Panthers mock draft: Carolina lands its ‘QB of the future’ + Inside The Avett Brothers’ first musical

Hey, everyone! Drew here. Happy Hump Day!

Here’s your news for today.

1. Panthers mock draft: How Carolina lands its ‘QB of the future’ with big deal

It’s no secret that the Panthers are searching for a franchise quarterback.

With the combine behind them and free agency and the NFL Draft looming, fans are left wondering what moves will the team make to potentially land a franchise player at QB?

Mike Kaye runs you through his first mock draft of the season.

2. Inside look at The Avett Brothers’ first musical, a tense shipwreck survival saga

The Avett Brothers never planned on making a musical.

But nearly a decade ago, a young theater producer from south Charlotte believed one of their albums could support such a venture. Now, the NC-based band’s first musical, “Swept Away,” will play this fall in Washington, D.C.

Adam Bell has exclusive interviews with the band, producers and more.

3. Huntersville residents pan, praise planned Birkdale Village expansion

Huntersville is just two weeks out from voting on the planned expansion of Birkdale Village.

On Monday, residents both panned and praised the developer’s proposal at a town board of commissioners meeting.

“I don’t want this area to be passed by,” Sheila Wilson, a homeowner in the area said. “I want to see continued growth and prosperity. I want my property value to continue to be strengthened and sustained by the vitality and viability of the Village.”

Joe Marusak shares more from the meeting.

4. Former NC candidate Bennett, who ran against Cawthorn, pleads guilty to campaign charge

The candidate who former Rep. Mark Meadows handpicked to replace him in Congress pleaded guilty in federal court today on a campaign finance charge.

Lynda Bennett, of Haywood County, appeared in federal court in Washington, D.C., accused of knowingly taking $25,000 from a relative and doing so in another person’s name. Her sentencing is set for June 20.

Danielle Battaglia reports on Bennett’s court appearance.

5. Some more stories to read

• Midtown bicycle shop in Charlotte marks expansion, new ownership on strong sales

• Has a drug-resistant bacteria that can cause inflammatory diarrhea spread to Charlotte?

• New to The Charlotte Observer: List your community event for free

• She’s gone from Charlotte to Broadway, HBO Max and sold-out concerts. But is she happy?

• Call for NC to ratify Equal Rights Amendment renewed by legislative Democrats

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This story was originally published March 8, 2023 at 3:28 PM.