#North Texas Luxury Living

[officialnorthtexas]

Looking to buy or sell a home in Plano, TX? Stay ahead of the game with our comprehensive analysis of the current real estate market and trends for 2025.

[missathlete31]

Someone In Your Corner

Summary: Hangman, struggling to deal with his nightmares after the mission, goes for a run in the California heat. When he gets himself into trouble he finds a surprising ally on his side.

Aka if Maverick is MavDad meet DaggerMom

Hey look, yet another Jake Seresin Whump/Angst fic….. also known as the only thing I know how to write lol! Enjoy!

Two week after the Uranium mission and Jake "Hangman" Seresin was struggling. The Navy had given them all a month's worth of leave, a ridiculously long time in Jake's opinion but extremely sought after for all the others. There was a mandatory week of debriefs and discussions, most of which Jake hovered in the back and only answered when he was addressed directly, but then they were free to go. The whole squadron seemed to have gotten plane tickets to head back home, the suicide mission making a lot of them place things in new perspective. Jake of course would rather perform ten suicide missions than even think about going home to Texas. Javy had invited him back to New Orleans with him and his family but Jake declined. He loved the Machados; he spent enough holidays over there to think of them as the closest thing he'd ever get to a real family, but he knew Javy was still shaken up from his G-Loc incident and the mission in general. He deserved a chance to decompress with his loved ones instead of trying to entertain Jake.

So Jake waved his best friend off at the airport on the third day after the start of their official leave and went back to the barracks to find a notice on his door. It seemed that the temporary living quarters they were supplied for training was being revoked now that everything was over. Jake had vaguely heard one of the others talking about it at the bar but he didn't realize it applied to those that weren't going home as well. He assumed he would be allowed to hang around base, maybe convince Admiral Simpson (or at least the more agreeable Admiral Bates) to let him jump into a few hops to keep his skills sharp. Those plans were scrapped though as both Admirals informed him in no uncertain terms that none of the Daggers would be allowed back in the air until they were given the all clear from both medical and psych. Jake was already cleared on the medical end but all psych evals were to be conducted after the team returned from leave. He wanted to push to get his moved up but Cyclone only gave him that un-amused look that he usually reserved for Maverick, and Jake figured it wasn't worth the fight (he was still on shaky ground for disobeying direct orders on the carrier that day- and for getting the rest of the flight crew to go along with him).

So now not only was Jake alone on North Island, he was also forced to find new housing. With no real other options, he checked into a random motel that was far from luxurious with its outdated decor and questionable activities for it's by the hour patrons. Jake found he didn't mind though as long as he used his own sheets. Also besides a few quick visitors a few doors down, Jake was virtually on his own in his section. This was a huge benefit for the blonde pilot as he found himself dealing with an added difficulty now that the mission was over: debilitating nightmares.

It was embarrassing for him to admit but Jake had always struggled with nightmares. As a child in an abusive household he was always so tense and on edge, especially at night after his father had had a couple of drinks in him, that he found his dreams were filled with running away from monsters that looked vaguely like his parents until he woke up screaming. After receiving punishments for waking anyone up with his pathetic cries, Jake learned to muffle his terror to much quieter levels, though the nightmares always held a grip on him for those formable years. As he got older and into his teen years, Jake's real world seemed to be worse than any dream ever could be and sadly that was what quashed his night terrors for a few years at least. When he left home and joined the Navy he felt freer than he ever had in the world and he finally learned what the term 'sleep like a baby' really meant.

It didn't last for long though because after his first confirmed kill, Jake's nightmares came back. He was forever dreaming of being back in his plane, sometimes shooting down the Bogey, other times the Bogey catching him first. He had nightmares where he shot his wingman down instead, his whole squadron condemning him for the action. Other times it would be his squad shot him down because they were protecting themselves from Hangman leaving them like his call-sign dictated. These dreams circled through Jake's sleep cycle for weeks until Javy caught on before he was sent to ship out again and noticed the dark bags under his best friend's eyes. Though Javy knew better than to push Jake towards any sort of professional therapy from the Navy that could ultimately keep him grounded, he did force his best friend to talk to him more about what was troubling him and to find healthy outlets for his anxiety, fear, and guilt. Jake's favorite method became running.

Jake already enjoyed running from when he was a kid and needed an escape at home so using it to relax from work stress as well came fairly easy. He took to jogging around bases in the morning, night or whenever he just felt a little overwhelmed. Javy would join him if he was able, though normally he cut out about half the miles while jokingly calling Jake a robot for being able to run so much. It was therapeutic and it worked, especially when he ran at night, as Jake felt his body become so tired he went off to sleep without any dreams at all.

But then this mission happened.

First it was Coyote's G-loc; the sounds of Maverick trying to stir his best friend back to consciousness before he crashed into a mountain staying with Jake even during waking hours. In dreams it was worse, Maverick never getting tone in time, Coyote's scream over the radio before he burned up in his jet. Jake would wake up each time with tears in his eyes and would struggle to not call his best friend right there and then. Jake also dreamed of the bird strike. Though he pretended to be indifferent, he really did care about Phoenix, she was one of his oldest friends, dating back to his Flight School days. That nightmarish day, after being so close to losing Javy, to then hear her and Bob forced to eject, it broke something in Jake. His dreams featured the two not ejecting in time, or sometimes different pilots were up there but with the same results. The worst nightmare was when Jake was in the air with them and he listened to Phoenix scream at him that because he left them hanging, the birds hit their plane instead of his. Both Bob and Phoenix's last words were wishing it was Jake instead. Maverick would share the sentiment on the radio as the two planes watched the other go down. When Jake woke from that particular dream, he usually felt so gutted all he could do was sit up in silence.

There were moments from the actual mission that attributed to his night terrors as well of course. First it was Dagger one going down, the others blaming Jake for not being good enough that Maverick had to take the spot of team leader to ensure the others survived and therefore sacrificed himself. Then he would hear Dagger Two going down and there was the guilt of having Bradshaw die after all the mean things Jake had said and done to him. But the worst was Jake's rescue of Maverick and Rooster. Jake couldn't count the times he would close his eyes (both awake and asleep) and see the damn missile that was headed right for that old F-14. He never told anyone outside of his debriefs with the Admirals but that missile was shot and deployed and not even seconds away from killing both Captain Mitchell and Bradshaw. He had had no time to spare.

Every night during the week of debriefs Jake would dream of being too late, of watching that missile kill his CO and his wingman in a fiery blaze as bright as the sun. Jake would be forced to call on the radio that he hadn’t reached them in time, would land on the carrier not to celebration and hugs but dirty looks and tears. One night the nightmare was so bad, felt so real, that Jake actually called Rooster just to hear his voice. The groggy other pilot thought it was some kind of joke and didn't respond incredibly kind but Jake hung up the phone with tears of relief in his eyes anyway. He would take a sarcastic Rooster over a dead one any day.

Last night Jake dreamed of the man he shot down. His second confirmed kill but it wasn't any easier. He dreamed of the man's family, his children growing up fatherless like Rooster did. A whole family lineage cursing him for taking away the man they loved most. When he woke up Jake only had a few seconds before he was puking in his toilet, no chance of falling back to sleep again. His count of hours slept in the week at a sickening level. He knew he should be worried, knew that he should address his problems with someone but everyone else was dealing and he didn’t understand how he couldn’t. He wasn’t one of the Daggers, he wasn’t the one completing the suicide course. He didn’t go into G-Loc or get hit with a bird strike. He wasn’t shot down and he wasn’t stuck behind enemy lines and scrambling to get home. Jake was just the spare; sure he had a lucky shot, but he did nothing more. He didn’t deserve to bother anyone with his lack of sleeping. He would get it sorted, just like he always did.

As the day progressed and Jake's lids got heavier he thought about his techniques to combat his nightmares in the past and looked for his running gear. He hoped to kill two birds with one stone, run enough to clear his mind but also to make himself so exhausted he would fall asleep right away. The pilot put on his sneakers and reached for headphones before heading out the door. He knew it was going to be hot but the minute he was outside he felt like a wall of humidity was surrounding him. It wasn't the ideal running conditions but Jake grew up in Texas where heat was a part of everyday life. He threw off his shirt knowing it would be soaked in a second and headed out.

—————————————————————————-

Penny Benjamin wiped another hand across her brow as she turned to another box. She knew she shouldn't have chosen Tuesday to do inventory especially when the weather forecasts all called for the height of the heat wave to hit, yet here she was sweating in the back rooms of the Hard Deck anyway. She wished Maverick was around to help, though he was abnormally chaotic in a tight setting, at least the man could have helped with the lifting. Pete however, had taken Bradley for a 'getting re-acquainted trip' aka a 'get our crap together' trip up in Northern California. Penny was so happy to see the two trying to make things right and she knew it meant the world to Pete.

