CMPD busts multi-state luxury car theft ring + Inside story of Frank Reich’s first game as QB with Panthers

Hey, everyone! Drew here. It’s Friday Jr.!

Are you ready for the Panthers season to kick off on Sunday? If not, then this week’s episode of “Sports Legends of the Carolinas” should help.

Scott Fowler interviewed one of the most popular Panthers players ever: Thomas Davis. They discussed Super Bowl 50, Cam Newton, Bryce Young and much more. Listen to their full conversation here.

Now on to your news.

1. Police bust multi-state luxury car theft ring based in Charlotte. Suspects made $11M

An investigation by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department led officers to a group of suspects right here in North Carolina.

The group was conducting a massive, multi-state luxury car theft ring. According to the indictment, the group allegedly “stole dozens of vehicles worth millions of dollars” from several states.

Kallie Cox with the story.

2. NC community in shock, seeking answers after furniture maker’s abrupt closure

On Aug. 23, 533 employees of an N.C.-based furniture company learned they no longer had jobs.

“It was just out of nowhere,” said Darius Spratt, who worked for Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams for seven years. “Before you know it, it was on Facebook saying Mitchell Gold shut down, you are not to enter the property.”

Catherine Muccigrosso spoke with several former employees about the abrupt closure.

3. Panthers head coach Frank Reich is about to mark a huge milestone in Atlanta. Again.

A new season kicks off for the Carolina Panthers on Sunday and with it, a new sense of hope for fans.

The team’s been plenty busy this offseason as it traded up and drafted Bryce Young with the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. It also brought back a familiar face, but in a new role: head coach Frank Reich.

Scott Fowler has the story on Reich’s return to the Charlotte.

4. Top Charlotte bank executive named new president of Foundation for the Carolinas

The Foundation for the Carolinas will enter its fourth generation of leadership next year.

Veteran Bank of America executive Cathy Bessant will take over the Charlotte-based nonprofit organization. Bessant succeeds Michael Marsicano who grew the foundation’s assets from $245 million in 1999 to nearly $4 billion.

Julia Coin with more from the announcement earlier today.

5. Some more stories to read

• Another store is leaving Northlake Mall, but the mall isn’t letting go easily

• Full-court basketball could return to Sheffield Park after pickleball outrage, county says

• Just recently tested positive for COVID? Here’s how to get free treatment in NC

• Airline tickets out of Charlotte among the priciest in the country, new report finds

• NC Republicans may be second-guessing at least some of their bad elections bill | Opinion

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