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Research replication can determine how well science is working – but how do scientists replicate studies?

Source: ForeignAffairs4

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Amanda Kay Montoya, Associate Professor of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles

Some research teams work on replicating prior studies to assess the value of a body of work. AzmanL/E+ via Getty Images

Back in high school chemistry, I remember waiting with my bench partner for crystals to form on our stick in the cup of blue solution. Other groups around us jumped with joy when their crystals formed, but my group just waited. When the bell rang, everyone left but me. My teacher came over, picked up an unopened bag on the counter and told me, “Crystals can’t grow if the salt is not in the solution.”

To me, this was how science worked: What you expect to happen is clear and concrete. And if it doesn’t happen, you’ve done something wrong.

If only it were that simple.

It took me many years to realize that science is not just some series of activities where you know what will happen at the end. Instead, science is about discovering and generating new knowledge.

Now, I’m a psychologist studying how scientists do science. How do new methods and tools get adopted? How do changes happen in scientific fields, and what hinders changes in the way we do science?

One practice that has fascinated me for many years is replication research, where a research group tries to redo a previous study. Like with the crystals, getting the same result from different teams doesn’t always happen, and when you’re on the team whose crystals don’t grow, you don’t know if the study didn’t work because the theory is wrong, or whether you forgot to put the salt in the solution.

The replication crisis

A May 2025 executive order by President Donald Trump emphasized the “reproducibility crisis” in science. While replicability and reproducibility may sound similar, they’re distinct.

Reproducibility is the ability to use the same data and methods from a study and reproduce the result. In my editorial role at the journal Psychological Science, I conduct computational reproducibility checks where we take the reported data and check that all the results in the paper can be reproduced independently.

But we’re not running the study over again, or collecting new data. While reproducibility is important, research that is incorrect, fallible and sometimes harmful can still be reproducible.

By contrast, replication is when an independent team repeats the same process, including collecting new data, to see if they get the same results. When research replicates, the team can be more confident that the results are not a fluke or an error.

Reproducibility and replicability are both important, but have key differences.
Open Economics Guide, CC BY

The “replication crisis,” a term coined in psychology in the early 2010s, has spread to many fields, including biology, economics, medicine and computer science. Failures to replicate high-profile studies concern many scientists in these fields.

Why replicate?

Replicability is a core scientific value: Researchers want to be able to find the same result again and again. Many important findings are not published until they are independently replicated.

In research, chance findings can occur. Imagine if one person flipped a coin 10 times and got two heads, then told the world that “coins have a 20% chance of coming up heads.” Even though this is an unlikely outcome – about 4% – it’s possible.

Replications can correct these chance outcomes, as well as scientific errors, to ensure science is self-correcting.

For example, in the search for the Higgs boson, two research centers at CERN, the European Council for Nuclear Research, ATLAS and CMS, independently replicated the detection of a particle with a large unique mass, leading to the 2013 Nobel Prize in physics.

The ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN is one of two that led to the discovery of the Higgs boson.
CERN, CC BY

The initial measurements from the two centers actually estimated the mass of the particle as slightly different. So while the two centers didn’t find identical results, the teams evaluated them and determined they were close enough. This variability is a natural part of the scientific process. Just because results are not identical does not mean they are not reliable.

Research centers like CERN have replication built into their process, but this is not feasible for all research. For projects that are relatively low cost, the original team will often replicate their work prior to publication – but doing so does not guarantee that an independent team could get the same results.

Because the results on vaccine efficacy were so clear, replication wasn’t necessary and would have slowed the process of getting the vaccine to people.
XKCD, CC BY-NC

When projects are costly, urgent or time-specific, independently replicating them prior to disseminating results is often not feasible. Remember when people across the country were waiting for a COVID-19 vaccine?

The initial Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine took 13 months from the start of the trial to authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. The results of the initial study were so clear and convincing that a replication would have unnecessarily delayed getting the vaccine out to the public and slowing the spread of disease.

Since not every study can be replicated prior to publication, it’s important to conduct replications after studies are published. Replications help scientists understand how well research processes are working, identify errors and self-correct. So what’s the process of conducting a replication?

The replication process

Researchers could independently replicate the work of other teams, like at CERN. And that does happen. But when there are only two studies – the original and the replication – it’s hard to know what to do when they disagree. For that reason, large multigroup teams often conduct replications where they are all replicating the same study.

Alternatively, if the purpose is to estimate the replicability of a body of research – for example, cancer biology – each team might replicate a different study, and the focus is on the percentage of studies that replicate across many studies.

These large-scale replication projects have arisen around the world and include ManyLabs, ManyBabies, Psychological Accelerator and others.

Replicators start by learning as much as possible about how the original study was conducted. They can collect details about the study from reading the published paper, discussing the work with its original authors and consulting online materials.

The replicators want to know how the participants were recruited, how the data was collected and using what tools, and how the data was analyzed.

But sometimes, studies may leave out important details, like the questions participants were asked or the brand of equipment used. Replicators have to make these difficult decisions themselves, which can affect the outcome.

Replicators also often explicitly change details of the study. For example, many replication studies are conducted with larger samples – more participants – than the original study, to ensure the results are reliable.

Registration and publication

Sadly, replication research is hard to publish: Only 3% of papers in psychology, less than 1% in education and 1.2% in marketing are replications.

If the original study replicates, journals may reject the paper because there is no “new insight.” If it doesn’t replicate, journals may reject the paper because they assume the replicators made a mistake – remember the salt crystals.

Because of these issues, replicators often use registration to strengthen their claims. A preregistration is a public document describing the plan for the study. It is time-stamped to before the study is conducted.

This type of document improves transparency by making changes in the plan detectable to reviewers. Registered reports take this a step further, where the research plan is subject to peer review before conducting the study.

If the journal approves the registration, they commit to publishing the results of the study regardless of the results. Registered reports are ideal for replication research because the reviewers don’t know the results when the journal commits to publishing the paper, and whether the study replicates or not won’t affect whether it gets published.

About 58% of registered reports in psychology are replication studies.

Replication research often uses the highest standards of research practice: large samples and registration. While not all replication research is required to use these practices, those that do contribute greatly to our confidence in scientific results.

Replication research is a useful thermometer to understand if scientific processes are working as intended. Active discussion of the replicability crisis, in both scientific and political spaces, suggests to many researchers that there is room for growth. While no field would expect a replication rate of 100%, new processes among scientists aim to improve the rates from those in the past.

Amanda Kay Montoya is an Associate Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Center for Open Science. She receives funding from the US-National Science Foundation.

– ref. Research replication can determine how well science is working – but how do scientists replicate studies? – https://theconversation.com/research-replication-can-determine-how-well-science-is-working-but-how-do-scientists-replicate-studies-260771

July 18, 2025
When grief involves trauma − a social worker explains how to support survivors of the recent floods and other devastating losses
Source: ForeignAffairs4

Source: The Conversation – USA (3) – By Liza Barros-Lane, Assistant Professor of Social Work, University of Houston-Downtown

Rain falls over a makeshift memorial for flood victims along the Guadalupe River on July 13, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. AP Photo/Eric Gay

The July 4, 2025, floods in Kerr County, Texas, swept away children and entire families, leaving horror in their wake. Days later, flash floods struck Ruidoso, New Mexico, killing three people, including two young children.

These are not just devastating losses. When death is sudden, violent, or when a body is never recovered, grief gets tangled up with trauma.

In these situations, people don’t only grieve the death. They struggle with the terror of how it happened, the unanswered questions and the shock etched into their bodies.

I’m a social work professor, grief researcher and the founder of The Young Widowhood Project, a research initiative aimed at expanding scholarship and public understanding of premature spousal loss.

I was widowed when I was 36. In July 2020, my husband, Brent, went missing after testing a small, flat-bottomed fishing boat called a Jon boat. His body was recovered two days later, but I never saw his remains.

Both my personal loss and professional work have shown me how trauma changes the grieving process and what kind of support actually helps.

To understand how trauma can complicate grief, it’s important to first understand how people typically respond to loss.

Grief isn’t a set of stages

Many people still think of grief through the lens of psychiatrist Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’ five stages of grief, popularized in the early 1970s: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.

But in fact, this model was originally designed for people facing their own deaths, not for mourners. In the absence of accessible grief research in the 1960s, it became a leading framework for understanding the grieving process – even though it wasn’t meant for that.

Despite this misapplication, the stages model has shaped cultural expectations: namely, that grief ends once people reach the “acceptance” stage. But research doesn’t support this idea. Trying to force grief into this model can cause real harm, leaving mourners feeling they’re grieving “wrong.”

In reality, mourning is often lifelong. Most people go through an acute period of overwhelming pain right after the loss. This is usually followed by integrated grief, where the pain softens but the loss is still part of everyday life, returning in waves.

Although grief is unique to each person and relationship, researchers have found that mourners often strive to a) make sense of the death; b) adjust to a world without their loved one; c) form an ongoing connection with their deceased loved one in new ways; and d) figure out who they are without their loved one.

It’s difficult and at times disorienting work, but most people find ways to carry their grief and keep living.

Julia Mora embraces her granddaughter, Isla Meyer, during a vigil for Texas flood victims on July 11, 2025.
AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

When grief and trauma collide

However, some losses carry an extra layer of pain, confusion and trauma.

Sudden, unexpected, accidental, violent or deeply tragic deaths – like those experienced during the recent floods – can lead to what researchers call traumatic bereavement: grief that is disrupted by the traumatic nature of the death.

People experiencing traumatic bereavement often endure a longer and more intense acute grief period. They may be haunted by disturbing images, nightmares or relentless thoughts about how their loved one died or suffered. Many wrestle with dread, spiritual disorientation and a shattered sense of safety in the world.

Some of these deaths are also considered “ambiguous” – unclear or unconfirmed loss – such as when a body is never recovered or is too damaged to view. Without physical confirmation, mourners often feel stuck in disbelief and helplessness.

This was true in my case. Not seeing my husband’s body left a part of me suspended between knowing and not knowing. I knew he had died but couldn’t fully believe it, no matter how much I lived with the reality of his absence. For a long time, I caught myself repeating these words every morning: “Brent is dead. Brent is dead.”

In many cases, these reactions aren’t short term. Many people affected by traumatic loss remain overwhelmed and sometimes physically and emotionally impaired for years. Symptoms may taper over time, but they rarely disappear entirely.

Supporting mourners

Traumatic bereavement can feel unbearable. Many mourners struggle with intense, long-lasting reactions that can leave them feeling helpless, altered or even unrecognizable to themselves. They may appear withdrawn, forgetful or emotionally drained because their systems are overwhelmed. Coping can look messy or self-destructive, but these are often survival strategies, not conscious choices. I’ve also seen how those same struggles become more survivable when mourners don’t have to carry them alone. If you’re supporting someone through traumatic loss, here are three ways to help.
- Make space for the horror. Listen without flinching. Acknowledge the full weight of what happened and how terrifying and unjust the loss was. This means saying things like, “This should never have happened,” or “What you went through is beyond words.” It means staying present when the mourner speaks about what haunts them. Let them know they don’t have to carry this alone. You may feel the urge to say something hopeful such as, “At least the body was recovered,” but there is no silver lining in these cases. Instead, say: “There’s nothing I can say to fix this, but I’m not going anywhere.”
- Help them find others who can understand. Trauma can be isolating. Mourners often feel uniquely overwhelmed or confused. Support groups, peer companions and therapists trained in treating grief and trauma can offer the kind of recognition and validation that even the most devoted friend may not be able to provide.
- Take care of yourself, too. Being present for someone in deep grief takes energy, especially if you were personally affected by the loss. Stay connected to replenishing people, practices and routines. If you don’t, you may begin to experience trauma, too. Taking care of yourself will help you remain grounded so that you can show up.
I believe supporting someone through traumatic bereavement is one of the most meaningful things you can do. You don’t need perfect words or a plan. What sustains them won’t be advice or solutions, but your simple, powerful act of staying.

Liza Barros-Lane does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. When grief involves trauma − a social worker explains how to support survivors of the recent floods and other devastating losses – https://theconversation.com/when-grief-involves-trauma-a-social-worker-explains-how-to-support-survivors-of-the-recent-floods-and-other-devastating-losses-260908
July 18, 2025
Children living near oil and gas wells face higher risk of rare leukemia, studies show

Source: ForeignAffairs4

Source: The Conversation – USA (3) – By Lisa McKenzie, Associate Professor of Health, Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

The U.S. has nearly 1 million oil and natural gas wells. Some, like the one here in Commerce City, Colo., are within a few thousand feet of schools and neighborhoods. RJ Sangosti/Getty Images

Acute lymphocytic leukemia is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in children, although it is rare. It begins in the bone marrow and rapidly progresses.

Long-term survival rates exceed 90%, but many survivors face lifelong health challenges. Those include heart conditions, mental health struggles and a greater chance of developing a second cancer.

Overall cancer rates in the U.S. have declined since 2002, but childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia rates continue to rise. This trend underscores the need for prevention rather than focusing only on treatment for this disease.

A growing body of literature suggests exposure to the types of chemicals emitted from oil and natural gas wells increases the risk of developing childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Heavy machinery injects water under the surface of the earth to push oil and natural gas out.
NurPhoto/GettyImages

We are environmental epidemiologists focused on understanding the health implications of living near oil and natural gas development operations in Colorado and Pennsylvania. Both states experienced a rapid increase in oil and natural gas development in residential areas beginning in the early 21st century. We’ve studied this issue in these states, using different datasets and some different approaches.