It did leave her alone though and with all the other pilots of the squadron gone on leave and Amelia visiting her father, Penny hated the quiet. Even doing normal chores around the bar made her ache for the loud and boisterous group she had grown to love. She hoped they were at least all trying to heal like Maverick and Rooster. She wasn't given all the details from the mission but she knew there were a lot of close calls and that for everyone to return was lucky, bordering on miraculous. Penny felt lucky herself every time she got to see Pete's smile again.

As the morning progressed and the heat got too much Penny opted to go over some sales numbers and to save the inventory for later. Grabbing her books, she headed for her usual table outside, the umbrella giving only the most miniscule relief from the heat.

She looked up as she watched a man run on the beach. He looked vaguely familiar but it wasn't until he was a bit closer that Penny realized it was Hangman. She had been surprised this morning when she saw the man arrive at the beach to run. She had assumed Hangman like all the others had gone away for leave. Clearly this wasn’t the case as the pilot putt his ear pods in and started his jog just as she first opened up to do inventory. Penny glanced at her watch and saw it was close to an hour later then since she had first arrived, and yet Hangman was still running. A hint of worry bubbled in her stomach but she learned that Top Gun pilots tended to be work-out fanatics, Hangman no exception.

As the man neared, Penny raised her hand, "Hangman!" she called but she wasn't surprised when the man kept running, no doubt lost in his music and training. She watched him for a minute, not immune to admit that the sight of the muscular shirtless blonde running along the beach wasn't the worst thing she's laid her eyes on. She shook her head at her silliness and turned back to her sales book figuring she would chastise the man for ignoring her later when he came in for some beers tonight.

Thirty minutes later the same figured appeared for the third time since she sat outside and Penny's brow furrowed. She knew Hangman liked to run but this was getting a bit excessive. She was familiar with his two mile loop, she had walked it with Amelia many times herself, but never this many times, nor in this kind of heat. When she included the time she was in the basement, she knew Jake was running much more than was normal or healthy on a day like today. It was nearing noon, the heat for the day was at its worse and she had heard an air quality alert on the news this morning. Jake ran with no water bottle, no shirt and if she had to guess no sunscreen. He just ran, and ran, and ran.

Perhaps it was the mother in her or perhaps it was just the concern for a pilot she had grown to care about over the years, but Penny refused to let Hangman run past again without at least taking a little respite. She stood herself up from the table and headed towards the sand, waving a bit to not startle the runner. As she got closer she noticed Hangman's gait was off, he seemed to be listing to the side with each step. Her concern mounting, Penny hurried forward a little faster, her heart dropping when she noticed Jake had started to stagger. "Hangman you alright?" the barmaid hollered, but instead of a verbal response Jake fell to one knee. "Jake!" Penny called as she watched the blonde collapse complete to the ground. He landed face first in the sand and the older woman felt herself fall next to him, a gentle hand reaching for his shoulder to help roll him over.

The man lying before her looked so far from the Hangman she knew that Penny gasped. Jake's normally lively green eyes were closed, his skin pale and his breath raspy. She gently nudged his face, trying to stir some kind of reaction and felt her heart relax a fraction when Jake gave a low groan and took a wobbling hand to brush hers away.

"Hey Hangman you with me?" she tapped his cheek again, worry increasing when she felt how warm his body was and yet she didn't notice much sweat on his body. Familiar with signs of overheating but in no way a doctor, Penny looked back towards the Hard Deck and hoped to see someone around that could help her. Unfortunately it seemed they were alone. She turned back to the blonde and saw his eyes were still closed though his body seemed to want to move. “Jake honey, can you hear me?” she asked again.

“P-Penny?” Jake murmured and finally those green eyes were open if barely past slits. He seemed to take a good look at the woman leaning over him before all the rest of the color in Hangman’s face disappeared and he rolled over to his side. As he retched out what Penny disgustingly assumed was his breakfast, she tried to run a soothing hand over his back but again she faltered at how hot his body temperature seemed to be. She reached to pull him back to face her carefully, allowing his back to land back in a clean portion of sand before trying to meet his eyes, “Jake, you with me? Are you alright?”

“Y-yeah, yeah” he didn’t sound convincing, “’ll good.”

“I think you’re overheated, I need to get you inside.”

“No-“ he shook his head weakly, his voice low and gravelly, “-m fine…. Just-… just overdid it a bit. ”

Penny moved to brush back his damp hair from where it was plastered with sand to his forehead, “You really over did it, okay” she tried to give a reassuring smile but her concern was too great and it became more of a grimace, “you need to get out of this sun and get some water in you. You think you can stand?”

It didn’t look like Jake would be moving any time soon but when Penny gave him a small pull the pilot managed to follow the momentum enough to get himself standing. It wasn’t pretty and Hangman looked ready to puke again at least three different times, but he held it in and allowed Penny to throw his arm around her shoulders. The two took a moment to gain their balance before they started with small and slow steps all the way back to the Hard Deck.

The walk was long and tedious. With each step that they got closer Jake’s movements got sloppier and the weight Penny had to support seemed to double. When she finally got him inside, Penny deposited Jake to the nearest booth and ran for a cold water bottle and some towels. She ran them under the coldest water she could get and started to place them over Jake’s chest, his neck and his forehead. The man didn’t even flinch. “Keep those there” Penny ordered as she moved to grab more water bottles, “and take small sips of water.”

Jake tried to follow orders but when he moved his hands to open the bottle, they were shaking so bad he dropped it. He went to get his body to pick it up but instead he slid down to the floor, his back against the table’s leg. Penny heard the commotion and came running, finding the pilot out of it and on the floor of her bar. “Jesus Jake, I think we need to get you to the hospital” she told him, “This is way worse than over heating-“

“No” Jake shook his head, his eyes unfocused, “’m –ok-“

“Honey” she got him standing again, “no you’re not. Hang on, take a seat for a minute and let me get my keys. I have to lock up the basement and then I will take you.” She led him back towards the booths but didn’t wait for him to sit, instead running to her bag and car keys.

Meanwhile the blonde had teetered after her, following towards the bar and knocking over a stool followed by another, "shit” he cursed, “’m sorry. Y-you can just call m’ an uber" Jake slurred softly, now leaning heavily against the bar, “’t’s no bother.”

"Absolutely not, and I said to sit Jake" she ordered, manhandling him towards the booths, "sit before you collapse again."

"'M -fine-"

"No you're really not." Her eyes must have shown her anger and concern because Jake seemed to melt into the cushion of the seats. Penny gave a nod and then ran to lock up her basement door and lock the inventory room. When she got back to the bar she noticed Jake’s head was leaning down on the table. “Hangman?” she questioned, but the man didn’t stir, “Jake?” When she still got no answer, she hurried over and took one of the water bottles, emptying it over the man’s head in a frantic shake, “Lieutenant Seresin!” she yelled and was luckily awarded with a dazed Jake shaking his wet hair out in confusion. “-enny?” he murmured sleepily, “did it rain?”

“Something like that” Penny lied, moving to grab the man out of the booth once more and get him towards the exit, “now come on honey, we’re going to the hospital.”

“-Don’’ feel so g-good.”

“I know, but we’re going to get you all fixed up” she promised silently praying that she could deliver on such a statement. If she was honest with herself Jake’s condition was really starting to frighten her. He collapsed three times already, he threw up on the beach and his body temperature was frightening high. She had tried cold compresses but they didn’t seem to make a difference. He was incoherent and confused; his body a shaky and unstable mess when he was normally frighteningly in control.

They got to Penny’s car quickly; fortunately she parked in the closet spot this morning. She helped lay Jake out along the back seat, sparing a second to take a hand to his forehead where she still felt the heat radiating off his skin. She pursed her lips but didn’t say anything, instead starting her car and cranking the A/C, hoping that it would help cool the pilot down.

For the first few minutes of the ride, Jake stayed silent and if it weren’t for Penny looking towards him in the rear view mirror every few seconds she would have thought he was unconscious or worse. Instead she watched as the man took shallow wheezy breaths, praying they get to the hospital quickly so he could get real help.

After a few more minutes of silence, Penny heard what sounded like a throat clearing in the back seat. Jake’s voice sounded fractured when he finally spoke up, "'why-you helpin' me?" he whispered from the back, 'm a bad person. A bad person with no one left.”

"No you're not honey" Penny immediately argued back, watching as Hangman’s eyes closed and his face scrunched up in pain, "you're a good person. I know that and so do the others."

"Asshole to them.... always a jerk..."

"I think they've started to see all that for what it is.” And she really believed that. The Hangman that strutted around the Hard Deck all these years was a show, meant for entertainment and for keeping people at arm’s length. Penny, no stranger at pushing people away herself, could recognize the signs easily though she knew it took the others a while to see. “You earned your teammates’ trust” she continued with what she hoped sounded reassuring. Jake didn’t seem to react to the words though, so Penny tried to push a bit more remembering what Maverick had told her the night he returned after the boat docked, about how Jake had saved his life, “you showed them the true Jake Seresin during the mission. They see it now.”

