Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002960/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Moritz Körner (Renew)
According to the Commission, what positive military or defence implications will the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) financial instrument have for Germany by 2030?
Submitted: 17.7.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002984/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Maria Noichl (S&D), Thomas Waitz (Verts/ALE), Sebastian Everding (The Left), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), Annalisa Corrado (S&D), Michal Wiezik (Renew), Tilly Metz (Verts/ALE), Anja Hazekamp (The Left), Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D)
In spring 2025, the non-governmental organisations Soko Tierschutz and The Marker documented systematic violations of the EU Animal Transport Regulation[1]. One specific case is the transport of more than 34 000 calves, which were just a few weeks old, from Austria and Germany to Spain. Here, they were fattened in some cases in serious violation of their rights, and were later slaughtered without stunning in North Africa and the Middle East. It is particularly barbaric that the calves’ documented travel time was over 22 hours without sufficient rest breaks or care, which is a clear violation of the applicable EU regulations. Criminal charges have been filed with the Augsburg Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Submitted: 17.7.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002992/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Fabio De Masi (NI)
Submitted: 17.7.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002976/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Moritz Körner (Renew)
Can the Commission answer the three following questions, addressing each one of them individually:
Submitted: 17.7.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-003021/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Georg Mayer (PfE), Harald Vilimsky (PfE)
The planned amendment to Regulation (EU) 2017/1938 provides for the obligation to fill gas storage facilities to be extended beyond 2025 until the end of 2027 and for the Commission to be given additional implementing and control powers.
Submitted: 21.7.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002980/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Jacek Ozdoba (ECR)
Member States are struggling with rising electricity costs. Rising energy costs are causing the EU to lose competitiveness to other countries, particularly China. Please answer the following questions:
Submitted: 17.7.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-003076/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Catherine Griset (PfE), Séverine Werbrouck (PfE), André Rougé (PfE), Gilles Pennelle (PfE), Fabrice Leggeri (PfE)
The number of EU agencies and offices involved in monitoring media and digital platforms has increased: there is the European Board for Media Services, European Audiovisual Observatory, European Union Agency for Cybersecurity, Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications and European Digital Media Observatory.
These European regulators are in addition to the national regulators, which are also growing in number.
Submitted: 24.7.2025
Source: European Investment Bank
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is funding Cyprus a further €100 million for a range of road improvements in the country. The EIB credit will cover 50% of the costs of planned renovations and extensions to make road travel in Cyprus easier and safer.
The agreement is part of a €200 million approved EIB financing package for Cypriot road infrastructure. The first tranche of €100 million was signed in December 2024. The works, which will cover road networks and infrastructure improvement in various areas across the country, are due to be completed by 2029.
“Investing in essential infrastructure like road networks is vital for strengthening social cohesion and driving economic growth in Cyprus” said EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris. “This project will have a real and lasting impact on the daily lives of Cypriots — improving mobility, enhancing safety, and boosting climate resilience”.
The EIB’s agreement supports a multiyear national plan by the Cypriot Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works. The plan includes a wide range of works, from upgrading motorways, regional and rural roads, and building new bridges, tunnels and walking and cycling lanes, to upgraded traffic management systems and drainage systems.
“This new financing agreement with the EIB reflects our strong and long-standing partnership. It will allow us to implement essential infrastructure projects that enhance road safety, connectivity, and sustainable mobility across Cyprus. We are grateful for the EIB’s continued support and its role as a key partner in our development efforts”, said Cypriot Minister of Finance Makis Keravnos.
“The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, with the support of the European Investment Bank, promotes strategic land transport projects in urban and interurban areas, with the aim of improving accessibility in less privileged-isolated areas of Cyprus, enhancing road safety, addressing the impacts of climate change, promote alternative – sustainable travel options, as well as to improve the socio-economic cohesion of our island”, said Eleftherios Eleftheriou, Director of Public Works Department in his speech on behalf of the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Alexis Vafeadis.
EIB road financing in Cyprus
With this new financing, total EIB’s investment in critical road projects in Cyprus has exceeded €670 million since 1998. Before the two recent €100m accords, the most recent EIB financing for this area in Cyprus was a 112 million loan in 2021 to support four projects in Nicosia, Limassol and Paphos as well as the Vasilikos Energy Centre road.
Background information
EIB
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.
All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002949/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sebastian Kruis (PfE)
In October 2023, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) removed Panama from its list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, acknowledging comprehensive reforms of its anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) regimes. Panama has since overhauled its financial supervision, enhanced institutional capacity and demonstrated tangible enforcement progress. On 9 July 2025, the European Parliament adopted a resolution supporting Panama’s removal from the EU’s high-risk third countries list.
Given these developments and the opportunity to improve relations with a cooperative partner country, the Commission is urged to expedite its reassessment of Panama’s listing.
Submitted: 17.7.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002948/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Martin Häusling (Verts/ALE)
Following the Commission reply that ‘the data submitted concerned the actual strain used for producing this soy leghemoglobin (MXY0541)’[1], I have further questions.
Submitted: 17.7.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002993/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Fabio De Masi (NI)
In light of the Court of Justice’s judgment in Case C-40/23 P[1], according to which the Commission is required to definitively determine the existence of aid as part of its decisional practice, how does the Commission justify the non-conclusion and closure of the State aid proceedings relating to the HHLA-MSC case (see written request to the Commission under reference EASE 2025/2487)?
Submitted: 17.7.2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
PISCATAWAY, N.J., July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The AR Alliance a program of the ISTO federation that is dedicated to advancing open and interoperable augmented reality (AR) ecosystem standards, proudly announces the addition of four influential members: Magic Leap, Tekscend Photomask, and University of California San Diego.
These new members reflect the global diversity and strength of the AR hardware development ecosystem, bringing expertise across foundational research, advanced optics, semiconductor tooling, and spatial computing platforms. Their participation reinforces the Alliance’s collaborative mission to accelerate innovation, support open standards, and unify the AR industry through concrete action and shared success.
The AR Alliance provides a supportive and neutral environment for organizations of all sizes to take an active role in advancing and strengthening the augmented reality hardware development ecosystem. Diverse organizations across the expanding, global AR ecosystem work together through The AR Alliance to speed innovation and breakthrough technologies and processes for building AR wearables and devices that create meaningful and positive experiences for users.
“We are building AR together” said Dr. Bharath Rajagopalan, Chair of The AR Alliance and Director of Strategic Marketing, STMicroelectronics. “The promise of AR and its potential market are so vast that there is ample room for all our member companies, and stakeholders, to succeed together. The AR Alliance is the place where concrete work takes place to harmonize approaches for advancing, unifying, and growing the global AR supply chain as well as accelerating innovation. We are pleased to welcome these new members to the AR Alliance and to join us in this important work and bring their deep technology experience, manufacturing capabilities, product leadership and research to help enable the AR market.”
Magic Leap is a leader in transparent optics technology and scalable optics manufacturing for Augmented Reality (AR) experiences. They build proprietary manufacturing equipment and processes to produce highly precise eyepieces, with their flagship AR product, Magic Leap 2, featuring patented optics and a lightweight design.
UC San Diego has been named the No. 8 university worldwide in powering global innovation, according to Clarivate’s latest report. The university ranked third among U.S. public institutions, reflecting its deep impact on industry and society through cutting-edge research and breakthrough patents.
The unique collaboration between UC San Diego’s Swartz Center for Computational Neuroscience and the Arthur C. Clarke Center for Human Imagination has given rise to an interdisciplinary team of neuroscientists, computer scientists and artists working together to pose problems in new ways and advance scientific methods and knowledge with full STEAM ahead. Their combined methods leverage recent advances in lightweight biometric sensors, virtual reality, eye tracking, EEG, as well as state of the art immersive Virtual Reality. Their lab (located at the Supercomputer Center for Neuroscience, UCSD) has a wide variety of neuroscientists. The lab is also renowned for the use of the MoBI lab, a research space dedicated to virtual reality experiments.
