news-record.com

From our for what it’s worth department:

• North Carolina Judges Jim Wynn and Albert Diaz cleared a Judiciary Committee vote today, according to Sen. Kay Hagan’s office. The next stop for their confirmation is the Senate floor. Doug Clark has details.
   
• Various North Carolina farm interests will get together and study water use. The idea, says N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, is to head off “regressive” policies that could be put in place when the next drought comes along. He argues farmers use only 1 percent of the state’s water but have been big targets of water resource legislation. The study is funded by Altria, the parent company of cigarette maker Phillip Morris. News release.
   
• North Carolina will get $545 million in funding for high speed rail. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson announced the funding award today during a ceremony at the newly renovated Durham train station, according to the governor’s office. News release.
   
• Ruffin Poole, a former aid to former Gov. Mike Easley, appeared in federal court today. Reports from my friends at other outlets say his appearance was quick, mainly just setting the bail. News & Observer.
   
• U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx says she’ll run for re-election. N+R Online.