VOLUME 146 ISSUE 26 | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
WHAT’S HAPPENING Supreme Court rules 8-1 against Colorado ban on “conversion therapy” for LGBTQ+ kids The Supreme Court has ruled against a law banning “conversion therapy” for LGBTQ+ kids in Colorado, one of about two dozen states that banned the discredited practice. The high court majority sided Tuesday with a Christian counselor who argues the law banning talk therapy violates the First Amendment. The justices agreed the law raises free speech concerns and sent it back to a lower court. President Donald Trump’s Republican administration supported the counselor. Colorado said the measure simply bars a practice of using therapy to try to “convert” LGBTQ+ people to heterosexuality.
Wisconsin judicial panel dismisses Democratic attempt to redraw congressional maps A three-judge panel in Wisconsin has dismissed a lawsuit brought by Democratic voters that sought to redraw the battleground state’s Republican-friendly congressional boundary lines ahead of the November midterm election. The Tuesday decision to dismiss the other case can be appealed to the liberal-controlled Wisconsin Supreme Court. There is a second lawsuit pending also seeking to redraw the swing state’s congressional districts, but it isn’t slated to go to trial until April 2027.
Judge blocks Trump order to end funding for NPR, PBS A federal judge has agreed to permanently block the Trump administration from implementing a presidential directive to end federal funding for National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service. U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss in Washington, D.C., ruled Tuesday that President Donald Trump’s executive order to cease funding for NPR and PBS is unlawful and unenforceable. The judge says the First Amendment right to free speech “does not tolerate viewpoint discrimination and retaliation of this type.” Last year, Trump said at a news conference he would “love to” defund NPR and PBS because he believes they’re biased in favor of Democrats. NPR claims the Republican president wants to punish it for the content of its journalism.
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COURTESY ALBEMARLE PD
Checkpoint Charlie Seven law enforcement agencies joined forces for a sobriety checkpoint on Saturday, March 21 on U.S. Highway 24/27 in Albemarle. More than 100 citations were issued and five arrests were made.See page A2 for more.
Stanly County Schools presents honors at Celebration of Excellence Numerous awards were handed out by the district By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Local teachers, administrators and support staff were recognized for their achievements during the 2025-26 academic year at Stanly County Schools’ annual Celebration of Excellence on March 26. District leaders, including SCS Superintendent Jar-
rod Dennis, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Lydia Hedrick and Chief Academic Officer Lynn Plummer, presented awards to standout educators from across the county. “Thursday evening was a wonderful night of celebration as we came together to honor the incredible individuals who make Stanly County Schools such a special place to learn and grow,” the district said in an announcement of its award winners. “To all of our honorees, thank you for your dedi-
“To all of our honorees, thank you for your dedication, your heart and the difference you make every day.” Stanly County Schools
cation, your heart and the difference you make every day. And a very special thank you to our amazing student nutrition staff who catered the in- See HONORS, page A5
inside Big Lick Bluegrass Festival returns to Oakboro for 3-day event
Four astronauts, including one from N.C., are about to take off for the first manned spaceflight around the moon in a half-century. More on A4-A5
The lineup includes The Seldom Scene and Ralph Stanley II By Dan Reeves Stanly News Journal OAKBORO — In a state with deep bluegrass roots, the Big Lick Bluegrass Festival has quietly built a reputation as one of North Carolina’s most reliable stops on the regional bluegrass circuit. The three-day gathering returns April 16–18 at Big Lick Festival Park in Oakboro,
bringing a lineup of nationally known bluegrass bands along with the campers, pickers and fans who follow the festival trail each spring. This year’s performers include The Seldom Scene, Lonesome River Band, The Grascals, Southern Legacy and Ralph Stanley II. Authentic Unlimited will serve as the festival’s host band. For promoter Jeff Branch, the festival grew out of a simple idea — bring quality bluegrass bands to a part of North See FESTIVAL, page A4
“A lot of folks come back every year, and after a while it starts to feel like a big family reunion.” Jeff Branch, promoter
Now Serving Cabarrus, Stanly & Montgomery Counties LOCATIONS
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credible meal for the evening!” Kelly Hill, principal at South Stanly Middle School, was named the district’s Principal of the Year. Central Elementary School’s Brittany Mathews received Assistant Principal of the Year honors, while Endy Elementary School’s Luisa Suzunaga was named Teacher of the Year. “I am incredibly grateful and honestly a bit overwhelmed by the recognition,” Hill said in a statement
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