Tekscend Photomask Corp is the world’s premier provider of photomasks for semiconductors, and a group company of TOPPAN Holdings Inc. Tekscend Photomask was previously known as Toppan Photomask. Headquartered in Tokyo, Tekscend Photomask leverages its worldwide customer service network and eight manufacturing facilities in key geographic locations to offer the worlds most advanced lithography technology. Tekscend Photomask is also expanding into nanoimprint molds and other nano-fabricated products.
About The AR Alliance
The AR Alliance Founding Board Members comprise STMicroelectronics, META, Essilor Luxottica, Corning, Dispelix, Optofidelity, MICROOLED, Google, and Qualcomm.
Organizations of every size and in any sector of the ecosystem are respected, heard, and supported in The AR Alliance’s non-competitive, collaborative environment. Flexible membership levels remove barriers to access enabling companies of varying stages of maturity and resources to engage.
To learn more about membership in The AR Alliance, please visit www.thearalliance.org.
Media Contact:
Brianna Rich
Program Manager
brianna.rich@isto.org
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Wenzhou, China, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Erayak Power Solution Group Inc. (NASDAQ: RAYA) (“Erayak” or the “Company”), a leading manufacturer, designer, and exporter of high-quality products in the power supply industry, today announced that it has entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain institutional investors for the purchase and sale of an aggregate of 107,692,307 shares of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Shares”) (or pre-funded warrants in lieu thereof) at a purchase price of $0.065 per share in a registered direct offering. The purchase price for the pre-funded warrants is identical to the purchase price for Shares, less the exercise price of $0.0001 per share.
The aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of this offering are expected to be approximately $7 million. The transaction is expected to close on or about August 1, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
Craft Capital Management is acting as the sole placement agent for the offering.
The registered direct offering is being made pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-278347) previously filed by the Company and declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on May 16, 2024.
The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. The prospectus supplement describing the terms of the public offering will be filed with the SEC prior to the closing and will form a part of the effective registration statement, available on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov.
Copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained from Craft Capital Management, 377 Oak St., Lower Concourse, Garden City, NY 11530, Attention: Syndicate Dept.; email: info@craftcm.com
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.
About Erayak Power Solution Group Inc.
Erayak specializes in the manufacturing, research and development, and wholesale and retail of power solution products. Erayak’s product portfolio includes sine wave and off-grid inverters, inverter and gasoline generators, battery and smart chargers, and custom-designed products. Our products are used principally in agricultural and industrial vehicles, recreational vehicles, electrical appliances, and outdoor living products. Our goal is to be the premier power solutions brand and a solution for mobile life and outdoor living. For more information, visit www.erayakpower.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements. In addition, from time to time, we or our representatives may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing. We base these forward-looking statements on our expectations and projections about future events, which we derive from the information currently available to us. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future performance, including: our financial performance and projections; our growth in revenue and earnings; and our business prospects and opportunities. You can identify forward-looking statements by those that are not historical in nature, particularly those that use terminology such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “contemplates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “plans,” “projected,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “hopes” or the negative of these or similar terms. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors, including: our ability to change the direction of the Company; our ability to keep pace with new technology and changing market needs; and the competitive environment of our business. These and other factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are only predictions. The forward-looking events discussed in this press release and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives, may not occur, and actual events and results may differ materially and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about us. We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives might not occur.
Investor Relations Contact:
Erayak Power Solution Group Inc.
No. 528, 4th Avenue
Binhai Industrial Park
Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province
People’s Republic of China 325025
Email: investor@erayakpower.com
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
Bicameral lawmakers warn Safe Reach Solutions (SRS) and UG Solutions (UG) that they have put American veterans at risk of criminal and civil liability for de facto “military operations” in Gaza
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined U.S. Representatives Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20) and Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51) in leading an effort to demand answers from U.S.-based security companies, Safe Reach Solutions, LLC (SRS) and UG Solutions, LLC (UG) about their activities in Gaza, which according to press reports, include using lethal force against unarmed and starving Palestinian civilians at aid distribution sites.
The lawmakers warned SRS and UG that the companies and personnel—many of them American military veterans hired as private security contractors—may be subject to future criminal and civil liability under U.S. laws prohibiting torture, war crimes, and forced deportation. The lawmakers also requested the preservation of all documents and communication related to the security companies’ contracts and work with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
“We were horrified by reporting this week on your companies’ deadly security operations in Gaza. Your operations have exposed hundreds of brave American veterans to future criminal and civil liability under U.S. laws criminalizing war crimes, torture, and forced deportation,” wrote the lawmakers. “Reports and firsthand witnesses have indicated to us that your personnel —American veterans hired as private security contractors—were brought into Israel on tourist visas inappropriate for the intended purpose of their travel, sent to Gaza armed for combat, and ordered by Israeli officials to use lethal force against unarmed and starving Palestinian civilians. We have also learned that under Israeli orders, your personnel are conducting crowd control at food distribution sites by firing live rounds over the heads of civilians and using stun grenades and pepper spray—all in an active military zone under direct supervision by Israeli military officers.”
The lawmakers continued: “As a result, we are deeply concerned that you may have failed to alert your personnel —or investors—of the immense legal risks they face for conducting what amounts to military operations on behalf of the Israeli government on land outside of the State of Israel.”
Read and download the letter here and below:
Mr. Govoni, Mr. Reilly,
We were horrified by reporting this week on your companies’ deadly security operations in Gaza. Your operations have exposed hundreds of brave American veterans to future criminal and civil liability under U.S. laws criminalizing war crimes, torture, and forced deportation.
Reports and firsthand witnesses have indicated to us that your personnel —American veterans hired as private security contractors—were brought into Israel on tourist visas inappropriate for the intended purpose of their travel, sent to Gaza armed for combat, and ordered by Israeli officials to use lethal force against unarmed and starving Palestinian civilians. We have also learned that under Israeli orders, your personnel are conducting crowd control at food distribution sites by firing live rounds over the heads of civilians and using stun grenades and pepper spray—all in an active military zone under direct supervision by Israeli military officers.
As a result, we are deeply concerned that you may have failed to alert your personnel —or investors—of the immense legal risks they face for conducting what amounts to military operations on behalf of the Israeli government on land outside of the State of Israel.
Even before the latest revelations, press had reported on Israeli military actions that include the wanton destruction of civilian homes, the use of human shields, rules of engagement resulting in disproportionate civilian casualties, and blockage of medicine and food. More than 50,000 children have already been killed or injured in Gaza, and as we write, infant boys and girls are starving to death. Prime Minister Netanyahu, in response to a question concerning remaining legitimate targets to strike, is reported to have said “I don’t care about the targets” and ordered military officials to “destroy the homes, bomb everything in Gaza. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is reported to have said, “Gaza will be totally destroyed… They will be totally despairing… and will be looking for relocation to begin a new life in other places.” As a result of these actions, U.S. allies have already cut off the supply of offensive weapons to Israel.
We, therefore, ask that you urgently respond to the following questions:
What are the Rules of Engagement currently in effect for your staff in Gaza and what is the nature of their command-and-control relationship with Israeli military officers and government officials?
Did you inform your investors and staff prior to their departure from the United States that they are subject to U.S. criminal law prohibiting torture, war crimes, and forced deportation, including under the War Crimes Act? And further, that they could be held legally responsible for crimes by Israeli forces when those actions were enabled or facilitated by your operations?
Did you inform prospective staff and investors that they could face civil suits upon return to the United States under the Torture Prevention Act by Americans and the families of Americans harmed in Gaza?
