Kiara Jacobs

Charlotte

Online Editor at Urban One

@QueensUniv alum | social & digital at Radio One Charlotte | former: @sbj, @buzzer, @wcnc

Articles

Whataburger Opens in Gastonia as Chain Expands Across North Carolina

1 week ago | mix1079.com | Kiara Jacobs

Whataburger has officially made its North Carolina debut, opening its first restaurant in the Charlotte area on Thursday morning. The new location, at 3415 East Franklin Boulevard in Gastonia, drew large crowds—some customers lined up overnight to be among the first served. The grand opening featured an appearance by Whataburger CEO Debbie Stroud, who helped welcome fans eager to try the Texas favorite. The fast-growing chain plans to open 10 locations in North Carolina this year.
U.S. to Aggressively Revoke Visas for Chinese Students

1 week ago | wbt.com | Kiara Jacobs

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Wednesday that the U.S. will begin aggressively revoking visas for Chinese students as part of a broader effort to tighten national security and safeguard intellectual property.
Elon Musk Exits Trump Administration Role

1 week ago | wbt.com | Kiara Jacobs

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.
Hugh Jackman Ex-Wife Cites “Betrayal” in Wake of Divorce

1 week ago | mix1079.com | Kiara Jacobs

Hugh Jackman’s ex-wife, Deborra-Lee Furness has filed for divorce after 27 years of marriage, with reports suggesting the split was not fully amicable. “My heart and compassion goes out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal,” she said in a statement to The Daily Mail on May 27.
Trump Grants Pardon to The Chrisleys Convicted of Fraud

1 week ago | mix1079.com | Kiara Jacobs

President Donald Trump announced plans to pardon TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, known for their reality show “Chrisley Knows Best,” after their conviction for bank fraud and tax evasion. The couple was found guilty of defrauding banks of over $30 million and hiding earnings to fund a lavish lifestyle. Trump’s decision to pardon the Chrisleys is part of a pattern of pardoning high-profile individuals, including friends, supporters, and former staffers.
Ardrey Kell High School Principal Brooks Suspended With Pay

1 week ago | wbt.com | Kiara Jacobs

Ardrey Kell High School Principal Jamie Brooks has been suspended with pay, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) records obtained by WCNC Charlotte. Public records indicate that Brooks was suspended on May 2; however, CMS has not disclosed the reason for the suspension or when she might return to her position. Brooks has worked with CMS since 1994, beginning her career as a teacher at Carmel Middle School.
Billie Eilish Sweeps the 2025 American Music Awards

1 week ago | mix1079.com | Kiara Jacobs

Billie Eilish, Beyoncé, and Eminem were among the winners at the 2025 American Music Awards. Eilish won in all seven categories she was nominated for, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for “Hit Me Hard and Soft.”Beyoncé was awarded for Favorite Country Album and Favorite Female Country Artist, Janet Jackson received the Icon Award, and Eminem received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The awards show was produced by Dick Clark Productions and broadcast from Las Vegas.
Olympic gymnastics legend Mary Lou Retton arrested for DUI

1 week ago | mix1079.com | Kiara Jacobs

Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton was arrested for DUI in West Virginia on May 17. Retton is facing one misdemeanor count of DUI and posted $1,500 bond the same day of her arrest. In 2023, Retton battled a rare form of pneumonia, and her family raised $200,000 through a crowdfunding site for her treatment. Retton won five medals at the 1984 Summer Olympics, including the gold in the all-around competition.
Birkdale Village Hits the Market Following Expansion Approval

2 weeks ago | wbt.com | Kiara Jacobs

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.
Charlotte City Councilwoman Indicted in COVID Loan Fraud Case

2 weeks ago | wbt.com | Kiara Jacobs

Charlotte City Council member Tiawana Brown and her daughters have been federally indicted for allegedly submitting false loan applications to obtain more than $124,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. According to prosecutors, Brown and her daughters used Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, intended to support struggling businesses, for personal expenses, including luxury purchases and a $15,000 birthday party. Brown, who was elected to the City Council in 2022, denies the charges.