2 studies, similar findings

Both of our studies used a case-control design. This design compares children with cancer, known as cases, with children without cancer, known as controls. We used data from statewide birth and cancer registries.

We also used specialized mapping techniques to estimate exposure to oil and natural gas development during sensitive time windows, such as pregnancy or early childhood.

The Colorado study looked at children born between 1992 and 2019. The study included 451 children diagnosed with leukemia and 2,706 children with no cancer diagnosis. It considered how many oil and natural gas wells were near a child’s home and how intense the activity was at each well. Intensity of activity included the volume of oil and gas production and phase of well production.

The Colorado study found that children ages 2-9 living in areas with the highest density and intensity wells within eight miles (13 kilometers) of their home were at least two times more likely to be diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Children with wells within three miles (five kilometers), of their home bore the greatest risk.

The Pennsylvania study looked at 405 children diagnosed with leukemia between 2009 and 2017 and 2,080 children without any cancer diagnosis. This study found that children living within 1.2 miles (two kilometers) of oil and natural gas wells at birth were two to three times more likely to be diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia between ages 2 to 7 than those who lived farther than 1.2 miles away.

The risk of developing leukemia was more pronounced in children who were exposed during their mother’s pregnancy.

The results of our two studies are also supported by a previous study in Colorado published in 2017. That study found children diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia were four times more likely to live in areas with a high density of oil and natural gas wells than children diagnosed with other cancers.

Policy implications

To extract oil and natural gas from underground reserves, heavy drilling equipment injects water and chemicals into the earth under high pressure. Petroleum and contaminated wastewater are returned to the surface. It is well established that these activities can emit cancer-causing chemicals. Those include benzene, as well as other pollutants, to the air and water.

The U.S. is the world’s largest producer of oil and natural gas. There are almost 1 million producing wells across the country, and many of these are located in or near residential areas. This puts millions of children at increased risk of exposure to cancer-causing chemicals.

In the U.S., oil and natural gas development is generally regulated at the state level. Policies aimed at protecting public health include establishing minimum distances between a new well and existing homes, known as a setback distance. These policies also include requirements for emission control technologies on new and existing wells and restrictions on the construction of new wells.

Setbacks offer a powerful solution to reduce noise, odors and other hazards experienced by communities near oil and gas wells. However, it is challenging to establish a universal setback that optimally addresses all hazards. That’s because noise, air pollutants and water contaminants dissipate at different rates depending on location and other factors.

In addition, setbacks focus exclusively on where to place oil and natural gas wells but do not impose any restrictions on releases of air pollutants or greenhouse gases. Therefore, they do not address regional air quality issues or mitigate climate change.

In many U.S. cities there are set distances that oil and gas wells are allowed to be from places such as schools and neighborhoods. In this Frederick, Colo., neighborhood the oil rig is very near houses.
UGC/GettyImages

Furthermore, current U.S. setback distances range from just 200 feet to 3,200 feet. Our results indicate that even the largest setback of 3,200 feet (one kilometer) is not sufficient to protect children from an increased leukemia risk.

Our results support a more comprehensive policy approach that considers both larger setback distances and mandatory monitoring and control of hazardous emissions on both new and existing wells.

Future research

More research is needed in other states, such as Texas and California, that have oil and natural gas development in residential areas, as well as on other pediatric cancers.

One such cancer is acute myeloid leukemia. This is another type of leukemia that starts in bone marrow and rapidly progresses. This cancer has exhibited a strong link to benzene exposure in adult workers in several industries, including the petroleum industry. Researchers have also documented a moderate cancer link for children exposed to vehicular benzene.

It remains unclear whether benzene is the culprit or if another agent or combination of hazards is an underlying cause of acute myeloid leukemia.

Even though questions remain, we believe the existing evidence coupled with the seriousness of childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia supports enacting further protective measures. We also believe policymakers should consider the cumulative effects from wells, other pollution sources and socioeconomic stressors on children and communities.

Read more of our stories about Colorado and Pennsylvania.

Lisa McKenzie receives funding from the American Cancer Society and the University of Colorado Cancer Center.

Nicole Deziel receives funding from the American Cancer Society, the National Institutes of Health, and the Yale School of Public Health.

– ref. Children living near oil and gas wells face higher risk of rare leukemia, studies show – https://theconversation.com/children-living-near-oil-and-gas-wells-face-higher-risk-of-rare-leukemia-studies-show-252994

July 18, 2025
Data can show if government programs work or not, but the Trump administration is suppressing the necessary information

Source: ForeignAffairs4

Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Sarah James, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Gonzaga University

Do government programs work? It’s impossible to find out with no data. Andranik Hakobyan/iStock via Getty Images Plus

The U.S. has the highest rate of maternal mortality among developed nations. Since 1987, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has administered the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System to better understand when, where and why maternal deaths occur.

In April 2025, the Trump administration put the department in charge of collecting and tracking this data on leave.

It’s just one example of how the administration is deleting and disrupting American data of all kinds.

The White House is also collecting less information about everything from how many Americans have health insurance to the number of students enrolled in public schools, and making government-curated data of all kinds off-limits to the public. President Donald Trump is also trying to get rid of entire agencies, like the Department of Education, that are responsible for collecting important data tied to poverty and inequality.

His administration has also begun deleting websites and respositories that share government data with the public.

Why data is essential for the safety net

I study the role that data plays in political decision-making, including when and how government officials decide to collect it. Through years of research, I’ve found that good data is essential – not just for politicians, but for journalists, advocates and voters. Without it, it’s much harder to figure out when a policy is failing, and even more difficult to help people who aren’t politically well connected.

Since Trump was sworn in for a second time, I have been keeping an eye on the disruption, removal and defunding of data on safety net programs such as food assistance and services for people with disabilities.

I believe that disrupting data collection will make it harder to figure out who qualifies for these programs, or what happens when people lose their benefits. I also think that all this missing data will make it harder for supporters of safety net programs to rebuild them in the future.

Why the government collects this data

There’s no way to find out whether policies and programs are working without credible data collected over a long period of time.

For example, without a system to accurately measure how many people need help putting food on their tables, it’s hard to figure out how much the country should spend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program, formerly known as food stamps, the federal supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children, known as WIC, and related programs. Data on Medicaid eligibility and enrollment before and after the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010 offers another example. National data showed that millions of Americans gained health insurance coverage after the ACA was rolled out.

Many institutions and organizations, such as universities, news organizations, think tanks, and nonprofits focused on particular issues like poverty and inequality or housing, collect data on the impact of safety net policies on low-income Americans.

No doubt these nongovernmental data collection efforts will continue, and maybe even increase. However, it’s highly unlikely that these independent efforts can replace any of the government’s data collection programs – let alone all of them.

The government, because it takes the lead in implementing official policies, is in a unique position to collect and store sensitive data collected over long periods of time. That’s why the disappearance of thousands of official websites can have very long-term consequences.

What makes Trump’s approach stand out

The Trump administration’s pausing, defunding and suppressing of government data marks a big departure from his predecessors.

As early as the 1930s, U.S. social scientists and local policymakers realized the potential for data to show which policies were working and which were a waste of money. Since then, policymakers across the political spectrum have grown increasingly interested in using data to make government work better.

This focus on data grew starting in 2001, when President George W. Bush made holding government accountable to measurable outcomes a top priority.

He saw data as a powerful tool for reducing waste and assessing policy outcomes. His signature education reform, the No Child Left Behind Act, radically expanded the collection and reporting of student achievement data at K-12 public schools.

President George W. Bush speaks about education in 2005 at a high school in Falls Church, Va., outlining his plans for the No Child Left Behind Act.
Alex Wong/Getty Images)

How this contrasts with the Obama and Biden administrations

Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden emphasized the importance of data for evaluating the impact of their policies on low-income people, who have historically had little political clout.

Obama initiated a working group to identify ways to collect, analyze and incorporate more useful data into safety net policies. Biden implemented several of the group’s suggestions.

For example, he insisted on the collection of demographic data and its analysis when assessing the impacts of new safety net policies. This approach shaped how his administration handled changes in home loan practices, the expansion of broadband access and the establishment of outreach programs for enrolling people in Medicaid and Medicare.

Why rebuilding will be hard

It’s harder to make a case for safety net programs when you don’t have relevant data. For example, programs that help low-income people see a doctor, get fresh food and find housing can be more cost-effective than simply having them continue to live in poverty.

Blocking data collection may also make restoring government funding after a program gets cut or shut down even more challenging. That’s because it will be more challenging for people who in the past benefited from these programs to persuade their fellow taxpayers that there is a need for investing in a expanding program or creating a new one.

Without enough data, even well-intended policies in the future may worsen the very problems they’re meant to fix, long after the Trump administration has concluded.

Sarah James does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Data can show if government programs work or not, but the Trump administration is suppressing the necessary information – https://theconversation.com/data-can-show-if-government-programs-work-or-not-but-the-trump-administration-is-suppressing-the-necessary-information-259760

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Minister for the Armed Forces speech at Global Air & Space Chiefs’ Conference 2025
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Speech

Minister for the Armed Forces speech at Global Air & Space Chiefs’ Conference 2025

Minster for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, speech at the Global Air & Space Chiefs’ Conference 2025 on 17 July 2025.
Good morning everyone.

It’s a year ago that I last stood in this spot as a new Minister. Some of you will not be able to remember me because I have more grey hair than I had, certainly at this time last year.

But it was a privilege to welcome colleagues from around the world a year ago and it is a privilege to be able to do exactly the same again today.

The Secretary of State sends his apologies that he can’t be with us today – some of you may have spotted there has been some news going on in the UK over the past few days – and he continues to explain the situation that we inherited there.

But having worked alongside him in Opposition as the Shadow Minister for the Armed Forces, and now over the last year, I’ll do my best to fill his considerable shoes that he has.

But let me first begin by saying a few words about Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, for his incredible service as the Chief of the Air Staff and now as we look ahead to his new role as Chief of the Defence Staff.

Sir Rich has served our nation with considerable distinction for 37 years.

Of the 31 individuals who have been CAS since the creation of the RAF in 1918, he has been the first non-pilot to do so, an engineer by trade.

In leading the Royal Air Force, he has upheld the highest traditions of respect, integrity and excellence, and he’s normally done so with a cheeky smile on his face as well – for those who know him.

And at a time when our recent Strategic Defence Review has heralded the beginning of a new era for UK deterrence and defence, I can think of no-one better to lead our people through the critical changes ahead.

Congratulations on your fully-deserved appointment, Rich. I look forward to carrying on working with you.

And of course, Rich’s boots are not easily filled. And so although there was a very competitive shortlist for the new Chief of the Air Staff, it was fiercely competitive, we were very fortunate to have an outstanding candidate in Air Marshal Harv Smyth.

Harv, we have urgent and important work to do as we seek to implement the Strategic Defnece Review and I’m going to look forward to continuing to work strongly with all our RAF colleagues.

And it was just a year ago, we had a General Election. It feels in Britain like there’s a lot of politics going on at the moment, and a lot of change. And that has been a year when defence has rarely been off the front pages.

From the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, to the modernisation of the UK Armed Forces set in motion, not just by the General Election, but by the Strategic Defence Review that follows.

But what the news headlines don’t always show are the efforts and the achievements of the people that stand behind the headlines that work every single day to protect our nation and our allies.

The men and women of our Armed Forces, and if I look around the room, the collective men and women of our Armed Forces, from an alliance that spans the globe of friends and allies – those men and women carry out their duties every single day with superb professionalism and precision, they go above and beyond to keep their nations, our nations, and all our partners safe, and in doing so, they not only create the environment where we can better protect our own homeland from Russian aggression, they are working to support friends and allies the world over.

The UK Armed Forces have flown over 500 sorties, for example, and moved 9 million tonnes of freight to help the people and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

And I’m minded, at times like this, when there are so many people in uniform ahead of us, that at this very moment there are brave Ukrainian pilots in the sky above their country trying to keep Ukraine safe from Putin’s illegal aggression. There are brave men and women who I met at the INTERSTORM graduation for the training of Ukrainian pilots – many of whom were very frank and honest about their chances of survival.

That bravery is something that you all know, because it’s the bravery you see in your own people. But it is something that we, and myself as a politician, need to talk more about. Because we spend a lot of our time talking about kit and equipment and it is absolutely right – and I will do so in this speech, as a spoiler alert – but we need to talk more about our people.

Notwithstanding autonomy and uncrewed systems, we need to value the men and women who not only serve in the sky, but on the ground, in the laboratories and workshops, that keep our air forces on a global basis the incredible power that they are.

It was those brave men and women who also were active recently in the Middle East, evacuating over 220 British nationals and their dependants out of Tel Aviv, including a 3 month old baby and a 91 year old pensioner, to protect them from missile attacks.

It’s particularly important in these times of increasing insecurity that we do recognise that dedication of our people, and that is why, unapologetically, this government talks about renewing the contract between the nation and those who serve.

Everyone around the world will have a similar formulation. It may be slightly worded differently, it may be translated in a slightly different word order. But fundamentally, we need our nations to value our people more, and if we can do that we have a stronger defence by default even if we spend not a single extra penny on it. Because our people are only as strong as the nation that stands behind them.

So after awarding UK service personnel their biggest pay rise for 20 years and giving them another above inflation pay rise this year, we are delivering a generation of renewal of military accommodation, with at least £7 billion of funding for this in this parliament. For those international visitors who have not stayed in some British military accommodation for a while, let me tell you it is not good enough. That is not good enough for me, it’s not good enough for our people, and we are fixing it.

And that’s why we are going to continue to put people at the heart of our defence unapologetically.