“They all left, ‘m alone again.”

“You’re not alone sweetheart”

“I should be, ‘ve killed people” Jake announced next and in the driver’s seat Penny stilled. It’s not that she doesn’t know this fact, she’s heard Hangman address it before but hearing Jake speak the words so matter of factly while he himself was so broken, exhausted and barely conscious, Penny’s heart clenched. “You were just doing your job, Jake, it’s different.”

“No” he shook his head minutely, “’t’s not.” He sniffed back what sounded like a sob, “can’t sleep, just see it again and again… All my mistakes... all the early graves… all my fault.”

“Nothing was your fault Jake, you saved lives that day. You saved Maverick and Rooster-“

“see them die every night…. ‘m pathetic-“

“No you’re not, you’re so brave honey” she felt a tear fall down her cheek as Jake let out another raspy sob, “so, so brave.”

“’ can’t even sleep anymore” Jake moaned, “just wanna sleep-“

“We can get you help for that” she urged, “there are people that can help-“

“No one can ‘elp me” his head lulled to the side, “I…can’t be fixed.”

There was so much Penny wished to say, so much she wished to correct but before she got the chance she was pulling into the emergency driveway entrance of the hospital and screeching her brakes to a halt behind an empty ambulance. “Please!” Penny hollered from her window at the two paramedics heading out the exit doors. Both stopped and looked her way, “please I need help” she urged to them.

The two women hurried forward, following Penny’s directions to the back seat, “he’s in rough shape, can you help me get him inside?”

“I’ll get the backboard and gurney” the younger of the medics announced, running back to her rig. When she returned the three women were able to lift Jake up and onto it, the two medical professionals beginning to wheel him inside, Penny hot on their heels.

“Ma’am you can’t leave your car here” the security guard tried but Penny ignored it and just continued to follow the gurney wheeling Hangman further into the hospital. Getting a ticket was the least of her worries, even getting towed. All she cared about was making sure the blonde pilot in that bed got the care he needed.

She followed them through into the emergency room where Jake was taken into a corner make-shift room with curtains closing it off. A nurse started asking Penny questions about Jake’s age, medical history, and if he had any allergies. She tried to answer to the best of her abilities but the truth was she didn’t really know. Jake Seresin had been coming to the bar for years but Penny couldn’t even tell the hospital if he was allergic to peanuts yet alone any medication he was on; she just never bothered to get to know him that well. She vowed if they got through this debacle, she would find out, resolved to pester Jake with so many questions he would have no choice but to tell her everything. She looked forward to it with a spark of hope.

Suddenly an older man came forward from the other side of the curtain, ripping it open with an intern on his heels, “What do we have?” he asked, not looking away from his patient on the bed.

“32 year old white male, fading in and out of consciousness, feels excessively warm to the touch-“

The doctor sighed and put on his glasses, his thinning hair reflecting the light as he knelt down on his work stool, and started to lightly examine Jake’s face and chest, “what’s his name?”

When no one else replied Penny realized the question was addressed to her. She swallowed her nerves, “Lieutenant Jake Seresin” she told him.

“Navy?”

“A Navy pilot, yes.”

“Why did you bring him here, shouldn’t he be on base?”

Penny shrugged, realizing she never even thought about taking Jake back to North Island, her mind just drove them to the first hospital she could think of, “this was closer” she explained instead.

The doctor hummed but continued his examination, “okay Lieutenant can you hear me?” when the blonde gave no response, the doctor turned to one of the nurses, “get me a temperature reading now” he ordered.

“Right away Doctor” and the nurse hurried to get the thermometer.

“What happened to him?” the ER doctor asked, shining a pen light as he used a hand to hold open Jake’s eye lid.

“He collapsed on the beach,” Penny supplied dutifully, still watching with what felt like a heavy weight on her chest, “he had been running and I think he might have over heated-“

“In this heat, I’m not surprised. Order a toxicology report, I don’t like his pupil dilation.”

Penny felt her temper flare, “He wasn’t drinking” she shot back, “he’s exhausted.”

“Let’s take the family out of the room-“ the doctor also added, rolling his eyes to his staff. As a nurse went to remove her, Penny listened as another rattled off Jake’s temperature. The minute his nurse was done saying 105 degrees, the ER doctor began sprouting commands, his voice a lot more concerned and worried than it were not two minutes ago. Penny knew 105 was dangerous, even deadly, but seeing doctors and nurses run in frantically made the woman more scared than she could ever remember being in her life. A curtain was pulled and her view was gone, and Penny felt her heart stutter as she wondered if that was to be the last time she would ever see Jake again. What if he died? What if she was too late getting him help, waited too long in the bar locking up a damn inventory closet when she should have been calling an ambulance and getting the poor man help. Her legs buckled for a moment but the nurse at her side kept a strong hand on her arm that kept her standing. “Here we go” the nurse told her steering her to the nurses’ station, “Fran” she called and one nurse was replaced with a different one as Penny was handed off once more.

“Okay” the nurse named Fran began, an iPad in her hand and glasses on her kind face, “let’s begin. Patient’s name was what again?”

“Lieutenant Jake Seresin.”

“Age?”

“32.”

“Occupation?”

“Naval Pilot.”

She typed faster, then opened her mouth to ask more but Penny beat her too it, "please" she begged, "is he going to be alright?"

Fran seemed to scrutinize her for a moment, his brown eyes boring into Penny over her glasses, “What is your relation to him again?" she questioned.

Penny stuttered for a moment, but then found her confidence, "I'm- I'm his aunt” she declared daring someone to disagree. The nurse didn’t argue, just typed something on her iPad, “and your name?”

“Penny Benjamin.”

Fran nodded and motioned towards the waiting room, “okay Ms. Benjamin, take a seat and I’ll send a doctor to talk once he finishes his evaluations.”

"But can’t I go back in?“

“You’ve done everything you could for the Lieutenant; now leave it to the doctors.” Fran placed a comforting hand to her arm and squeezed gently, “your nephew is in good hands.”

“What if I didn’t do enough, I tried to put cold compresses, and the water, but he could even grip it properly and I never made him drink-“

“Shhh” the kind woman placated her, “I’ll let the doctors know. I’m sure they will put him on fluids right away, you just sit here.”

“T-Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, I’ll be back later.”

Penny watched her go, falling into the hard waiting room chair and taking her head into her hands. She wanted to scream in frustration and worry, but she knew that wouldn’t help Jake. Instead she closed her eyes and focused on her breathing.

A hand on her arm a few minutes later made her jump. She looked up; expecting a doctor or nurse but finding herself staring at the same security guard she had run past before. The man looked sheepish, clearly feeling guilty for startling her. Penny pulled her fingers through her long brown hair to try to look even a semblance of normal but the security guard didn’t seem to judge. “Ma’am” he began, “I’m sorry to bug you but I really need you to move your car, we got ambulances that need to unload in those spaces and you’re blocking them.”

She looked back at him, her face reddening in mortification; she had completely forgotten about the car she had left parked in the emergency entrance. “I’m so sorry, Sir, I was so panicked before-“

He shook off her apology, “believe me I’ve seen it a million times before. Just move it now and we can both pretend it didn’t happen. I know you got more important things to worry about.” He offered a hand to help her standing and Penny took it gratefully, rising from the chair and heading to the automatic doors leading outside.

Penny moved her car like directed and then took back her seat in the waiting room. She noticed others sitting around, none paying her much attention, everyone lost in their own worlds of worry and fear.

This was why she hated hospitals, especially waiting rooms. It was a place where time simultaneously stood still and yet rushed by. People waited in agony over people in actually agony. Some people were here for last goodbyes while others welcomed new lives into the world. It was a place of overstimulation and over emotion and yet Penny couldn’t imagine herself being anywhere else at the moment. She would wait here as long as it took until she knew Jake would be okay.

About an hour later, a tall man approached the nurse’s station and Penny watched as he was directed to her. "Ms Benjamin?" the dark haired doctor called dressed in scrubs, "my name is Doctor Rask,” he held out a hand for Penny to shake, her grip lacking from her fear, “I’m your nephew's doctor” he told her soothingly.

"Hi" Penny breathed out, trying to control her nerves, "how's Jake?" she asked after no preamble.

If he thought she was rude the doctor didn't comment, instead he went right into Jake's diagnosis. "Lieutenant Seresin has a severe case of hyperthermia, more specifically heat stroke. His body temperature was 105 when you brought him in and that was with the cooling methods you tried to do prior. With a body temp that high our biggest concern is always going to be organ failure."

Penny clutched her hands into fists; the feeling of her nails in her palms the only thing keeping her together. She focused on the slight pain as she struggled to find her voice, "did he-... is his organs... are they okay?"

