Missing NC teen found safe after nearly 2-week search + Record-highs temperatures in mix for Charlotte

Andrew Nantais
·2 min read

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

Looking forward to the Panthers’ next game against the Texans? Then you should check out the latest episode of The Charlotte Observer’s Carolina Panthers podcast “Processing Blue.”

This week, Houston Chronicle Texans beat reporter Jonathan M. Alexander joined the show to discuss the impending showdown between Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud.

Listen to the full episode here.

On to the news.

1. Missing NC teen found with sex offender 750 miles away from home

Lauren Heath, a 16-year-old who went missing in Indian Trail on Oct. 13, was found safe in Missouri, Monroe Police Department announced on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2023.
Lauren Heath, a 16-year-old who went missing in Indian Trail on Oct. 13, was found safe in Missouri, Monroe Police Department announced on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2023.

An Indian Trail teenager last seen leaving her home 12 days ago was found in Missouri, the Monroe Police Department said today.

The 16-year-old was found in the car of registered sex offender Christopher James Porter, 30, in a Lowe’s parking lot near St. Louis.

Julia Coin continues to update this story.

2. NC clears hurdle for Bank of America Stadium renovations with 26-year tax extension

Mecklenburg County’s food and beverage tax has been extended by the North Carolina legislature.

The move could open the door to renovations for Bank of America Stadium in uptown Charlotte, home of the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC.

Mary Ramsey has more.

3. Jeff Jackson, a target of GOP maps, announces bid for NC attorney general

Then-state Sen. Jeff Jackson and his family greet guests at Lenny Boy Brewing Co. in Charlotte on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022.
Then-state Sen. Jeff Jackson and his family greet guests at Lenny Boy Brewing Co. in Charlotte on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022.

A second member of North Carolina’s congressional delegation is leaving Washington to run for state attorney general.

Rep. Jeff Jackson, a Democrat from Charlotte, announced his candidacy for attorney general today. This week, the General Assembly passed a map of new congressional districts that left Jackson without a viable path to win.

Danielle Battaglia details Jackson’s announcement.

4. Charlotte could see record high temps this weekend, then a big change on Halloween

Charlotte could see record-high temperatures this weekend, but a major cool-down is in store for trick-or-treaters, a National Weather Service meteorologist said on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023.
Charlotte could see record-high temperatures this weekend, but a major cool-down is in store for trick-or-treaters, a National Weather Service meteorologist said on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023.

Record-high temperatures could be in the mix this weekend for Charlotte, followed by a major cool-down come Halloween.

Highs in the Queen City on Sunday and Monday are forecast to match the respective records of 83 set in 2020 and 84 in 1996, a National Weather Service meteorologist said today.

Joe Marusak runs down what you can expect.

5. Some more stories to read

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Drew Nantais is a Senior Growth & Engagement Producer for the Charlotte Observer.
Drew Nantais is a Senior Growth & Engagement Producer for the Charlotte Observer.