Now, I know that the pace of change in our Armed Forces in the UK and collectively is matched by many of our international friends who are doing exactly the same.

But we are only at the start of the transformation and the RAF is at the heart of that.

The Strategic Defence Review set out our blueprint to reshape and revitalise UK defence in a new geopolitical era of threat.

Britain now has a absolutely clear NATO-first defence policy and it is pivotal to our future security.

But it is only right that Europe steps up to take on more of the heavy lifting for its own defence and protection.

At the recent Hague Summit, European leaders came together and did precisely that.

As well as a pledge to spend 5% of GDP on national security, the UK announced the biggest strengthening of our nuclear posture in a generation, including the purchase of a dozen F-35As and a commitment to join NATO’s nuclear Dual Capable Aircraft mission, giving the RAF a nuclear role for the first time since the end of the Cold War and complementing our own sovereign Continuous At Sea Deterrent which we declare, in full, to the defence of NATO.

Driving the modernisation of the RAF will be a relentless focus on innovation. For well over a century, the UK has been a leader in shaping and pioneering air power.

From the founding of the Royal Flying Corps in 1912, and the new technologies of the interwar years, radar, air defence systems, the Second World War saw air power tested and developed like never before. Yet the pace of change did not stop after the peace came.

The jet age defined deterrence in new terms, transforming speed, reach, and altitude, and while the post-Cold War era has given us precision weapons, global ISTAR and unparalleled situational awareness.

Today, we stand on the verge of another profound leap forward in which autonomy, AI, and digitisation will define the bounds of the sky. One of the key takeaways from me from the SDR is that we’re not just developing niche autonomous units at the periphery of our military. Every single unit across every single service in the UK will be moving to a system of crewed, uncrewed, and autonomous systems. That is a substantial change in not just fighting doctrine, in training, in how our people come together, in how we procure, it is a fundamental change in how we will fight and how we will deter.

We will deliver £1 billion in an integrated Targeting Web. So any sensor, any effector, any target can be struck. That is a fundamental change in how we build an integrated force, regardless of the cloth that you are wearing.

Times change, but the victors in the race to dominate air power are always those who adapt first and adapt fast.

Innovation, speed and agility, the ability to out-think, out-perform and out-manoeuvre the enemy, are the capabilities and challenges we must harness.

But let us make no mistake, our adversaries are doing exactly the same, and they are seeking to hack our phones to learn what we are doing to outpace them as well.

That means the UK and our Allies must compete harder to have control of the air and to fight in new ways.

Now I mentioned the war in Ukraine earlier, and one of the things that that is showing us is that getting new technology into the hands of warfighters fast can give you an edge on the battlefield.

It is also a central message of the new UK defence policy.

Our SDR calls for investment in Autonomous Collaborative Platforms to ensure the future of UK air combat air. And that can sound, to the voters I represent in Plymouth, a little bit like science fiction.

But making the case that that already exists, and telling the story of systems like StormShroud is vital to building the public support we need for this new era of autonomous systems as well.

StormShroud is designed to disrupt enemy radar at long range, and this fleet of new autonomous wingman drones will increase fighter jet survivability, and boost our warfighting power.

As an uncrewed system, integrated into our new digital targeting web, it also frees up personnel to perform other vital frontline missions.

And there are other ways in which StormShroud provides glimpses of the future.

As we spend more on the military in the coming years, something that as a group of friends we are all doing, Defence will increasingly become a potent engine for economic growth. An argument we must make over, and over, and over again. It is a licence to operate – Defence is an engine for growth.

StormShroud has already created hundreds of skilled jobs around the UK, with the promise of 1,000 more in the future.

And it is in contrast to the failing procurement system we inherited, StormShroud is an example of good practice.

It has gone from factory to front-line in record time, signalling how we want to streamline procurement in the future. And I suspect that the UK is not alone in wanting to make procurement faster on a global basis.

Our policy is NATO-first, but it’s not NATO-only.

The Euro-Atlantic, Indo-Pacific and Middle East are inseparably connected.

And with that, I welcome our friends from the GCAP International Government Organisation.

Through GCAP, Italy, Japan and the UK are developing a supersonic stealth fighter jet.

The programme means our nations can come together, not just to defend the Euro-Atlantic, but to support our values on a global stage. That will bring together our industrial bases, and make sure we are being able to provide the deterrence that we need well into the future.

And this time last year, just as we were kicking off the SDR, I received a lot of questions on GCAP and our position on it and a year later, I’m absolutely proud to stand on the same stage and say that GCAP is progressing well.

It already supports 3,500 UK jobs, and 1,000 apprenticeships.

Last week, we cut the ribbon on GCAP’s new headquarters in Reading, where hundreds of skilled personnel will be based, and the Defence Secretary met with counterparts from Italy and Japan to plan the next phase of this programme.

And at a time of rapidly changing technology, it’s also essential we upgrade not just those at the tip of the spear that are able to deliver kinetic effect, it’s also vital we upgrade our airborne early warning and control capabilities.

The E-7 Wedgetail will provide the improved performance we are looking for offering greater speed, range, endurance and crew capacity.

And by improving detection, it provides early warning of more challenging threats at greater distances, increasing the time available for offensive and defensive action, so boosting the lethality, survivability and resilience of our Joint Force.

Wedgetail also has a growth path to meet the expected threat over the next 20 years and beyond and for those at RIAT, look forward to seeing her in the sky above the incredible air show there.

So, to conclude.

The story of air power has always been one of constant innovation, imagination, and adaptation. That has not changed today.

But we must evolve again, to stay ahead of those who threaten our security. And that does mean moving on from some traditional doctrines and embracing the new. Embracing autonomy is a fundamental challenge for all our air forces, for all our procurement systems, for politicians who might be easier to make a case of a pilot in the sky, but by improving our lethality, by increasing it, we increase our deterrence. And with increased deterrence, we make more strategic dilemmas for those who seek to challenge the international order, who seek to challenge our freedom, and the liberty that our people enjoy.

The SDR has fired the starting pistol on that reform of the UK Armed Forces, and, having read many of the reviews undertaken by our Allies in recent months, I know similar themes are present in the new emerging defence policies that our Allies in this room are developing as well. More collaborative platforms, working together, more investment in our Armed Forces, more focus on our people. It is precisely in these ways that we will be stronger in the future, to keep not only the UK secure at home and strong abroad, but to make sure we do so in support of all our Allies as we all face similar threats from similar adversaries who fundamentally want to attack our values and our position in the world. The people in this room today have a key role in defending all those values and all our people, thank you for what you are doing. Thank you for the pace of change that you are instigating, and keep going. Thank you very much.

Updates to this page

Published 17 July 2025

Invasion of Ukraine

UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals

Move to the UK if you’re coming from Ukraine

Homes for Ukraine: record your interest

Find out about the UK’s response
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Development of competencies: over 700 university employees improved their qualifications at the State University of Management

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Official website of the State –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The State University of Management, as part of a comprehensive effort to develop the professional competencies of employees of educational organizations, has successfully completed three advanced training programs.

In total, 729 people from more than 20 higher education institutions throughout the Russian Federation completed the training.

List of implemented programs:

1. “Organizational, managerial and organizational and methodological foundations of inclusive higher education”

This is the largest of the three programs, bringing together 644 listeners from a wide range of regions.

Particular attention was paid to training representatives of the supervised regions, which included Moscow and the Moscow region, the Oryol region and the Smolensk region. In addition, students from other subjects of the Russian Federation took an active part, including the Lugansk and Donetsk People’s Republics, the Pskov region, the Kherson region, the Rostov region, the Krasnodar region, the Primorsky region and a number of other regions.

The program was aimed at developing a systematic approach to creating an inclusive environment in universities, introducing modern management and methodological practices, and discussing the key challenges facing higher education in the context of social transformation.

2. “Personal management”

As part of the training, 26 participants were introduced to key aspects of effective self-organized management, development of time management skills and professional communication.

The program is designed for teachers, administrators, and professionals interested in improving their own effectiveness and developing sustainable time and task management strategies in an intense educational environment.

3. “Interaction between the curator of practical training (educational and/or industrial practice) from among the representatives of employers with the disabled student”

The course focused on issues of building effective interaction between university representatives and employers, ensuring the successful integration of students with disabilities into the professional environment. 59 people completed the training.

Participants mastered support models, methods for adapting practice to the individual characteristics of students, and also received practical tools for effective mentoring.

The programs have become an important part of efforts to create an accessible and inclusive educational environment that meets modern requirements and challenges.

The courses not only helped improve the qualifications of the participants, but also contributed to the formation of a sustainable professional community capable of solving the problems of the future.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Upcoming US Law Webinars – August 2025

Source: US Global Legal Monitor

We hope you will join us in August for the next offering of our Orientation to Legal Research webinars, focusing on tracing federal regulations, followed by the next entry into the Lunch and Learn webinar series that is hosted intermittently by Law Library staff. The August webinars will finish with another entry into the Introduction to Congress.gov series.

Our Lunch and Learn Webinar Series takes a deep dive into the Law Library’s collections and other legal research subjects, exploring topics such as rare materials in our collection and the United States Serial Set, among many others. This month’s Lunch and Learn webinar will focus on federal appropriations research, specifically examining the legislative history and appropriations in the annual federal budget. It will review the general appropriations procedure in Congress. It will also focus on resources for conducting legislative history research into appropriations, including annual CRS appropriation status tables, omnibus legislation, and members’ earmarks.

We hope you will join us for these informative and interesting webinars!

Orientation to Legal Research: Tracing Federal Regulations

Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT

Content: This webinar is designed to give a basic introduction to legal sources and research techniques. This entry in the series provides an overview of U.S. federal regulations, including information about the notice and comment rulemaking process, the publication and citation of regulations, and the tracing of regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations to the proposed rule in the Federal Register to the regulation’s docket.

Instructor: Barbara Bavis. Barbara is the bibliographic and research instruction librarian at the Law Library. She holds a B.A. in history from Duke University, a J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law, and a Master of Science in library and information science specializing in law librarianship from Catholic University.

Register here.

Flyer announcing the Lunch and Learn webinar titled, Federal Appropriations Research. Created by Taylor Gulatsi.

A Lunch and Learn Webinar: Federal Appropriations Research

Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT

Content: This webinar will focus on researching the legislative history and appropriations in the annual federal budget appropriations. It will review the general appropriations procedure in Congress. It will also focus on resources for conducting legislative history research into appropriations, including annual CRS appropriation status tables, omnibus legislation, and members’ earmarks.

Instructor: Jason Zarin. Jason is a legal reference specialist at the Law Library. Jason has a B.A. in economics from Tufts University, an M.A. in economics from UCLA, a J.D. from the University of Southern California, an LL.M. in taxation from Georgetown University, and a Master of Science in information systems from the University of Texas at Austin.

Register here.

An Introduction to Congress.gov

Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT

Content: This orientation is designed to give a basic overview of Congress.gov. While the focus of the session will be searching legislation and the congressional member information attached to the legislation, the new features of Congress.gov will be highlighted.

Instructors: Barbara Bavis and Robert Brammer. Barbara is the bibliographic and research instruction librarian at the Law Library. She holds a B.A. in history from Duke University, a J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law, and a Master of Science in library and information science specializing in law librarianship from Catholic University. Robert is the chief of the Law Library’s Office of External Relations. He holds a B.A. in political science from the University of Kentucky, a J.D. from Wayne State University, and a Master of Library Science from Florida State University.

Register here.

To learn about other upcoming classes on domestic and foreign law topics, visit the Legal Research Institute. Please request ADA accommodations at least five business days in advance by contacting (202) 707-6362 or [email protected].

Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Worcester Man Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Unlawful Possession of Two Loaded Firearms, Ammunition and Silencer

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Worcester for unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon and possessing an unregistered silencer.

Ryan Davidson, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to six years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. In March 2025, Davidson pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and one count of possessing an unregistered firearm-silencer. In August 2023, Davidson was indicted by a federal grand jury. The grand jury returned a superseding indictment against Davidson in November 2023.

On or about May 9, 2023 in Worcester, Davidson was stopped by police for a marked lane violation and for concerns about the Georgia “dealer” license plate on his vehicle. After failing to provide proof of insurance on the vehicle, Davidson was told he could leave with a citation but that his car would have to be towed, and an inventory search would be conducted pursuant to the tow. Davidson told police he did not want them to search his car and shortly thereafter, he fled the scene on foot. Davidson was apprehended in a backyard on an adjacent street, at which time he was arrested. At the time of the incident, Davidson was wearing a GPS monitoring device in connection with open state charges involving a firearm.

During the inventory search of Davidson’s vehicle, a heavy black bag was located in the trunk . In the bag, was a black balaclava and a zipped blue bag. Inside the blue bag, a Polymer P80, 9-millimeter pistol with no serial number, with a 9-millimeter magazine inserted containing 10 rounds of ammunition, a silencer and a box of 9-millimeter ammunition containing 9 rounds were located. A Taurus 9-millimeter pistol with a round in the chamber and a magazine inserted containing six rounds of 9-millimeter ammunition was also recovered in the glovebox. Davidson possessed the Taurus 9-millimeter pistol and 26 rounds of 9mm ammunition after having been convicted of previous felonies for which he had been sentenced to 7-10 years in prison.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Scott Riordan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Chief Paul Saucier of the Worcester Police Department made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin J. Brown of the Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/PSN.

