Théoden Janes
@theodenjanes.bsky.social
5x Boston Marathon qualifier. 2x Ironman finisher. 1x dad. Oh, I also get paid by @charlotteobserver.bsky.social to write interesting stories and (sometimes) cover entertainment.
Running With Théoden is a special Observer interview series featuring runs with influential Charlotteans. This week: Christopher James Lees.
We ran 3.51 miles with Charlotte Symphony’s resident conductor. Here’s how it went
Running With Théoden is a special Observer interview series featuring runs with influential Charlotteans. This week: Christopher James Lees.
www.charlotteobserver.com
January 12, 2026 at 11:47 AM
Running With Théoden is a special Observer interview series featuring runs with influential Charlotteans. This week: Christopher James Lees.
The former star quarterback for Carolina gets both super-sentimental and super-hyped while back in Charlotte for the team’s playoff game.
In splashy return, Newton gives ‘big ups’ to Tepper before pounding Panthers’ drum
The former star quarterback for Carolina gets both super-sentimental and super-hyped while back in Charlotte for the team’s playoff game.
www.charlotteobserver.com
January 10, 2026 at 11:26 PM
The former star quarterback for Carolina gets both super-sentimental and super-hyped while back in Charlotte for the team’s playoff game.
The uptown Charlotte music festival was a huge deal two years ago. For 2026, it’s a big bust. We, as fans, could use a better explanation.
At first, Lovin’ Life boomed. Then it flopped. Fans deserve to know why | Opinion
The uptown Charlotte music festival was a huge deal two years ago. For 2026, it’s a big bust. We, as fans, could use a better explanation.
www.charlotteobserver.com
January 8, 2026 at 12:03 PM
The uptown Charlotte music festival was a huge deal two years ago. For 2026, it’s a big bust. We, as fans, could use a better explanation.
Running With Théoden is a special Observer interview series featuring runs with influential Charlotteans. First up: Local Y leader Sue Glass.
We ran 3.48 miles with the YMCA of Greater Charlotte’s CEO. Here’s how it went.
Running With Théoden is a special Observer interview series featuring runs with influential Charlotteans. First up: Local Y leader Sue Glass
www.charlotteobserver.com
January 5, 2026 at 12:09 PM
Running With Théoden is a special Observer interview series featuring runs with influential Charlotteans. First up: Local Y leader Sue Glass.
George Walker, a beloved high school teacher and accomplished runner, has died at 64. He showed extraordinary grace and dedication till the end.
ALS diminished this legendary Charlottean’s body — but not his heart or his mind
George Walker, a beloved high school teacher and accomplished runner, died at 64. He showed extraordinary grace and dedication till the end.
www.charlotteobserver.com
January 2, 2026 at 7:48 PM
George Walker, a beloved high school teacher and accomplished runner, has died at 64. He showed extraordinary grace and dedication till the end.
If it’s truly trying to stay afloat, there’s an uncomfortable but simple thing the brewery could do to swing some people back onto its side.
Sycamore Brewing badly needs public relations help. Here’s what I would suggest.
If it’s truly trying to stay afloat, there’s an uncomfortable but simple thing the brewery could do to swing some people back onto its side.
www.charlotteobserver.com
December 31, 2025 at 2:40 PM
If it’s truly trying to stay afloat, there’s an uncomfortable but simple thing the brewery could do to swing some people back onto its side.
Exclusive: Daniel Naroditsky “felt weight on his shoulders” from cheating allegations, says Peter Giannatos, who found him dead at home in October.
Inside Charlotte chess star’s final days: ‘He was hurting,’ a close friend says
Exclusive: Daniel Naroditsky “felt weight on his shoulders” from cheating allegations, says Peter Giannatos, who found him dead at home in October.
www.charlotteobserver.com
December 18, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Exclusive: Daniel Naroditsky “felt weight on his shoulders” from cheating allegations, says Peter Giannatos, who found him dead at home in October.
Neil Heuer’s HOA wants people to stop coming into Aero Plantation to see the Christmas-themed show at his home. Heuer just doesn’t get it.
In quiet Waxhaw neighborhood, a noisy fight is simmering over his holiday lights
Neil Heuer’s HOA wants people to stop coming into Aero Plantation to see the Christmas-themed show at his home. Heuer just doesn’t get it.
www.charlotteobserver.com
December 10, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Neil Heuer’s HOA wants people to stop coming into Aero Plantation to see the Christmas-themed show at his home. Heuer just doesn’t get it.
