Jeff Tiberrii reports from Greensboro about Guilford Country and surrounding area. Here's a collection of WUNC reports about Greensboro and Guildford Country by Jeff and other WUNC reporters.
Across the state elected officials, business leaders and job seekers continue to monitor unemployment rates, local economic growth and job opportunities. In Greensboro the Chamber of Commerce touted some good news this week, hoping to spark a little optimism. Jeff Tiberii reports there are signs of improvement, but also lingering problems in the workforce.
About ten years ago, Janet Danahey set fire to the porch of her boyfriend's apartment complex. She claimed it was a prank. Four people died in the resulting fire, and Danahey agreed to a deal for life in prison in order avoid the death penalty. Now she wants to take her plea deal back and receive clemency from the governor. WUNC Greensboro Bureau Chief Jeff Tiberii joins host Frank Stasio to explore the controversial case.
Liz Seymour was in her 50s when she found herself divorced, living in a group house with her foster son and dumpster diving for food. She had left her comfortable, middle class existence willingly in order to find what she calls her "right-sized life." She became an anarchist and activist. Today she is the executive director of the Interactive Resource Center, Greensboro's only day center for people managing homelessness. Liz Seymour joins host Frank Stasio to discuss her journey from orderliness into happy chaos.
Chuck Folds, Steve Willard and Eddie Walker had been playing in rock bands all over the Triad when they formed Big Bang Boom, a band that makes family music. The decision was organic; they were dads and wanted to make some music their kids and their wives could love.
Voters in Greensboro will not see a referendum for a new performing arts center on the November ballot.
Jeff Tiberii: A task force has been studying the feasibility of a new downtown arts venue. They had hoped a $20 million bond referendum would be posed to voters this fall. But the City Council ultimately decided it was not comfortable moving the issue forward. Ross Harris is one of 80 task force members working for the arts center.
Education leaders in Guilford County are looking at how private donations would affect public schools.
Jeff Tiberii: A group of parents at one Greensboro Elementary School wants to go beyond the average book or bake sale. They’re hoping to raise $1.5 million for a new building. School board members are considering both sides of an issue that would likely provide some schools with more private money than others. Chairman of the board Alan Duncan:
Clothing manufacturer Ralph Lauren has announced it will expand in North Carolina.
Jeff Tiberii: The company plans to add 500 jobs by the end of 2017 while also investing about $100 million. Ralph Lauren is the city’s fourth largest employer and will have nearly 2,000 local workers after these additions. Governor Bev Perdue says the growth is a positive sign for the economy.
