VOLUME 146 ISSUE 54 | WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
SUBSCRIBE TODAY: 704-982-2121
Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
WHAT’S HAPPENING Democrats’ narrow path to Senate majority gets rockier as Platner faces sexual assault allegation A new accusation that Graham Platner once sexually assaulted a woman he was dating has rocked the U.S. Senate race in Maine and cast fresh doubt on Democrats’ path to a Senate majority. Republicans currently have a 53-47 advantage in the Senate, and Maine has been viewed as a necessary win for Democrats to gain the minimum net of four new Senate seats. But now there’s a question of whether Platner will even remain on the ballot and, if he does, whether he can defeat five-term Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
NATO unveils billions in arms deals to prove its firepower as Trump demands Greenland Ankara, Turkey President Donald Trump insists the United States should control Greenland instead of Denmark, renewing tensions in Europe at a NATO summit. Trump spoke during a meeting with the summit host, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. Trump also announced the U.S. will lift sanctions on Turkey that were imposed after Ankara bought a Russian missile defense system. This decision could ease Turkey’s re-entry into the U.S. F-35 fighter jet program. NATO is showcasing military projects worth billions, aiming to satisfy Trump. Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged NATO to allow Ukraine to join the alliance.
French court clears way for far-right leader Le Pen to run in 2027 Paris A Paris appeals court has cleared the way for far-right leader Marine Le Pen to possibly run for the French presidency next year. However, she must wear an electronic monitor, which she has said is a no-go. The court found Le Pen guilty of embezzlement but softened the ban on her seeking elected office. Her prison sentence is now three years, with two suspended. The court’s notes on the verdict pointed out the “principle of freedom to stand for election.” Le Pen is expected to share her thoughts in a television interview later Tuesday.
$2.00
EMELIA IRELAND FOR STANLY NEWS JOURNAL
Independ-ice day Red, white and blue snow cones were a popular accessory for attendees at Badin Inn’s Fourth of July party on Saturday. For more photos, turn to page A5.
Yadkin Riverkeeper details expanded role in Stanly County The water advocacy group outlines new coverage areas By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Board of Commissioners received an update Monday night on the Yad-
kin Riverkeeper’s work in the county and its plans to expand its coverage area in the region. In a slideshow presentation, Edgar Miller, executive director of the nonprofit organization, explained its current priorities, including drinking water protection, environmental cleanup efforts in Badin, lake levels, land conservation and recreational use along the
are proposing to expand our Yadkin River system. “Stanly County is an import- jurisdiction to cover southern ant community for us along the Stanly County.” Yadkin Riverkeeper was Yadkin River, and I’m here today primarily to thank the founded in 2008 by the Friends county for supporting our ef- of the Yadkin Pee Dee and forts,” Miller said. “County is affiliated with the WaterManager Andy Lucas has pro- keeper Alliance, Waterkeepers vided a letter of support to help Carolina, the N.C. Conservaus expand our jurisdiction. We tion Network, the Great Trails are part of the international Waterkeeper Alliance, and we See YADKIN, page A2
SCS hires elementary education and federal programs director “I look forward to creating ripples that reach every student by supporting the educators and leaders who make a difference every day.” Jolene Graham
School district announces new director By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Stanly County Schools has added another member to its leadership team. The district announced in a June 30 news release that Jolene Graham has been hired as its new director of elementary education and federal programs, a position within the curriculum and
instruction department. “Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Graham to her new leadership role,” SCS said in a statement. “Her passion for supporting educators and improving student outcomes has been evident in every role she has held. We look forward to the positive impact she will make as she continues to support our students, staff, and school communities.” In the role, Graham will help oversee elementary education programs while also See SCS, page A4
Now Serving Stanly and Montgomery Counties LOCATIONS
• Albemarle • Biscoe • Locust • North Oakboro/ Red Cross Road • South Oakboro/ Rocky River Road
24 Hour Access Digital Video Surveillance Online Billing Great Customer Service
www.burlesonsquarestorage.com • 704-985-2274
inside A 2,200-pound seal named Neil has become a social media sensation — and a bit of a local menace in Tasmania. For more, turn to page A4.
SAM VOLKER PHOTOGRAPHY VIA AP