VOLUME 146 ISSUE 50 | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
WHAT’S HAPPENING 8 convicted of terrorism charges in Texas immigration center shooting sentenced to decades in prison Fort Worth, Texas A demonstrator who shot and wounded a police officer during a protest outside a Texas immigration center July 4, 2025, has been sentenced to 100 years in federal prison. Other protesters also accused of having links to antifa were sentenced Tuesday to multiple decades in federal prison. A federal jury in March found the eight defendants guilty of providing material support to terrorists and other charges. Prosecutors say the eight took part in a demonstration at the Prairieland Detention Center last July 4 in which a police officer was shot and wounded. The defendants deny any affiliation with the far-left anti-fascist organization.
Trump administration announces $17.5 billion in loans for 10 new large nuclear reactors The Trump administration is providing $17.5 billion to speed the development of 10 new large nuclear reactors to meet the skyrocketing power demand from massive data centers. The Energy Department announced the loans Tuesday. Energy Secretary Chris Wright cited “tremendous interest” among developers of data centers, called hyperscalers, who would buy the power, as well as utilities and energy companies. The department said seven utilities and energy companies signed letters of intent that identified sites. It plans to pick five, each hosting two reactors. The financing would be used to purchase nuclear components with long lead times.
Authorities arrest 2 more suspects in planned attack on White House UFC show Authorities have arrested two more people in Missouri and Washington state in connection with a planned attack targeting the UFC event at the White House earlier this month. Court documents filed Monday say one of the suspects was arrested Friday and charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Another was arrested Sunday. Federal officials say five others are also facing charges. Federal officials say the planned attack was disrupted days before the June 14 event.
A line of tanker cars sits dormant alongside Badin Lake, looking southeast towards Badin earlier this month.
Badin receives state grant for future community center State funding will help convert the historic hospital building By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
COURTESY TOWN OF BADIN
The former hospital building in Badin will be renovated into a new meeting and community center.
BADIN — The town of Badin is set to receive nearly $250,000 in state grant funding for a renovation project that will turn a former hospital building into a community meeting and event space. According to an announcement from the North Carolina Department of Commerce last Thursday, Badin has been awarded a $241,700 Rural Downtown Economic Develop-
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• Albemarle-East/ Anderson Rd. • North Oakboro/ Red Cross Rd. • South Oakboro/ Rocky River Rd. • Mt. Pleasant • Biscoe • Locust
See CENTER, page A5
Some World Cup fans are being left stranded without seats, even after purchasing tickets months in advance. See why on page A5.
“I am honored to join the city of Albemarle’s team.”
Rob Hanlen will begin his new role in July By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Rob Hanlen has been hired as the new Parks and Recreation director for Albemarle. The city announced Friday that he was selected by City Manager Darren Rhodes to lead the department, which oversees parkland, recreation programs and community facilities. Hanlen is set to begin July 13. “I am honored to join the city of Albemarle’s team,” See DIRECTOR, page A4
ERIC GAY / AP PHOTO
COURTESY CITY OF ALBEMARLE
Rob Hanlen begins his role as Albemarle’s new Parks and Recreation director July 13.
Now Serving Cabarrus, Stanly & Montgomery Counties • Albemarle-West/ Coble Ave.
ment grant through the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA). The money will support work on the 5,400-square-foot building on Falls Road that once operated as the first hospital in Stanly County. Built in 1917, the structure is expected to undergo a series of improvements, including new flooring, interior painting, ceiling repairs, roof and window work, electrical and lighting upgrades, and accessibility improvements to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. “This money, along with the
Albemarle selects new Parks inside and Recreation director
Rob Hanlen
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