MIL Security OSI –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Auburn Man Charged with Federal Program Fraud

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – An Auburn, Alabama man charged with federal crimes related to loans received through the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act is now in federal custody, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson. On July 15, 2025, law enforcement conducted an operation to execute search warrants and locate 52-year-old Cesar Campos-Reyes, who was indicted by a federal grand jury on four counts of bank fraud, four counts of wire fraud, and one count of money laundering. The United States District Court in Montgomery unsealed Campos-Reyes’s criminal indictment today. Campos-Reyes surrendered to federal authorities Tuesday evening.

Two sources of relief provided by the CARES Act are the Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP, and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Both programs were intended to help eligible small businesses by giving them working capital to make regular payments for operating expenses such as payroll, rent or mortgage expenses, utilities, or business debt. The indictment alleges that Campos-Reyes made false representations when applying for multiple loans for various restaurants owned and operated by him and for using the proceeds for unauthorized purposes.

The charges are the result of a wide-ranging investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). This operation received significant support from the Gulf of America Homeland Security Task Force, which is a collaborative law enforcement unit including the FBI and HSI. Additional assistance was provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Alabama Department of Corrections, Auburn Police Department, Opelika Police Department, Prattville Police Department, Wetumpka Police Department, Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and United States Marshals Service.

A criminal indictment or complaint is merely an allegation that a crime has been committed. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

If convicted on all charges, Campos-Reyes faces a sentence of up to 30 years in prison along with significant fines. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle R. Turner and John J. Geer, III.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

MIL Security OSI –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Little Rock Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Federal Prison After Committing Arson at Two Little Rock Fitness Centers

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

LITTLE ROCK—Miles Andrew Caldwell will spend the next 84 months in federal prison after intentionally starting three fires at two different fitness centers in Little Rock, Arkansas. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.

      An investigation revealed that on November 16, 2023, Caldwell, 20, of Little Rock, arrived at the Little Rock Athletic Club at approximately 11:00 a.m. Caldwell then walked down the hallway and entered the men’s restroom on the first floor. A few minutes later, he exited the restroom and walked down the hallway past the operating daycare center that was occupied by several children (mainly babies and toddlers) and staff members.

      Caldwell then entered the basketball court. Later, after exiting the basketball court, Caldwell walked back to the daycare, looking through the large windows of the daycare center before taking the stairs to the second floor. Moments later, women in the tennis hallway reported the smell of smoke. The smoke filled the tennis hallway which caused the fire alarm to sound. Children, daycare staff, and other occupants of the tennis area exited the building through the smoke-filled hallway.

      The investigation revealed that the fire was set in a paper towel dispenser in the first-floor men’s restroom. Caldwell also set fire to the paper towel dispenser, trash receptable, and toilet paper dispenser in the second-floor men’s restroom.

Later that same day, at approximately 3:49 p.m., the Little Rock Fire Department responded to 10 Fitness on North Rodney Parham Road, where its men’s restroom also sustained fire damage. Firefighters observed smoke present in the main gym, with thicker smoke in the area of the bathrooms. The Little Rock Fire Marshal determined that the toilet paper dispenser in the handicapped stall of the men’s restroom had been set on fire.

The investigation revealed that Caldwell scanned into 10 Fitness, entered the men’s restroom, remained for approximately one minute while no one else entered, and left the gym after a total of approximately five minutes, without using any equipment. After smoke became visible in the area between the gym and restroom, the fire department was called. In the parking lot, Caldwell remained in his vehicle for 10 additional minutes, waiting until after firefighters arrived to leave.

Investigators reviewed security footage from the Little Rock Athletic Club and located the suspect, later identified as Caldwell. Investigators also obtained security footage from 10 Fitness and identified an individual wearing the same clothes, shoes, and headphones as the suspect at the Little Rock Athletic Club.

Caldwell was later located at his residence. In the home and his vehicle investigators located shoes and a hooded sweatshirt consistent with what was observed on security footage.

On November 20, 2023, Caldwell was arrested on a federal complaint. On December 5, 2023, Caldwell was indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of arson. Caldwell pleaded guilty to one count of arson committed at the Little Rock Athletic Club on February 4, 2025.

      Judge Moody also sentenced Caldwell to three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

       The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Little Rock Fire Department and the Little Rock Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin O’Leary.

# # #

Additional information about the office of the

United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

https://www.justice.gov/edar

X (formerly knon as Twitter):

@USAO_EDAR

MIL Security OSI –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Former U.S. Army Soldier Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Aggravated Child Neglect

Source: US FBI

NASHVILLE – Andrew J. Garasich, 29, of Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for aggravated child neglect, announced Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.

“The victim in this case was a two-month-old child who was horribly neglected by the Defendant and barely survived,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “The child is now in a loving home but will face lifelong struggles because of the Defendant’s choices. This case shows that we will not hesitate to prosecute those who hurt children and, if they are convicted, we will seek long sentences in federal prison for them.”

“This sentencing is a result of the unwavering commitment of the FBI and our justice system to protect the most vulnerable members of our community—our children,” said Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “There is no place in our community for those who harm children, and we will do everything we can to find and punish those who engage in this repugnant activity and seek justice for victims.”

“This case highlights the strong partnership between Army CID, the FBI, and the Department of Justice,” said Special Agent in Charge John McCabe of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Midcentral Field Office. “This sentencing reflects our dedication to justice for this young victim and sends a clear message that child abuse will not be tolerated within our ranks or in our communities.”

Garasich, a former sergeant (E-5) in the United States Army stationed on Fort Campbell, Kentucky, was a father of a two-month-old baby when, on December 30, 2022, Garasich severely burned his baby by bathing him in water so hot that the baby’s skin peeled off his body. The two-month-old baby did not receive medical treatment for five days after the bath. When the baby was finally taken to Houston County Community Hospital for medical treatment, Garasich did not accompany the baby to the hospital. Medical personnel immediately arranged for the baby to be life flighted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center due to the severity of his injuries, and they contacted the Erin, Tennessee, Police Department, which dispatched officers to the hospital to speak with witnesses about how the baby was injured. When the baby was assessed at Vanderbilt, in addition to partial to full thickness burns on the baby’s buttocks, perineum, lower extremities, and left elbow, medical personnel also noted a left parietal skull fracture.

Although Garasich does not have any prior criminal convictions, he has a prior case with the Department of Children’s Services involving another child in 2019.

Following his term of imprisonment, Garasich will be on supervised release for 4 years.

Garasich’s co-defendant, the child’s mother, will be sentenced on August 5, 2025.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Army – Criminal Investigation Division and the FBI Nashville Field Office, Clarksville Resident Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica Morrison and Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire prosecuted the case.

# # # # #

MIL Security OSI –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Met reiterates warning on support for proscribed organisations ahead of Saturday protests

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

There will be an increased police presence in Westminster on Saturday when a number of protests are due to take place.

A march organised by the Palestine Coalition will go from Victoria Embankment to Whitehall via Westminster Bridge, Waterloo Bridge and the Strand. Speeches will take place in Whitehall following the march.

A static protest organised by Stop the Hate, in opposition to the Palestine Coalition march, will take place at the junction of the Strand and Waterloo Bridge.

Discussions are ongoing with the organisers of both protests and details of any conditions in place will be published on Friday.

We are also expecting further protest activity in support of Palestine Action which is a group now proscribed under the Terrorism Act. Similar protests have taken place in Parliament Square for the past two weekends, with 70 arrests made.

The location of any such protest has not yet been confirmed.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who is charge of the Met’s policing operation this weekend, said: “Our policing plans for the sort of protest activity we expect on Saturday are tried and tested, with officers working hard to achieve the balance of allowing people to exercise their right to peaceful protest while avoiding serious disruption to the community and ensuring incidents and offences can be swiftly dealt with.

“This Saturday’s Palestine Coalition protest is the first large scale eventof its kind since the proscription of Palestine Action and I want to make sure the implications of that change in the law are fully understood.

“Nobody will be committing an offence by simply supporting the Palestinian cause, taking part in the march or carrying flags, banners or other signs providing they don’t stray into hate speech or other offences.

“However, those who see this as an opportunity to test the limits of the law by expressing support for Palestine Action, whether at a standalone protest or as part of the Palestine Coalition protest, will likely be committing an offence and will very likely be arrested.

“I would urge those people to consider the seriousness of being arrested under the Terrorism Act and the very real long term implications – from travel, to employment, to finances – that such an arrest is likely to have for their future.

“This is also the first large scale protest on this issue since Glastonbury Festival where offensive chanting led by an artist on one of the stages prompted a police investigation. Investigations are also underway, led by Met officers, following similar uses of the same chant in London.

“Those investigations are ongoing and it would not be appropriate to prejudge the outcomes, but I can say a bit more about our approach to similar chanting at this weekend’s protest.

“We have said before that whether chants cross the line from free speech to a potential criminal offence depends on the specific circumstances.

“For example, there will be words that when chanted in the middle of the Palestine Coalition march, and not directed at individuals who might be caused harassment, alarm or distress as a result, might not lead an officer to reasonably suspect an offence has been committed.

“But directing the same words at a group of people for whom the words would very likely cause harassment, alarm or distress, could well give rise to grounds for arrest.

“At previous protests, the area between the main march and any counter protest has seen the most heated exchanges. Officers will be particularly alert to conduct, including chanting, in this area and will be working with stewards to ensure crowds keep moving past this point.

“Where they become aware of behaviour that crosses the line from protest into criminality they will intervene and take appropriate action.

“All participants are responsible for their own behaviour. Avoiding the use of threatening, abusive and insulting language, or language that is supportive of proscribed organisations, is the surest way to stay on the right side of this line.”

Further details of these protests, including any conditions in place, will be published at news.met.police.uk and on the Met’s X account.

MIL Security OSI –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Condemns Republicans’ Rescission of Billions in Public Broadcast and Foreign Aid Funding

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

Padilla Condemns Republicans’ Rescission of Billions in Public Broadcast and Foreign Aid Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement slamming Republicans’ narrow passage of President Trump’s $9 billion rescissions package to revoke Congressionally appropriated funding for public broadcasting and foreign aid:
“On the heels of giving away $4.5 trillion in tax breaks to corporations and billionaires, Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress are now claiming we can’t afford essential public broadcasting services and important foreign aid programs.
“Republicans’ cuts to public broadcasting will put lives at risk by undermining the last line for lifesaving emergency alerts in so many communities across the country, just days after the devastating floods in Texas. At the same time, their cuts to foreign aid will end low-cost, high-impact programs while undermining U.S. national security, creating a vacuum in global leadership that China and Russia are more than happy to fill.
“All these funds were negotiated and approved in a good-faith and bipartisan manner. By breaking those commitments, Republicans have made it exponentially harder for themselves to seek and secure the support they’ll need from Democrats to fund the government later this year.”

MIL OSI USA News –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: The Riverside Company Closes Value Fund II at $750 Million Hard Cap

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CLEVELAND, NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Riverside Company, a global investment firm focused on lower middle market investments, announced the successful final close of its Riverside Value Fund II (RVF II) at its hard cap of $750 million. RVF II was significantly oversubscribed and closed at more than double the size of its predecessor fund RVF I, which held a final close in June 2023 at $350 million. RVF II closed the fund five months after its initial launch in February 2025.

The Riverside Value Fund (RVF) seeks to invest in North American businesses that compete in durable, growing end markets and that have the potential for significant growth and operational transformation. RVF provides flexible capital solutions to support businesses in transition or at an inflection point. The fund targets investments in a wide range of industries, and its current portfolio includes companies in the business services, specialty manufacturing, value-added distribution and financial services sectors, among others. The RVF team works closely with its management partners to implement aggressive top- and bottom-line growth plans for each of its portfolio companies.

“We are humbled by the trust placed in us by this highly experienced and thoughtful group of existing and new investors in RVF II, and we are grateful for the strong performance delivered by our partner companies which enabled us to achieve this milestone,” said Riverside Managing Partner Sean Ozbolt. “We’re fortunate to partner with investors who share our value-driven philosophy and our focus on operational excellence as a catalyst for sustainable growth.”

Joining Ozbolt in leading the RVF investment team are Managing Partner Ron Sansom and Partners Andrew Fohrer and Craig Kahler. In addition to its dedicated investment and operating team based in Los Angeles, RVF leverages the depth and breadth of Riverside’s global platform, including its highly experienced, 23-person origination team and its extensive group of more than 50 operating professionals.

“The lower middle market offers a wide range of companies navigating complex or transitional situations, including carve-outs, family-owned business transitions, challenging integrations, leadership changes or other inflection points,” said Riverside Co-CEO Stewart Kohl. “RVF’s platform is built to identify these hidden gems, unlock overlooked value and work with management partners to implement hands-on operational strategies that accelerate both revenue and quality of earnings.”

Over the last twelve months, RVF completed transactions totaling more than $1 billion in enterprise value, including three new platform investments, five add-on acquisitions and one exit. The firm also continues to expand its partnership with Ownership Works, implementing broad-based employee equity ownership plans at several of its portfolio companies. Thus far, more than 1,100 employees of RVF partner companies have earned an equity stake in their businesses.

“The RVF team now has a proven track record of identifying value in complex situations or companies in transition which led to successfully raising this second fund,” said Riverside Co-CEO Béla Szigethy. “We’re thrilled so many LPs, both new and existing, in turn recognized the value of RVF. An oversubscribed fund is a testament to their faith in Riverside – and we’re honored to have those investors join us on this journey.”

The Riverside Company
The Riverside Company is a global investment firm focused on being one of the leading private equity and flexible capital options for business owners and portfolio company employees at the smaller end of the middle market by seeking to fuel transformative growth and create lasting value. Since its founding in 1988, Riverside has made more than 1,000 investments. The firm’s international private equity and flexible capital portfolios include more than 140 companies. For more information, visit www.riversidecompany.com.

