Councilwoman Faces Fraud Charges

Democrat Charlotte City Council member Tiawana Brown and her two daughters were indicted by a federal grand jury on Thursday. They’re accused of fraudulently obtaining over $120,000 in COVID-19 relief funds.

According to the allegations, the three women defrauded the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and the Paycheck Protection Program through loan applications that contained false information and documentation.

Brown, who has already served time in prison for fraud, seemingly spent the money on personal expenses, including a $15,000 birthday party.

The three women were scheduled for an initial appearance in a Charlotte court yesterday. If found guilty, they each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Hurricane Season Predictions

With the start of hurricane season on June 1, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its predictions for the season on Thursday.

Using advanced weather models and tracking technology, NOAA predicts 13-19 named storms, 6-10 hurricanes, and 3-5 major hurricanes. They also predict a 60% chance of an above-normal hurricane season. NOAA has 70% confidence in its storm ranges.

2024 had 18 named storms. Eleven of those were hurricanes, and five became major storms. The peak of hurricane activity usually occurs from mid-August to mid-October, with September usually being the most active month.

Canadian Business in Charlotte

The Ontario-based company AVL Manufacturing announced plans to establish its first U.S. production site in Charlotte, where it would create more than 325 jobs. It would also be the site of a new company, AVL USA.

The company, which builds enclosures for industrial power generators, will invest $56 million into Mecklenburg County. A performance-based grant of $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund to the company will help the company get established. AVL must reach hiring and investment targets to receive the funding.

The Charlotte facility will produce and assemble metal casings that house electric inputs and other equipment essential for backup power systems.

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➤ Statewide: AAA expects 1.3 million North Carolinians—50,000 more than last year—to travel 50 miles or more over Memorial Day weekend, with Friday projected as the busiest travel day. (More) 

➤ Greensboro: Officials met with residents Thursday to discuss public transportation, housing, and the lack of parks and green spaces as part of a city revitalization project aimed at attracting newcomers. (More)

➤ Greensboro: The 18th annual Ride of Silence drew hundreds of cyclists Wednesday, honoring those injured or killed on public roads in a global event held in more than 200 locations. (More)

➤ Winston-Salem: The 12th annual Gears and Guitars festival continues today with amateur bike racing, course challenges, and live music in the afternoon. (More)

➤ Raleigh: White Lightning Studios will hold a casting call on June 8 for extras and vintage cars from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’90s for a movie filming in Raleigh and Durham this summer. (More)

➤ Wilmington: A Veterans Appreciation resource and hiring event will be held next week in Wilmington, offering attendees a chance to connect with local, statewide, national, and remote employers across various career fields. (More)

➤ Prized basketball transfer Darrion Williams, who averaged over 15 points last season at Texas Tech, is headed to NC State—a major addition for new head coach Will Wade. (More)

➤ Duke basketball landed a commitment from Italian recruit Dame Sarr for the 2025–26 season. He has played professionally in Spain since age 16 and teamed with Duke alum Jabari Parker last year. (More)

➤ UNC’s rivalries with Duke and Wake Forest, dating back to 1888, were ranked No. 2 and No. 3 among the oldest in college football. (See List)

Yesterday’s results: MLB | NBA | WNBA | NHL | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | PGA | LPGA

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➤ Raleigh’s Videri Chocolate Factory, ranked the sixth-best independent chocolate shop in the U.S. last year, offers guided tours of its bean-to-bar process plus house-made ice cream, coffee, and popcorn. (More)

➤ State Farmers Market in Raleigh was ranked No. 12 nationally and No. 1 in North Carolina, based on a game developer’s analysis of Google reviews from 3,000 grocery stores in 100 cities. (See Results)

➤ A former Sugar Creek motel, once known for criminal activity, is being redeveloped into 39 affordable townhomes named Hoover Townes, honoring longtime Hidden Valley teacher Brenda Hoover. (More)

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Do you personally thank service members on Memorial Day?

1. Always, no matter the day
2. I try to remember
3. Usually slips my mind
4. I AM a veteran

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever panned for gold in North Carolina?

1. Yes: 56%
2. No: 27%
3. Hoping to: 17%

What UNC football player is now a successful country singer?

Show me the answer