamber can be considered. Among the higher profile measures approved were bills that would allow carrying concealed firearms in private schools, protect parents who do not affirm their child’s trans identity, and provide financial support to farmers.

1 week ago | ncnewsline.com | Christine Zhu

Gun control advocates and faith leaders held a press conference at the state Legislative Building Wednesday urging lawmakers to oppose bills that would allow carrying concealed firearms without a permit. It’s one of the biggest issues this session. Legislators are considering bills that would allow “constitutional carry,” or the idea that individuals should be able to carry concealed weapons without restrictions based on the Second Amendment.

1 week ago | ncnewsline.com | Christine Zhu

With about 100 activists in attendance, the North Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee voted Tuesday against banning the sale of raw milk. Sen. Brent Jackson (R-Bladen, Duplin, Jones, Pender, Sampson) presented Senate Bill 639 or the North Carolina Farm Act of 2025 to the panel. In its original form, the bill would have repealed provisions in state law that authorize the distribution of unpasteurized milk for personal use.

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Christine Zhu

A quality control expert inspects milk in the laboratory. (Photo: Getty Images)With about 100 activists in attendance, the North Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee voted Tuesday against banning the sale of raw milk. Sen. Brent Jackson (R-Bladen, Duplin, Jones, Pender, Sampson) presented Senate Bill 639 or the North Carolina Farm Act of 2025 to the panel. In its original form, the bill would have repealed provisions in state law that authorize the distribution of unpasteurized milk for personal use.