Did you inform your staff that the International Criminal Court and third states may exercise jurisdiction over war crimes in Gaza and that they could consider your American staff as combatants for purposes of liability, potentially limiting future freedom of travel to other countries?
How is your organization documenting activities in Gaza and what happens to that data? We request that you preserve all documents and communications related to your contracts and work with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
We respectfully request a response withing two weeks.
Sincerely,
CC:
Charles J. Africano (“Chuck”/“Joe”), Safe Reach Solutions (SRS)
Kevin Sullivan, UG Solutions
Jennifer C, UG Solutions
Lou Rassey, Chief Executive Officer, McNally Capital, Chicago IL
Ward McNally, Founder, Co-CEO, and Managing Partner, McNally Capital, Chicago IL
Brian Grogan, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Compliance Officer, McNally Capital, Chicago IL
Ravi Shah, Partner, McNally Capital, Chicago IL
Joel Revill, Chief Executive Officer, Two Ocean Trust, Jackson Hole WY
Albert Forkner, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, Two Ocean Trust, Jackson Hole WY
Dustin Sventy, Chief Investment Officer, Two Ocean Trust, Jackson Hole WY
Source: United Nations 2-b
Among the confirmed dead is a six-year-old boy. At least 10 of the injured were children, the mission said, and news reports indicate that figure is rising.
Russia reportedly launched 309 drones and eight cruise missiles during the night, and despite air defences managing to destroy many of them, the damage across the capital was severe.
At least 27 locations across Kyiv were hit by the attack, with the heaviest damage seen in the Solomianskyi and Sviatoshynskyi districts, where UN rescue efforts are ongoing.
In the Sviatoshynskyi district, a missile destroyed a section of a nine-story apartment building.
In the Solomianskyi district, a five-story apartment building was severely damaged, and at least two people were killed.
UN Ukraine reported that witnesses described shock at the strike, which happened so quickly that they did not have time to seek shelter.
“Homes, businesses and public buildings are being destroyed, and it may take years to rebuild them. And each new attack compounds the psychological toll on people who have to spend night after night in shelters,” said Danielle Bell, Head of HRMMU.
More than 100 buildings were reportedly damaged in the capital, including homes, schools, kindergartens, medical facilities and universities, according to news reports.
This attack follows a wave of violence close and far from the frontline, including weekend assaults that killed at least 20 civilians and injured over 120, a prison attack on Monday that killed 16 inmates, a hospital strike that killed three and the death of five civilians in the east on Tuesday.
This violent pattern continues from June, when HRMMU reported that Russia launched 10 times more missile and loitering munitions attacks against Ukraine compared with June 2024, killing 232 and injuring 1,343.
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, stressed on social media that “international humanitarian law must be respected. All efforts must be taken to protect civilians. They are not a target.”
Source: US Whitehouse
The letters inform manufacturers that if they “refuse to step up,” the federal government “will deploy every tool in our arsenal to protect American families from continued abusive drug pricing practices.”
Letters were sent to AbbVie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, EMD Serono, Genentech, Gilead, GSK, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Regeneron, and Sanofi.
ENDING GLOBAL FREELOADING ON AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL INNOVATION: President Trump is taking decisive action to rebalance a system that allows pharmaceutical manufacturers to offer low prices to other wealthy nations while charging Americans significantly higher prices.
ONCE AGAIN DELIVERING ON PROMISES TO PUT AMERICAN PATIENTS FIRST: Today’s letters are an important step in President Trump’s work to get Americans the best deal in the world on prescription drugs.
Source: US Whitehouse
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)
Palm Desert, CA – Today Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) issued the following statement:
“The extreme hunger and starvation unfolding in Gaza is a dire humanitarian emergency. Reports of Palestinians—including children—dying from hunger and malnutrition are heartbreaking and unacceptable. This is a man-made crisis, and urgent action is needed. Time is of the essence. Every day that food, water, and life-saving medical care are blocked from reaching civilians, more lives will be lost, especially children.
“That’s why I sent letters to President Trump and Secretary Rubio demanding that they increase humanitarian resources to Gaza, and urge Israel and Hamas to end the war, and release all hostages.
“They must guarantee safe and unfettered access for international humanitarian organizations and the United Nations that abide by the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence to provide food, clean water, sanitation, and urgent medical care.
“We need immediate, coordinated action. Lives are on the line. We need this now.”
###
Source: NASA
Technicians have successfully installed two sunshields onto NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope’s inner segment. Along with the observatory’s Solar Array Sun Shield and Deployable Aperture Cover, the panels (together called the Lower Instrument Sun Shade), will play a critical role in keeping Roman’s instruments cool and stable as the mission explores the infrared universe.
The team is on track to join Roman’s outer and inner assemblies this fall to complete the full observatory, which can then undergo further prelaunch testing.
“This shield is like an extremely strong sunblock for Roman’s sensitive instruments, protecting them from heat and light from the Sun that would otherwise overwhelm our ability to detect faint signals from space,” said Matthew Stephens, an aerospace engineer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.
The sunshade, which was designed and engineered at NASA Goddard, is essentially an extension of Roman’s solar panels, except without solar cells. Each sunshade flap is roughly the size of a garage door — about 7 by 7 feet (2.1 by 2.1 meters) — and 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) thick.
“They’re basically giant aluminum sandwiches, with metal sheets as thin as a credit card on the top and bottom and the central portion made up of a honeycomb structure,” said Conrad Mason, an aerospace engineer at NASA Goddard.
This design makes the panels lightweight yet stiff, and the material helps limit heat transfer from the side facing the Sun to the back—no small feat considering the front will be hot enough to boil water (up to 216 degrees Fahrenheit, or 102 degrees Celsius) while the back will be much colder than Antarctica’s harshest winter (minus 211 Fahrenheit, or minus 135 Celsius). A specialized polymer film blanket will wrap around each panel to temper the heat, with 17 layers on the Sun side and one on the shaded side.
The sunshade will be stowed and gently deploy around an hour after launch.
“The deploying mechanisms have dampers that work like soft-close hinges for drawers or cabinets, so the panels won’t slam open and rattle the observatory,” Stephens said. “They each take about two minutes to move into their final positions. This is the very first system that Roman will deploy in space after the spacecraft separates from the launch vehicle.”
Now completely assembled, Roman’s inner segment is slated to undergo a 70-day thermal vacuum test next. Engineers and scientists will test the full functionality of the spacecraft, telescope, and instruments under simulated space conditions. Following the test, the sunshade will be temporarily removed while the team joins Roman’s outer and inner assemblies, and then reattached to complete the observatory. The mission remains on track for launch no later than May 2027 with the team aiming for as early as fall 2026.
Download high-resolution video and images from NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio
The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is managed at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, with participation by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California; Caltech/IPAC in Pasadena, California; the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore; and a science team comprising scientists from various research institutions. The primary industrial partners are BAE Systems Inc. in Boulder, Colorado; L3Harris Technologies in Rochester, New York; and Teledyne Scientific & Imaging in Thousand Oaks, California.
By Ashley BalzerNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency
Headline: Crockett, Henderson, Humphreys, Lewis, Montgomery and Shelby Counties Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance
Crockett, Henderson, Humphreys, Lewis, Montgomery and Shelby Counties Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance
Local governments and certain nonprofit organizations in Crockett, Henderson, Humphreys, Lewis, Montgomery and Shelby counties are now eligible for FEMA Public Assistance grants for debris removal, emergency protective measures and permanent work to repair public facilities that were damaged by the April 2-24 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding
These counties join Carroll, Cheatham, Davidson, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Grundy, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henry, Hickman, Houston, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Perry, Stewart, Wayne and Tipton counties which were all previously approved for FEMA Public Assistance
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides reimbursement to local and state government agencies for the costs of emergency response, debris removal and restoration of disaster damaged public facilities and infrastructure
Houses of worship and other nonprofit organizations may also be eligible for FEMA Public Assistance
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nwaogu
Thu, 07/31/2025 – 12:12
Source: NASA
NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland is seeking proposals for the use of its historic aircraft hangar, along with a parking lot, tarmac, and a small neighboring office building. Proposals are due by 1 p.m. EDT on Nov. 28.