Cindy Himmel was inspired to create Frolly by her love for pups — and one young man’s ambivalence toward them.
There’s a new dating app for Charlotte singles. Only requirement? Must love dogs
Cindy Himmel was inspired to create Frolly by her love for pups — and one young man’s ambivalence toward them.
www.charlotteobserver.com
December 8, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Cindy Himmel was inspired to create Frolly by her love for pups — and one young man’s ambivalence toward them.
These are the A-list and big-name live-music events we would recommend sending (or taking) someone to next year. Happy browsing...
Psst! Hey, holiday shoppers in Charlotte: Want to buy some 2026 concert tickets?
These are the A-list and big-name live-music events we would recommend sending (or taking) someone to next year. Happy browsing...
www.charlotteobserver.com
December 4, 2025 at 11:50 AM
These are the A-list and big-name live-music events we would recommend sending (or taking) someone to next year. Happy browsing...
It’s not just the occasional middle finger that has kept this small band of civically minded retirement-community residents on its toes.
Charlotte retirees tried to keep ‘patriotic marches’ simple. That’s proven hard.
It’s not just the occasional middle finger that has kept this small band of civically minded retirement-community residents on its toes.
www.charlotteobserver.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:57 AM
It’s not just the occasional middle finger that has kept this small band of civically minded retirement-community residents on its toes.
Questions abound about what challenges Charlotte might face after the Border Patrol and ICE are gone. Here are clues to possible answers.
Once federal agents move on from Charlotte, where does our city go from there?
Questions abound about what challenges Charlotte might face after the Border Patrol and ICE are gone. Here are clues to possible answers.
www.charlotteobserver.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Questions abound about what challenges Charlotte might face after the Border Patrol and ICE are gone. Here are clues to possible answers.
When I was inducted into my college fraternity’s Hall of Fame, it inspired personal reflection on my life, flaws and all.
My college fraternity put me in its hall of fame. I struggled to understand why.
When Théoden Janes was inducted into his college fraternity’s Hall of Fame, it inspired personal reflection on his life, flaws and all.
www.charlotteobserver.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:12 PM
When I was inducted into my college fraternity’s Hall of Fame, it inspired personal reflection on my life, flaws and all.
Tevin Price, born visually impaired, suffered from heat illness at a September race. The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon marks his do-over.
Legally blind runner’s 1st marathon was a hot mess. He’ll try again in Charlotte
Tevin Price, born visually impaired, suffered from heat illness at a September race. The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon marks his do-over.
www.charlotteobserver.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Tevin Price, born visually impaired, suffered from heat illness at a September race. The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon marks his do-over.
Lukasz Smolen, 25, and Andrew Hirst, 26, may not be typical Johnson C. Smith student-athletes, but they’re proving to be good fits on an 8-1 team.
How 2 older guys from England wound up playing football for this Charlotte HBCU
Lukasz Smolen, 25, and Andrew Hirst, 26, may not be typical Johnson C. Smith student-athletes, but they’re proving to be good fits on an 8-1 team.
www.charlotteobserver.com
November 4, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Lukasz Smolen, 25, and Andrew Hirst, 26, may not be typical Johnson C. Smith student-athletes, but they’re proving to be good fits on an 8-1 team.
In addition to forming treasured relationships during her recovery, Alabama’s Lulu Gribbin may well have formed her life’s purpose here.
After teen lost 2 limbs in Fla. shark attack, she gained 2 friends in Charlotte
In addition to forming treasured relationships during her recovery, Alabama’s Lulu Gribbin may well have formed her life’s purpose here.
www.charlotteobserver.com
November 3, 2025 at 12:45 PM
In addition to forming treasured relationships during her recovery, Alabama’s Lulu Gribbin may well have formed her life’s purpose here.
“We just want people to be aware,” former flight attendant Sylvia Baird says. “Because it ruined my life. It ruined all of our lives.”
On flight to Charlotte, toxic fumes got into cabin. Their lives changed forever.
“We just want people to be aware,” former flight attendant Sylvia Baird says. “Because it ruined my life. It ruined all of our lives.”
www.charlotteobserver.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:41 PM
“We just want people to be aware,” former flight attendant Sylvia Baird says. “Because it ruined my life. It ruined all of our lives.”
