VOLUME 146 ISSUE 2 | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
WHAT’S HAPPENING Trump tells Republicans to be ‘flexible’ on abortion restrictions to get health care deal President Donald Trump wants Republicans to get a deal on health care insurance assistance by being flexible on a long-standing budget policy that bars federal money from being spent on abortion services. Trump made his request during a speech to House Republicans on Tuesday in Washington, D.C. Trump says Republicans can “own health care” as an issue if they get a deal to replace expired subsidies for Affordable Care Act insurance customers. But Trump is essentially asking House Republicans to set aside decades of GOP policy insisting on the Hyde Amendment as part of any health care spending. Some Democrats want to end Hyde restrictions as part of any new agreements on health care subsidies, and anti-abortion rights advocates want Republicans to hold the line.
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The wolf watches over The first full moon in January is known as the wolf moon, and it looked stunning both day and night shining over Albemarle on Sunday.
Security forces clash with protesters in Iran’s main market as dozens killed in demonstrations Protesters angry over Iran’s ailing economy have conducted a sit-in at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar. Security forces fired tear gas and dispersed demonstrators as the market shut down. The protests Tuesday come as Iran’s rial currency fell to a record low. Activists say violence surrounding the protests has killed at least 36 people, with authorities detaining more than 1,200 others. Iran’s Central Bank recently reduced subsidized exchange rates for dollars, likely leading to price hikes. Reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian warned the crisis might be moving beyond government control. The situation is likely to worsen as inflation and sanctions continue to impact the economy.
Georgia sets March 10 election to replace Greene in Congress Voters in northwest Georgia will head to the polls March 10 to choose a successor to U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who resigned from her seat in Congress on Monday. Gov. Brian Kemp set the date on Tuesday following Greene’s resignation after five tumultuous years in Congress. Candidates will run on a single all-party ballot on March 10.
Local America 250 committee maps out plans for county The event package includes a drone show at City Lake Park By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Plans for Stanly County’s America 250 commemoration of the nation’s
overview of a yearlong celebration that will include public art, educational programs, live music and large-scale community events across the county. The local America 250 committee is an 18-member volunteer board made up of representatives from municipal governments, nonprofits and other organiza-
Stanly commissioners table funding decision for 911 center “Unfortunately, we haven’t found a better way.” Kyle Griffin, Stanly County E-911 director
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250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence were unveiled this week. At Monday night’s Stanly County Board of Commissioners meeting, Bain Jones, chair of the America 250 N.C. Stanly County Committee and president of the Stanly County Historical Society, presented an
The project’s radio connectivity plans have changed By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — While construction of the Stanly County 911 and Emergency Operations Center continues to move forward, county officials say additional funding is needed to ensure reliable microwave radio network connectivity for the facility. Stanly County E-911 Director Kyle Griffin present-
ed the request Monday night to the Stanly County Board of Commissioners, asking the board to approve lease financing totaling just under $500,000 with Motorola. The funds would cover the remaining balance of the bundled microwave radio network and Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) project. “They have held this price since the June timeframe,” Griffin said of Motorola. “We’re standing here now in January because I refused to accept their initial proposals See CENTER, page A4
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tions throughout Stanly County. “I am very fortunate to lead individuals from municipal governments, nonprofits and other organizations across the county,” Jones said. “Together, we have planned what we believe is a very joyous and also memorable birthday celebrtion See AMERICA 250, page A5
inside Former North Stanly pitcher Rhett Lowder, a first-round pick of the Reds in 2023, will have his number retired before the Comets’ boys’ basketball game on Friday. See more in Sports.
CAROLYN KASTER / AP PHOTO