Madison Cawthorn pays fine in guilty plea for gun charge + Looking back at Eastland Mall over the years

Hey, everyone! Drew here.

Yesterday was May the 4th aka Star Wars Day. So that makes today... Revenge of the 5th.

Let’s get right to your news.

1. Ex-US Rep. Madison Cawthorn pays fine in guilty plea for having gun in airport

Former U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn said he’s glad the judge let him keep his gun.

This came after Cawthorn pleaded guilty in a Mecklenburg County court room today to having a loaded firearm in his carry-on at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

His arrest at the airport on April 26, 2022 was the second instance where Cawthorn had been caught with a gun at an airport. Cawthorn also spoke to the media after the events in court today.

Joe Marusak reports from the courthouse.

2. The end of this bride’s life was ugly. But the rest of it was was filled with so much beauty

Samantha Miller’s closest friends and family know that to convey the message they want to convey in the wake of Sam’s death it means sharing the story of what happened shortly after her wedding.

They know it means re-living the feelings they felt when they heard a driver who allegedly was intoxicated and speeding plowed her sedan into the cart from behind, killing Sam and putting Aric and two of his relatives in the hospital.

But before they talk about the horrible memory of her death, they want to tell you some things about Sam and the way she lived life that will always make them smile.

Théoden Janes has the story.

3. From the archives: Photos of Charlotte’s Eastland Mall — then and now

We need to talk about the Eastland Mall site.

Home to the eponymous mall from 1975 until is closure in 2010, the land has been the center of several debates over the years. However, more recently, a Charlotte City Council committee voted to move forward with three redevelopment options for the site on Central Avenue.

We thought it was a good time to take a look back at Eastland Mall over the years and see how it’s changed.

4. Some more stories to read

• ‘The UFO man.’ One time, North Carolina had a dean of the lights in the sky.

• If you used TurboTax seven years ago, you might be owed money. Here’s how much

• What are the safest hospitals in Charlotte? See latest grades for area facilities

• A newly opened Lake Norman restaurant is temporarily closing

• Rented plane landed in SC river near Catawba Indian Reservation, sheriff says

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