Carowinds’ owner Cedar Fair announces merger with Six Flags + CMS names principal of the year winner
Hey, everyone! Drew here. It’s Friday Jr.!
Still reveling in that Panthers’ win from Sunday? Then you should check out the latest episode of The Charlotte Observer’s Carolina Panthers podcast “Processing Blue.”
Langston Wertz Jr. and Panthers reporter Mike Kaye discussed the team’s activity (or lack thereof) at the trade deadline, Bryce Young’s improved play and more.
You can listen to their full conversation here.
On to the news!
1. Amusement park giants Cedar Fair and Six Flags to merge, move HQ to Charlotte
Cedar Fair, the company that owns Carowinds amusement park, announced today it is merging with Six Flags Entertainment Corp.
The merger, valued at $8 billion, will also see the company’s new headquarters moved to Charlotte, according to a company news release.
Catherine Muccigrosso with more on the merger.
2. Charlotte educator named CMS principal of the year: ‘It’s really personal for me’
Dwight Thompson knew two years ago he had a chance to make a bigger impact.
He was named principal of Renaissance West STEAM Academy two years ago, and his impact is already being noticed. Today, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools named Thompson its principal of the year.
Anna Maria Della Costa shares more on the honor received by Thompson.
3. Undercover agents catch man in NC who plotted to rape a child. He worked for a sheriff.
A once-trusted Tennessee officer will spend nearly two decades in jail as a “dangerous predator” who traveled over state lines to rape a toddler in North Carolina, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said today.
John Allen Biggins, 42, was a corrections officer at the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office. He told undercover agents he wanted to engage in “illicit sexual acts with a minor female child,” according to a news release from Dena J. King, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Julia Coin has the latest.
4. Charlotte pastor treating her first marathon as a celebration: ‘I deserve to love my body’
Taylor Pryde Barefoot seems to have no problem whatsoever maintaining her composure as she talks about her years-long personal struggles with disordered eating, with body dysmorphia, and with finding a healthy way to enjoy running.
On Saturday morning, Barefoot will run 26.2 miles during the Charlotte Marathon along with roughly 1,750 other people who have roughly 1,750 unique reasons for running.
Théoden Janes shares Barefoot’s story, in her own words.
5. Some more stories to read
Police officer hit while directing traffic at CMS elementary school during drop-off
Cocktail and small bites lounge Room Service opens soon at Charlotte’s Camp North End
NC lawmakers lowered graduation requirements. Some schools want them changed back.
LendingTree eliminated over 30% of its jobs in the past year, company says
New mobile stage will let Charlotte Symphony roll into neighborhoods for free concerts
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This story was originally published November 2, 2023 at 3:45 PM.