Holly Mueller
Marketing Consultant
The Riverside Company
216.535.2236
hmueller@riversidecompany.com

The MIL Network –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Topnotch Crypto Opens Green Cloud Mining Chapter, From London to the World
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Houston, Texas, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Topnotch Crypto, a pioneering blockchain solutions provider headquartered in London, has officially unveiled its groundbreaking green cloud mining chapter. This bold initiative positions Topnotch Crypto at the forefront of sustainable digital asset technology, delivering a cleaner, smarter way for individuals and enterprises worldwide to mine top cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Litecoin.

A Major Leap Toward Sustainable Crypto

As global concern mounts over the heavy environmental toll of traditional crypto mining, Topnotch Crypto’s timely move introduces a new paradigm. By powering operations with energy sourced from cutting-edge solar and wind facilities, the company’s cloud mining solution slashes carbon emissions, demonstrating how blockchain innovation can coexist with ecological responsibility.

Our mission has always been to make blockchain work for both people and the planet. Through this new green chapter, we’re proving that you can profit from digital assets without leaving a damaging footprint on the Earth.

Mining Made Simple — Without Expensive Hardware

Topnotch Crypto’s platform revolutionizes access to crypto mining by eliminating the need for costly rigs, noisy setups, and complex maintenance. Users anywhere can sign up, choose a mining plan tailored to their goals, and begin receiving daily payouts. The entire infrastructure — from hardware management to renewable power sourcing — is expertly handled by Topnotch Crypto’s dedicated teams.

This accessible model breaks down the traditional barriers that have kept many would-be miners out of the market. Whether in London, Lagos, São Paulo, or Singapore, users can now seamlessly participate in mining and grow their digital wealth without the headaches or high upfront costs.

AI Optimization Powers Higher Returns

At the core of this green cloud mining operation lies advanced AI technology. Topnotch Crypto’s intelligent systems continuously monitor network loads and adjust mining activities to maximize efficiency. By distributing workloads across renewable-powered data centers in real time, the platform ensures energy is never wasted and that returns remain strong even in shifting market conditions.

Our AI does more than just streamline operations. it guarantees smarter use of every watt. That means we’re not only protecting the environment, but also delivering more value back to our clients.

Security, Transparency, and Global Confidence

Trust is critical in the world of digital assets, and Topnotch Crypto places security and transparency at the center of its operations. The platform employs military-grade encryption, multi-layered authentication, and continuous network monitoring to protect user investments.

Clients also benefit from clear, intuitive dashboards that provide a full view of mining performance, payouts, and contract status around the clock. This level of transparency builds confidence, ensuring that each user — whether an individual investor or a large enterprise — always knows exactly how their assets are working for them.

A Global Call to Rethink Crypto Mining

This opening of a green cloud mining chapter is more than just a business evolution for Topnotch Crypto; it’s a rallying point for the broader blockchain industry. By proving that mining can be both profitable and environmentally sound, Topnotch Crypto hopes to inspire similar practices worldwide.

We believe this is the future of mining. As more companies follow this path, we’ll see a stronger, cleaner blockchain ecosystem that benefits everyone.

Start mining in simple steps

•Create an account: Visit the Topnotch Crypto official website or download the app, register with your email address, and receive a $15 newbie bonus.

•Choose a contract: Choose a suitable option from a variety of contracts based on your needs.

•Start mining: The contract will take effect immediately after confirmation, the system will automatically allocate computing power, and you can check the progress in real time.

About Topnotch Crypto

Topnotch Crypto is a London-based leader in blockchain and digital asset solutions, dedicated to making cryptocurrency mining accessible, secure, and environmentally responsible. Through a combination of innovation, rigorous security, and a commitment to sustainability, the company helps clients around the world grow their digital assets with confidence.

Join the Green Mining Revolution Today

Individuals and organizations eager to participate in this new era of eco-friendly mining can start with Topnotch Crypto in just minutes. With flexible packages, transparent operations, and support for users across all continents, the platform makes it simple to begin earning daily crypto rewards — all powered by clean, renewable energy.

For more information or to start mining sustainably, visit https://topnotchcrypto.com.

You can contact through Email address: info@topnotchcrypto.com

Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or a trading recommendation. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and may result in the loss of funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

Attachment
- Topnotch Crypto
The MIL Network –
July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Identity fraud: BaFin warns consumers about the website myfundrock.de

Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

The unknown operators claim that their offer is from FundRock Distribution DE Branch in Munich. This is the German branch of FundRock Distribution S.A., based in Luxembourg. However, this is not true. This is a case of identity fraud. FundRock Distribution DE Branch and FundRock Distribution S.A. have no connection to the website myfundrock.de or the services offered there.

BaFin is issuing this warning on the basis of section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

Please be aware:

BaFin warns consumers about fraudulent term deposit offers.

You can view BaFin’s current warnings about companies operating without the required authorisation and find out how to protect yourself from fraudsters on the financial market in the “Recognising financial fraud” section of our website.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: No Credit Check Loans With Guaranteed Approval & Same-Day Payday Loans — GADCapital Launches New Digital Platform for Instant Online Loans in 2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Aventura, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GADCapital has launched a new digital lending platform designed to connect U.S. borrowers with no credit check loans with guaranteed approval options and same-day payday loans online for urgent financial needs. More details about the service are available on GADCapital’s same-day payday loans page, where consumers can explore features built for rapid funding and expanded access even for those with lower credit scores..

GADCapital’s platform responds to the growing demand for faster, more inclusive financial solutions by evaluating real-time income and bank activity rather than relying solely on FICO scores. The system enables instant payday loans online guaranteed approval possibilities and same-day cash deposits for loans up to $5,000, helping consumers address unexpected expenses quickly and discreetly.

How GADCapital’s Platform Delivers No Credit Check Loans Online

Unlike traditional bank loans that require hard credit pulls and strict scoring thresholds, GADCapital’s digital platform focuses on no credit check loans that rely on alternative data like income and bank transactions. Through the use of soft credit inquiries, GADCapital helps ensure that applying for same-day payday loans online will not harm a borrower’s credit score.

Borrowers using GADCapital’s platform can:
- Complete secure applications in under five minutes
- Avoid hard credit checks that could lower FICO scores
- Receive loan offers from multiple licensed lenders
- Access funds as quickly as the same business day
- Request amounts ranging from $100 to $5,000
By modernizing the lending process, GADCapital positions itself as a leading provider of no credit check loans guaranteed approval possibilities, ensuring consumers receive timely support during financial emergencies.

Why Borrowers Choose GADCapital for Same-Day Payday Loans Online

Many Americans encounter situations where traditional lenders can’t offer the speed or flexibility needed for sudden expenses. GADCapital’s platform specifically addresses this gap by connecting consumers to same-day payday loans online no credit check options, giving them tools to manage costs such as medical bills, auto repairs, or unexpected utility payments.

GADCapital’s platform stands out because it:
- Avoids traditional credit requirements
- Focuses on current financial health instead of past credit challenges
- Prioritizes digital convenience over lengthy bank processes
- Enables fast funding for urgent needs
- Maintains partnerships only with state-licensed, reputable lenders
This modern approach aligns with consumer demand for instant payday loans online guaranteed approval possibilities, offering a smoother alternative to traditional bank loans.

GADCapital’s Digital Platform vs. Traditional Bank Loans

Traditional banks often fall short for borrowers needing emergency cash loans, primarily because:
- They require hard credit pulls that lower scores
- They impose rigid credit score cutoffs
- Loan decisions can take days or weeks
- Rejections are frequent for subprime or thin-credit applicants
- Loan sizes tend to be too large for small emergency needs
By contrast, GADCapital’s platform:
- Uses soft credit checks only
- Bases decisions on verified income and real-time banking data
- Delivers same-day or next-day funding for qualified borrowers
- Provides loan offers for as little as $100
- Focuses on urgent financial situations
This makes GADCapital’s system a practical alternative for those searching for payday loans online no credit check instant approval while avoiding the bureaucracy of traditional financial institutions.

How GADCapital’s Process Works for No Credit Check Loans

Applying for a same day payday loan no credit check through GADCapital involves a simple four-step path:
1. Online Application: Consumers fill out a secure digital form detailing employment, income, and banking information in just a few minutes.
2. Soft Credit and Bank Data Review: GADCapital’s system performs a soft credit inquiry and analyzes recent bank activity to confirm financial stability.
3. Multiple Lender Offers: Licensed lenders respond with side-by-side offers, presenting clear loan terms, rates, and repayment schedules.
4. E-Signature and Funding: Once borrowers choose an offer, they e-sign documents electronically and may receive funds via ACH deposit or debit card push as quickly as the same business day.
This digital workflow provides consumers with a faster and more transparent way to secure instant payday loans online guaranteed approval possibilities compared to traditional lenders.

Who Can Apply for GADCapital’s No Credit Check Loans

Consumers interested in using GADCapital’s platform for payday loans online no credit check instant approvalgenerally need to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Reside in the United States
- Have verifiable income from wages, benefits, or self-employment
- Maintain an active checking account for loan deposits and repayments
- Provide a valid email address and phone number
By focusing on current financial circumstances rather than credit history alone, GADCapital opens access to no credit check loans guaranteed approval possibilities for individuals who might otherwise be excluded from traditional lending options.

Types of No Credit Check Loans Offered Through GADCapital’s Platform

GADCapital’s digital platform connects borrowers with various lending products, including:
- $255 Payday Loans: A popular micro-loan option in states with lending caps for covering immediate small expenses.
- Instant Payday Loans Online Guaranteed Approval Possibilities: Larger loan amounts up to $1,000 for urgent financial situations like auto repairs or medical bills.
- Bad Credit Payday Loans: Designed for borrowers with sub-600 FICO scores who can verify income and employment.
- Emergency Loans: Aimed at covering life-critical costs, such as emergency medical expenses or overdue utility bills.
- Same Day Loans: Specifically designed for consumers needing funds within hours rather than waiting for traditional processing.
All loans are provided by licensed lenders who adhere to state regulations, helping borrowers secure payday loans online no credit check instant approval safely and legally.

Key Features of GADCapital’s Digital Lending Platform

GADCapital’s platform introduces several advantages for consumers exploring no credit check loans:
- Soft Credit Inquiries: Borrowers avoid hard credit pulls, preserving credit scores.
- Same-Day Funding Available: Many loans are funded the same business day for urgent needs.
- Income-Based Approvals: Decisions rely on current income and banking activity, not just credit scores.
- Transparent Terms: All loan offers disclose rates and fees clearly for consumers seeking payday loans online.
- Strong Security Measures: GADCapital’s encryption protocols protect sensitive personal and financial data.
These features make GADCapital’s digital platform a trusted choice for those seeking instant payday loans online guaranteed approval possibilities without traditional lending barriers.

Benefits and Considerations of GADCapital’s Platform

Advantages of GADCapital’s platform:
- Fast application and funding process
- Access to multiple lenders for competitive loan offers
- Eligibility for borrowers with diverse credit histories
- Clear and transparent loan terms
- Digital convenience with secure online transactions
Important considerations:
- Short-term loans may carry higher interest rates
- Repayment periods are often shorter than traditional loans
- Loans should only be used for genuine emergencies, not ongoing expenses
- Borrowers should review terms carefully to avoid future financial strain
GADCapital emphasizes that same-day payday loans online no credit check are intended as emergency solutions, not long-term financial strategies.

How GADCapital Fits Into Today’s Emergency Lending Landscape

As demand for rapid financial solutions grows, GADCapital continues to position itself as a leader in the payday loans online no credit check instant approval market. Through technology and strong partnerships with licensed lenders, the company remains focused on:
- Expanding credit access for underserved consumers
- Delivering transparent lending processes
- Offering a digital alternative to traditional bank loans
By leveraging advanced digital tools and an extensive lender network, GADCapital helps consumers handle financial emergencies quickly and securely.

About GADCapital

GADCapital is a digital lending platform connecting consumers with licensed lenders offering no credit check payday loans, same-day payday loans online, and other short-term financial solutions. The company’s mission is to simplify the borrowing process and deliver fast, secure funding for individuals facing unexpected expenses.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information about emergency lending services and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Loan terms, interest rates, and availability vary by lender and state. While some lenders may offer high approval rates, no loan approval is truly “guaranteed” and depends on individual circumstances and lender verification processes. This content is for informational purposes only. Prospective borrowers should carefully review all terms and conditions before accepting any loan offer. The publisher assumes no responsibility for actions taken based on this information. All company names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used for informational purposes only.

Contact Data:
GADCapital Press Office
Phone: (800) 961-5909
Email: info@gadcapital.com
Website: https://gadcapital.com

The MIL Network –
July 18, 2025

MIL-OSI: VERAXA Biotech and Voyager Acquisition Corp. Announce Filing of Form F-4 Registration Statement with the SEC

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ZURICH, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VERAXA Biotech AG (“VERAXA” or the “Company”), an emerging leader in designing novel cancer therapies, and Voyager Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company and special purpose acquisition company targeting the healthcare sector (NASDAQ:VACH, “Voyager” or the “SPAC”), announced today the filing of a registration statement on Form F-4 (the “Registration Statement”), which includes a preliminary proxy statement, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in regards to the proposed Business Combination Agreement announced April 23, 2025.

“We are excited to share this pivotal milestone in VERAXA’s journey toward becoming a public company,” commented Christoph Antz, Ph.D., CEO and Co-Founder of VERAXA. “The filing of our Registration Statement marks a significant step forward in our path to accessing the public capital markets and vision of bringing the next generation of safe and highly effective cancer therapies to patients. We remain focused on executing the merger effectively with Voyager as we move forward together.”