The hangar, formally known as the Flight Research Building, is available for lease by signing a National Historic Preservation Act agreement for a 10-year base period and two optional five-year extensions.
NASA first announced plans to lease the Flight Research Building and other facilities in May 2024 under the government’s Enhanced Use Lease authority. These lease agreements allow space, aeronautics, and other related industries to use agency land and facilities, reducing NASA’s maintenance costs while fostering strategic partnerships that spur innovation.
“Glenn is making great progress as we modernize our Cleveland and Sandusky campuses to support NASA’s future missions,” said Dr. Jimmy Kenyon, Glenn’s center director. “Through Enhanced Use Leases, we’re ensuring full use of land and facilities while preserving an iconic, historic building and creating regional economic opportunities.”
The property available for lease includes up to 6.7 acres of land, which contains the heated aircraft hangar, Operations and Integration Building, parking lot, and tarmac. The hangar is 160 feet by 280 feet, and the Operations and Integration Building is 5,947 square feet. Proceeds from this lease will be used to maintain Glenn facilities and infrastructure.
Visible from Brookpark Road and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Glenn’s hangar was the first building completed after the center was established in 1941. It has sheltered many unique aircraft used to perform vital research. From studying ice accumulation on aircraft wings to the first use of laser communications to stream 4K video from an aircraft to the International Space Station, Glenn flight research has contributed to aviation safety, atmospheric studies, and cutting-edge technology development.
Interested parties should contact both Carlos Flores at carlos.a.flores-1@nasa.gov and Diana Munro at diana.c.munro@nasa.gov to sign up for a walk-through from Monday, Sept. 8, to Friday, Sept. 12, or the week of Oct. 6.
For a 360-degree virtual tour of the Flight Research Building, visit:
https://www3.nasa.gov/specials/hangar360/
-end-
Jan WittryGlenn Research Center, Cleveland216-433-5466jan.m.wittry-1@nasa.gov
Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency
Headline: President Trump Ends Unfair “De Minimis” Tariff Exemption, A Major Victory in Securing the Homeland
President Trump’s Executive Order empowers DHS to continue cracking down on smuggling and unfair trade practices
WASHINGTON – President Trump signed an Executive Order suspending duty-free de minimis tariff exemptions for low-value shipments from all countries
His order empowers Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to close this loophole which was used to avoid tariffs and smuggle deadly synthetic opioids like fentanyl into the United States
“For decades, bad actors have taken advantage of America’s de minimis process by smuggling in deadly narcotics, harmful products, and other contraband in hidden products,” said Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin
“This loophole led to the death of thousands of Americans, fueled the opioid crisis, and harmed US
consumers
This decision to end de minimis will save American lives, increase revenue, and protect the American consumer and entrepreneur”
Under the de minimis treatment, imported goods that are valued at or under $800 were exempt from tariff duties
Countries exploited this system to flood the American market with cheap goods that undercut American manufacturers and cost American jobs
This exemption also allowed drug cartels and other criminal organizations to smuggle drugs and other contraband into our country
Over the past decade the volume of de minimis shipments to the United States exploded, growing from 134 million shipments in 2015 to over 1
36 billion shipments in 2024
De minimis shipments accounted for 90% of all cargo seizures in FY 24
These shipments often broke the law with 98% of narcotics seized from cargo falling under the de minimis exemption, as well as 97% of counterfeit items seized
Now, thanks to President Trump’s Executive Order, this loophole is closed
US Customs and Border Protection is empowered to enforce tariffs on these goods and can continue to protect the homeland from the smuggling of deadly synthetic opioids like fentanyl and counterfeit goods
This will save American lives, protect American jobs, and restore billions in lost revenue
# # #
Source: US State of California 2
What you need to know: With nearly all National Guard soldiers demobilizing, Governor Gavin Newsom is calling on the President to allow the 300 remaining National Guard soldiers to go home now.
Los Angeles, California – Nearly two months after the unlawful federalization of units of the California National Guard, and deployment of almost 5,000 soldiers in the Los Angeles area, all but 300 National Guard members are able to go home. So far, 4,700 soldiers have begun demobilizing. The President should allow the remaining soldiers to go back to their families, communities, and civilian professions as doctors, law enforcement and teachers.
President Trump is realizing that his political theater backfired. This militarization was always unnecessary and deeply unpopular. The President must do the right thing to end this illegal militarization now because the economic and societal impacts are dire. The women and men of our military deserve more than to be used as props in the federal government’s propaganda machine.
Governor Gavin Newsom
Although it is unclear whether the National Guard has received formalized orders to begin additional demobilizations, an estimated 300 guardsmembers will continue to be stationed at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos without a clear mission, direction, or a timeline for returning to their communities. California urges Trump and the Department of Defense to end this theatrical deployment and send all remaining guardsmembers home immediately.
Earlier this month, 2,000 federalized National Guard members and 700 Marines were called off their mission in Los Angeles. However, nearly 2,000 soldiers remained at Los Alamitos.
After the federal government deployed the military unlawfully and began ramping up immigration raids statewide, the number of people reporting to work in the private sector in California decreased by 3.1% — a downturn only recently matched by the period when people stayed home from work during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Governor Newsom recently met with local restaurant owners in the City of Bell and faith leaders in Downey to discuss the economic impact these indiscriminate immigration actions have had on their small business.
Trump’s actions have a ripple effect – the state’s economy is likely to contract later this year due to fallout from global tariffs and immigration raids in Los Angeles and other cities that have rattled key sectors, including construction, hospitality, and agriculture, according to a UCLA Anderson forecast.
Mass arrests, detentions and deportations in California could slash $275 billion from the state’s economy and eliminate $23 billion in annual tax revenue. The loss of immigrant workers, undocumented and those losing lawful status under the Trump administration, would delay projects (including rebuilding Los Angeles after the wildfires), reduce food supply, and drive up costs. Undocumented immigrants contributed $8.5 billion in state and local taxes in 2022 — a number that would rise to $10.3 billion if these taxpayers could apply to work lawfully.
Typically, under the Governor’s command, nearly 450 servicemembers are deployed statewide, including at ports of entry, to combat transnational criminal organizations and seize illegal narcotics. CalGuard’s servicemembers dedicated to the state’s Counterdrug Task Force have been reassigned by President Trump to militarize Los Angeles. The consequences are dire – CalGuard’s efforts help ensure the public safety of communities statewide.
Of the 4,000 National Guard members sent to Los Angeles under Trump’s order, their servicemembers have been pulled from essential civilian duties such as medical and first responders, service workers, building trades contractors, law enforcement personnel, corrections officers, civil service and government workers, technology specialists, educators and teachers, and agriculture workers.
Community leaders, public officials, veterans and others agree – the federal government’s actions in California not only have a chilling effect on the state’s society and economy, but also continue to undermine the valuable contributions from members of the military while in and out of uniform.
Republican and Democratic former governors agree—Trump’s federalization violates the critical balance between state and federal government. Recently, a bipartisan group of 25 former governors filed a brief in support of Newsom v. Trump, urging the court to enforce state sovereignty and block the unprecedented federalization of the National Guard.
Retired four-star admirals and generals and former secretaries of the Army and Navy filed another amicus brief outlining the grave risks of Trump’s illegal takeover of the CalGuard. Several veterans and veteran rights’ groups came together to decry Trump’s militarization of California.
