Steve Wilks issues statement on Panthers’ coaching hire + Union County walks back early school start
Hey, everyone! Drew here. TGIF!
Queens Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week is almost over!
You’re running out of time to take advantage of some awesome offers.
There are 87 restaurants participating this year. Check out a new place! You might be surprised at what you find.
On to your news.
1. Steve Wilks issues statement on Panthers hiring of Frank Reich
Steve Wilks released a statement on social media today about the Panthers’ decision to name Frank Reich their new head coach.
“The sun rose this morning and by grace of God so did I,” Wilks said in a screen-grabbed message posted to Twitter. “I’m disappointed but not defeated. Many people aren’t built for this but I know what it means to persevere and see it through.”
Wilks posted a 6-6 record after taking over for Matt Rhule following a 1-4 start.
Mike Kaye shares more from Wilks’ statement.
2. Union County to follow NC law, kills plan for early school year start
It turns out Union County Public Schools will not violate state law.
The school board backpedaled from its 2023-24 calendar that featured and early start date to the school year, which is against N.C. regulations.
“This is another example of public education getting hosed by the special interests and politicians in this state,” board member Gary Sides said.
Anna Maria Della Costa details the board’s recent vote.
3. Officer shortage part of slower 911 police response times in Charlotte, officials say
One phrase is becoming common to hear on Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers’ radios: “no units available.”
It’s another way of saying 911 dispatch cannot send police officers right away, either to respond to a call or when officers call for backup or assistance at a crime scene.
A current staff shortage of 300 police officers may be contributing to longer response times to lower priority incidents, says Fraternal Order of Police President Daniel Redford.
Kallie Cox has the latest on what CMPD’s officer shortage
4. Some longreads for your weekend
From Jim Crow to anti-gay laws, North Carolina has chosen to keep unconstitutional rules
Frank Reich just became the Carolina Panthers’ new coach. But why not Steve Wilks?
‘Sorry to wake you up.’ Volunteers count Charlotte’s growing homeless population
How a Tesla and a prom turned 2 men in their 70s — 1 Black, 1 white — into best friends
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