VOLUME 146 ISSUE 39 | WEEKEND EDITION, MAY 16-17, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Leaving your mark Bobby MaGee Lopez, an artist based in Colorado, works on a new mural on West Main Street in Albemarle last Saturday.
WHAT’S HAPPENING Senators approve withholding their own pay during future government shutdowns Washington, D.C. Senators have unanimously approved a resolution to withhold their pay during government shutdowns. Lawmakers said the measure approved Thursday would discourage future funding standoffs after a series of record-breaking shutdowns. The proposal requires the secretary of the Senate to hold senators’ salaries during shutdowns and release the money once funding resumes. It’ll take effect the day after the Nov. 3 general election. Republican Sen. John Kennedy, the bill’s sponsor, says the measure ensures lawmakers share the burden faced by unpaid federal workers.
Average US long-term mortgage rate eases to 6.36% in first drop after two weekly increases Washington, D.C. The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate edged lower this week, its first drop after rising the previous two weeks. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate fell to 6.36% from 6.37% last week. One year ago, the rate averaged 6.81%. Home loan rates remain below where they were this time last year, they have been mostly trending higher since the war with Iran began at the end of February as surging prices heightened inflation worries.
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County approves $812K in opioid settlement funding for programs The funds will support 10 local programs By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Stanly County commissioners have unanimously approved more than $812,000 in opioid settlement funding for local programs focused on recovery, treatment and overdose response. On Monday night, the board authorized the recommended programs and appropriated money from the county’s Opioid Settlement Fund for the fiscal year running from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. County Manager Andy Lucas presented the recommendations, which he developed in a committee with Health and
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The Stanly County Board of Commissioners approved the next round of opioid settlement funding for local programs on Monday night. Human Services Director Dolly Clayton and Human Services Program Specialist Wendy Growcock.
The county issued a request for grant proposals from local agencies in February, focusing on priorities such as recovery
Living Locust to host vendor market at Meadow Creek Farm More than 30 local vendors are expected at Sunday’s free event By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal LOCUST — Locust residents looking for a local spring event can attend a free vendor market at Meadow Creek Farm this weekend. Living Locust, a social media platform that highlights Locust-area businesses and events, is hosting its first Spring Vendor Market from 3-6 p.m. Sunday at Meadow Creek Farm at 17669 Meadow Creek Church Road in Locust. The free event will feature more than two dozen local small business-
es, food vendors, youth activities and a raffle benefiting Faith Alive Ministries. The market will include boutique shopping, permanent jewelry, candles, home decor, coffee, dirty sodas, barbecue, charcuterie, sweet treats, face painting and piercings. “We are going to have over 30 local vendors, food trucks, coffee and drinks, bounce houses for the kids — and Red Barn Farm is bringing a petting zoo,” said Liz Peele, Living Locust’s marketing manager. “The raffle prizes are good, and over 30 local businesses donated prizes. You don’t have to be here to win, so you can grab your tickets ahead of time.” See MARKET, page A8
housing and support services, post-overdose response, eviSee OPIOID, page A5