Source: US State of Pennsylvania
August 01, 2025 – Mechanicsburg, PA
Officials from the Departments of Health and Transportation will join area health care providers, organ donation and tissue donation groups, and those impacted by organ donation at UPMC West Shore in Mechanicsburg to encourage all Pennsylvanians to register as organ donors, as part of PA Donor Day.
PA Donor Day is celebrated on August 1, or 8/1, because one organ donor can save up to eight lives. At any given time, more than 6,000 Pennsylvanians are on the state’s transplant list awaiting an organ donation.
Regrettably, thousands of Americans die every year waiting for a donated organ. One organ and tissue donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation, and enhance the lives of 75 others through tissue donation. Tissue donation helps patients recover from spinal injuries, burns, vision loss, and more.
In Pennsylvania, nearly half of current driver’s license and identification card holders are registered as organ donors, or about five million residents. However, increasing the number of residents who are organ donors is key to saving and improving lives throughout the Commonwealth.
WHO:
Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen
Department of Transportation Executive Deputy Secretary Larry Shifflet
UPMC Harrisburg, UPMC Community Osteopathic, and UPMC West Shore President Elizabeth Ritter
UPMC Kidney Transplant Program Surgical Director Dr. Manish Gupta
Rev. Brenda Alton, Governor’s Organ Donation Advisory Committee
CJ Adams, organ recipient
Marilyn Michelle Reynolds, organ donor
WHEN:
Friday, August 1, 1:00 PM
WHERE:
UPMC Outpatient Services
2015 Technology Parkway
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(Entrance #5)
MEDIA RSVP: Media interested in attending must RSVP with the name of the reporter and photojournalist to ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
WASHINGTON – Michael Pittman, 30, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 84 months in federal prison in connection with trafficking more than 200 illegal firearms from Georgia and North Carolina to the Washington D.C. area where he sold many of them to convicted felons, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Pittman pleaded guilty on April 14, 2025, to conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking.
In addition to the 84-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Tanya S. Chutkan ordered Pittman to serve three years of supervised release.
Joining in the announcement was Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
According to court documents, from at least April 2023 through May 2024, Pittman rented cars and drove to Georgia and North Carolina where he purchased guns from illegal firearm suppliers. Pittman re-sold the firearms in the D.C. area, advertising them through different means. He took photos of the firearms displayed on his bed with prices.
Between April 2023 through May 2024, Pittman obtained, advertised, or sold 200 or more firearms.
On May 30, 2024, Virginia State Police arrested Pittman in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, as he was returning to D.C. from a buying trip. Pittman fled from a traffic stop before he crashed and ran into the nearby woods. Police recovered Pittman’s backpack which contained 16 firearms, an additional firearm he had dropped, and two firearms he had left in his vehicle.
Law enforcement subsequently obtained a warrant and searched Pittman’s residence. In Pittman’s home, law enforcement recovered hundreds of rounds of ammunition, firearm cleaning and repair tools, firearm magazines, and three additional firearms. Law enforcement also observed the same red-and-black patterned bed spread observed in the images from Pittman’s phone.
Pittman has one prior felony conviction for second degree assault in Prince George’s County, Maryland, for which he was sentenced to two years in prison suspended as to all but 30 days.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division with valuable assistance from the Virginia State Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron A. Tepfer and Sarah Martin.
24cr296
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
DETROIT – Today, Deandre Martece Williams was sentenced to 327 months in prison on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and kidnapping, in connection with a series of armed robberies, non-fatal shootings, and rapes he committed in 2023, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced. In sentencing Williams, United States District Judge Mark A. Goldsmith stated that Williams’s “utter disregard for human dignity is breathtaking in the worst sense of the word” and referred to his conduct as “nightmarish.” During a three month stretch in 2023, Williams victimized fifteen people in eight separate incidents, seriously injuring four people, and raping three at gunpoint.
Gorgon was joined in the announcement by James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Detroit Field Division, Chief Todd Bettison, Detroit Police Department (DPD), and Kym Worthy, Wayne County Prosecutor.
During the investigation, DPD collected fired cartridge casings from the scene of multiple shootings. With the help of the ATF and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), they identified a pattern of targeting sex workers and their customers. The ATF and DPD methodically pieced together other evidence from the crime scenes and identified Williams as a suspect. On October 20, 2023, ATF agents executed a federal search warrant at Williams’s house, arrested him, and found the gun used in the robberies.
Williams frequently found his victims in parked cars along neighborhood streets. Williams commonly approached on foot, placed his handgun through an open window or door, and robbed his victims. After the robberies, Williams shot at several of the victims as they tried to flee. Several of the victims were injured by gunfire. Williams raped two of his victims during the robberies.
Through their investigation of the robberies, the ATF and DPD uncovered evidence linking Williams to a rape and adult kidnapping. Williams and that victim had agreed to meet over a dating app. When Williams arrived at the victim’s hotel room, he pulled out a handgun and held the victim at gunpoint for several hours while repeatedly raping the victim.
Williams’s arrest for the robberies also led to DNA evidence linking him to an unsolved Criminal Sexual Conduct from 2012. Williams pleaded guilty to two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Third Circuit Court in Detroit for those offenses and was sentenced in March to 10 years 6 months up to 20 years prison in the Wayne County Third Circuit Court.
“We should all hate robbery and cruelty. And this sinister man did plenty of both. For years, he was prowling around our streets. But through ingenuity and hard work, the ATF and DPD made our city safer,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon.
“Deandre Williams is a ruthless predator who used firearms to dominate, violate, and destroy lives,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “He didn’t just break the law — he shattered families, preyed on the vulnerable, instilled fear, and left a trail of mayhem wherever he went. ATF’s unique firearm expertise will continue to be the bedrock of gun violence reduction efforts in Detroit. This expertise enables ATF and our law enforcement partners to identify AND target the most prolific shooters across the Detroit metropolitan community for federal prosecution. Mr. Williams is a poster child for what this partnership does: removing violent thugs from the community. Williams will now need to pack a suitcase because he will be behind bars. Exactly, where he deserves to be.”
“The investigation of Deandre Williams yielded an unexpected dividend. WCPO was able to successfully prosecute Williams on a 2012 sexual assault case as a direct result of evidence collected in his federal cases. We are pleased that all of his victims will see him receive the justice he deserves,” said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in conjunction with the Detroit Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
DETROIT – Two individuals were charged for their involvement in a $500 million, nationwide scheme that involved billing Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and other health insurance programs for COVID-19 testing services that were never rendered, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced today.
Cemhan “Jimmy” Biricik (age 46) of Boca Raton Florida, and Dr. Martin Perlin (age 74) of Fairfield, Connecticut were charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and more than 50 substantive counts of health care fraud. Biricik was the sole member and Chief Executive Officer of Fast Lab Technologies, LLC (Fast Lab). Dr. Perlin was Fast Lab’s Medical Director and provider responsible for ordering the majority of the tests. Both defendants were arrested this morning.
According to the Indictment, during the Covid-19 pandemic, New York-based Fast Lab operated a website offering “free” covid tests. When individuals went to the website to order tests, they were asked to provide their insurance information. Fast Lab then used this insurance information to fraudulently bill Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE and numerous private insurances for both antigen (“rapid”) and PCR (“laboratory) tests, across multiple dates for each beneficiary. Specifically, Fast Lab’s claims represented that (1) the antigen tests had been observed by medical professionals, (2) saliva samples were collected by medical professionals, and (3) PCR testing was performed on those samples. In reality, the vast majority of antigen tests—if taken at all—were taken at home and not observed by medical professionals; saliva samples were never collected nor returned to Fast Lab; and PCR testing was never performed. Dr. Perlin was the ordering physician for these tests, despite not having a treating relationship with the beneficiaries. Further, Fast Lab would regularly submit insurance claims before the test kits were even delivered to the beneficiaries. In total, Biricik billed or caused to be billed more than $500 million in claims and was paid more than $50 million.
Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Chicago Regional Office; Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division; Special Agent in Charge Derek M. Holt of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Office of the Inspector General; Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Employee Benefits Security Administration Janet Dhillon (DOL-EBSA); Detroit Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Silvestro, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS); Special Agent in Charge Charles Miller, Detroit Field Office, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); Special Agent in Charge Megan Howell, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG); Acting Inspector in Charge Sean McStravick, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Owen Cypher, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Michigan and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU).
The public is reminded that an Indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated by Special Agents from HHS-OIG, FBI, OPM-OIG, DOL-EBSA, DCIS, MFCU, IRS-CI, DOL-OIG, USPIS, and the U.S. Marshal’s Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Regina R. McCullough and Ryan A. Particka. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan T. Nees of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York also provided assistance.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Carronade Supports Spin-Off or IPO of the Defense and Advanced Technologies Business
Potential 215% to 520% Upside in the Stock if Company Completes a Separation
Defense and Advanced Technologies is Worth $50/share Alone
DARIEN, Conn., July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Carronade Capital Management, LP on behalf of its managed entities (“Carronade Capital”, “our” or “we”), have beneficial ownership of approximately 2.6% of the outstanding shares of Viasat, Inc., (NASDAQ: VSAT) (“Viasat” or the “Company”) today issued the following open letter outlining its perspective on Viasat’s ongoing strategic review and offering a clear and effective way to unlock the substantial, unrealized value embedded within the Company.
Carronade’s letter underscores a compelling case for separating the undervalued and underappreciated Defense and Advanced Technologies (“DAT”) segment, which could be one of the most attractive pure-play defense-technology platforms in the market today, with best-in-class margins, double-digit revenue growth and significant exposure to next-gen defense technologies. Carronade believes a successful execution of a DAT separation would crystallize value for shareholders, empower both DAT and Communications Services segments to chart focused, capital-efficient growth strategies and bolster financial flexibility to drive the share price up to $100 per share. Carronade believes the remaining Communications Services segment would have less debt and be positioned for free cash flow generation.
Carronade urges Viasat’s Board and management team to prioritize a DAT spin as the key outcome of the ongoing strategic review and believes it would garner strong investor support.
The full letter follows:
Carronade Capital Management, LP on behalf of its managed entities (“Carronade Capital,” “our,” or “we”) have beneficial ownership of approximately 2.6% of the outstanding shares of Viasat, Inc., (“Viasat” or the “Company”), making us one of Viasat’s top investors. We have been investors in Viasat since 2023 and are long-term believers in the Company’s mission, the strength of its leadership team, and the extraordinary strategic position the Company holds at the intersection of secure communications, global connectivity, and aerospace and defense technology.
Today, we wanted to share our view that the current valuation of Viasat fails to reflect the value of its most important asset — the Defense and Advanced Technologies (“DAT”) business. We believe that the time has come to separate this crown jewel through a spin-off or IPO, a step which we believe should unlock tremendous value and can result in the pre-event Viasat shares trading at a range of ~$50 to $100+ per share. With the strategic review process already underway, we believe this is the clearest, most effective way to unlock the substantial, unrealized value embedded within the Company.
Highlight A Premier High-Growth Aerospace and Defense Tech Platform
The case for separation is compelling. In our view, the DAT segment could be one of the most attractive standalone defense-technology platforms in the public markets today. With best-in-class margins, double-digit revenue growth, and significant exposure to next-generation defense and dual-use technologies, DAT is already delivering on a vision to which many public and private peers can only aspire.
Excluding the non-recurring contribution from the litigation settlement in Q2 FY2024, as reported revenue within DAT grew almost 17% in the last 12 months, with LTM EBITDA margins of 28%. Demonstrating the continued rapid trajectory of this business, the Company reported in Q4 FY2025 that the backlog within DAT grew 50% year over year with a book-to-bill of 1.2x. These figures also screen extremely well under the “Rule of 40”, combining profitability with robust growth, and we strongly believe the business would be rewarded accordingly on a standalone basis.
We believe DAT’s business lines span critical and rapidly growing areas. This is further enhanced by market share gains, driving growth that continues to exceed overall TAM growth. DAT has the potential to benefit across the following new initiatives and new technologies:
The above are all long-cycle, durable growth markets with deep commercial and government demand, and we believe DAT is already winning. Yet despite this backdrop, from our perspective the market is barely valuing DAT at all — its performance is being obscured by broader investor concerns with respect to Communication Services, as evidenced by a nearly 20% short interest in the stock.
Carronade’s Analysis Supports $50 – $100+ per Share Valuation
This disconnect is further underscored by the current valuation environment for DAT’s aerospace and defense peers. Mid-cap defense-technology companies such as Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, AeroVironment, Karman Holdings, Redwire, and Mercury Systems (“Comp Set”) have historically traded between 20x-40x EV/EBITDA, and in many cases are significantly higher today, as public investors seek exposure to the growth in the aerospace and defense industry. By contrast, the market appears to be pricing Viasat as a structurally challenged communications conglomerate. We believe this framing fails to recognize both the profitability and the growth trajectory of DAT.
It is not an overstatement to say that from a value perspective, Viasat is an aerospace and defense tech focused company first, that also happens to be in the satellite communications business. Our analysis suggests, utilizing a 20% discount to the median 2025E EBITDA multiple of the DAT Comp Set, less overall net debt, a valuation of over $50/share – more than 3x the current stock price – excluding any value for the $1.3 billion EBITDA Communication Services business or the $8/share in value from the Ligado Networks settlement. In total, using the historical ranges for the DAT Comp Set and 4.0x1 on the Communication Services business, we believe the stock is worth between ~$50-$100/share, and well in excess of $100/share if DAT trades at the current median of the Comp Set.
While each peer has a distinct focus, they are all aerospace and defense technology companies that we believe are well positioned to benefit from similar tailwinds. Over the past five years, this Comp Set has generally traded at 20x to 40x EBITDA, with further multiple expansion seen in 2025. The chart below illustrates the implied Viasat share price after applying these historical ranges to DAT, alongside a fixed 4.0x multiple for Communication Services and our assumptions for the present value of the recent Ligado Networks settlement.
DAT’s implied size, revenue growth, leading margins, and exposure to the most exciting aerospace and defense themes, highlight the favorable comparability to the Comp Set as shown below. With 50% year over year backlog growth, strong book-to-bill, and new recent awards, we believe growth trends are supported into 2026 and beyond.
We believe the separation of DAT would not only catalyze a re-rating of that business but also deliver material benefits to the remaining company. Viasat could retain a portion of the spin-off for future monetization. If an IPO were pursued, proceeds could be used to de-lever the balance sheet, bolstering capital flexibility, while reducing financial risk. Moreover, the current stock price implies standalone valuation near the lows after adjusting for the approximately $8/share Ligado Networks settlement value that was unanticipated by most market participants. Finally, we believe separating DAT would allow both businesses to be valued on their own strategic and financial merits and create transparency into the dramatically different growth, TAMs, margin profiles, and capital requirements of each.
Resilient Global Communications Business
Carronade also believes the Communications Services segment is materially misunderstood by the market with competitors such as Starlink and Kuiper catalyzing a substantial amount of pessimism on the shares. We believe a separation will help shine a light on the positive trajectory of this business.
