Panthers’ Shaq Thompson likely out for season + $58M investment by Chick-fil-A will bring jobs to NC

Andrew Nantais
·2 min read

Hey, everyone! Drew here. Happy Tuesday!

Let’s get right to the news.

1. Panthers’ Shaq Thompson undergoes surgery less than 24 hours after injury

Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson acknowledges the cheers of the fans as he is driven off the field after being injured during first-quarter action against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on Monday night.
Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson acknowledges the cheers of the fans as he is driven off the field after being injured during first-quarter action against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on Monday night.

Last night’s game wasn’t the only thing the Carolina Panthers lost.

Linebacker Shaq Thompson is likely to miss the remainder of the season after fracturing his fibula during the team’s 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Thompson sustained the injury late in the first quarter.

Mike Kaye with more on Thompson’s recovery.

2. New $58M Chick-fil-A supply and distribution center near Charlotte to bring over 110 jobs

A new Chick-fil-A Supply and distribution center in Kannapolis to help fast-food chicken restaurant chain grow its supply chain operation.
A new Chick-fil-A Supply and distribution center in Kannapolis to help fast-food chicken restaurant chain grow its supply chain operation.

Chick-fil-A is making a big investment in North Carolina.

The popular Southern chicken chain plans to open a $58.3 million distribution center that will create more than 110 jobs in Kannapolis. It is expected to open in the third quarter of next year.

Catherine Muccigrosso has more details on the latest move by Chick-fil-A.

3. ‘Do-or-die time’ for Northlake Mall after it sued stores that left following shootings

American Eagle Outfitters, which left Northlake Mall in the spring, was sued by mall operator Spinoso Real Estate Group. The retailer countersued, calling the north Charlotte mall a “warzone.” Seen here in this file photo is an American Eagle store in Kansas.
American Eagle Outfitters, which left Northlake Mall in the spring, was sued by mall operator Spinoso Real Estate Group. The retailer countersued, calling the north Charlotte mall a “warzone.” Seen here in this file photo is an American Eagle store in Kansas.

The struggles continue for Northlake Mall.

The mall is suing American Eagle and four other major retailers who left in recent months, claiming they still owe rent. Northlake’s legal situation, along with the violence and ongoing financial troubles, led one retail expert at Queens University of Charlotte to say the shopping center’s in a “death spiral.”

Catherine Muccigrosso reports.

4. An updated COVID-19 booster is now available. Here’s how to get it in Charlotte

The Peach State is the fourth least vaccinated state in the country.
The Peach State is the fourth least vaccinated state in the country.

COVID-19 is still kicking and you need to stay on your toes.

With the state experiencing a surge in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, all residents have been encouraged to receive the latest vaccines to protect against the virus.

Kendrick Marshall shares how you can get your booster in Charlotte.

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.

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