VOLUME 146 ISSUE 23 | WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 21 – MARCH 22, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Parting gift A departing storm leaves a stunning sunset behind Monday evening looking west from Lake Tillery over Highway 24/27/73 toward Albemarle.
WHAT’S HAPPENING Mullin’s DHS nomination advances to full Senate despite opposition from Republican Rand Paul Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) has moved a step closer to becoming President Donald Trump’s next homeland security secretary. A Senate committee on Thursday narrowly advanced the nomination of the Republican senator from Oklahoma. The 8-7 vote came after a contentious hearing Wednesday and sent the Cabinet nomination to the full Senate, which could act to confirm Mullin next week. That vote included a “no” from the Republican chairman, Rand Paul of Kentucky, and a “yes” from a Democrat, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania. The approval comes at a time when the parties are fighting bitterly over DHS policies, leading to a funding lapse of more than a month.
Pentagon seeks $200 billion in additional funds for the Iran war The department sent the request to the White House, according to an official. It’s an extraordinarily high number and comes on top of extra funding the Defense Department already received last year in the President’s big tax cuts bill. Asked about the figure Thursday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not directly confirm the amount, saying it could change. Congress is bracing for a new spending request but it is unclear the spending request would have support.
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Albemarle City Council approves new name, location for recognition program The Walk of Fame is now the Wall of Fame
“It’s a more logical and conservative approach.”
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — The Albemarle City Council voted Monday night to approve policy and bylaw revisions for the city’s recognition program, including a new name and location for the initiative honoring notable residents. The annual ceremonial program will now be known as the Albemarle Wall of Fame rather than the Albemarle Walk of Fame. The tribute will also move indoors, with displays installed inside Albemarle City Hall as a permanent recognition of individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the community. Under the original concept, the inaugural class of three in-
Councilmember Bill Aldridge
COURTESY CITY OF ALBEMARLE
The Albemarle City Council voted to make changes to the city’s recognition program on Monday night. ductees was set to be honored with medallions embedded in the sidewalk in front of City Hall along Second Street. City leaders have instead opted for an indoor display to avoid potential maintenance issues associated with altering the sidewalks.
The Wall of Fame will be located along the first-floor walls of City Hall. Each honoree will be recognized with a plaque displaying their name, the year of induction and a brief summary of their contributions to Albemarle. Inductions will occur once
Stanly commissioners hear Cooperative Extension’s 2025 report The annual report details outreach and volunteer efforts By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Stanly County commissioners reviewed the Cooperative Extension’s 2025 Impact Report during the board’s meeting Monday night. The presentation was led by County Extension Director Molly Alexi, who outlined the
department’s role as the local branch of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension. The organization connects residents with resources from NC State and NC A&T through programs focused on agriculture, health, nutrition and youth development. According to the report, extension staff conducted 461 hours of workshops, seminars and hands-on demonstrations last year, reaching 2,580 participants. Volunteers See REPORT, page A5
461
Hours of workshops conducted by the Cooperative Extension in 2025
each year in the fall and will include a ceremonial unveiling of plaques for the selected honorees. The program will recognize current or former city residents who have achieved national, regional or local recognition and made substantial civic contributions through their careers, lifetime achievements or volunteer service. Eligible nominees may be honored for accomplishments in areas such as humanitarian work, entertainment, civic leadership, arts, sports, military service, literature or business. See COUNCIL, page A5