New York Times: Homeland Security Paid $464 Million for Airplanes. Then It Parked Them. — The agency used a no-bid contract to buy 10 used jets, saying they were urgently needed for deportation flights. But the fleet has largely sat idle for months. — Starting last fall, the Department …

You know the one. As in you know the competitor, not you know my friend. They prefer Pathfinder's systems, that less rules require GM fiat, that most Pathfinder players can focus a bit more, other brown-nosery things. Their end-all, be-all major reasoning, one they came to after hours of mulling it over? Settings. They appreciate that Golarion is so fleshed out and expanded upon, but they like the idea of so many worlds or planes. Obviously, I pointed out that there are planes and other worlds in Pathfinder (amd Starfinder, don't worry, ad team, I'm a shill), but they said that's not what they mean. Not the presence of interconnected and overlapping places, but the idea of having wholly separate places with their own lore, takes on existing material, and so on. That there's 20 different interpretations of what an elf is before even getting into other types of elves within the same setting, that so many are responses to the very tropes or cliches that were already present or even established by that very game, expanding on or playing with content to branch off into unique takes that are still within the working order of the universe (and system) while offering something fresh or at least a little different until they want to go back to the "normal" elf in the "main" setting. That they always go back to "home" but enjoy seeing the "world," as it were. Hell, one of their favorite aspects of the "main" setting, they said, is that almost every adventure seems to take place within about a thousand miles with only the occasional globetrotting because they enjoy the idea of such massive scale meaning there's so much more of the world left to explore. Bringing up the Inner Sea or the existence of literal planets was just met with a shrug. So, basically, they seem to like starting new games in the equivalent of modpacks and exploring a little bit, seeing that there's potentially infinite of that world still left, finishing an adventure, and then go off to find another modpack to do it all over again. Same game, new vision. As far as I can understand it, at least. I think that's fascinating and wanted to know if anyone else has come across a player or group that has a similar approach or preference? Where what they like isn't merely character creation - I'm sure we all know somebody who enjoys a bit of theorycrafting, whether for fun or for glory - but world exploration without necessarily expanding on said world(s) beyond a rare revisit.

South African consumer confidence improved in August 2026, with the Thomson Reuters IPSOS Primary Consumer Sentiment Index (PCSI) rising to 50.14 from 48.25 in July 2026. The move lifts the index back above the 50-point threshold, a level often interpreted as the dividing line between pessimism and optimism among consumers.The month-over-month gain signals a modest but notable strengthening in sentiment compared with July, when the indicator stood below 50. The August reading, updated on 13 August 2026, reflects a more positive assessment by South African consumers of current and future economic conditions relative to the previous month.According to the comparison framework, the “Actual” figure captures the change from July to August 2026, while the “Previous” refers to the change observed in July versus the preceding month. The latest uptick suggests a gradual recovery in confidence, though the sustainability of this improvement will hinge on incoming data and broader economic developments in the months ahead.The material has been provided by InstaForex Company - www.instaforex.com

“I the LORD do not change.” Malachi 3:6 It is good that, despite all the variableness of life, there is One who cannot change. One whose heart can never alter, and on whose brow uncertainty can make no furrows. Everything else has changed. All things are changing. The sun itself dims with age; the world is growing old; the folding up of the worn-out clothing has commenced. The heavens and earth must soon pass away. They will perish, growing old like a garment. But there is One who only has immortality, of whose years there is no end, and in whose person there is no change. The delight which the sailor feels when he steps upon the solid shore after having been tossed about for many a day, is the satisfaction of a Christian when amidst all the changes of this life, he rests the foot of his faith upon this truth “I the LORD do not change.” The anchor gives a ship its stability. Likewise, the Christian’s hope gives him stability when he fixes on the glorious truth that with God, “who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17) Whatever His attributes were yesterday, they remain today: His power, His wisdom, His justice, and His truth, are all unchanged. He has always been the refuge of His people, their stronghold in their day of trouble, and He is still their reliable Helper. He is unchanging in His love. He has loved His people with an everlasting love and He loves us now as much as ever He did. When all earthly things shall have melted away, His love will still wear the dew of its youth. Precious is the assurance that He never changes! The wheel of providence turns, but its axle is eternal love. “Death and change are busy ever, Man decays, and ages move; But His mercy waneth never; God is wisdom, God is love.” Question: How does God’s unchanging nature give you comfort in difficult times of instability? by Charles Spurgeon Used by Permission Follow Us On: Facebook • ‘X’ • Instagram • Pinterest FURTHER READING The Unchanging Lord – by Charles Spurgeon How Does God Do It? HE IS! A great poem The post The Unchanging Lord appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Hey guys. I've helped move games and other items across distances to help other members in the past. Im hoping ive got enough "Arcade Karma" in the bank. Im hoping to get two UR cabinets moved from SoCal(fullerton area) up to the Bay Area. I can come fetch in Santa Clara, or??? If anyone is driving games up to CAX and has the space to help, it would be extremely helpful and fully appreciated. I can help a bit with fuel cost. PM me if you think you might be able to help. Thank you in... Read more