"He is extremely lucky” the doctor explained, “We don't see any evidence of organ failure but we will monitor him closely for the next few hours to be sure."

"That's- that's good news."

Dr. Rask spared her a comforting look, "it is, especially with how overheated he was but he's not out of the woods yet. Lieutenant Seresin was also severely dehydrated and extremely exhausted. His fine motor skills were so impaired upon admission that the ER doctor ordered a toxicology report because he was convinced Lieutenant Seresin must have been drunk. He wasn't of course but the Lieutenant admitted to being unable to supply the last time he had a full night's sleep."

Penny sighed, "he just got back from a serious mission Doctor Rask, it affective him deeply-"

"I understand," the doctor cut in gently, "and believe me I'm sympathetic but I suggest he find someone to talk to about this. He is beyond normal exhaustion levels which is extremely dangerous, not only in his profession but in all matters of his life."

"I agree. I plan on reaching out to his CO to discuss this as well."

The doctor softened, "we can also recommend people for him to talk to if he didn't want to go through the Navy. My father served and I know firsthand how people can be hesitant to show weakness to their superiors. It’s dangerous and they end up denying themselves the opportunity to get proper help."

"Thank you, I worry about that as well but I can promise you I will personally make sure Jake gets the help he needs, even if I have to drag him myself."

"He's lucky to have you" Doctor Rask shared with a smile.

Penny shook her head, her eyes falling to the floor, “I don't know about that” she admitted softly.

"I do” the doctor told her kindly, “You saved his life getting him in here so quickly."

"So he will be okay?"

"Well like I said before his organs look undamaged which is the best news for his case. He is still on cooling pads right now as we try to lower his temperature safely. We also have him on multiple IVs to increase his fluids and nutrients."

It certainly didn’t sound like he was okay but Penny took the doctor’s calm attitude as a good sign. Still she would only feel better once she could see Jake with her own eyes, "Is he awake?" she asked ready to run to his room if she found out he was.

Doctor Rask shook his head, "we gave him a small sedative which I would normally be against but Lieutenant Seresin was very restless in the room from the over exhaustion. I feared he would tax himself further. It should wear off in a few hours but he will be exceptionally groggy. Do to the severity of the heat stroke and the strain on his body; I want to keep him overnight for observations."

"Can I see him?"

"I would prefer not if I'm honest” he managed a sympathetic look when he noticed her face fall. “It's important for him to stay resting. In his heightened state and with the weak sedation, any disruption could cause him to wake before he's ready and that's the last thing he needs. Rest is his best medication at this point."

"I understand" and she did, no matter how much it broke her heart to think of Jake waking up alone in the hospital.

"If you leave your info with the nurse, I'll call you personally when he wakes, or any other member of his family."

He doesn't think he has any family, Penny's mind automatically corrected but she didn't bother saying it out loud. Besides, she learned many years ago that family went far beyond blood no matter what the medical world said. "Thank you Doctor, for everything."

"My pleasure and make sure Lieutenant Seresin thanks you as well. Like I said before, you saved your nephew's life today Ms. Benjamin, a few more minutes out there and we would be having a very different conversation."

She shuddered but gave her thanks anyway before turning back to her waiting room seat. She knew she had hours to kill before Jake would be up and she could see him so Penny took out her phone and scrolled to Pete’s name. She knew she needed to call the man, knew that the minute he heard something was wrong with one of his pilots he would want to be informed and be there. She wondered for a moment if perhaps she was overstepping until she remember Jake’s sad words in the car. This was a man who thought he was alone in the world and even worse, he thought he deserved to be alone in the world. He thought of himself as a killer for doing his job and pathetic for not being to handle his emotions and his PTSD properly. His hyperthermia would be treated but Penny knew that Jake Seresin had a much longer road to recovery once he was discharged from the hospital. Penny knew that she, Maverick, Rooster and the rest of the Daggers would be there for him every step of the way. They were a family now and that’s what family does.

Her mind made up, Penny hit the call button and brought the phone up to her ear, ready to call on the reinforcements.

[ououy]

There's a fox in the chicken coop! Investigation reveals US Agency for International Development provides non-military related funds to Ukraine

The picture shows the USAID headquarters in Washington, DC. (Photo: Reuters)

[Voice of Hope, February 26, 2025] (Voice of Hope reporter Chen Wenyun compiled) Investigators revealed to the North American Epoch Times that officials of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) repeatedly refused investigators from the Senate #DOGE Caucus Chair, Senator Joni Erns (Joni Erns) working group to review documents related to US tax funds allegedly used to help #Ukraine resist Russian invasion.

When investigators were finally allowed to view the documents, they were "stored in a highly secure room at USAID headquarters and strictly monitored," even though "nothing shared by USAID was confidential."

During the investigation, Ernst discovered that USAID's multi-million dollar project "exists in secret funds to put millions of American taxpayers' money into Ukraine for questionable purposes unrelated to our national interests."

“Funds that should have been used to ease the war-torn country’s economic woes were instead used for unimportant activities, such as sending Ukrainian models and designers to New York, London Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week and the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas,” investigators said.

One of the secret funds provided $114,000 to purchase a “high-end limited edition furniture line” and another $91,000 to fund a “trade mission for a Scandinavian-style furniture line.”

Investigators found that USAID also provided $148,000 in grants to “a pickle maker,” $255,000 to “an organic tea and coffee producer,” $104,000 to “an artisanal fruit tea company,” and $89,000 in support to “a Ukrainian vineyard.”

USAID also provided $300,000 each to a dog collar manufacturer and a company that sells pet tracking apps, $161,000 to "a modern knitwear supplier," $126,000 to "a photographer for a fashion design publication," and $84,000 in support to "a luxury bridal brand."

Ernst first began investigating USAID in November 2023, when he wrote a letter to then-USAID Administrator Samantha Power.

“I firmly support providing weapons and ammunition to Ukrainian militants to fight Putin,” Ernst told Power, “but I am not willing to spend nearly $25 billion of hard-earned U.S. taxpayer dollars on so-called economic aid to Ukraine, including subsidies for overseas businesses like a ‘luxury contemporary knit fashion store’ in Kyiv.”

In a Feb. 4 letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ernst said that “USAID has deliberately abused a system designed to protect the security of our nation’s classified information in order to limit congressional oversight of public information.”

Rubio replaced Power as acting administrator of USAID earlier this month. Most of the agency’s employees are on administrative leave, and layoffs are underway that could eliminate as many as 2,000 positions within the agency.

The Epoch Times obtained information about Ernst’s investigation the same day the House DOGE subcommittee prepared to hold a hearing focused on how USAID officials allocated at least $122 million in U.S. tax dollars to multiple organizations operating in the Middle East with documented ties to Hamas, Hezbollah, and al-Qaeda terrorist groups.

Gregg Roman, executive director of the Middle East Forum (MEF), told The Epoch Times on Tuesday (25th) that he would testify before the hearing panel that “there is a fox in the henhouse of our foreign aid system!”

Roman said, “This problem started under the Obama administration, intensified under the Biden administration, and now requires immediate action to stop the dangerous mismanagement and deadly ethical chaos.” “We are not just talking about waste, fraud, and abuse, this is a national security issue. Every dollar misused destabilizes conflict zones and endangers American lives.”

MEF investigators confirmed the evidence of terrorist links through U.S. government documents, USAID records, and other public sources of information.

The House DOGE Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, is part of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, chaired by Rep. James Comer. The House DOGE Panel, like the Senate DOGE Panel, was created in response to President Trump’s creation of the Department of Government Effectiveness (DOGE), led by Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

DOGE is conducting a forensic audit of federal spending across all federal departments and agencies. One of the first agencies to be reviewed is USAID.

“The revelations that the DOGE team uncovered together with USAID are shocking, but this is just the tip of the iceberg!” Greene said in a statement announcing the hearing on Wednesday (26th).

[lilees]

I've screamed about this to anyone who will listen, but every single year, without fail, there is a devastating natural disaster in the South that triggers the most callous commentary from so-called liberal and progressive circles and I am so sick of it. Whole towns in Western North Carolina no longer exist. Roads have dropped off into chasms. People do not have power or fresh water. Aid can only be delivered by air. There is no accurate death toll yet because the whole region is inaccessible. Western North Carolina is devastated and it will never look the same. "Why didn't they evacuate?" People couldn't evacuate because they were given a 12 hour notice of how bad the storm was going to be. Where do you go? You can't go west or south. The storm is blowing through there too. You could go north or east, but only if you can afford it. Did y'all know that hotels jack up their prices when there's a hurricane evacuation? That you have to sit in hours of traffic because everyone else who can is doing the same thing? Evacuating, even preparing, is a luxury that not all can afford. Especially not in Appalachia, which continues to be underserved by both Democrat and Republican governments. "They should have been prepared."

