Christine Zhu
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christinezhu.bsky.social
Christine Zhu
@christinezhu.bsky.social
Covering North Carolina politics for States Newsroom’s NC Newsline | dmv & maine & atx grown 🌸🦞🤘 | she/her
Exploring showrooms and offerings at the High Point Market, I plopped down in a bean bag, amazed at how soft and luxurious it felt.

Its manufacturer’s suggested retail price rose 37.42% this year, going from $1,320 to $1,814, as a result of tariffs.

ncnewsline.com/2025/10/29/n...
New furniture tariffs ripple through North Carolina's High Point Market • NC Newsline
The U.S. began charging higher tariffs on foreign softwood lumber and timber, kitchen cabinets, vanities and upholstered wooden furniture two weeks ago, and even larger increases are set for January 1...
ncnewsline.com
October 29, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Robert Cerniglia recalls the late 2016 opening of H Mart in Cary as monumental for members of his community.

It’s the only H Mart in North Carolina, and shoppers flock to it from all over the state.

But in recent years, prices have been going up. #ncpol

ncnewsline.com/2025/10/20/t...
Tariffs threaten Korean culture, import boom in North Carolina as prices increase • NC Newsline
In July, Trump announced a 25% tariff on goods made in South Korea. He later lowered the rate to 15%, including for South Korean cars.
ncnewsline.com
October 20, 2025 at 3:34 PM
U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse held a roundtable in Raleigh on Tuesday to address climate change driving up insurance costs.

The Rhode Island Democrat says his home state and North Carolina share similar risks from climate change. #ncpol

ncnewsline.com/2025/10/14/u...
US Sen. Whitehouse links rising insurance costs to climate change at Raleigh roundtable • NC Newsline
The Rhode Island Democrat says his home state and North Carolina share similar risks from climate change.
ncnewsline.com
October 14, 2025 at 10:56 PM
A judge has set bond at $1,050,000 for Rep. Cecil Brockman during a Friday court appearance after he was charged with multiple sex crimes against a minor. #ncpol

ncnewsline.com/2025/10/10/j...
Judge issues $1M bond for NC Rep. Brockman in first court appearance • NC Newsline
Brockman was arrested Wednesday and charged with two counts of indecent liberties with a child and two counts of statutory rape of a 15-year-old victim.
ncnewsline.com
October 10, 2025 at 7:40 PM
NEW: Gov. Josh Stein described Brockman's charges as “extremely serious and deeply troubling.”

“While the legal process has yet to play out, it’s clear he cannot effectively serve his constituents and should resign immediately,” Stein said. #ncpol

ncnewsline.com/briefs/nc-re...
Stein calls for Rep. Brockman's resignation after arrest, charges of sex crimes • NC Newsline
Brockman, 41, was charged with two counts of indecent liberties with a child and two counts of statutory rape of someone between the ages of 13 and 15.
ncnewsline.com
October 9, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Cecil Brockman, a Democrat representing Guilford County in the North Carolina House, was arrested Wednesday and charged with multiple sex crimes, according to Guilford County records.

He is expected to appear in court on Thursday. #ncpol

ncnewsline.com/briefs/nc-re...
NC Rep. Cecil Brockman arrested, faces charges of multiple sex crimes with minor • NC Newsline
Brockman, 41, was charged with two counts of indecent liberties with a child and two counts of statutory rape of someone between the ages of 13 and 15.
ncnewsline.com
October 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM
GOLDSBORO — Rep. Don Davis, a Democrat representing North Carolina’s first congressional district in the eastern part of the state, is asking national leaders to restore access to flood insurance despite the federal government shutdown. #ncpol

ncnewsline.com/2025/10/07/u...
US Rep. Don Davis urges flood insurance fix amid government shutdown • NC Newsline
North Carolina’s eastern residents rely on the National Flood Insurance Program during hurricane season.
ncnewsline.com
October 7, 2025 at 7:49 PM
A FERC analysis found the Mountain Valley Pipeline Southgate project potentially redundant.

Another natural gas pipeline, the Southeast Supply Enhancement Project, could remove the need for Southgate, regulators say. #ncpol

ncnewsline.com/2025/10/06/f...
FERC analysis finds MVP Southgate natural gas project potentially redundant • NC Newsline
Another natural gas pipeline, the Southeast Supply Enhancement Project, could remove the need for Southgate, regulators say.
ncnewsline.com
October 6, 2025 at 7:26 PM
President Trump promises "substantial" tariffs on imported furniture, an effort to help out manufacturers in North Carolina.

He announced last week a 50% tariff on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, and a 30% tariff on upholstered furniture, to take place Oct. 1.

#ncpol
September 29, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Gov. Josh Stein signed an order Friday afternoon allowing eligible North Carolinians to receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine without obtaining a prescription. #ncpol

ncnewsline.com/briefs/stein...
Stein orders COVID-19 vaccines available without a prescription in North Carolina • NC Newsline
COVID-19 vaccines available without a prescription in North Carolina under new Stein orders..
ncnewsline.com
September 12, 2025 at 8:13 PM
The rollout of updated COVID-19 vaccines has left many North Carolinians puzzled over whether they qualify for the new booster shots.

ncnewsline.com/briefs/north...
North Carolinians can access updated COVID-19 vaccines, but obstacles remain • NC Newsline
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is "closely monitoring" for changes in federal guidelines.
ncnewsline.com
September 9, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Hurricane Erin pounded the Outer Banks Wednesday, leaving behind floodwaters and closing portions of Highway 12.