While the Registration Statement has not been declared effective, and the information included within is not complete and subject to change, it contains key information about Voyager’s business and securities listing, VERAXA’s drug development pipeline, technology platform, licensing partnerships, intellectual property, and research and development program. It also includes the proposed Business Combination Agreement and the proposals to be considered by SPAC’s shareholders.

Transaction Overview

Under the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, VERAXA’s equity value contribution to the Business Combination will amount to approximately $1.3 billion. Accordingly, VERAXA’s shareholders will receive approximately 130 million ordinary shares of the combined company in exchange for their existing VERAXA shares. Existing VERAXA shareholders and management will not receive any cash proceeds as part of the transaction and will roll over 100% of their equity into the combined company.

Assuming a share price of $10.00 per share and no redemptions of Voyager’s shares by Voyager’s public shareholders, VERAXA (as a combined entity) is expected to have an implied pro forma equity value of approximately $1.64 billion at closing.

Upon the closing of the Business Combination, VERAXA anticipates access to approximately up to $253 million in cash held in trust by Voyager, prior to the payment of transaction costs of VERAXA and Voyager, and assuming no redemptions by Voyager’s public shareholders.

The boards of directors of both Voyager and VERAXA unanimously approved the Business Combination. Voyager and VERAXA expect the Business Combination to close in the fourth quarter of 2025. The transaction is subject to approval of Voyager’s and VERAXA’s shareholders and the satisfaction of certain other customary closing conditions.

Additional information about the transaction will be provided in a Current Report on Form 8-K that will contain an investor presentation to be filed with the SEC and will be available at www.sec.gov. In addition, VERAXA will file other documents regarding the Business Combination with the SEC. This communication is not intended to be, and is not, a substitute for the proxy statement/prospectus or any other document that Voyager has filed or may file with the SEC in connection with the Business Combination.

Advisors

Anne Martina Group is acting as sole M&A advisor to VERAXA. Duane Morris LLP is acting as legal counsel to VERAXA. Winston & Strawn LLP is serving as legal counsel to Voyager. Cantor Fitzgerald is acting as Voyager’s capital markets advisor.

About VERAXA Biotech

At VERAXA, we are building a premier engine for the discovery and development of next-generation antibody-based therapeutics, including bispecific ADCs, bispecific T cell engagers and other innovative formats. Powered by a suite of transformative technologies and guided by rigorous quality-by-design principles, we are rapidly advancing our pipeline of ADCs and proprietary BiTAC formats into clinical development and beyond. VERAXA was founded on scientific breakthroughs made at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, a world-renowned institution known for pioneering life science research and cutting-edge technology. For more information, please visit www.veraxa.com.

On April 22, 2025, VERAXA entered into a definitive business combination agreement (the “Business Combination Agreement”) with Voyager Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company and special purpose acquisition company targeting the healthcare sector (NASDAQ: VACH, “Voyager”). Upon closing of the Business Combination Agreement, VERAXA is expected to become a publicly traded company listed on NASDAQ.

About Voyager Acquisition Corp.

Voyager is a special purpose acquisition company with a bold mission: to revolutionize the healthcare sector through a merger, stock purchase, or business combination. Our team of experienced executives includes unparalleled expertise in investing, operations, and medical innovation, supported by a vast network of connections. With these strengths, we not only seek to drive success but commit to scaling companies to unprecedented heights in the healthcare industry. For more information, please visit https://www.voyageracq.com.

Participants In the Solicitation

Voyager, VERAXA, and their respective directors, executive officers, other members of management, and employees may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from Voyager’s stockholders with respect to the Business Combination. Investors and security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names and interests in the Business Combination of Voyager’s directors and officers in Voyager’s filings with the SEC, including, when filed with the SEC, the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, amendments and supplements thereto, and other documents filed with the SEC. Such information with respect to VERAXA’s directors and executive officers will also be included in the proxy statement/prospectus. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described below under the heading “Additional Information and Where to Find It”.

Non-Solicitation

This press release is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the potential transaction and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of Voyager or VERAXA, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about future events or Voyager’s or VERAXA’s future financial or operating performance. For example, statements regarding VERAXA’s anticipated growth and the anticipated growth and other metrics, statements regarding the benefits of the Business Combination, and the anticipated timing of the completion of the Business Combination are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “project,” “strive,” “budget,” “forecast,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue,” or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology.

These forward-looking statements regarding future events and the future results of Voyager and VERAXA are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industry in which VERAXA operates, as well as the beliefs and assumptions of Voyager’s management and VERAXA’s management. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to, without limitation, (i) known and unknown risks, including the risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the final prospectus of Voyager relating to its initial public offering filed with the SEC, including those under “Risk Factors” therein, and other documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by Voyager; (ii) uncertainties; (iii) assumptions; and (iv) other factors beyond Voyager’s or VERAXA’s control that are difficult to predict because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. They are neither statements of historical fact nor promises or guarantees of future performance. Therefore, VERAXA’s actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements and Voyager and VERAXA therefore caution against relying on any of these forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Voyager and its management, VERAXA and its management, as the case may be, are inherently uncertain and are inherently subject to risks, variability and contingencies, many of which are beyond Voyager’s or VERAXA’s control. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (i) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement and any subsequent definitive agreements with respect to the Business Combination; (ii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Voyager, VERAXA, or others following the announcement of the Business Combination and any definitive agreements with respect thereto; (iii) the inability to complete the Business Combination due to the failure to obtain consents and approvals of the shareholders of Voyager, to obtain financing to complete the Business Combination or to satisfy other conditions to closing, or delays in obtaining, adverse conditions contained in, or the inability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals required to complete the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement; (iv) changes to the proposed structure of the Business Combination that may be required or appropriate as a result of applicable laws or regulations or as a condition to obtaining regulatory approval of the Business Combination; (v) projections, estimates and forecasts of revenue and other financial and performance metrics, projections of market opportunity and expectations, and the estimated implied enterprise value of VERAXA; (vi) VERAXA’s ability to scale and grow its business, and the advantages and expected growth of VERAXA; (vii) VERAXA’s ability to source and retain talent, the cash position of VERAXA following closing of the Business Combination; (viii) the ability to meet stock exchange listing standards in connection with, and following, the consummation of the Business Combination; (ix) the risk that the Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations of VERAXA as a result of the announcement and consummation of the Business Combination; (x) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of VERAXA to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain key relationships and retain its management and key employees; (xi) costs related to the Business Combination; (xii) changes in applicable laws, regulations, political and economic developments; (xiii) the possibility that VERAXA may be adversely affected by other economic, business and/or competitive factors; (xiv) VERAXA’s estimates of expenses and profitability; (xv) the failure to realize estimated shareholder redemptions, purchase price and other adjustments; and (xvi) other risks and uncertainties set forth in the filings by Voyager with the SEC. There may be additional risks that neither Voyager nor VERAXA presently know or that Voyager and VERAXA currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of Voyager or VERAXA speak only as of the date they are made. None of Voyager or VERAXA undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect any changes in their respective expectations with regard thereto or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the Business Combination Agreement, Voyager and/or VERAXA intend to file relevant materials with the SEC, including the Registration Statement, which will include a proxy statement/prospectus of Voyager, and will file other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC. This communication is not intended to be, and is not, a substitute for the proxy statement/prospectus or any other document that Voyager has filed or may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction. When available, the definitive proxy statement and other relevant materials for the proposed transaction will be mailed or made available to stockholders of Voyager as of a record date to be established for voting on the proposed transaction.

Before making any voting or investment decision, investors and stockholders of Voyager are urged to carefully read, when they become available, the entire registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus, and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC, as well as any amendments or supplements to these documents, and the documents incorporated by reference therein, because they will contain important information about Voyager, VERAXA, and the proposed transaction. Voyager’s investors and stockholders and other interested persons will also be able to obtain copies of the registration statement, the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, other documents filed with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference therein, and all other relevant documents filed with the SEC by Voyager in connection with the Transaction, without charge, once available, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to Voyager at the address set forth below.

Contact

VERAXA Biotech AG	Voyager Acquisition Corp.
Dr. Christoph Antz CEO Telephone: +49-6221-3521330 Email: antz@veraxa.com	Mr. Adeel Rouf Chief Executive Officer, and Director Email: adeel@voyageracq.com

For Media & Investors Mario Brkulj Valency Communications Telephone: +49 160 9352 9951 Email: mbrkulj@valencycomms.eu

BiTAC is a trademark of VERAXA Biotech AG.

The MIL Network –

July 18, 2025

MIL-OSI: SAML Provides Update on Disclosure Status and OTC Markets Listing

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, NY, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Samsara Luggage Inc. (OTC: SAML), a publicly traded company focused on acquiring and growing businesses in the public safety sector, today issued an update regarding its financial disclosures and status on the OTC Markets platform.

SAML is currently in the process of completing its outstanding audited financials and disclosures. The delays stem primarily from accounting and compliance matters related to legacy issues predating current management, including historical SEC comments and the need to implement updated internal systems for more efficient reporting as SAML grows.

In the last three years, SAML has also changed auditors twice, first transitioning to an India-based audit firm and then again to a U.S.-based PCAOB-registered auditor, aligning with its future listing ambitions. This process, while essential, added further complexity and time to audit completion.

Additionally, SAML faced significant cash flow constraints during the 2023–2024 market downturn, which limited its ability to allocate resources aggressively toward finalizing its financials. Despite this, SAML has remained focused on strengthening its operational foundation and preparing for future growth.

Management stated:

“While SAML was effectively in a holding pattern throughout 2023 and much of 2024 due to capital constraints, the team has worked diligently behind the scenes to prepare for the next phase of growth. We believe now is the time to execute, particularly as market conditions and trade policy shifts begin to favor our business model. There is no strategic value in remaining on the OTC for the long term, and we’re fully focused on transitioning to a major exchange where we can properly raise capital and unlock shareholder value.”

SAML management is currently finalizing its audited financials and is targeting submission of all outstanding filings before the beginning of Q4. SAML is also considering filing a registration statement and applying to uplist to a national exchange either concurrently with or shortly after the disclosures are filed. This move is intended to support a robust acquisition pipeline and accelerate growth across its key subsidiaries.

SAML has been advised not to submit interim unaudited financials, but instead to file complete, audited financials with all necessary adjustments. However, OTC Markets rules prohibit having multiple overdue filings, which may result in SAML being temporarily moved to the OTC Expert Market until compliance is restored.

SAML affirms that, if such a move occurs, it will be temporary and is prepared to submit the appropriate forms to return to the main OTC tier as quickly as possible.

“We are working with urgency and determination to complete our filings, restore full compliance, and pursue our listing and capital objectives. We’re excited about what lies ahead and are fully committed to delivering value to our shareholders.”

For further information on SAML, please see its communication channels:
Website: https://ert-international.com
X: @ERT_ILUS
Email: info@ert-international.com
Source: SAML

Forward-Looking Statement

Certain information set forth in this press release contains “forward-looking information”, including “future-oriented financial information” and “financial outlook”, under applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as forward-looking statements). Except for statements of historical fact, the information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements and includes, but is not limited to, the (i) projected financial performance of the Company; (ii) completion of, and the use of proceeds from, the sale of the shares being offered hereunder; (iii) the expected development of the Company’s business, projects, and joint ventures; (iv) execution of the Company’s vision and growth strategy, including with respect to future M&A activity and global growth; (v) sources and availability of third-party financing for the Company’s projects; (vi) completion of the Company’s projects that are currently underway, in development or otherwise under consideration; (vii) renewal of the Company’s current customer, supplier and other material agreements; and (viii) future liquidity, working capital, and capital requirements. Forward-looking statements are provided to allow potential investors the opportunity to understand management’s beliefs and opinions in respect of the future so that they may use such beliefs and opinions as one factor in evaluating an investment. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has provided guidance to issuers regarding the use of social media to disclose material nonpublic information. In this regard, investors and others should note that we announce material financial information via official Press Releases, in addition to SEC filings, press releases, Questions & Answers sessions, public conference calls, and webcasts also may take time from time to time. We use these channels as well as social media to communicate with the public about our company, our services, and other issues. It is possible that the information we post on social media could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, considering the SEC’s guidance, we encourage investors, the media, and others interested in our company to review the information we post on the following social & media channels: Website: https://ert-international.com X: @ERT_ILUS

The MIL Network –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: ILUS Provides Update on Disclosure Status and OTC Markets Listing

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, NY, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ilustrato Pictures International Inc. (OTC: ILUS) (“ILUS” or the “Company”), a mergers and acquisitions company focused on acquiring and scaling businesses in the public safety and industrial sectors, today provided an update regarding the status of its financial disclosures and listing position on the OTC Markets.

As previously communicated to shareholders, ILUS consolidates multiple subsidiaries, including publicly traded companies, within its financial reporting. As a result, any downstream delays, such as audit transitions, accounting changes, or filing delays at the subsidiary level, have a direct impact on ILUS’s ability to complete its consolidations and audits in a timely manner.

Over the past two years, ILUS has managed a significant number of moving parts, including new acquisitions, divestitures, a complex acquisition unwind, and the mid-period sale of its subsidiary Quality Industrial to a Nasdaq-listed company. These events, combined with a change in auditors and the need to address legacy SEC comments on historical filings, have unfortunately delayed the ILUS’s 2024 audited financial statements.