Crude oil slipped below $82 a barrel on Thursday, breaking a five-session winning streak, as investors shifted their attention to softening demand prospects and ongoing disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. The International Energy Agency cut its global oil demand forecast, warning that the prolonged conflict in the Middle East and elevated prices are increasingly curbing consumption. The agency now estimates the global oil market could face a supply shortfall of 1.8 million barrels per day this quarter—more than double its previous projection—while July supply remained 6.3 million barrels per day below year-earlier levels.At the same time, US crude inventories jumped by 17.4 million barrels last week, the largest weekly build since January 2023. Diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran to resolve the conflict and restore safe passage through Hormuz have made limited headway, with attacks on shipping continuing and rhetoric escalating. Despite Thursday’s pullback, oil prices were still up nearly 5% for the week.The material has been provided by InstaForex Company - www.instaforex.com

Two Grandview Las Vegas RCI Points contracts: 61K ODD MF $237.50/yr. Sunday Grand 4 bi-annual odd 49K ANNUAL. MF $475/year. Friday Grand 5 annual I'm hoping to rehome these together but would be... Read more

Ki Jaana Mein Kaun Episode 30

LSU’s Memorial Tower on Monday, March 20, 2023, on Tower Drive in Baton Rouge. (Matthew Perschall for Louisiana Illuminator) Three media outlets that sued LSU to obtain records that detail how its athletics department spends public money on student-athletes have agreed to end the case now that a new state law shields that information from disclosure. Louisiana Illuminator’s Piper Hutchinson, Chris Nakamoto with WAFB-TV and Todd Horne of Tiger Rag filed suit earlier this year against the university, which had rejected public records requests from the journalists. They sought records showing how LSU uses the revenue its athletics programs generate, legally considered state dollars, from sources such as ticket sales, media deals and corporate sponsorships, to pay student athletes Division I college athletics departments like LSU are part of a federal court settlement that allows them to share their self-generated revenue with student-athletes. This money stream is separate from the name, image and likeness deals players make with sponsors, which are private arrangements already exempt from Louisiana’s public records law. Once the journalists’ lawsuit was filed, state lawmakers advanced legislation to prevent public access to self-generated revenue records. Act 818, sponsored by Rep. Tehmi Chassion, D-Lafayette, went into effect June 8 with Gov. Jeff Landry’s signature. In the final days of the legislative session, lawmakers added a retroactivity clause to the bill. While the reporters and their attorney believe this clause is unconstitutional, it essentially neutralized their lawsuit. Scott Sternberg, a First Amendment attorney representing the reporters, said LSU agreed to cover their court filing costs in exchange for the plaintiffs dropping their lawsuit. “In Louisiana, our constitution preserves the right of access to public documents, but in this case, taxpayer money would be wasted if we continued on, and so the suit is being dismissed,” Sternberg said. In court filings, lawyers for LSU argued the revenue records being sought were covered under the NIL exemption to the state’s public records law and protected under federal student privacy law. If the revenue-sharing information was made public, LSU’s teams would be put at a competitive disadvantage in the student-athlete marketplace, the attorneys said. Federal student privacy laws do not provide an exception for all student records. LSU has in the past provided student records in response to reporters’ requests, including student-athlete information. The university has also previously made public information on how much it pays its coaches and top administrators without mentioning any competitive concerns. Historically, the state has treated self-generated money from its universities as public money subject to wide scrutiny. Lawmakers are required to approve how these resources are spent. Throughout the course of the lawsuit, the plaintiffs and their legal team were subject to a harassment campaign on social media. The messages included violent threats, some sexual in nature. One plaintiff was physically assaulted and another had their property vandalized after the lawsuit was filed. The threats became prevalent enough for Chassion to condemn the behavior in a floor speech seeking support for his legislation. Act 818 is the latest in a string of new exemptions to Louisiana’s public records law in recent years. Most recently, state lawmakers have voted to withhold details on the governor’s schedule and travel, economic development negotiations and higher education leadership candidates.

by NataliMortonM (Posted Thu Aug 13, 2026 7:55 am)I'm 45 years old. I'm a lawyer. I only buy Rodasoleil swimsuits. They're great for surfing. The ones with zippers, for example, are great for that. They fit well and don't restrict movement.