With five-to-ten year contract terms in the in-flight connectivity (“IFC”) business, this unit of Communication Services has approximately 1,600 additional commercial aircraft that will be put into service under existing customer agreements with commercial airlines over time, on top of the 4,120 currently in-service aircraft, representing 39% growth2. The durability of IFC growth, coupled with a high-growth government business and an inflecting maritime business, as evidenced by NexusWave recently exceeding 1,000 vessel orders3, in our view demonstrates the long-term viability of the core satellite business. Critically, in our view Communication Services is set to generate consistent positive free cash flow in the coming quarters, and more significantly, the long-term cash generation of the satellite business is set to inflect strongly after the successful deployment of the ViaSat-3 F2 and F3 satellites. According to a research report from Deutsche Bank on March 24th4, each new ViaSat-3 satellite has the potential to add 2 to 3 percentage points of growth to Communication Services revenue, while also shifting the revenue mix toward higher-margin, internally provisioned capacity and reducing reliance on low-margin wholesale sales. Once capital expenditures for the ViaSat-3 constellation are complete, we expect annual capex to decline to below $1 billion (from ~$1.3 billion in FY2026), creating substantial room for accelerated free cash flow generation and debt paydown.
Given all of the above, we believe our valuation of 4.0x on the Communication Services segment is conservative and unjustifiably below similar business valuations. SES, when accounting for the present value of 100MHz of possible C-band monetization, and pro forma for the Intelsat acquisition, trades at 4.25x-4.50x on the base business. Similarly, both Eutelsat and Iridium trade at high-single-digit EBITDA multiples5. In our view, the growth opportunities, end customers, and stickiness of contracts are significantly more attractive for Viasat’s Communication Services business.
As a result of the settlement with Ligado Networks, the Company is set to receive $568 million in fiscal year 2026, coupled with a lease stream through 2107 that increases 3% per year6 that is worth north of $500 million from a present value perspective, which positions it for further de-levering. The Company’s remaining spectrum portfolio offers substantial flexibility for future monetization to which we ascribe no value in this analysis. In our view, these dynamics are obscured in the current structure and would be far more visible in a standalone Communications Services business.
The Time to Act is Now
With strong commercial momentum across both segments, from NexusWave surpassing 1,000 vessel orders and sustained growth in in-flight connectivity for the Communication Services business, and a proven track record of growth and profitability within DAT, we believe Viasat is at a critical inflection point. In our view, the growth and profitability of DAT is only set to accelerate due to rapidly increasing investment within drone technology, direct-to-device, advanced encryption, Golden Dome, and LEO. Yet we are seeing that public markets continue to discount the stock due to a misplaced narrative. We believe executing a spin-off or IPO of DAT, the Company’s most valuable asset, would not only crystallize value for shareholders, it would empower both businesses to chart focused, capital-efficient growth strategies with improved investor visibility.
We applaud management exploring various paths to unlock portfolio value, drive returns and shareholder value, but urge them to consider our proposed path forward. We believe a spin-off or IPO of DAT would be met with broad investor support and would position Viasat to emerge as two distinct, category-leading companies: one a premier, high-growth aerospace and defense tech platform; the other a resilient, cash-generating global connectivity business while unlocking tremendous value resulting in ~$50 to $100+ per share.
About Carronade Capital
Carronade Capital Management, LP (“Carronade Capital Management”) is a multi-strategy investment firm based in Connecticut with approximately $2.5 billion in assets under management that focuses on process driven investments in catalyst-rich situations. Carronade Capital Management, founded in 2019 by industry veteran Dan Gropper, currently firm employs 14 team members and is based in Darien, Connecticut. Carronade Capital was launched on July 1, 2020. Dan Gropper brings with him nearly three decades of special situations credit experience serving in senior roles at distinguished investment firms, including Aurelius Capital Management, LP, Fortress Investment Group and Elliott Management Corporation.
Important Disclaimers
Not an Offer or Solicitation. This press release is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein in any state to any person.
Not Financial Advice. This press release does not recommend the purchase or sale of a security. There is no assurance or guarantee with respect to the prices at which any securities of Viasat, Inc. (the “Company”) will trade, and such securities may not trade at prices that may be implied herein. In addition, this press release and the discussions and opinions herein are for general information only, and are not intended to provide financial, legal or investment advice. Each shareholder of the Company should conduct their own financial research and analysis and make a decision that aligns with their own financial interests, consulting with their own advisers, as necessary.
Forward-Looking Statements. This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and may include projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions and expectations with respect to future financial results, events, operations, services, product development and potential, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “plans”, “will be” and similar expressions. Although Carronade Capital and its affiliates believe that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties—many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the control of Carronade Capital or the Company—that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. In addition, the foregoing considerations and any other publicly stated risks and uncertainties should be read in conjunction with the risks and cautionary statements discussed or identified in the Company’s public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including those listed under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q . The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and, other than as required by applicable law, Carronade Capital does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements.
Data and Analysis. Certain information included in this press release is based on data obtained from sources considered to be reliable. Any analysis provided herein is intended to assist the reader in evaluating the matters described herein and maybe based on subjective assessments and assumptions and may use one among alternative methodologies that produce different results. Accordingly, any analysis should not be viewed as factual and should not be relied upon as an accurate prediction of future results. Projected information presented herein is generated using an internal Carronade model and is therefore inherently limited. This information is generated based on certain estimates and assumptions which are subject to change based on prevailing market and economic conditions, as well as Carronade’s ongoing assessment of the Company. All figures are estimates and, unless required by law, are subject to revision without notice.
Holdings and Trading. Certain of the funds(s) and/or account(s) (“Accounts”) managed by Carronade Capital Management, LP (“Carronade Capital Management”) currently beneficially own shares of the Company. Carronade Capital Management in the business of trading (i.e., buying and selling) securities and intends to continue trading in the securities of the Company. You should assume the Accounts will from time to time sell all or a portion of its holdings of the Company in open market transactions or otherwise, buy additional shares (in open market or privately negotiated transactions or otherwise), or trade in options, puts, calls, swaps or other derivative instruments relating to such shares. Consequently, Carronade Capital Management’s beneficial ownership of shares of, and/or economic interest in, the Company may vary over time depending on various factors, with or without regard to Carronade Capital Management’s views of the Company’s business, prospects, or valuation (including the market price of the Company’s shares), including, without limitation, other investment opportunities available to Carronade Capital Management, concentration of positions in the portfolios managed by Carronade Capital Management, conditions in the securities markets, and general economic and industry conditions. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event of a change in the Company’s share price on or following the date hereof, Carronade Capital Management may buy additional shares or sell all or a portion of its Account’s holdings of the Company (including, in each case, by trading in options, puts, calls, swaps, or other derivative instruments relating to the Company’s shares). Carronade Capital Management also reserves the right to change the opinions expressed herein and its intentions with respect to its investment in the Company, and to take any actions with respect to its investment in the Company as it may deem appropriate, and disclaims any obligation to notify the market or any other party of any such changes or actions, except as required by law.
Media Contact:
Paul Caminiti / Jacqueline Zuhse
Reevemark
(212) 433-4600
Carronade@reevemark.com
Investor Contacts:
Andy Taylor / Stas Futoransky
Carronade Capital Management, LP
(203) 485-0880
ir@carronade.com
1Derived by using a discount to SES SA, Eutelsat Communications, and Iridium Communications as the peer set for Communications Services; for illustrative purposes only.
2Viasat 2025 Annual Report
3Viasat July 1, 2025 Press Release
4Deutsche Bank report “Multiple Paths to Unlocking Value; Upgrade to Buy”
5Source: Bloomberg
6Viasat June 13, 2025 Press Release
Charts accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1b382282-b275-4da4-a882-c526b3387fc4
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/710e4232-9a2e-4280-9767-20bd501b699a
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1786b60d-3b34-4f9e-8100-77a6b4c15b9a
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
| PRESS RELEASE |
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| Paris, 31st July 2025
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2025 FIRST HALF RESULTS :
MOBILIZE FINANCIAL SERVICES DELIVERS SOLID GROWTH
Mobilize Financial Services records a progression in new financing by 3.8% in the first semester of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This performance reflects a rise in the average amount financed and the commercial dynamics of Renault Group’s brands, Nissan and Mitsubishi, supported by a robust growth in registrations.
