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Cook Out milkshakes at a wedding? + Panthers’ top pick Bryce Young in action at OTAs

Andrew Nantais
·2 min read

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

Tomorrow is National Doughnut Day!

Got a sweet tooth for your favorite circular pastry? Several Charlotte restaurants are offering free desserts and deals in honor of the special day. Chyna Blackmon’s got a full list on where you can nab some free sweets tomorrow.

Here’s your news.

1. Who needs cake? Couple serves Cook Out milkshakes to wedding guests instead

Layne and Taylor Roberts served chocolate and vanilla milkshakes from Cookout during their wedding reception.
Layne and Taylor Roberts served chocolate and vanilla milkshakes from Cookout during their wedding reception.

Who needs wedding cakes when you can have milkshakes?

That was the idea Layne and Taylor Roberts had when they got married back in March. While they did have a small cake to celebrate, the main attraction was milkshakes from Cook Out for more than 100 of their closest friends and family.

Chyna Blackmon spoke with the newlyweds to get the full story.

2. Her infant had salmonella. Now, Fort Mill mom is pushing for more formula precautions.

Fort Mill’s Maggie Szeman plays with her son at a park Wednesday in Fort Mill.
Fort Mill’s Maggie Szeman plays with her son at a park Wednesday in Fort Mill.

Almost a year ago, Fort Mill mom Maggie Szeman welcomed her second child amidst a nationwide infant formula shortage.

Szeman’s son developed an infection at four weeks old and wound up testing positive for salmonella. And Szeman suspects he got it from the baby formula.

John Marks reports on Szeman’s efforts to increase precautions around formula.

3. Panthers OTAs: Thompson discusses reworked contract; Young makes play of the day

Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson celebrates after a tackle against the Atlanta Falcons last season.
Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson celebrates after a tackle against the Atlanta Falcons last season.

It’s been just over a month since the Carolina Panthers selected Bryce Young No. 1 overall in April’s NFL Draft, and we’re getting to see him in action — albeit at practice — this week.

Carolina is in the middle of its second week of organized team activities, and today’s workout took place in front of media.

Mike Kaye was on hand to watch Young and co. and shares some other notes from practice.

4. North Carolina autopsy backlog brings pain, financial crises to grieving families

Valerie Smith-Ragland holds a photo of herself and her son, Makari Jamel Smith. Makari was shot to death by sheriff’s deputies in February 2022 while he was suffering a schizophrenic crisis. It took more than a year for the autopsy report to be completed, and that held up insurance payments. “It has put me in massive financial strain,” Smith-Ragland said.

When people in North Carolina die unexpectedly, a required autopsy report can take more than a year.

That is bringing families financial pain and questions. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says the medical examination system is in a crisis. Delays in completing medical examiner investigations can leave dangerous criminals free from prosecution for many months.

Ames Alexander and David Raynor have more about autopsy backlogs.

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.