VOLUME 146 ISSUE 41 | WEEKEND EDITION, MAY 23-24, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
SUBSCRIBE TODAY: 704-982-2121
Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
MY DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR STANLY NEWS JOURNAL
Oh dam The Tillery Hydroelectric Development at the foot of Lake Tillery is part of Duke Energy’s Yadkin-Pee Dee Hydro Project. Placed into service in 1928, the plant’s four turbines have a combined generating capacity of 81 megawatts.
WHAT’S HAPPENING Facing intense internal pressure, DNC releases postelection autopsy Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin has released a critical study of the party’s performance in the 2024 campaign. His decision on Thursday followed intense internal pressure from frustrated Democratic operatives who had publicly demanded the release of the postelection autopsy. The 192-page report, which was concluded last December and authored by Democratic consultant Paul Rivera, calls for “a renewed focus on the voters of Middle America and the South, who have come to believe they are not included in the Democratic vision of a stronger and more dynamic America for everyone.” The autopsy also points to a reduction in support and training for Democratic state parties, voter registration shifts, and “a persistent inability or unwillingness to listen to all voters.”
Trump calls off plan to sign AI order over concerns it could hurt tech industry President Donald Trump has called off plans to sign a new executive order on artificial intelligence hours before an expected White House ceremony. He says he’s worried the measure could dull America’s edge on AI technology. Trump said he didn’t like what he saw in the order’s text.
$2.00
Albemarle to host second Summertime Sip Festival The event will include 17 North Carolina beverage vendors By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
COURTESY ALBEMARLE DOWNTOWN
Attendees at last year’s Summertime Sip Festival explore the event’s wine-tasting options.
ALBEMARLE — Downtown Albemarle will soon be filled with local wines, craft beverages, food trucks and music as the Summertime Sip Festival arrives for its second year. The event is scheduled for noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 30 at Courthouse Plaza at 115 W. Main St. and the surrounding downtown area. Hosted by Albemarle Downtown, the Summertime Sip Festival will feature 17 North Carolina beverage vendors offering wine, beer, cider, mead
Stanly Community College to offer youth summer camps 2026 Camp College sessions begin in June By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Stanly Community College is set to host a series of summer camps in June and July for middle and high school students interested in technology, design, cosmetology and other skilled trades. Designed to give students hands-on experience in career fields offered on the SCC campus, the 2026 Camp Col-
lege program in Albemarle is open to students entering grades 6-12. “Many of our campers come back year after year,” said Christian Payne, SCC outreach and student life director. “We have even expanded some of our offerings to high school-age students to try to accommodate the popularity. The knowledge these campers gain by being in our classroom spaces with our college instructors will benefit them for years to come.” The college’s Code Snakes: See CAMPS, page A8
“Many of our campers come back year after year.” Christian Payne, SCC outreach and student life director
and other drinks. Guests will receive a tasting card allowing one sample from each vendor, along with a souvenir tasting glass. Formerly known as the Stanly County Winter Wine Fest, the event was reworked last year as a warm-weather festival. “Guests can enjoy samples and also purchase by the glass, bottle or case,” Albemarle Downtown Main Street Manager Katie Lynn said. “Our festival features food trucks and artisan craft vendors, and some special offerings like charcuterie and goat cheese. This is a ready-made girls’ weekend, and we love seeing groups come in with their creative T-shirts, so whether you bring the whole crew or you make it a couple’s date, it’s a great atmosphere that supports a great cause.” The festival is one of Courthouse Plaza’s premier events, highlighting the renovated alleyway between West Main See SIP, page A5