With a progression of pre-tax profit by 9.7%, Mobilize Financial Services confirms the relevance of its strategy and its commitment to more sustainable mobility, in line with new uses.
This performance confirms Mobilize Financial Services’ ability to efficiently support the strategy of its automotive partners, while meeting the expectations of customers in quest of flexible and competitive financing solutions.
KEY INDICATORS
Commercial performance1
Financial performance
“In the beginning of the year 2025, we reaffirmed our ambition to support our customers as they transition to more sustainable mobility, by offering products and services in line with new uses. The half-year results support the robustness of our economic model and concretely illustrate our commitment to driving more responsible mobility, fully aligned with the ambitions of Renault Group”, declares Martin Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of Mobilize Financial Services.
A SUSTAINED COMMERCIAL DYNAMIC, IN A RECOVERING MARKET
In an automotive market with slight progression by 0.7%, the volumes of Renault Group, Nissan and Mitsubishi reached 1.19 million vehicles, increasing by 2.3% compared to the first semester of 2024. In this context, Mobilize Financial Services records a growth of its new financing by 3.8% (excluding cards and personal loans), for a total of 11.1 billion euros, driven by an increase in registrations and increases of the average financed amount.
Excluding companies consolidated by equity method, the overall penetration rate stands at 39.6%, slightly down by 0.4 point compared to the same period of last year. The penetration rate on electrified vehicles, as for it, reaches 43.9% at the end of June 2025, +6.5 points compared to other types of motorization.
In total, 632,994 new contracts were financed in the first semester of 2025, an almost stable volume (+0.8 %) compared to 2024. The financing activity of used vehicles recorded a slight decrease by 0.4% with 153,759 contracts financed.
Benefitting from a growing operational leasing market, Mobilize Lease&Co financed in the first semester of 2025, 120,039 operational leasing contracts for private and professional customers and reached a fleet under management of 655,000 vehicles, representing a growth by 4% compared to the first semester of 2024.
The Average Performing Assets (APAs) reached 58.9 billion euros, increasing by 7.3% compared to the first semester of 2024. APAs related to customer activity (private and professional) rose to 47.4 billion euros (+7%), whereas those related to dealership activity progressed by 8.6% to each 11.5 billion euros.
Finally, 1.8 million insurance and service contracts were sold during the semester, confirming the relevance of the additional offers proposed by Mobilize Financial Services.
A ROBUST FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND A DIVERSIFIED RE-FINANCING STRATEGY
In the first semester of 2025, the Net Banking Income (NBI) of Mobilize Financial Services amounted to 1,132 million euros, increasing by 5.3 % compared to the end of 2024. This performance is mainly the result of an improvement in the financial margin as well as the growth of outstanding loans.
The operating costs reached 389 million euros, increasing by 24 million euros compared to last year. This change is explained by the present of non-recurring items having reduced the expenses in the first semester of 2024. Reported to the Average Productive Assets, operating expenses remain stable at 1.33%.
The pre-tax income stands at 607 million euros, against 553 million, one year earlier, a progression by 9.7 %, driven by the rise of NBI. The share of income from associate companies progressed slightly by +0.9 million euros.
In a context marked by investor caution in the face of economic and geopolitical uncertainties, the group raised 1.3 billion euros on the bond market in the first semester of 2025. Three public issued were carried out:
This latest transaction enables expending the maturity profile of the subordinated debt and falls within an active capital management strategy, aiming to maintain a solid financial structure and robust safety margins. Besides, the subsidiaries of the group in Argentina, Brazil, Korea, Morocco and Poland raised a total of 500 million euros on local bond markets.
In the securitization market, the group placed 624 million euros in automobile loan-backed securities via its German branch. Private securitization transactions in the United States (automobile loans) and in Germany (leasing) saw their revolving period extended by two years.
Finally, the savings collection activity, launched in 2012 and present in seven European countries (France, Germany, Austria, United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherland and Poland) continues to play a key role in the diversification of financing sources. The deposits collected reached 30.5 billion euros representing 49.1% of net assets at the end of June 2025.
1 The factoring contracts for short-term rental companies were excluded from 2025 onwards. These contracts represented 32,000 contracts in the first half of 2024, representing a positive impact of 2.8 points on the penetration rate. A hypothetical calculated based on the 2024 figures.
Press contacts
William Servigne
william.servigne@mobilize-fs.com
Hopscotch PR for Mobilize Financial Services
+33 (0)1 41 34 23 06
About Mobilize Financial Services
Attentive to the needs of all its customers, Mobilize Financial Services, a subsidiary of Renault Group, creates innovative financial services to build sustainable mobility for all. Mobilize Financial Services, which began operations over 100 years ago, is the commercial brand of RCI Banque SA, a French bank specializing in automotive financing and services for customers and networks of Renault Group, and also for the brands Nissan and Mitsubishi in several countries.
With operations in 35 countries and over 4,000 employees, Mobilize Financial Services financed more than 1,2 million contracts (new and used vehicles) in 2023 and sold 3,7 million service contracts.
At the end of June 2025, average earning assets stood at58.9 billion euros of financing and the pre-tax income at 607 million Euros.
Since 2012, the group has deployed deposits collecting activity in several countries. At the end of June 2025, the net amount of deposits collected represented 30.5 billion euros, representing 49.1% of the company’s net assets.
To find out more about Mobilize Financial Services: www.mobilize-fs.com/
Attachment
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
AUSTIN, Texas, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Telnyx, the vertically integrated operator powering low-latency voice AI agents, today lit up a new GPU-accelerated Voice-AI Point-of-Presence (PoP) in Paris, France.
By embedding its inference stack directly inside the same data halls as its pan‑European telephony core, Telnyx now delivers sub‑200 ms round-trip time (RTT) to end users across the continent. RTT, the time it takes for audio to travel from the end user to Telnyx and back, is critical for creating engaging conversations that don’t lag behind the flow of natural speech.
“Latency is the silent killer of Voice AI,” said Ian Reither, COO of Telnyx. “Every millisecond counts. By colocating our GPU inference with our private backbone in Paris, we’re redefining what ‘real time’ means for European businesses. We shave off delay at its source and deliver voice AI experiences that feel instantaneous and lifelike, without your data ever leaving the region.”
Built for speed, built for sovereignty
By performing speech recognition, orchestration, and synthesis directly at the Paris PoP, audio never routes through a distant cloud, sharpening Telnyx’s edge in delivering high-impact Voice AI Agents to customers in Europe.
Solutions like intelligent IVRs and fully conversational AI agents can reliably handle high-volumes in over 30 languages, while keeping all data and AI prompts within EU borders for full GDPR, DORA, and local retention compliance.
Momentum that compounds
The Paris launch caps a summer of rapid Voice AI innovation on the Telnyx platform, designed to give customers the fastest path from prototype to production.
In-house NaturalHD neural voices to deliver lifelike speech synthesis, one-line web widgets that embed AI agents in minutes, a canary and versioning toolkit for safely A/B testing voice flows, and native MCP server mode for orchestrating complex multi-agent scenarios.
Powering Europe’s next wave of real-time automation
From retailers and fintechs to logistics operators and public-sector hotlines, businesses can now deploy compliant, human-like voice agents that route calls, verify transactions, and handle multilingual support quickly, eliminating trans-Atlantic backhaul delays and reducing dependence on costly legacy call centers.
About Telnyx
Telnyx is the full‑stack provider powering the future of intelligent, global communications. From private IP infrastructure and GPU‑accelerated inference to lifelike voices, orchestration tools, and carrier‑grade network services, Telnyx delivers everything enterprises need to build next‑generation voice and messaging applications at scale.