Hurricanes are not supposed to blow into Appalachia. This was not supposed to happen. Why would I prepare for a hurricane when I live six hours inland? I'm used to mudslides and snowstorms. But a hurricane? Climate change has exacerbated the severity and frequency of these storms, so what was once considered a once-in-a-lifetime storm is now the terrifying reality in places where this should not occur. I live in central NC where even with the rare category hurricane that we get, we are also not prepared to handle it the same way the coast is. That isn't a failure on the individual-- it's the failure of a bipartisan government that has refused to accommodate for climate change and the threats it poses to everyone. "They voted for Trump." North Carolina is a swing state. We have a Democrat governor and a Republican supermajority in our Congress. It will be one of the most important states in the 2024 election. Of course, I bet the people saying this didn't know or care about the realities of NC politics; they know it's in the South so of course it's Trump country. And don't get me wrong-- western NC is red on a map with the exception of the Asheville. But BIPOC, LGBT+, poor people, otherwise marginalized people, etc., live in every part of the red South. There are states in the South that are predominantly Black. Our states are gerrymandered. Voter suppression still exists. These are the legacies of white supremacy that we are still trying to work through and improve. You're condemning us to suffer for something we didn't choose. We live here too. And honestly? If you believe someone deserves to drown in a flood because of how they voted, I think you are a bad person. We do not share the same progressive values.

I am so tired of seeing the same thing happen over and over again. Regional elitism still exists in this country and y'all still see the South as a malignant growth that should be cut off, that should be abandoned every time a hurricane or tornado or other disaster devastates us. I will never forget how y'all said Texas deserved to freeze over. I will never forget how y'all said North Carolina deserved to drown.

[belacqui-pro-quo]

Invisible Cities, Part I: Zones of Exclusion | Protean Magazine

All these little corners of the city share one thing—something in common with many, many little corners, in cities and towns across North America. Each neighborhood, in a way that’s all but invisible to many of those commuting, working, and living in them, is a zone of contention, caught between their status as public spaces and creeping claims of private control. Outwardly, each would seem to be part of New York’s vibrant public realm. But in truth, considerable expanses of that realm—in the literal sense of real estate, and figuratively, in public decisionmaking and control—have been quietly carved away and ceded to private interests. Thanks to innovations in contract law, new corporate-municipal models, and decades of compromised policy choices, our quintessential “public” spaces—city streets, sidewalks, plazas—have in many cases become no less the purview of private interests than the products those interests sell or the extravagant offices they inhabit. Multiple mechanisms have whittled away at the spaces of the demos and allowed private power to requisition them from everyday citizens, so that they can, in effect, be commoditized and sold back at a markup—or, just as commonly, cordoned off and secured so that they can serve only certain preferred segments of the public. Many of these zones of privatization lie along the R train’s route, invisibly laying claim to whole neighborhoods along my daily commute. After crossing beneath the East River, the R begins traversing Manhattan, hitting multiple important transfer hubs—Lexington Avenue, Fifth Avenue, 57th Street—and the supertall luxury towers of Billionaire’s Row. In Queens Plaza, the industrial past has almost entirely given way to glass skyscrapers and speculative condo developments. As Samuel Stein described it in his 2019 book Capital City, “real estate in New York is like oil in Texas.” Unquestionably, it’s the ”biggest business” around, one which “lurks behind every other major fight in the city,” including those over labor, climate resilience and the environment, and civil rights.

[muddypolitics]

(via Sue's News: A Round-Up of Screw Yous)

Fuck you to Louisiana Republican lawmakers for rejecting bills that would have clarified the state’s abortion ban to exclude miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies.

Fuck you to Texas Republicans for banning gender-affirming care for trans kids.

Fuck you to Nebraska Republicans for sneakily folding an abortion ban into a bill banning gender-affirming care for minors—because they couldn’t pass an abortion ban otherwise.

Fuck you to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) for banning public colleges from using federal or state funds on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and limits how race can be discussed. He said at a news conference that DEI stands for “discrimination, exclusion and indoctrination.”

Fuck you to Rudy Giuliani for responding to a former employee’s horrific allegations of sexual abuse by essentially slut-shaming her.

Fuck you to Dallas police for allegedly knowing that the Texas man who shot and killed his girlfriend for getting an abortion had strangled her weeks before. Strangulation is a key predictor of homicide in domestic violence situations.

Fuck you to Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) for allegedly using campaign funds to pay for trips to run marathons all over the country and generally live a life of luxury.

And, finally, fuck you to North Carolina State Rep. Tricia Cotham (R)—the formerly pro-choice party switcher who betrayed her constituents on abortion—for voting to override the Democratic governor’s veto of a 12-week abortion ban and clinic shutdown law. The override went through by exactly 60 percent in each chamber, meaning Cotham personally could have blocked it.

a nice summary of GOP fuckery

[cksmart-world]

SMART BOMB

The Completely Unnecessary News Analysis

By Christopher Smart

April 15, 2026

YOU LITTLE TAXPAYERS, ARE IN FOR A BIG TREAT

Great news for Salt Lake City taxpayers: You'll now be paying $300 million more for the magical wonderland coming to downtown around the Delta Center. You were already on the hook for $900 million so that billionaire Ryan Smith and his Smith Entertainment Group could build a sports/entertainment district to keep downtown Salt Lake City from turning into a ghost town with tumble weeds and wild dogs. In something akin to a quick kick, the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity met in the men's room and voted to include property taxes from two luxury hotels and an apartment tower into Smithland — or whatever they're going to call it. (Just another $300 million that won't go to city streets and parks and the mayor's salary.) With the proverbial gun to it's head, the Salt Lake City Council approved the deal and tried to sound philosophical following the ambush. After all, Salt Lake City will be getting what Smith promises will be a $3 billion sports/entertainment Disneyland sans Mr. Toad's Wild Ride that will keep the seat of Mormondom from turning into something like Lubbock, Texas. That's right Wilson, saviors do come in different forms. Lucky for Salt Lake City that Ryan Smith came along to get taxpayers to build him a personal economic engine where the little, working people can come see how their money was spent.

IT'S OFFICIAL — UTAH DRIVERS SUCK

Hey Wilson, this may come as a shock but there are reports that Utah drivers suck. That might seem somewhat subjective but the Utah Highway Patrol has confirmed it — for real. It's not just cellphones, according to UHP Col. Michael Rapich. “In the last week, our officers have identified people brushing their teeth, styling their hair, eating meals, and reading books while trying to drive a vehicle.” Still, what's a commuter to do — you have to eat. That said, inhaling a bowl of Lucky Charms in freeway rush-hour traffic could be pushing it. Yes Wilson, we know you and the guys in the band used to drive cross-county on LSD, but there was less traffic back then. And face it, people's lives are much busier now. For example, do you want to pull over to brush your teeth and be late for work and get the stink eye from your boss or apply some dental hygiene while whisking down the boulevard. We're all guilty, but when you're in a hurry and the woman at the stop light is doing her eyelashes when it turns green, it can be vexing. U of U Professor David Strayer studies distracted drivers with tests that reveal multitasking diminishes awareness. But getting amorous in a moving vehicle apparently wasn't part of the study. And as you know all too well Wilson, it's a real challenge to concentrate on the roadway while... you get the picture. According to the UHP, drivers will be ticketed and fined up to $100 for distracted driving, even if they don't crash or break any laws. It isn't clear, however, whether the fine would be greater for moving sex violations.

THE DONALD LOVES A PARADE

ESPECIALLY ONE EXALTING HIMSELF

Some folks love a parade, especially a military parade with tanks and missiles and goose-stepping soldiers in high boots and shiny helmets. North Koreans love 'em. Russians love 'em, too. Germany once loved 'em, but it's gone out of style there. Military parades are mighty and masculine and President Donald J. Trump wants one on Flag Day, June 14, which just coincidentally falls on his birthday. Imagine the pageantry, the excitement as all those killing machines roll down Pennsylvania Avenue with squadrons of fighter jets screeching through the blue sky. China's Xi Jinping and Russia'sVladimir Putin will be olive green with envy. And Donald's whole family will be on a reviewing stand saluting Old Glory as she floats by with a U.S. Marine color guard in dress blues. Melania might even show up with a big hat and a Versace jacket with a military motif and Elon Musk, no doubt, will give the Nazi salute. The plan, however, isn't exactly new. Trump wanted a parade in 2018 after visiting Paris and the Bastille Day Parade. “Oh boy,” The Donald said at the time, “It was one of the greatest parades I’ve ever seen... We’re gonna have to try and top it.” But alas, military leaders dumped cold water on the $90 million price tag, which totally pissed The Donald off. But that was then and this is now — the bigger, better Donald wants majesty and kingliness, damnit. The spectacle will be so amazing that people might forget for a moment that the markets and the sky are falling.