The very-gnarly scar that eventually forms on my elbow will always be a reminder of the value of having good friends.
After crashing out of an Ironman, I got 8 stitches. It will be a cherished scar
The very-gnarly scar that eventually forms on my elbow will always be a reminder of the value of having good friends.
www.charlotteobserver.com
October 26, 2025 at 8:47 PM
The very-gnarly scar that eventually forms on my elbow will always be a reminder of the value of having good friends.
We reveal numerous examples of the creative license the filmmakers took in adapting Jeffrey Manchester’s life and crimes for the big screen.
Fact check: ‘Roofman’ is based on a true NC story. But how much truth is in it?
We reveal numerous examples of the creative license the filmmakers took in adapting Jeffrey Manchester’s life and crimes for the big screen.
www.charlotteobserver.com
October 10, 2025 at 8:39 PM
We reveal numerous examples of the creative license the filmmakers took in adapting Jeffrey Manchester’s life and crimes for the big screen.
As usual, there was a lot of lore and mythology packed into Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun’s sold-out Charlotte show. I didn’t sweat it.
Review: Twenty One Pilots concerts can get complicated. I’ll make things simple.
As usual, there was a lot of lore and mythology packed into Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun’s sold-out Charlotte show. I didn’t sweat it.
www.charlotteobserver.com
October 9, 2025 at 9:09 PM
As usual, there was a lot of lore and mythology packed into Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun’s sold-out Charlotte show. I didn’t sweat it.
Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown, owners of buzzy spots like Supperland and Lelulia Hall, talked to us about new PBS series “Fork & Hammer.”
How did this couple go from Charlotte restaurant stars to starring in a TV show?
Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown, owners of buzzy spots like Supperland and Lelulia Hall, talked to us about new PBS series “Fork & Hammer.”
charlotteobserver.com
October 8, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown, owners of buzzy spots like Supperland and Lelulia Hall, talked to us about new PBS series “Fork & Hammer.”
The Real 'Roofman' | Part 3 of 3: Jeffrey Manchester’s new girlfriend received a shocking surprise on her 40th birthday — and police asked her to wrap their case up in a bow.
‘Roofman’ was poised to make a final escape. Then his heart got him in trouble.
Jeffrey Manchester’s new girlfriend received a shocking surprise on her 40th birthday — and police asked her to wrap their case up in a bow.
www.charlotteobserver.com
October 2, 2025 at 12:26 PM
The Real 'Roofman' | Part 3 of 3: Jeffrey Manchester’s new girlfriend received a shocking surprise on her 40th birthday — and police asked her to wrap their case up in a bow.
The Real 'Roofman' | Part 2 of 3: For months, Jeffrey Manchester made himself practically a ghost as he sheltered in the toy store. Then, one day, he decided to go to church.
After jailbreak, ‘Roofman’ hid in a Charlotte Toys R Us — but also in plain sight
For months, Jeffrey Manchester made himself practically a ghost as he sheltered in the toy store. Then, one day, he decided to go to church.
www.charlotteobserver.com
October 1, 2025 at 11:26 AM
The Real 'Roofman' | Part 2 of 3: For months, Jeffrey Manchester made himself practically a ghost as he sheltered in the toy store. Then, one day, he decided to go to church.
Read the first in a three-part series on the real story of the “rooftop robber” who held NC McDonald’s employees at gunpoint 25 years ago and inspired the new “Roofman” movie.
‘I’m so sorry.’ ‘Roofman’ robber politely threatened lives in NC McDonald’s
Read the first in a three-part series on the real story of the “rooftop robber” who held NC McDonald’s employees at gunpoint 25 years ago and inspired the new “Roofman” movie.
www.charlotteobserver.com
September 30, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Read the first in a three-part series on the real story of the “rooftop robber” who held NC McDonald’s employees at gunpoint 25 years ago and inspired the new “Roofman” movie.
For no apparent reason, the rapper’s show at PNC Music Pavilion on Thursday started at roughly the time it was originally supposed to END.
Concert review: Lil Wayne got booed, loudly, at Charlotte show. He deserved it.
For no particular reason, the rapper’s show at PNC Music Pavilion on Thursday started at roughly the time it was originally supposed to END.
www.charlotteobserver.com
September 26, 2025 at 2:54 PM
For no apparent reason, the rapper’s show at PNC Music Pavilion on Thursday started at roughly the time it was originally supposed to END.