VOLUME 146 ISSUE 27 | WEEKEND EDITION, APRIL 4 – APRIL 5, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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The sun is risen Badin Baptist Church basks in the glow of an early morning sunrise last Saturday in downtown Badin.
WHAT’S HAPPENING White House ballroom gets final approval days after judge’s ruling halting construction Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump’s new White House ballroom has gotten final approval from a key commission. It comes after a federal judge ordered a halt to construction unless Congress approves the project. A spokesperson for the National Capital Planning Commission says the agency is moving ahead with Thursday’s vote because the judge’s ruling affects construction activities, not planning. The ballroom is estimated to cost $400 million and has faced opposition and legal challenges. The president aims to complete the ballroom project before his term ends in 2029. The ballroom will include security upgrades and is funded by donations and public dollars for security enhancements.
Average U.S. long-term mortgage rate climbs to 6.46%, highest level in nearly 7 months The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate climbed for the fifth straight week, reaching its highest level in nearly seven months, another setback for home shoppers in the midst of the spring homebuying season. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate rose to 6.46% from 6.38% last week. One year ago, the rate averaged 6.64%. The last time the average rate was higher was Sept. 4, when it was at 6.5%.
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Stanly school board backs $42M school budget request The budget was unanimously approved by the board By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Stanly County Schools leaders say a proposed $42 million budget request aims to balance day‑to‑day operations with long‑term investments in facilities. At the Stanly County Board of Education meeting Wednesday night, SCS Superintendent Jarrod Dennis presented the district’s 2026-27 “District Investment Blueprint,” a plan that outlines funding across local funds, capital outlay and technology. The proposal includes roughly $20.28 million in local
COURTESY STANLYTV
The Stanly County Board of Education examined and approved a proposed $42 million budget request at its April 1 meeting. funds, $20.35 million in capital outlay and $1.38 million in technology investments. Dennis said the blueprint is designed to align spending with human capital, structural
integrity, comprehensive safety and student experience. “We know we’re asking for a lot, and we know there’s a lot of needs,” Dennis said. “We’re pragmatic about what we’re
From making a wish to helping them come true for others New London has enthusiastically rallied behind the fundraiser By Melinda Burris Stanly News Journal NEW LONDON — Elizabeth Grantham’s son, Samuel, was born in 2015 with a serious illness but is currently a relatively healthy child. He loves running, playing Minecraft and spending time outdoors. “He has a big heart, and he loves Jesus,” his mom said, explaining that when the MakeA-Wish Foundation granted his See FUNDRAISER, page A8
COURTESY OF ELIZABETH GRANTHAM
Sam Grantham and members of the Grantham family present a donation check to the nonprofit Make-A-Wish organization.
going to get and where we’re going to ask, but I think you have to educate everyone to say these are the areas that we See SCHOOLS, page A5