Post script — That's just about going to do it for another fantastical week here at Smart Bomb where we keep track of freedom of speech so you don't have to. “If we don’t have free speech, then we just don’t have a free country. It’s as simple as that,” said President Trump, with the exception, of course, of MSNBC, NPR, PBS and other enemies of the people. The Justice Department will investigate any deep state bureaucrats who, under the guise of reining in online disinformation, attempt to censor right-wing propaganda. “The fight for Free Speech is a matter of victory or death for America—and for the survival of Western Civilization itself,” with the exception, of course, of colleges and universities where liberals and Marxists indoctrinate young people with falsehoods. As such, Trump created the Task Force to Combat Antisemitism,” that will investigate universities rampant with discrimination against conservatives. It will seek to strip federal research dollars and student loan support from universities involved in “censorship activities or election interferences.” In the line of fire after pro-Palestinian protests on its campus, Columbia University agreed to beef up its disciplinary policies and cede oversight of the university’s Middle Eastern, South Asian and African Studies Department to make sure the wrong facts aren't found in academic discourse. Said Trump: “By restoring free speech we will begin to reclaim our democracy, and save our nation.”

Well Wilson, we got us some dark times. But as Hunter S. Thompson once said, when the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. And so as Rome burns the Republicans, particularly Utah's congressional delegation, are having a rousing time of optimism. How could things possibly get better. Well Wilson, you and the guys in the band got anything to sum up whatever the hell is going on:

A world become one Of salads and sun Only a fool would say that A boy with a plan A natural man Wearing a white stetson hat Unhand that gun begone There's no one to fire upon If he's holding it high He's telling a lie

I heard it was you Talkin' 'bout a world Where all is free It just couldn't be And only a fool would say that The man in the street Draggin' his feet Don't wanna hear the bad news Imagine your face There is his place Standing inside his brown shoes You do his nine to five Drag yourself home half alive And there on the screen A man with a dream

I heard it was you Talkin' 'bout a world Where all is free It just couldn't be And only a fool would say that

(Only A Fool Would Say That — Steely Dan)

[houstontexasrealtor]

Navigating the Real Estate Market in Houston, Texas: What You Need to Know About Realtors, Real Estate Brokers, and Agents

The real estate market in Houston, Texas is one of the most dynamic and diverse in the country. As the city continues to grow in population, economy, and opportunity, more people are turning to realtors, real estate agents, and real estate brokers to help them navigate home buying, selling, and investing. But what’s the difference between these roles, and how can you find the right real estate professional for your needs in Houston?

Understanding the Roles: Realtor vs. Real Estate Agent vs. Real Estate Broker

In the world of real estate, the terms realtor, real estate agent, and real estate broker are often used interchangeably—but they have distinct meanings:

Real Estate Agent: A licensed professional who helps clients buy, sell, or rent properties. Agents must work under the supervision of a broker.

Real Estate Broker: A broker is a step above an agent. Brokers have additional education and licensing, and they can work independently or hire agents to work under them.

Realtor: A realtor is a real estate agent or broker who is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and adheres to its strict code of ethics. Not all agents or brokers are realtors, but all realtors are either agents or brokers.

Choosing the right professional in Houston, Texas depends on your specific needs. Whether you’re buying your first home, investing in property, or selling your house, you want someone who knows the local market and can guide you through each step with expertise and care.

Why Houston, Texas Is a Real Estate Hotspot

Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States and a major hub for industries like energy, healthcare, and technology. Its affordable cost of living, job opportunities, and cultural diversity make it an attractive location for families, professionals, and investors.

The real estate market in Houston, Texas offers everything from modern downtown condos and suburban family homes to luxury estates and investment properties. With neighborhoods as diverse as Montrose, The Heights, Katy, and North Shore, finding the right property often means finding the right local expert.

How Realtors and Brokers Add Value

Realtors in Houston also bring negotiation skills, access to exclusive listings, and experience with contracts and local regulations. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, having a professional advocate on your side can make the process smoother, faster, and more profitable.

Real Estate Coaching and Professional Growth

For those interested in becoming a real estate agent or broker in Houston, or for current professionals looking to grow, organizations like the Modern Agent Institute and Profit Builders Productivity Coaching Services offer cutting-edge coaching and training. These programs focus on productivity, client relations, marketing strategies, and long-term success in the competitive Houston market.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re buying, selling, or starting a career in real estate, having the right realtor, real estate agent, or broker by your side in Houston, Texas can make all the difference. With the city's thriving market and diverse opportunities, now is a great time to get connected with a trusted real estate professional.

[nitinguptadfw]

Why Luxury Homebuyers Choose Plano for Family-Friendly Living: Plano, TX has long been recognized as one of the most desirable places to live in North Texas , especially for luxury homebuyers seeking... http://dlvr.it/TJnbw5

http://dlvr.it/TJnc1b

[worldcuphospitalitytickets]

Football World Cup Hospitality: Luxury and Comfort the Best Hospitality Experiences in Hosting Cities

Football World Cup Hospitality Tickets: It’s easy to comprehend why anybody. Who saw the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar would catch a case of footy. Fever the non-stop, unplanned drama of serious soccer is more nail-biting than whatever you’ll find on Netflix. The coronation of Lionel Messi as World Cup king was the stuff of legends. The astonishment success of Morocco will be recalled for periods to come. There’s a reason the World Cup is the world’s most-watched sporting event.

Unlike the Qatar World Cup 2022, which scored millions of global viewers. In November and December 2022, the following tournament will return. To its normal summer slot, lasting from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Games will kick off in 16 cities crossways North America, and for the opening time. In World Cup history, they’ll extent three countries. Canada will host for the foremost time; the US will host for the second and. Mexico will become the foremost country to host the World Cup three times.

The mainstream of matches will take place across the US. With 11 cities signified: Atlanta eight games. Boston seven games, Dallas nine games, Houston seven games. Kansas City six games, Los Angeles eight games, Miami seven games. New York eight games, Philadelphia six games, San Francisco six games and Seattle six games.

FIFA World Cup Hospitality Tickets: New York-New Jersey Stadium’s World-Class Hospitality

The residual matches will be divided between Mexico’s Guadalajara four games, Mexico City five games and Monterrey four games, lengthways with Canada’s Toronto six games and Vancouver seven games. Soccer is improvisational it’s stimulating to prediction which games will make it into the pantheon of football favorites who securing World Cup Hospitality Tickets.

But to guarantee a celebratory atmosphere, checked the match timetable and deliberate staying a city hosting the tournament’s most spectacular events by securing FIFA World Cup Hospitality Tickets. For the inaugural match, plan a trip to Mexico City about Thursday, June 11.

The FIFA World Cup Final match will enrage up New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on Sunday, July 19 a 30-minute train ride from New York City. Don’t get disordered by the stadium’s name MetLife will be named the New York New Jersey Stadium for the duration of the event, worship FIFA’s rule in contradiction of corporate-sponsored facilities.

Football World Cup 2026 followers worldwide can secure their World Cup Tickets through our online platform, eticketing.co. With a user-friendly interface and exclusive deals, fans can effortlessly book Football World Cup 2026 Tickets for thrilling FIFA 2026 matches at discounted prices. Do not miss the chance to witness the world’s greatest FIFA World Cup 2026 event live.

World Cup Hospitality Tickets: Dallas the Ultimate Hospitality Hub for FIFA 2026

For those more absorbed in the love of the game than the display of a grand finale after securing Football World Cup Hospitality Tickets, reflect Dallas, Texas, as a home base for the events. The Big D will host nine matches more than any other city contributing in the tournament. Dallas will also swarm one of the semifinals, lengthways with Atlanta. Miami will host the bronze final.

Decide where you’d like to travel. If there’s an exact team or match you want to see, let that info guide your travel plans after securing World Cup Hospitality Tickets. If you’re less worried with a precise match, sightsee all conceivable locations. The 16 hosting cities characterize a varied ribbon of urban life in North America. There’s somewhat for everybody be it luxuriant Vancouver, BBQ-smoked Kansas City or sun-kissed Los Angeles. Traveling through a thrilling metropolis can be just as satisfying as viewing a world-class football game.

USA Hospitality Tickets: Accommodation and Transportation Tips for FIFA 2026 Travelers

Get the proper travel documents. Unless you are attendance the tournament in your home country, guarantee you have an up-to-date passport, lawful for six months after any envisioned travel. Your passport should be valid through January 2027 to appear the FIFA World Cup Final match in July 2026. Guests from outside the host states securing FIFA World Cup Hospitality Tickets should also check Canada, Mexico and US visa necessities and get any essential paperwork.

Football enthusiasts around the globe are eagerly anticipating the chance to secure FIFA World Cup tickets. To experience the excitement firsthand, purchase your FIFA World Cup Final Tickets through our online platform, eicketing.co. Do not miss the opportunity to be part of one of football’s most thrilling tournaments.