The former German champion, set to start next week's Vuelta a España, remains on board with Tudor until 2030

According to Tech.eu’s H1 2026 report, Germany ranked as Europe’s second-largest technology funding market, with companies raising €6.3 billion across 267 deals. Investment was concentrated in several key sectors, with robotics, fintech, security, AI and software accounting for a significant share of total funding. Robotics led the market, driven by Neura Robotics’ €1.2 billion Series C, alongside funding for Quantum Systems, Sereact and RobCo. Fintech was another major contributor, supported by Cloover’s €1.0 billion debt financing and rounds for Upvest, Midas and Flagright. Security also attracted substantial investment, led by Stark’s €500 million raise and additional activity across defence and cybersecurity. Series C and debt financing accounted for the largest share of capital by funding stage, reflecting the impact of large rounds for more mature and capital-intensive companies. At the same time, early-stage activity remained broad, with companies across AI, software, healthtech, deeptech and energy securing funding, albeit through generally smaller rounds. Overall, Germany’s H1 2026 funding landscape was shaped by several large investments, particularly in robotics, defence and fintech, alongside a diverse pipeline of earlier-stage companies across the wider technology ecosystem. For further insights into funding trends across the European technology ecosystem, check out Tech.eu's Funding Explorer, free and open to everyone. Here are the ten companies that raised the most in H1 2026. Amount raised in H1 2026: $1.4B NEURA Robotics is a robotics company developing cognitive robots and physical AI systems designed to perceive, learn and interact with people and their surroundings. Its portfolio spans collaborative industrial robots, intelligent assistants and humanoid robots, supported by the Neuraverse platform, which brings together AI, sensors, robotics and real-world learning infrastructure. In H1 2026, NEURA announced up to $1.4 billion in Series C funding to expand production and accelerate the global rollout of its real-world training infrastructure for cognitive robots and physical AI. Amount raised in H1 2026: $1.2B Cloover provides a software and financing platform for decentralised energy projects, connecting installers, manufacturers, households and investors within a single operating environment. Its platform combines workflow management, financing, procurement and energy optimisation, using AI to automate processes and support credit underwriting and financial management. In H1 2026, the company secured more than $1.2 billion, with the capital supporting financing for customers and installers, expansion into additional European markets and further development of its AI-powered platform. Amount raised in H1 2026: €500M STARK is a defence technology company developing software-defined unmanned systems for European and NATO defence applications. Its technology includes autonomous aerial systems and command-and-control software, with products designed for rapid deployment and operation in contested environments. The company raised €500 million in H1 2026, with more than 80 per cent of the funding allocated to research and development and manufacturing, including new electronic warfare research facilities, increased production capacity and the development of sovereign defence technologies. Amount raised in H1 2026: $350M Parloa develops an AI Agent Management Platform for enterprise customer service, enabling companies to design, test, deploy and manage AI agents across voice and digital channels. The platform integrates with existing customer service, CRM and enterprise systems and is designed to automate high-volume customer interactions across different languages and use cases. A $350 million Series D raised in H1 2026 will support Parloa's international expansion, particularly across the US and Europe, as the company scales its AI customer service technology. Amount raised in H1 2026: €270M Isar Aerospace is a space technology company developing launch services for small and medium-sized satellites and constellations. Its two-stage Spectrum launch vehicle is designed and manufactured in-house, with the company building the production and launch infrastructure needed to provide commercial and institutional customers with access to orbit. Isar Aerospace closed a €270 million Series D in H1 2026 to expand its international operations, increase serial production of Spectrum and develop its launch infrastructure as it moves towards larger-scale commercial operations. Amount raised in H1 2026: $240M Focused Energy is a fusion energy company developing direct-drive laser fusion technology with the aim of generating energy from nuclear fusion at commercial scale. The company is working to move laser fusion from scientific research towards industrial deployment, including plans for a fusion facility at the former Biblis nuclear power plant site in Germany. In H1 2026, Focused Energy raised $240 million in Series A funding to advance its technology, develop fusion systems at Biblis and build the supply chains required for future commercial deployment. Amount raised in H1 2026: €150M Quantum Systems develops AI-powered unmanned aerial systems for defence, security and commercial applications. Its electric vertical take-off and landing drones combine aerial intelligence, sensors and software to support applications including reconnaissance, surveillance and mapping, with a growing focus on defence and dual-use markets. A €150 million European financing package secured in H1 2026 is intended to support the company's continued growth and industrial scaling of its unmanned technologies in Europe. Amount raised in H1 2026: €140M FINN is a mobility company offering car subscriptions as an alternative to vehicle ownership and traditional leasing. Through its digital platform, customers can subscribe to vehicles for a fixed monthly payment covering services such as registration, maintenance and insurance, while the company increasingly focuses its fleet on electric vehicles. In H1 2026, FINN secured €140 million in financing to fund its next phase of growth, including investment in its vehicle fleet, technology platform and operational infrastructure. Amount raised in H1 2026: $125M Upvest is a fintech infrastructure company providing banks, brokers, wealth managers and fintechs with API-based technology for building and operating investment products. Its platform covers trading, custody and back-office processes, allowing financial institutions to offer products such as stocks, ETFs, savings plans and fractional investments while managing the underlying regulatory and operational infrastructure. The company announced $125 million in financing in H1 2026 to further develop its platform, support the rollout of localised pension products and AI-driven investment services, and strengthen its offering across Europe and the UK. Amount raised in H1 2026: $110M Taktile develops an AI-powered decision platform for banks, insurers and other financial institutions, helping them automate and manage high-stakes processes such as credit underwriting, customer onboarding, claims assessment and financial crime investigations. Its technology combines decision infrastructure with AI agents to automate workflows that have traditionally required significant manual review. Taktile raised $110 million in Series C funding in H1 2026 to scale its platform and accelerate the adoption of AI across financial services, including further expansion in international markets.

