LND topic: john-merriman page 1

john merriman

Austin’s Film Scene Turns 40: A New Look at the City’s Movie Magic

February 10, 2026

Austin has long been a magnet for filmmakers, and the city’s 40‑year journey in cinema is now being celebrated with a fresh visual tribute. The Austin Film Commission (AFC) teamed up with award‑winning actor Sonny Carl Davis, known for “The Whole Shootin’ Match” and “Buck Alamo, ” to create a promot

sports

Lilly Gerwert Leads Bellwood‑Antis Past Tyrone Despite Illness

February 10, 2026

Bellwood‑Antis girls’ senior Lilly Gerwert faced a tough time with illness as the season closed. She said she still felt unwell but was motivated by her coach’s pep talk. Gerwert pushed through the pain to spark a strong third quarter and finished with 21 points, 12 in the final period. The

sports

Unexpected Austrian Victory in Women’s Ski Combined

February 10, 2026

Austria captured the top spot in a surprise twist during the women’s team combined at the Winter Games. The duo of Ariane Raedler and Katharina Huber skied their way to gold after the United States’ leading contenders slipped past the finish line in fourth place, missing a medal by just 0. 06 second

politics

Arkansas Boosts Maternal Care with $40M Federal Grant

February 10, 2026

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has secured a $40 million federal contribution aimed at reducing the state’s alarming infant and maternal death rates. The money arrives through a new appropriations act approved by Congress last month and signed into law on February 3rd. UAMS w

education

Expanding Early Learning: Nine New Centers Open Across Central Pennsylvania

February 10, 2026

In late September, a local early‑education provider announced the launch of nine fresh learning hubs spread across Lebanon, Dauphin and York counties. The new sites include 817 E. Arch St. in Palmyra, 88 S. Hershey Road and 391 Schaffner Drive in West Hanover Township, 5120 Lancaster St. in Swatara

business

Seelan Nayagam Takes the Helm of NTT DATA’s Asia Pacific Operations

February 10, 2026

NTT DATA has named Seelan Nayagam its new chief executive for the Asia Pacific region, a move that signals a strong push into AI‑driven services. Nayagam will start on March 16, 2026 and is based in Singapore, reporting to the company’s president and CEO. His arrival follows John Lombard’s tenure an

entertainment

Catherine Zeta‑Jones Leads a Dark Marriage Mystery

February 10, 2026

A new thriller is in the works, starring Catherine Zeta‑Jones as a strange marriage counselor. Her character pushes a couple’s fragile relationship into peril during a weekend at a house in Natchez, Mississippi. The film is directed by Tate Taylor, known for movies like “Ma” and “The Girl on t

politics

Inspector General Rules Face New Hurdles

February 10, 2026

The Maryland Attorney General has issued a legal note that could limit how Inspectors General (IGs) work across the state. The guidance says IGs must obey the same public‑records limits as other offices, including restrictions on personnel and financial files. Baltimore City has already started f

celebrities

Celebrity Homes: The Real Estate Game in the UK

February 8, 2026

The richest stars in Britain are not just famous for their talent – they’re also building massive property empires that rival those of top financiers. Among them, the Beckhams stand out with a portfolio worth around $205 million, covering five homes that make up almost a quarter of their total we

politics

Minneapolis Chaos: Why ICE Can’t Work There

February 7, 2026

John Sandweg, who once led ICE during the Obama years, told a TV program that Minneapolis had become too wild for agents to do their job. He said the city was “crazy, ” with ICE officers being chased by crowds, whistles blaring and everyone shouting. In that setting, enforcement is impossible. Sand