ILUS is actively working with its audit team and is in discussions with the SEC to cure prior comments through its upcoming financial disclosures. Based on professional guidance, ILUS has been advised not to file unaudited interim financials, but instead to file fully audited financials when complete. While this is the correct regulatory approach, it creates a short-term conflict with OTC Markets rules, which prohibit companies from having multiple overdue filings. As a result, ILUS may be temporarily moved to the OTC Expert Market until the updated filings are submitted.

ILUS is targeting completion of its filings before the beginning of Q4 and reiterates that any such OTC downgrade would be temporary and procedural.

Management is evaluating the potential filing of a Form S-1 registration statement with the SEC, either shortly after or concurrently with those filings. ILUS may also submit a listing application to Nasdaq, given its view that remaining on the OTC Markets provides limited value to shareholders and has become a constraint on long-term growth.

“Disappointingly, we found ourselves in a perfect storm,” said CEO Nicolas Link. “We were navigating multiple acquisitions, some of which came with inherited accounting issues, while also addressing our own outstanding SEC comments. During this period, we changed auditors, unwound a prior acquisition that required reinstated financials, and completed the sale of a subsidiary mid-period, forcing us to halt consolidation partway through the year. All of this created a highly complex and resource-intensive audit environment. We couldn’t begin the parent-level audit work until the downstream issues were resolved, which only occurred a few months ago. Now, the team is fully focused on completing the process, and it’s our top priority.”

“Filing a registration statement and pursuing a Nasdaq application is a significant task, but one we’ve successfully managed several times within the group. While it may take time to clear comments and become effective, it’s an essential step. We cannot stay on the OTC indefinitely; it offers little strategic value and imposes costs without benefit. It’s time to complete this chapter, resolve SEC matters once and for all, and give management the ability to fully execute our 2026 roadmap and unlock the value we’ve worked hard to build.”

If necessary, ILUS will also file the appropriate forms to return to its previous OTC tier immediately following its updated filings. Regardless of the path, ILUS confirms it will not remain on the OTC Expert Market longer than necessary and intends to operate either on the main OTC tier or a national exchange as soon as possible.

ILUS is working diligently to complete the required audits and filings and will continue to provide shareholders with updates as progress is made.

For further information on ILUS, please see its communication channels:
Website: https://ilus-group.com
X: @ILUS_INTL
YouTube: @ILUSInternational
Email: IR@Ilus-Group.com
Source: ILUS

Forward-Looking Statement

Certain information set forth in this press release contains “forward-looking information”, including “future-oriented financial information” and “financial outlook”, under applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as forward-looking statements). Except for statements of historical fact, the information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements and includes, but is not limited to, the (i) projected financial performance of the Company; (ii) completion of, and the use of proceeds from, the sale of the shares being offered hereunder; (iii) the expected development of the Company’s business, projects, and joint ventures; (iv) execution of the Company’s vision and growth strategy, including with respect to future M&A activity and global growth; (v) sources and availability of third-party financing for the Company’s projects; (vi) completion of the Company’s projects that are currently underway, in development or otherwise under consideration; (vii) renewal of the Company’s current customer, supplier and other material agreements; and (viii) future liquidity, working capital, and capital requirements. Forward-looking statements are provided to allow potential investors the opportunity to understand management’s beliefs and opinions in respect of the future so that they may use such beliefs and opinions as one factor in evaluating an investment. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has provided guidance to issuers regarding the use of social media to disclose material nonpublic information. In this regard, investors and others should note that we announce material financial information via official Press Releases, in addition to SEC filings, press releases, Questions & Answers sessions, public conference calls, and webcasts also may take time from time to time. We use these channels as well as social media to communicate with the public about our company, our services, and other issues. It is possible that the information we post on social media could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, considering the SEC’s guidance, we encourage investors, the media, and others interested in our company to review the information we post on the following social & media channels: Website: https://ilus-group.com X: @ILUS_INTL

The MIL Network –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Cyabra Launches AI-Powered Deepfake Detection Tool to Expose Media Manipulation

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

New York, NY, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cyabra Strategy Ltd. (“Cyabra”), the AI-powered platform for real-time disinformation detection, has announced the launch of its advanced deepfake detection tool designed to help brands and governments counter the growing threat of AI-generated “synthetic” media.

The new capability uses artificial intelligence to analyze images and videos for signs of manipulation, providing rapid verification of content authenticity. In an era when hyper-realistic fake videos and photos spread disinformation at alarming speeds, Cyabra’s tool empowers organizations to distinguish real content from convincing forgeries, detecting threats to brand reputation and public safety.

Earlier this year, the World Economic Forum warned that organizations must be vigilant and maintain awareness of attacker techniques to protect their people and systems. In February 2024, it was reported that a finance worker for a multinational firm in Hong Kong was tricked into paying $25 million based on a Zoom meeting in which all of the participants, including the company’s chief financial officer, were all deepfakes.

The advanced detection tool leverages two proprietary AI models: PixelProof for images and MotionProof for videos. PixelProof uses spatio-frequency analysis to detect invisible pixel inconsistencies, while MotionProof identifies unnatural movement patterns and lip-sync errors across video frames. Both models deliver results in seconds and provide confidence scores with visual heatmap explanations showing exactly where content appears manipulated.

Dan Brahmy, CEO and Co-founder of Cyabra. “Our detection tool acts as a digital magnifying glass, revealing the invisible fingerprints of even the most convincing deepfakes. As digital manipulation evolves, our defenses must keep pace. This new tool gives our customers the forensic clarity needed to help them preserve trust, safeguard discourse, and defend democratic institutions.”

Recently fabricated videos of public figures – one depicting U.S. President Donald Trump being “arrested,” and another showing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seemingly surrendering to Russia – briefly went viral and misled audiences before being debunked. Companies are also increasingly targets of deepfake-driven disinformation. Malicious actors can use AI-generated videos and images to fabricate corporate scandals or executive remarks, wreaking havoc on a company’s reputation and stock price. This vulnerability has made deepfake detection a critical component of brand reputation management.

Unlike standalone deepfake detection tools, Cyabra’s solution integrates into the company’s comprehensive disinformation detection platform. Deepfakes are rarely used in isolation; they are often deployed alongside fake social media profiles, bot networks, and orchestrated false narratives as part of larger influence campaigns. Recognizing this, Cyabra has built the deepfake detector to work in concert with its existing suite of tools for authenticity analysis, narrative tracking, and 24/7 real-time monitoring. This integrated approach gives government agencies and corporations the context and early-warning signals needed to counter complex disinformation threats.

Cyabra has entered into a business combination agreement with Trailblazer Merger Corporation I (NASDAQ: TBMC), a blank-check special-purpose acquisition company.

About Cyabra

Cyabra is a real-time AI-powered platform that uncovers and analyzes online disinformation and misinformation by uncovering fake profiles, harmful narratives, and GenAI content across social media and digital news channels. Cyabra’s AI solutions protect corporations and governments against brand reputation risks, election manipulation, foreign interference, and other online threats. Cyabra’s platform leverages proprietary algorithms and NLP solutions, gathering and analyzing publicly available data to provide clear, actionable insights and real-time alerts that inform critical decision-making. Cyabra uncovers the good, bad, and fake online.

For more information, visit www.cyabra.com.

Media Contact:

Jill Burkes
Jill@cyabra.com

About Trailblazer

Trailblazer is a blank check company formed for the purpose of entering into a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization, or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. For more information, visit: www.trailblazermergercorp.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws with respect to certain products and services that are the subject of a proposed transaction (the “Business Combination”) between Trailblazer and Cyabra. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding Cyabra’s business strategy, products and services, research and development costs, plans and objectives of management for future operations, and future results of current and anticipated product offerings, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to, the following risks relating to the proposed transaction: the ability to complete the Business Combination or, if Trailblazer does not consummate such Business Combination, any other

initial business combination; expectations regarding Cyabra’s strategies and future financial performance, including its future business plans or objectives, prospective performance and opportunities and competitors, revenues, products and services, pricing, operating expenses, market trends, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and Cyabra’s ability to invest in growth initiatives and pursue acquisition opportunities; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Trailblazer or Cyabra following announcement of the Business Combination Agreement and the transactions contemplated therein; the inability to complete the proposed Business Combination due to, among other things, the failure to obtain Trailblazer stockholder approval; the risk that the announcement and consummation of the proposed Business Combination disrupts Cyabra’s current operations and future plans; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed Business Combination; unexpected costs related to the proposed Business Combination; the amount of any redemptions by existing holders of Trailblazer’s common stock being greater than expected; limited liquidity and trading of Trailblazer’s securities; geopolitical risk and changes in applicable laws or regulations; the size of the addressable markets for Cyabra’s products and services; the possibility that Trailblazer and/or Cyabra may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; the ability to obtain and/or maintain the listing of the combined company’s common stock on Nasdaq following the Business Combination; operational risk; and the risks that the consummation of the proposed Business Combination is substantially delayed or does not occur.

Important Information for Investors and Stockholders

In connection with the Business Combination, Trailblazer Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Trailblazer (“Holdings”) has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which includes a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, and certain other related documents, which will be both the proxy statement to be distributed to holders of shares of Trailblazer’s common stock in connection with its solicitation of proxies for the vote by its stockholders with respect to the Business Combination and other matters as may be described in the Registration Statement, as well as the prospectus of Holdings relating to the offer and sale of its securities to be issued in the Business Combination. . After the Registration Statement is declared effective, the proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to all Trailblazer stockholders so that they may vote on the Business Combination.

INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF TRAILBLAZER ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE BUSINESS COMBINATION AND THE PARTIES INVOLVED.

Trailblazer stockholders are currently able to obtain copies of the preliminary proxy

statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference therein, and will be able to obtain the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference therein, once available, in all cases without charge, at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to: Trailblazer at 510 Madison Avenue, Suite 1401, New York, NY 10022, Telephone: 646-747-9618.

Participants in the Solicitation

Cyabra, Trailblazer, and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from Trailblazer stockholders regarding the proposed Business Combination. Information about Trailblazer’s directors and executive officers and their ownership of Trailblazer’s securities is set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus pertaining to the proposed Business Combination.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval. No sale of securities shall occur in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful before registration or qualification under applicable laws.

The MIL Network –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: zerohash funding infrastructure helps power World App Mini App ecosystem; launches Account Funding SDK for Mini Apps in World App

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — zerohash today announced it is providing funding infrastructure for Mini Apps within the World App ecosystem.

Zerohash for World App’s Mini App ecosystem aims to help pave the way for real-world adoption of digital assets including WLD (Worldcoin), as well as offering an additional technical foundation for developers building Mini Apps. The Mini App ecosystem allows third-party developers to build experiences directly inside the platform – ranging from event-based trading to AI-powered utilities and decentralized services. Notable Mini Apps include Kalshi, UNO Swap, and World Chat, across over 1 million unique users (Source:World App).

Mini App developers can now seamlessly embed zerohash’s regulated funding rails to enable compliant, in-platform transactions. By extension, World App users are able to instantly fund their accounts in USDC or WLD, without needing to manually input their wallet addresses or leaving the platform. zerohash’s Account Funding SDK works by automatically detecting the World App environment using pre-populated user context to deliver a faster, frictionless funding experience.

The integration is now live for the growing roster of Mini App developers, as World App becomes a leading hub for on-chain, user-friendly companies.

Edward Woodford, CEO of zerohash said, “as the go-to partner for compliant, regulated, on-chain infrastructure, zerohash is proud to deliver the rails that make innovators including World App.”

Head of Financial Products at Tools for Humanity, Patrick Traughber said, “zerohash’s infrastructure helps deliver a more seamless Mini App developer experience as we build out engaging products for the real human network.”

About zerohash
zerohash is the leading infrastructure provider for crypto, stablecoin, and tokenized assets. Its API and embeddable dev-kit enables innovators to easily launch solutions across cross-border payments, commerce, trading, remittance, payroll, tokenization and on/off-ramps.

zerohash powers solutions for some of the largest and innovative companies including Interactive Brokers, Stripe, Shift4, Franklin Templeton, Felix Pago, Kalshi and LightSpark. Zerohash Holdings is backed by investors, including Point72 Ventures, Bain Capital Ventures, and NYCA.

In the United States, zerohash LLC is a FinCen-registered Money Service Business and a regulated Money Transmitter that can operate in 51 U.S. jurisdictions. zerohash LLC and zerohash Liquidity

Services LLC are licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. zerohash Trust Company LLC has been approved by the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks as a non-depository trust company. For information about our global regulatory footprint, including our Argentinian registrations, see here.

zerohash Disclosures
zerohash services and product offerings may not be available in all jurisdictions.

zerohash accounts are not subject to FDIC or SIPC protections, or any such equivalent protections that may exist outside of the US. zerohash’s technical support and enablement of any asset is not an endorsement of such asset and is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any crypto asset.

zerohash is not registered with the SEC or FINRA. zerohash does not provide any securities services and is not a custodian of securities, including security tokens, on behalf of Customers.

Learn more by visiting zerohash.com or following us on X @ZeroHashX

Media Contacts
zerohash
Shaun O’Keeffe
(855) 744-7333
media@zerohash.com

The MIL Network –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: RI Mining Launches Global Mobile Cloud Mining Platform – Earn Passive Income with XRP

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

New York City, NY, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the cryptocurrency market enters an era defined by clear regulation and increased demand for compliant digital assets, RI Mining has announced the launch of its advanced global mobile cloud mining platform, powered by XRP. Recent legislative developments during the U.S. “Cryptocurrency Week,” including the passage of critical regulations such as the CLARITY Act and the Anti-CBDC Act, have notably boosted investor confidence and driven XRP prices upward.