The growth of AI and hyperscalers poses opportunities but also risks, accounting for as much as 30% of net new issuance this year in some indexes if you include Nvidia Corp. which this week attempted to calm credit markets by offering its computing power as a form of securitization. Neil Callanan of Bloomberg News warns that while systemic risk is not imminent, it could materialize if banks become overly exposed to the impact of residual value guarantees or if insurance products linked to them create circular liabilities. (Source: Bloomberg)

On 14 August 2026, the NYT Connections grid challenged solvers with four sets built around familiar ideas, visual clues, creative tools, and recognizable logos—here are today’s hints and answers. The post NYT Connections: 14 August 2026 Hints and Answers! appeared first on Nerd's Chalk.

Life, liberty and the pursuit of solvency take a side hustle, as seen on the small screen.

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.Happy Thursday, folks! It’s a smaller slate tonight, but there are still plenty of spots to attack. Here are my MLB moneyline predictions for tonight's slate, and make sure to check out all of our MLB picks for Thursday, Aug. 13! MLB moneyline picks for Aug. 13 Matchup Pick Piratesvs Marlins <<+113>> Guardiansvs Tigers <<-117>> Marinersvs Yankees <<-133>> Redsvs White Sox <<+122>> Red Soxvs Blue Jays <<-153>> Cubsvs Nationals <<-130>> Philliesvs Twins <<-104>> Rangersvs Angels <<+147>> Brewersvs Dodgers <<-135>> Prices courtesy of Polymarket as of August 13. Trade on the MLB at Polymarket! Sign up now using our exclusive Polymarket promo code 'COVERS' (on your mobile app only) and get a $50 trading bonus after you deposit $50 to trade on any other event contracts — including MLB moneylines! Sign Up Now at *Eligible locations only Expert MLB moneyline picks for Aug. 13 Pirates vs Marlins: Marlins (+113) Marlins win probability: 47% I think the Fightin’ Fish are about to go on another run. Their bats have come alive over their last 12 games, posting a 104 wRC+ and .317 wOBA while keeping the walk rate just a hair under 10%. Meanwhile, the Pirates have been ice-cold at the dish, posting an 82 wRC+, .283 wOBA, and .098 ISO during that stretch. Pirates right-hander Braxton Ashcraft has improved over his last three starts, but he still owns a 7.88 ERA and 1.42 WHIP over his last five. I want the Marlins at plus money! Guardians vs Tigers: Guardians (-117) Guardians win probability: 46% I find it extremely hard to fade the Guardians with left-hander Parker Messick on the bump. The young starter has been nails all season, posting a 2.52 ERA, 2.86 xERA, and 1.03 WHIP. Messick also does a great job limiting hard contact and barrels. Meanwhile, Keider Montero is on the rubber for the Tigers, sporting a 4.96 ERA and 1.35 WHIP over his last three outings. Cleveland’s offense has been heating up over its last 12 games, and the Guardians can get after Montero this evening. Give me Cleveland. Mariners vs Yankees: Yankees (-133) Yankees win probability: 57% I say this every time I write about the Mariners, and I stand by it, right or wrong. I will not trust an offense that owns a 59 wRC+, .119 ISO, and 6.4% barrel rate over its last six games. To go back even further, Seattle has posted a wRC+ of 90 or lower over its last 21 games. The Yankees offense has not been much better, but they are making far more hard contact and barreling the ball over that same stretch. Plus, with how well Max Fried has looked, there is no chance I am backing Logan Gilbert and the Frozen Nine. Reds vs White Sox: Reds (+122) Reds win probability: 45% This one is tough because not only are Davis Martin and Andrew Abbott struggling, but both offenses are, too. The best option is to back the underdog. I am not going to pay juice to back a pitcher with a 10.50 ERA over his last three outings, especially with an offense that owns a 28% strikeout rate and just a 6.3% barrel rate. Give me the Reds at +122, as there is a ton of value backing Cincinnati against Martin. Red Sox vs Blue Jays: Red Sox (-153) Red Sox win probability: 60% Payton Tolle is the guy who will revive this Red Sox team and get them out of this funk. The Red Sox southpaw has been unbelievable over his last five outings, posting a 3.38 ERA, 2.02 xERA, and 1.20 WHIP. He has also done a great job limiting hard contact and barrels. