* The N.C. Bear Hunters Association tells Gov. Beverly Perdue it'll help out next time she has a run in with a bear.

* Local governments in Transylvania County are interested in building homes to provide to local school teachers.

* Consultant Gary Pearce tells a fascinating story about oilman Walter Davis sending $20,000 in cash to Jim Hunt. (They sent it back.) 

* Liberal columnist Chris Fitzsimon hails a survey of CEOs by Chief Executive Magazine that finds North Carolina No. 2 for business climate.