But the storm spared most of North Carolina. For the Triangle, it’s been a lull in what feels like a constant stream of raining and flooding.

ncnewsline.com/2025/08/21/n...
North Carolina nears historic flash flood warning mark, with more storms approaching • NC Newsline
Only two years on record have had more flash flood warnings by this point in time.
ncnewsline.com
August 21, 2025 at 2:14 PM
What does the proposed merger of Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress actually mean for customers?

Took a look here:

ncnewsline.com/2025/08/15/c...
Customer impact questioned as Duke Energy proposes consolidation of NC utilities • NC Newsline
Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress merger could promise saving for electricity customers.
ncnewsline.com
August 15, 2025 at 8:32 PM
North Carolinians can provide public comment on a natural gas pipeline at a hearing Tuesday evening, the latest step in the MVP Southgate project cutting through the state.

#ncpol

ncnewsline.com/2025/08/12/n...
NC DEQ holds public hearing Tuesday on MVP Southgate natural gas project • NC Newsline
DEQ denied a water quality permit for the Southgate project back in 2020.
ncnewsline.com
August 12, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Democrats in North Carolina’s congressional delegation criticized the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision on Thursday to cut a grant program that would take away more than $156 million from solar projects in the state. #ncpol

ncnewsline.com/2025/08/08/n...
North Carolina congressional Democrats ask EPA to restore $156M in solar grants • NC Newsline
Solar for All offered $7 billion in grants across the country to more than 900,000 low-income households for solar projects.
ncnewsline.com
August 8, 2025 at 7:09 PM
North Carolina lawmakers will return to Raleigh this week intending to override several of Gov. Josh Stein’s vetoes on more than a dozen bills. When they do, it’ll be under the watchful eyes of numerous advocacy groups. #ncpol

With @galenb.bsky.social:

ncnewsline.com/2025/07/28/n...
NC lawmakers prepare to try and override Stein vetoes, while activists look to secure key votes • NC Newsline
North Carolina lawmakers return to Raleigh this week intending to override Gov. Josh Stein's vetoes on more than a dozen bills
ncnewsline.com
July 28, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Here’s a look at how North Carolina’s congressional delegation is responding to President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” moving forward. #ncpol

ncnewsline.com/2025/07/02/h...
Here's how NC's congressional delegation is reacting to Trump's megabill • NC Newsline
Here's a look at how North Carolina's congressional delegation is responding to President Trump's "one big beautiful bill"
ncnewsline.com
July 2, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Several new laws will take effect on Tuesday, July 1 in North Carolina.

Here’s a look at a few and what they mean for North Carolinians. #ncpol

ncnewsline.com/2025/06/30/a...
A trio of new state laws will take effect July 1 • NC Newsline
New North Carolina laws include a ban on some vaping products, changes to automotive insurance policies, and a transportation commerce tax.
ncnewsline.com
June 30, 2025 at 5:44 PM
June 11, 2025 at 8:33 PM
The North Carolina House voted 59-48 Wednesday to pass a contentious bill allowing constitutional carry, sending it to Gov. Josh Stein for approval.

But not all Republicans voted for it.

The legislature may not be able to override an anticipated gubernatorial veto. #ncpol
June 11, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Tuesday’s roll call vote highlighted the panel’s disagreement on Senate Bill 50.

Some Republicans voted against the measure. Others chose not to vote, hinting at their disapproval but unwillingness to deviate from party expectations. #ncpol

ncnewsline.com/briefs/const...
Constitutional carry bill clears final House committee, heads to floor • NC Newsline
Senate Bill 50, “Freedom to Carry NC,” would allow individuals who are U.S. citizens, at least 18 years of age, and not otherwise prohibited by law, to carry concealed weapons without applying for a p...
ncnewsline.com
June 10, 2025 at 7:00 PM
The North Carolina House Judiciary 2 Committee voted 6-5 along party lines Tuesday to pass a bill to allow the permitless carry of concealed firearms, one of the most controversial topics of the current legislative session. #ncpol

ncnewsline.com/2025/06/03/h...
House Judiciary panel approves controversial concealed weapons bill • NC Newsline
a North Carolina House committee has approved a proposal to allow all citizen 18 and older to carry concealed handguns without a permit
ncnewsline.com
June 3, 2025 at 7:36 PM
North Carolina Senate Select Committee on Nominations voted to approve Don van der Vaart's appointment to the North Carolina Utilities Commission.

Expected to appear in front of the full Senate chamber tomorrow for confirmation. #ncpol

Updated story:

ncnewsline.com/2025/05/14/n...
May 14, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Senate Select Committee on Nominations will take up van der Vaart's appointment during their 1 p.m. session.

Also on the agenda:
- Chris Ayers as executive director of public staff of NCUC
- Regina Adams as a member of the Board of Review
May 14, 2025 at 5:07 PM
This morning in North Carolina's Senate Agriculture, Energy, and Environment Committee:

- voted to confirm Donald van der Vaart as a member of the North Carolina Utilities Commission
- considered Reid Wilson as DEQ secretary (discussion only)

#ncpol

ncnewsline.com/2025/05/14/n...
NC Senate panel endorses van der Vaart for Utilities Commission slot • NC Newsline
North Carolina Senate committee voted to confirm Donald van der Vaart as a member of the North Carolina Utilities Commission
ncnewsline.com
May 14, 2025 at 5:03 PM