Start making a budget and saving money. Attendance the World Cup becomes pricey, chiefly if you want to see the final match in NYC a city recognized to be luxurious. Although ticket information isn’t available for FIFA 2026, the inexpensive tickets to Qatar’s final showdown cost roughly $200 for locals and $600 for guests. Add airfare, on-the-ground transportation, hotels and food to the mix, and you’ll spend a pretty penny.

Football World Cup Hospitality Tickets: Key FIFA 2026 Venues in Kansas City WWI Museum

Brush up on your knowledge with this midwestern gem by securing Football World Cup Hospitality Tickets. Arrowhead Stadium home to the Kansas City Chiefs and the National WWI Museum and Memorial the site for the FIFA Fan Festival have been attached as the two sites where Kansas City will grasp its World Cup matches. 

The city has capitalized $600 million in the sport over the last 15 years, with the KC Present opening a new training facility and stadium downtown. Imagine Kansas City to go all out for the World Cup, pointing to adhesive its standing as the center of the whole thing for US soccer fans securing FIFA World Cup Hospitality Tickets. 

For fans eager to attend FIFA 2026 matches, a wide array of FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets is available at eticketing.co. Our platform partners exclusively with reputable sellers on the secondary market, ensuring access to top-notch ticket listings from across the web. Explore our Football World Cup 2026 selection to find the best deals available today. Grab your World Cup hospitality tickets from trusted platforms and join the excitement!

[officialnorthtexas]

Commercial Real Estate Plano TX | North Texas Luxury Living

Discover the exceptional world of North Texas Luxury Living, where your dreams of upscale living become reality! As a leading real estate expert in Commercial Real Estate Plano TX, Christopher Vierthaler is more than just an agent; he is a connoisseur of lifestyle possibilities. Whether you are searching for opulent office spaces with sophistication or high-end retail locations brimming with potential, Chris attests to the market's dynamics and offers unparalleled insights tailored to your unique vision. Imagine collaborating with someone who understands every aspect of luxury amenities and the benefits of strategic locations—someone who can expertly guide you through this vibrant sector. With a reputation for enhancing property investment experiences, contact Chris today at (214) 430-8844 or email him at chris@northtexasluxuryliving.com; he is ready to help you unlock extraordinary opportunities in Plano's commercial environment!

[ref4353]

There's a fox in the chicken coop! Investigation reveals US Agency for International Development provides non-military related funds to Ukraine

The picture shows the USAID headquarters in Washington, DC. (Photo: Reuters)

[Voice of Hope, February 26, 2025] (Voice of Hope reporter Chen Wenyun compiled) Investigators revealed to the North American Epoch Times that officials of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) repeatedly refused investigators from the Senate #DOGE Caucus Chair, Senator Joni Erns (Joni Erns) working group to review documents related to US tax funds allegedly used to help #Ukraine resist Russian invasion.

When investigators were finally allowed to view the documents, they were "stored in a highly secure room at USAID headquarters and strictly monitored," even though "nothing shared by USAID was confidential."

During the investigation, Ernst discovered that USAID's multi-million dollar project "exists in secret funds to put millions of American taxpayers' money into Ukraine for questionable purposes unrelated to our national interests."

“Funds that should have been used to ease the war-torn country’s economic woes were instead used for unimportant activities, such as sending Ukrainian models and designers to New York, London Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week and the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas,” investigators said.

One of the secret funds provided $114,000 to purchase a “high-end limited edition furniture line” and another $91,000 to fund a “trade mission for a Scandinavian-style furniture line.”

Investigators found that USAID also provided $148,000 in grants to “a pickle maker,” $255,000 to “an organic tea and coffee producer,” $104,000 to “an artisanal fruit tea company,” and $89,000 in support to “a Ukrainian vineyard.”

USAID also provided $300,000 each to a dog collar manufacturer and a company that sells pet tracking apps, $161,000 to "a modern knitwear supplier," $126,000 to "a photographer for a fashion design publication," and $84,000 in support to "a luxury bridal brand."

Ernst first began investigating USAID in November 2023, when he wrote a letter to then-USAID Administrator Samantha Power.

“I firmly support providing weapons and ammunition to Ukrainian militants to fight Putin,” Ernst told Power, “but I am not willing to spend nearly $25 billion of hard-earned U.S. taxpayer dollars on so-called economic aid to Ukraine, including subsidies for overseas businesses like a ‘luxury contemporary knit fashion store’ in Kyiv.”

In a Feb. 4 letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ernst said that “USAID has deliberately abused a system designed to protect the security of our nation’s classified information in order to limit congressional oversight of public information.”

Rubio replaced Power as acting administrator of USAID earlier this month. Most of the agency’s employees are on administrative leave, and layoffs are underway that could eliminate as many as 2,000 positions within the agency.

The Epoch Times obtained information about Ernst’s investigation the same day the House DOGE subcommittee prepared to hold a hearing focused on how USAID officials allocated at least $122 million in U.S. tax dollars to multiple organizations operating in the Middle East with documented ties to Hamas, Hezbollah, and al-Qaeda terrorist groups.

Gregg Roman, executive director of the Middle East Forum (MEF), told The Epoch Times on Tuesday (25th) that he would testify before the hearing panel that “there is a fox in the henhouse of our foreign aid system!”

Roman said, “This problem started under the Obama administration, intensified under the Biden administration, and now requires immediate action to stop the dangerous mismanagement and deadly ethical chaos.” “We are not just talking about waste, fraud, and abuse, this is a national security issue. Every dollar misused destabilizes conflict zones and endangers American lives.”

MEF investigators confirmed the evidence of terrorist links through U.S. government documents, USAID records, and other public sources of information.

The House DOGE Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, is part of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, chaired by Rep. James Comer. The House DOGE Panel, like the Senate DOGE Panel, was created in response to President Trump’s creation of the Department of Government Effectiveness (DOGE), led by Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

DOGE is conducting a forensic audit of federal spending across all federal departments and agencies. One of the first agencies to be reviewed is USAID.

“The revelations that the DOGE team uncovered together with USAID are shocking, but this is just the tip of the iceberg!” Greene said in a statement announcing the hearing on Wednesday (26th).

[kitchencabinetinstallationin]

Kitchen Cabinet Installation In Phoenix

The Ultimate Guide to Phoenix, Arizona: Best Attractions, Weather, and Local Tips

Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, is famous for its year-round sunshine, stunning desert landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene. Whether you're visiting for outdoor adventures, luxury resorts, or world-class dining, Phoenix offers something for everyone.

Best Things to Do in Phoenix

Explore the Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden is home to more than 50,000 plants, including rare cacti and desert flora. Visitors can explore scenic walking trails, attend seasonal events like Las Noches de las Luminarias, and experience the beauty of Arizona’s natural environment.

Hike Camelback Mountain

For breathtaking panoramic views of Phoenix, hike Camelback Mountain. The Echo Canyon and Cholla trails are challenging but rewarding, making them popular among both locals and tourists. It’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat.

Visit the Heard Museum

To learn about Native American history and art, the Heard Museum offers impressive exhibits featuring Hopi, Navajo, and other indigenous cultures. It’s one of the best places in the U.S. to explore authentic Native American artifacts and contemporary artwork.

Stroll Through Old Town Scottsdale

Just a short drive from Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale is known for its art galleries, boutique shops, and lively nightlife. Walk through the charming Western-style streets, explore the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, and enjoy some of the best restaurants in the region.

Watch a Game at Chase Field

Sports fans should catch a game at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. This stadium, known for its retractable roof and unique swimming pool overlooking the field, offers an exciting baseball experience in downtown Phoenix.

Phoenix Weather and Best Time to Visit

Phoenix is known for its hot summers and mild winters, making November through April the best time to visit. During these months, temperatures range from the mid-40s to the 70s (°F), creating perfect conditions for outdoor activities like hiking, golfing, and sightseeing. Spring is especially beautiful, with wildflowers blooming across the desert.

Summers in Phoenix can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 110°F (43°C). If visiting during this time, it’s best to explore indoor attractions like museums, restaurants, and shopping centers. Outdoor activities should be planned for early mornings or evenings when temperatures are lower.

Best Places to Eat in Phoenix

Pizzeria Bianco

This legendary spot is considered one of the best pizza restaurants in the U.S. Pizzeria Bianco serves delicious wood-fired pizzas made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

The Mission

Located in Old Town Scottsdale, The Mission offers modern Latin cuisine, including flavorful tacos, house-made guacamole, and mesquite-grilled meats.

Little Miss BBQ

For authentic Texas-style barbecue, Little Miss BBQ is a must-visit. Known for its smoked brisket, tender ribs, and pulled pork, this spot is a local favorite.

Local Tips for Visiting Phoenix

Stay Hydrated – Phoenix’s desert climate can be dry and intense, so carry a reusable water bottle and drink plenty of fluids.