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays send future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer to the mound. The veteran owns a 9.82 home ERA and 1.68 WHIP while allowing a 46.58% hard-hit rate and 13.70% barrel rate to opposing hitters. Pay the juice. Red Sox or nothing. Cubs vs Nationals: Cubs (-130) Cubs win probability: 56% With how hot the Chicago Cubs have been over the last few weeks, it's hard to have any confidence in backing Cade Cavalli and the Nationals against them. Kevin Gausman has been fantastic of late, and I do not see regression coming. Cavalli, on the other hand, sports a 4.69 xERA and 1.33 WHIP while allowing nearly a 13% barrel rate to opposing hitters. At $1.30 for an offense that has posted a 128 wRC+ and .820 OPS over the last week, the Cubs are well worth paying the juice. Phillies vs Twins: Twins (-104) Twins win probability: 51% People will see the Phillies as a dog against Taj Bradley and automatically hammer the Phillies. However, Bradley has been solid, especially at home, where he owns a 3.07 xERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 28.76% strikeout rate. The Phillies send out veteran Aaron Nola, who owns a 5.47 ERA on the season and a 4.50 ERA over his last five starts. With both offenses humming, I want to back the team with the arm I trust more. Rangers vs Angels: Angels (+147) Angels win probability: 40% I am willing to fade Jacob deGrom on the road, especially when we are getting a delicious price for the Angels to secure the win. If they are going to give us the deGrom tax while he sports a 5.48 ERA and 1.70 WHIP, allowing a 52% hard-hit rate and 12% barrel rate over his last five starts, fine by me. Have we not noticed how well Angels right-hander Walbert Urena has been pitching? Over his last five starts, he owns a 2.22 ERA and 1.25 WHIP while allowing just a 33% hard-hit rate and 1.61% barrel rate to opposing hitters. Neither offense has been too hot over the last few weeks, but I am fully leaning on the price and Urena to continue to shove. Brewers vs Dodgers: Dodgers (-135) Dodgers win probability: 57% Some will see the pitching matchup, see Roki Sasaki's name, and immediately fade the Dodgers in this spot. In reality, the Dodgers right-hander has improved drastically over his last five starts, posting a 2.40 ERA, 2.58 xERA, and 0.97 WHIP while limiting hard-hit balls and barrels during that stretch. On the other side, Shane Drohan has regressed over his last five starts, posting a 5.83 ERA while allowing an 11.11% barrel rate to opposing hitters. The Dodgers' bats seem to be coming alive as of late, while the Brewers offense has cooled. I like the hometown team to take Game 1 of this series. Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.Not intended for use in MA.Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links. This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

BYNDR, Portuguese (Brazilian)

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14 August 2026’s NYT Wordle answers and hints are here! Find out what was the secret word today or guess with these 14 August 2026’s NYT Wordle hints. The post Wordle Hints and Answers: 14 August 2026 appeared first on Nerd's Chalk.

Gary Fineout / Politico: Cory Mills hopes Trump boost will overcome Ethics headlines in Florida primary — TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Rep. Cory Mills, under investigation by the House and shunned by some of his GOP colleagues in Congress, heads into a primary next week hoping a months-old endorsement from President Donald Trump …