VOLUME 146 ISSUE 63 | WEEKEND EDITION, AUGUST 8-9, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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Hall-worthy Longtime Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly capped his football career Saturday when he joined 386 of his fellow players to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Above, one of the bigger highlights of his career was when he picked off Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson on the second play of a 2016 NFC divisional playoff game, running it back for a touchdown. Carolina won that game 31-24 and continued on to play the Broncos in Super Bowl 50.
WHAT’S HAPPENING Investigators look at why a plane was allowed to take off as Trump’s helicopter approached Washington, D.C. It’s not clear why a plane was allowed to take off as President Donald Trump’s helicopter was approaching Reagan National Airport in an apparent violation of safety procedures put in place after last year’s midair collision between an airliner and an Army helicopter near that busy Washington D.C. airport. Both the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the incident that happened Tuesday as Marine One left the White House for Andrews Air Force Base with the president aboard. A commercial jet took off at the same time. The FAA decided after 67 people died on Jan. 29, 2025 that all takeoffs and landings at Reagan would be halted anytime a helicopter passes by the airport.
FDA approves Moderna’s mRNA-based flu shot The FDA approved a new flu vaccine for older people on Wednesday, the first made with the same mRNA technology used in the COVID-19 shot. Moderna says it expects some supply to be available in certain stores soon. The shot is called mFlusiva and is for adults age 50 or older. It offers an additional option among the multiple flu vaccines available, including three specifically recommended for people age 65 or older who are especially vulnerable to influenza.
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Commissioners consider censure after allegations against Hatley The board will seek an outside ethics investigation By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — A Norwood resident accused Commissioner Trent Hatley on Monday night of improperly contacting a District Court judge about her pending civil case, prompting commissioners to consider censuring Hatley and seeking an outside ethics investigation. During the public comment period, Erin Beth Pinkston told the Stanly County Board of Commissioners that Hatley called District Court Judge Thai Vang at his home July 15
COURTESY STANLYTV
The Stanly County Board of Commissioners considered censuring Commissioner Trent Hatley during Monday night’s meeting. and discussed a case involving her and her former husband. Vang serves Judicial District 28, which includes Stanly and Montgomery counties. Pinkston said Vang notified the attorneys shortly after the
call and told them the following morning that he would recuse himself because he believed Hatley was attempting to influence him in favor of another party. “This is a pretty serious
Stanly schools chief technology officer earns statewide honor Elliot Brooks was named NCLGISA’s 2026 IT Person of the Year By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Board of Education recognized Chief Technology Officer Elliot Brooks on Tuesday night for being named the 2026 IT Person of the Year by the North Carolina Local Government Information Systems Association. Brooks has worked in public education for 18 years, helping
guide Stanly County Schools through technology upgrades, staff support and classroom innovation. The statewide award honors information technology professionals who demonstrate leadership, integrity and service while upholding the legacy of former NCLGISA member Gray Cassell. “It involves community colleges, local governments, municipalities and universities, so not just K-12,” Brooks said of the association. “It’s a great group of people, and I’ve learned See HONOR, page A8
“It’s a great group of people, and I’ve learned a lot from the organization.” Elliot Brooks, Stanly County Schools chief technology officer
charge,” Commissioner Billy Mills said while questioning Pinkston about Vang’s stated reason for leaving the case. Court records reviewed by See BOARD, page A5