Former Panthers interim coach Steve Wilks lands new gig + Major Plaza Midwood intersection closed for repairs

Hey, everyone! Drew here. Happy Tuesday!

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Here’s your news for today.

1. Former Panthers interim head coach Steve Wilks expected to join San Francisco 49ers

Former Panthers interim coach Steve Wilks wasted no time in finding his next gig.

After Carolina opted to hire Frank Reich as the team’s next full-time head coach, Wilks interviewed with the San Francisco 49ers for their vacant defensive coordinator position. The 49ers are now planning to hire Wilks, a league source confirmed to The Observer.

Wilks, a Charlotte native, coached the Panthers to a 6-6 record after owner David Tepper fired Matt Rhule in October.

Mike Kaye has the info on Wilks’ next move.

2. Major intersection in Plaza Midwood closes for pipe repairs — again

An emergency pipe repair has closed the Plaza Midwood intersection again.

Charlotte Water crews closed Central Avenue at Hawthorne Lane, near Overton Row Apartments and Moo & Brew this morning to repair a water pipe under the railroad crossing. The same intersection saw a massive sewage spill in July that required it to close.

The repair could take at least two weeks, but nearby businesses will still be accessible, according to Charlotte Water.

Julia Coin shares more details on the closure.

3. Charlotte furniture store owners get 3 days in jail for jilting state on taxes

A South Carolina couple received suspended sentences after pleading guilty this week to felony tax crime charges involving two Charlotte furniture stores.

Thomas and Michelle Alexander kept $273,948 they owed in N.C. sales taxes from their businesses, District 704 and Urban Farmhouse Furniture Co., according to a news release by the state Department of Revenue today. The Alexanders kept the money for their own use, but the department did not say how the couple spent the money.

Joe Marusak goes into more specifics on the Alexanders’ guilty plea.

4. Exclusive: Former Panther Greg Olsen on broadcasting the Super Bowl — and Tom Brady

“Sports Legends of the Carolinas” is back for Season 2 and the guest on today’s premiere episode needs no introduction for Panthers fans: Greg Olsen.

He spent nine seasons lighting up defenses at Bank of America Stadium as a Pro Bowl tight end for Carolina, even helping the team to an appearance in Super Bowl 50. Now, he finds himself back in the spotlight for the big game, only this time he’ll be in the booth calling Super Bowl LVII for Fox Sports on Sunday.

Scott Fowler sat down with Olsen to discuss the upcoming game, his playing days in Carolina and more.

5. Some more stories to read

• North Carolina’s Richard Burr joins global law and lobbying firm after leaving Senate

• 3 things to know about latest building changes in Elizabeth neighborhood on E. 7th Street

• With Beth Wood avoiding public questions, Cooper and Stein will let process ‘play out’

• Latest update on Northlake Mall sale, vacancy rate concerns detailed in court records

• NASCAR driver Kyle Busch clarifies his arrest in Mexico after discovery of firearm

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