Jeff Tiberii

Governor Pat McCrory wants to create a new agency to help grow North Carolina’s economy. The proposal includes a plan to privatize part of the Commerce Department.

McCrory wants a new outlet to handle job recruitment, efforts to boost exports and promote tourism. Those duties would replace some of the functions the Commerce Department currently handles. Secretary of Commerce Sharon Decker says the goal is a public-private partnership.

"The state has a role in creating incentives, in making this a competitive place economically," she says.

A bi-partisan group of state lawmakers has introduced a bill that would allow for sponsorship of ferry lines along the North Carolina coast.

Last year the state’s seven ferry lines ran a deficit of more than $30 million. The ferry system is consistently in the red, and fuel costs are only making it worse. Leaders have discussed raising fares, but a new bill would avoid that by seeking about $4 million in sponsorship from large corporations. Think the Pepsi-Cola line instead of Hatteras-Ocracoke.

Greensboro residents are upset with Duke Energy again over its tree trimming practices in the city, this time because of pruning around major transmission lines. Concerned locals are taking to Facebook and asking local leaders to do more.

Governor McCrory spoke Wednesday at a North Carolina Chamber event in Greensboro about how he believes the state can best grow the economy and create jobs. The Republican leader of the state offered five areas in which he says the most attention is needed. He also hinted that in the coming weeks he will propose significant reform to Medicaid and the tax code. 

Appalachian State University is expected to announce a major change this week for its athletic department. After more than 40 years competing in the Southern Conference, the school in Boone, NC, will announce a transition to the Sun Belt Conference. App State has considered moving its 20 athletic teams for several years and is likely to start competing in the new conference next year.

North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory introduced his first budget proposal this week and within the measure calls on state legislators to restore seven million of dollars in funding for drug courts. The funding for drug courts was cut two years ago and resources for treatment were slashed last year. Drug courts are designed to help repeat offenders of drug laws get treatment instead of going to jail.

Residents in Greensboro haven’t been able to shop downtown for fresh produce, seafood and prepared meals in decades. The city had two A&P Grocery stores in the early 1970s, but since they left no other markets have filled the void. That changed this week when Deep Roots Market relocated to North Eugene St.

The 60th edition of the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament starts Thursday at the Greensboro Coliseum. The city, which is nicknamed “Tournament Town,” is hosting the event for the 24th time, more than any other venue.

ACC icons like North Carolina State’s David Thompson, UNCs Michael Jordan and Maryland’s Len Bias all played in conference championships that took place in Greensboro. Longtime scorekeeper Gary Strickland witnessed those men play and many other memorable moments.

North Carolina has seen an increase in the number of women who graduate from college and work in managerial and professional positions. The Status of Women in North Carolina report shows some workplace improvements, while also detailing a gender wage gap as well as rise in female poverty and obesity.

The 36th annual ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament tips off Thursday morning at the Greensboro Coliseum.  Last year, more than 60,000 tickets were purchased for the four day event. Fans attending this year’s tournament are likely to notice some of the $8.5 million in renovations and upgrades that were recently completed.