LND topic: john-balch page 1

john balch

Power, Money and Hidden Lessons

June 29, 2026

The U. S. government has many problems that people are talking about. \n\nSome say the president thinks he owns all the money in the Treasury. He would like to spend it however he wants, without asking anyone else. \n\nOthers point out that the president has also talked about fixing a big pool at th

entertainment

Arkansas Newspaper Wins Back‑to‑Back Excellence Award

June 29, 2026

The Arkansas Democrat‑Gazette has been named the top large newspaper in the state for two consecutive years, earning the General Excellence title at the 2025 Arkansas Press Association Better Newspaper Editorial Awards. Eight other first‑place honors were also claimed by the paper, covering sports,

celebrities

Birthdays worth remembering: June 28th celebrates legends, artists, and pioneers

June 29, 2026

June 28th stands out more than most birthdays—not because it’s rare, but because it’s shared by people who’ve left deep marks on culture, leadership, and creativity. Some spent their lives making others laugh, like Mel Brooks, who’s still chasing new projects even as he approaches his century mark.

education

From Lockup to Lecture Hall: A Second Chance at Education

June 29, 2026

Italo Sanchez spent most of his adult life behind bars, bouncing between juvenile detention and prison since age 13. By 35, he’d endured eight years in solitary confinement, surviving a brutal world where violence and gang politics ruled. Then, a simple note passed between inmates introduced him to

politics

Unpacking Trump’s Iran Deal: A New Take on the MOU

June 28, 2026

The recent U. S. memorandum of understanding with Iran is often discussed only in terms of what each side promises to do, but that focus misses a key point: the MOU is not a finished contract—it’s a roadmap for future talks. The only concrete part of the deal today is Iran’s agreement to keep the St

politics

Joseph Cao Eyes Victory in Tight Primary Race

June 28, 2026

Joseph Cao, who is currently filling a seat on the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), was set to keep his position after a close win over Ellie Schroder in the Republican primary runoff held on Saturday. By 10:15 p. m. , most precincts had reported, and Cao led with about 52 percent

sports

Softball Stars Shine in Lower Hudson Valley

June 28, 2026

The New York State Sportswriters and Coaches’ Organization for Girls Sports announced its 2026 all‑state softball teams on June 25, spotlighting standout athletes from the Lower Hudson Valley. Ava Papaleo of Ursuline captured the top honor as Class AA Player of the Year, adding to a season that s

technology

Tech Media Lost a Sharp Voice When Om Malik Passed Away

June 28, 2026

In 2001, as websites were rising and print journalism struggled, one blog quietly changed how people talked about technology. Founded by Om Malik, Gigaom became a go-to source for tech news that didn’t just report facts—it offered strong opinions too. At a time when many tech publications folded aft

technology

A robot tractor startup’s high-tech dream crashes in California’s wine country

June 28, 2026

Two years ago, a Silicon Valley-backed company promised to transform grape farming with $100, 000 robot tractors that could drive themselves, collect data, and slash labor costs. The startup, Monarch Tractor, even landed on Time magazine’s best inventions list in 2023 and was valued at half a billio

environment

Oil slick spotted in Baltimore's waterfront area

June 27, 2026

A noticeable oil slick appeared in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor early Friday. Around 5:30 a. m. , local cameras caught the sheen floating on the water’s surface. Officials from the State Department of the Environment confirmed the spill and are now working with the U. S. Coast Guard to trace where the o