Use Sun Protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential, even in the winter months.

Plan Outdoor Activities Early – Hiking and sightseeing are best done in the early morning to avoid the heat.

Explore Beyond the City – Consider taking a day trip to Sedona (2 hours away) or the Grand Canyon (3.5 hours north) for breathtaking scenery.

Final Thoughts

Phoenix is a city full of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or a history lover, there's something here for everyone. Plan your visit, explore its diverse attractions, and experience the magic of the Sonoran Desert firsthand!

Who We Are

Authors : Nick Bowden

Custom Kitchen Designers, Kitchen Remodelers, Custom Kitchen Cabinets, Kitchen Cabinet Installation, and Kitchen Countertop Installation—Cabinet IQ in Scottsdale, Arizona, brings expertise and craftsmanship to every kitchen transformation.

At Cabinet IQ in Scottsdale, Arizona, we specialize in creating stunning kitchen transformations with expert kitchen cabinet installation and a wide range of custom kitchen cabinets. As trusted kitchen remodelers, we understand that a kitchen renovation can feel overwhelming—that's why we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From selecting the perfect kitchen cabinets to designing and installing high-quality granite and quartz countertops, our team ensures your kitchen is as functional as it is beautiful. Whether you're updating your space or dreaming of a complete remodel, Cabinet IQ is your go-to partner for custom kitchen cabinets and professional kitchen countertop installation. Let us help you uncover your kitchen’s true potential and elevate your home’s style and functionality.

Contact Us

Cabinet IQ of Scottsdale

15030 N Tatum Blvd #150, Phoenix, Arizona, 85032, USA

(480) 424-4866

https://cabinetiq.com/scottsdale/

Find Us On Social Media

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

LinkedIn

YouTube

To Know More

Direction To The Business : Cabinet IQ of Scottsdale

[blackrockfence]

Enhancing Your Home with Wood Fence Installation in Windsor Estates, TX

Windsor Estates, Texas, is a community that epitomizes modern luxury and community living. For homeowners seeking to enhance their property's security and aesthetic appeal, Blackrock Fence & Construction offers expert services in fence installation, including wood fence installation, security gate installations, and comprehensive residential fencing solutions.

Exploring Windsor Estates: A Community of Modern Luxury

Windsor Estates is designed to provide residents with open spaces and upscale living. Nestled in the coveted Wall School District, just 1.5 miles north of Wall ISD, the community offers convenient access to top-rated schools, churches, and restaurants. The main entrance is off Hawk Ave., with two additional entrances off Bean Road, and a park located at the corner of Gristmill and Whirlwind Roads.

Wood Fence Installation: Combining Functionality with Aesthetic Appeal

Wood fences are a popular choice among Windsor Estates homeowners for their natural beauty and versatility. They offer privacy, enhance property boundaries, and add a timeless appeal to any residence. Blackrock Fence & Construction specializes in wood fence installation, ensuring that each project complements the unique architectural style of the home and meets the specific needs of the homeowner. Their expertise ensures that the wood fences are not only durable but also enhance the overall aesthetic of the property.

Contact Blackrock Fence & Construction

If you're considering enhancing your property's security and curb appeal with a wood fence, Blackrock Fence & Construction is here to assist. Their commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction makes them a trusted choice in Windsor Estates.

Phone: 713-705-2363

Website: https://blackrockfencecompany.com/friendswood/

Google Maps: Find Us on Google Maps

Partner with Blackrock Fence & Construction to transform your property with a wood fence that combines functionality, durability, and aesthetic appeal, enhancing your home's value and charm.

[texascompletebarndosolutions]

Experience the Elegance of a Luxury Barndominium in Texas

Regarding designing a distinctive and elegant living environment, the Luxury Barndominium Texas is a great fit. These homes furnish residents with a practical and luxurious space incorporating rustic design appeal, big open floor layouts, and high-end craftsmanship. With the suited design, your barndominium can quickly recast into a dream home, combining comfort, elegance, and function into one amazing package.

Why Prefer a Barndominium for Luxury Living?

For individuals wishing to create a dream house with a unique twist, barndominiums are becoming their first choice. The beauty of an elegant Barndominium in Texas is in its capacity to mix elegance with utility. These buildings provide great open areas, contemporary conveniences, and flexible layouts. From elegant counters to large living spaces, barndominiums offer a modern substitute for conventional residences that are reasonably priced and low maintenance.

Exceptional Durability and Efficiency

The durability of a barndominium is one of its main advantages. These houses are built to resist strong weather and last the test of time thanks to steel frames and better building materials. Moreover, the Luxury Barndominium Texas includes energy-efficient components aimed at reducing utilities. Whether you feel the cold of winter or dwell in the midst of Texas heat, your barndominium will remain comfortable year-round and save electricity.

Tailored Designs for Your Dream Home

A North Texas Barndominium Builder can assist you in designing a living area entirely fit for your own taste and style. From rustic interior finishes to sleek industrial design, barndominiums give plenty of prospects for personalization. Whether your quest is for a sleek, contemporary masterpiece or a cozy, country-style cottage, your builder will aid you in developing an excellent plan, maximizing reach and efficiency, and adding those unique tinges that make a house sense like home.

Versatile Use of Space

Barndominiums differ mostly in their adaptability. The open floor layouts and spacious inside areas offer countless ways you might use your house. You might add a home office, extra rooms, or perhaps a separate guest suite. Your barndominium can be made into whatever you need using the knowledge of North Texas Barndominium Builders. Your imagination will define the design choices regardless of your concept for a business workspace, hobby room, or large family home.

Why Choose Texas Complete Barndo Solutions?

Texas Complete Barndo Solutions is the first choice for anyone wishing to create a Luxury Barndominium Texas. Expert North Texas Barndominium Builders bring to every project a mix of workmanship and imagination. Their crew is committed to making your vision a reality and will provide you with an amazing and useful barndominium, surpassing your expectations. texascompletebarndosolutions.com is the reliable partner for your next luxury barndominium project based on a reputation for excellence and client satisfaction.

check out our site for more details.

Texas Premier Barndominium Builders

Turnkey Barndominium Builders In Texas

[avendale-painted]

Stay Active, Live Well

Regular exercise is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and at Avendale at Painted Tree, it’s easier than ever to stay active. If you’re searching for apartments for rent in McKinney, you’ll love the convenience of having a fitness center right at your doorstep. Whether you prefer a quick cardio session or strength training, it’s all available. Plus, with professional on-site management and maintenance, you can focus on your workout without worrying about anything else. The community offers one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom patio or townhomes, giving you the space you need to unwind after a good workout. You’ll feel good both inside your home and out when you live at Avendale.

The Geography of McKinney, Texas

McKinney is located in Collin County, about 30 miles north of Dallas. The city has a mix of suburban areas, parks, and a charming historic downtown. It’s part of the North Texas region, which means you'll get a lot of sunny days and a pretty warm climate for most of the year. The area has a few lakes and creeks that add some natural beauty, so if you enjoy being outdoors, you’re in luck. With its rolling hills and easy access to the city, McKinney offers a nice balance of both small-town and urban vibes. The community here is welcoming, making it a great place to call home.

Erwin Park in McKinney, Texas

Erwin Park is a local favorite when you want to get outside and enjoy some fresh air. It’s a peaceful spot with plenty of open space, perfect for picnics, hiking, or just relaxing under a tree. If you’re into biking, the park has a great trail for that too. There’s something about being in nature here that makes you forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday life. On a sunny day, you’ll see families, dog walkers, and cyclists all enjoying the park’s quiet vibe. It’s an easy escape when you just need a break. The peaceful surroundings make it the perfect place to recharge.

Plan for 20,000-Seat McKinney Amphitheater Advances

The plan for a 20,000-seat amphitheater in McKinney sounds pretty exciting, especially with its potential to boost the local economy. With big names like Troy Aikman involved and a partnership with a hospitality company, it's clear that this will be more than just a place to catch a concert. It could become a major venue, attracting big crowds and drawing visitors from across Texas. The luxury suites and food options are definitely a step up from typical outdoor venues, and the idea of having more than 5,000 parking spots makes it seem pretty convenient for those attending events. Of course, it will take a few years for construction to finish, but if it lives up to expectations, McKinney could become a major hotspot for entertainment in the region.

Link to map

Erwin Park 4300 Co Rd 1006, McKinney, TX 75071, United States Head south toward Erwin Park Dorba Mountain Bike Trail 0.5 mi Turn right Partial restricted usage road 0.4 mi Turn left onto Co Rd 1006 0.4 mi Turn right onto Co Rd 164 0.9 mi Turn left onto N Lake Forest Dr 1.0 mi At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on N Lake Forest Dr 0.2 mi Turn left Destination will be on the right 125 ft Avendale Painted Tree 2600 N Lake Forest Dr, McKinney, TX 75071, United States