Industry Landscape: Why Now?

The cryptocurrency industry has reached a pivotal turning point, with regulatory frameworks providing greater transparency and certainty. XRP, in particular, has emerged as one of the most practical assets for on-chain efficiency—offering near-instant settlement, low transaction fees, and growing adoption in global payment systems. Its scalability and compliance-friendly architecture also make it a preferred choice among institutional and retail investors seeking exposure to regulated digital finance.

RI Mining addresses these industry challenges through its mobile cloud mining platform, leveraging XRP rapid settlement capabilities and deploying decentralized, off-grid mining farms powered by cloud infrastructure.

Key Features of RI Mining Platform

– Mobile-First Design: Fully accessible via smartphones (iOS and Android) and web browsers, facilitating mining anytime and anywhere.
– No Hardware Required: Cloud-based operations eliminate expensive equipment and technical complexity.
– XRP-Focused Mining Efficiency: Capitalizes on XRP rapid settlement speed and low transaction fees to optimize user earnings.
– AI-Driven Optimization: Advanced artificial intelligence dynamically manages mining resources for maximum profitability and reduced costs.
– Multi-Cryptocurrency Flexibility: Supports mining of Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH),USDT（TRON） and Dogecoin (DOGE), in addition to XRP.
– Sustainable Mining Practices: Operates with 100% renewable energy sources, adhering to global environmental and social governance (ESG) standards.
– Transparent Earnings System: Daily earnings tracking with instant withdrawal or reinvestment options, enhancing user control and transparency.

Real User Experience: Empowering Investors

Jennifer Adams, an XRP holder living in Los Angeles, shared her success story: “Before using RI Mining, I was intimidated by the complexity and cost of traditional cryptocurrency mining. RI Mining’s mobile platform has completely changed the way I invest and allows me to earn an ongoing passive income right from my smartphone. The entire process is seamless and transparent, which fits my busy lifestyle perfectly.”

How Investors Can Get Started – Register & Get $15

RI Mining offers a straightforward and user-friendly onboarding process:

1. Visit https://rimining.com/ or download the RI Mining mobile app
2. Register an account and link your XRP wallet address3. Choose a suitable cloud mining contract tailored to your investment goals.
4. Automatically begin mining and receive daily earnings credited directly to your account.
5. Enjoy flexibility by withdrawing or reinvesting your earnings at any time.

Flexible and diverse contracts, the following are popular choices for quick returns

$15 contract: 1 day contract period, profit $15 + $0.6
$100 contract: 2 days contract period, profit $100 + $8
$500 contract: 5 days contract period, profit $500 + $43
$1,000 contract: 10 days contract period, profit $1000.00 + $135
$4,800 contract: 21 days contract period, profit $4800.00 + $1471.68

(Click here to view more potential profitable contracts)

RI Mining – Start convenient mobile cloud mining

The shift toward smarter, more accessible crypto solutions is accelerating. As the market aligns with clarity and demand grows for frictionless mining experiences, one thing becomes clear: the future of earning in crypto may already be in your hand.

Official website: https://rimining.com/

Download app: Google Play Store and More downloads

Disclaimer:This press release is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency mining involves inherent risks, including market volatility and potential financial loss. Investors are advised to perform thorough due diligence and consult professional advisors prior to participating.

Attachment

The MIL Network –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Cloudera Awarded DoD Enterprise Software Initiative (ESI) Agreement, Enhancing Access to AI-Driven Data Solutions Across Federal Agencies

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cloudera, the only cloud anywhere platform for data and AI, today announced it has been awarded a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) by the Department of Defense (DoD) through their highly competitive Enterprise Software Initiative (ESI) program. This agreement simplifies procurement and accelerates deployment of Cloudera’s platform across the DoD, U.S. Coast Guard, and the Intelligence Community.

The BPA allows Cloudera to offer its software for up to five years through a pre-negotiated, competitively awarded contract vehicle, supporting faster and more efficient access to modern data tools. To date, the DoD ESI program has achieved more than $7 billion in cost avoidance through volume pricing and streamlined acquisition via the GSA Federal Supply Schedule, underscoring how Cloudera’s scalable data capabilities align with ESI’s mission to deliver cost-effective solutions that support the DoD’s critical needs.

“This award opens up significant opportunities for Cloudera to further support the DoD and the Intelligence Community’s digital transformation initiatives, enabling them to leverage the power of their data, anywhere, for enhanced decision-making improved operational efficiency, all while advancing national security,” said Jonathan Veal, group vice president, defense and intelligence at Cloudera. “Through the DoD ESI program, agencies can now more easily access our open data lakehouse, secure generative AI capabilities and trusted AI framework — all delivered within a U.S. citizen-on-soil model that meets the highest standards for compliance, scalability and performance.”

This BPA marks a new chapter in Cloudera’s partnership with the U.S. defense and intelligence communities, providing a trusted foundation to expand AI-driven capabilities and modernize mission operations at scale.

To learn more about Cloudera’s public sector business or for information on accessing the cutting-edge capabilities of Cloudera’s data platform via DoD ESI, visit https://www.cloudera.com/solutions/public-sector.html.

About Cloudera
Cloudera is the only cloud anywhere platform for data and AI. With 100x more data under management than other cloud-only vendors, Cloudera empowers global enterprises to transform data of all types, on any public or private cloud, into valuable, trusted insights. Our open data lakehouse delivers scalable and secure data management with portable cloud-native analytics, enabling customers to bring GenAI models to their data while maintaining privacy and ensuring responsible, reliable AI deployments. The world’s largest brands in financial services, insurance, media, manufacturing, and government rely on Cloudera to use their data to solve what seemed impossible—today and in the future.

To learn more, visit Cloudera.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X. Cloudera and associated marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cloudera, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Contact
Jess Hohn-Cabana
cloudera@v2comms.com

The MIL Network –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Crowd Street Recognized by CNBC as One of the World’s Top Fintech Companies for Second Year in a Row

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Crowd Street, the private market investment platform helping members achieve their financial goals by providing access to investment opportunities, today announced that it has been named to CNBC’s World’s Top 250 Fintech Companies 2025 in the Alternative Financing category. CNBC defines Alternative Financing as companies that offer businesses and consumers a way to borrow or raise money online.

For the second consecutive year, CNBC is recognizing Crowd Street for empowering the next generation of private market investors who prefer to invest independently. Private market investing has historically been reserved for institutions and elite wealth managers who primarily serve extremely high net-worth individuals. Crowd Street is providing these same opportunities directly to the millions of accredited investors, many of whom prefer to use a self-directed platform to manage their investments.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this award – it’s a powerful recognition of the passion and dedication our entire team puts in every day,” said John Imbriglia, CEO of Crowd Street. “This achievement reflects not only our commitment to transforming access to the private markets, but also the tangible impact we can make for the millions of accredited investors who prefer to invest independently by providing them the access, education, and tools to responsibly access the private markets.”

The recognition from CNBC comes at an exciting inflection point for private markets. Only about three percent of individual investors’ assets are allocated to private market opportunities today, but industry research projects that will rapidly expand, and become a trillion dollar market opportunity by 2028.¹ Crowd Street is uniquely positioned to lead the category. As of July 2025, with more than $4.4B invested through its platform solely in commercial real estate, Crowd Street is poised to scale by working with some of the top asset management firms to introduce new fund options across additional asset classes, including private equity, private credit and venture capital later this year.

CNBC and Statista conducted in-depth research on more than 2,000 eligible companies, considering annual reports, company websites, media monitoring, and notable KPIs to determine the top 250 firms across seven categories. Crowd Street’s notable recognition follows several exciting moments from the company in 2025, including the launch of its new brand, new platform updates, inaugural Member Council, new headquarters in New York City, executives named to Top 50 Women in Fintech and more.

About Crowd Street
Crowd Street empowers its members to reach their financial goals through self-directed private market investments. The platform offers a carefully selected marketplace of alternative investment opportunities that have historically only been available to a small group of people. In addition to providing advanced tools, research, and insights to help investors confidently explore these exclusive opportunities, Crowd Street is also building a member experience rooted in trust and experience, further bridging the gap between investment opportunities and true financial wealth. For more information, visit https://www.crowdstreet.com/.

Media Contact
LaunchSquad
CrowdStreet@launchsquad.com

1) The Investment Association, Private Markets: A Briefing from The Investment Association, March 2024

CrowdStreet, Inc. (“Crowd Street”) offers investment opportunities and financial services on its website. Broker dealer services provided in connection with an investment are offered through CrowdStreet Capital LLC (“Crowd Street Capital”), a registered broker dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through CrowdStreet Advisors, LLC (“Crowd Street Advisors”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crowd Street and a federally registered investment adviser. Investment opportunities available through Crowd Street are speculative and involve substantial risk. You should not invest unless you can sustain the risk of loss of capital, including the risk of total loss of capital. All investors should consider their individual factors in consultation with a professional advisor of their choosing when deciding if an investment is appropriate.

The MIL Network –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Riot Announces Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CASTLE ROCK, Colo., July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Riot Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: RIOT) (“Riot” or “the Company”), a Bitcoin-driven industry leader in the development of large-scale data centers for high performance compute and bitcoin mining applications, announced today that it has scheduled its second quarter 2025 earnings conference call for Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 4:30 P.M. EST. During the call, Riot will discuss the results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

This conference call will be available through the audio-only webcast, please use this link here to register. Participants who choose to dial into the call in the United States or internationally, please use this link here to register. A replay of the webcast will be available after the call ends, through this link.

About Riot Platforms, Inc.


Riot’s (NASDAQ: RIOT) vision is to be the world’s leading Bitcoin-driven infrastructure platform. Our mission is to positively impact the sectors, networks, and communities that we touch. We believe that the combination of an innovative spirit and strong community partnership allows the Company to achieve best-in-class execution and create successful outcomes.

Riot is a Bitcoin mining and digital infrastructure company focused on a vertically integrated strategy. The Company has Bitcoin mining operations in central Texas and Kentucky, and electrical engineering and fabrication operations in Denver, Colorado, and Houston, Texas.

For more information, visit www.riotplatforms.com.

Safe Harbor

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that reflect management’s current expectations, assumptions, and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. Such statements rely on the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “potential,” “hope,” similar expressions and their negatives are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the Company’s development at its Corsicana Facility and the Company’s plans, projections, objectives, expectations, and intentions about future events and trends that it believes may affect the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation: risks related to the Company’s growth, the anticipated demand for AI/HPC uses, the feasibility of developing the Company’s power capacity for AI/HPC uses, competition in the markets in which the Company operates, market growth, the Company’s ability to innovate and expand into new markets, the Company’s ability to realize benefits from its implementation of new strategies into its business, estimates of Bitcoin production; our future hash rate growth (EH/s); the anticipated benefits, construction schedule, and costs associated with the development of our mining facilities in Texas, Kentucky and elsewhere; our expected schedule of new miner deliveries; our access to electrical power; the impact of weather events on our operations and results; our ability to successfully deploy new miners; the variance in our mining pool rewards may negatively impact our results of Bitcoin production; our megawatt capacity under development; risks related to the Company’s inability to realize the anticipated benefits from immersion cooling; the inability to integrate acquired businesses successfully, or such integration may take longer or be more difficult, time-consuming or costly to accomplish than anticipated; or the failure of the Company to otherwise realize anticipated efficiencies and strategic and financial benefits from our business strategies. Detailed information regarding the factors identified by the Company’s management which they believe may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements in this press release may be found in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed under the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and the other filings the Company makes with the SEC, copies of which may be obtained from the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release, and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur, or of which the Company hereafter becomes aware, except as required by law. Persons reading this press release are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

Investor Contact:
Phil McPherson
303-794-2000 ext. 110
IR@Riot.Inc

Media Contact:
Alexis Brock
303-794-2000 ext. 118
PR@Riot.Inc

The MIL Network –

July 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Traliant launches TikTok-inspired microlearning to boost soft skills at work
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Traliant, a leader in online compliance training, today announced the launch of Soft Skills Microlearning, a new series of short, high-impact courses designed to meet the growing demand for essential soft skills in today’s fast-paced work environment.

Inspired by the format of TikTok and Instagram Reels, Traliant’s Soft Skills Microlearning courses deliver practical, relatable lessons in under 2 minutes – empowering employees to build core skills in communication, collaboration, time management and emotional intelligence that are crucial for organizational success.

“When individuals at all levels commit to strengthening core soft skills, the results are better decisions, stronger teams, and more impactful outcomes,” said Casey Heck, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Traliant.

While soft skills are critical, most learning solutions struggle to deliver them in a way that’s fast, flexible and engaging – leading to low engagement, training fatigue and persistent skills gaps.

Traliant’s bite-sized microlearning approach helps bridge this gap by making training easier to access, quicker to complete and more likely to stick. By mirroring the social media experience employees already know and enjoy, the courses drive higher engagement without disrupting the workday.

Each microlearning course is designed to fit seamlessly into busy schedules – whether during a commute, between meetings or while grabbing a coffee – making it easier to build and reinforce essential soft skills without pulling employees away from their priorities.

Traliant’s Soft Skills Microlearning covers ten foundational topics:
- Writing Effectively
- Communicating with Confidence
- Active Listening with Empathy
- Handling Difficult Conversations
- Giving Constructive Feedback
- Decision-Making
- Project Management
- Emotional Intelligence
- Teamwork for Remote Work
- Time Management Skills
Organizations can also customize existing courses or create new microlearning content. Whether it’s responsible social media use, return-to-office conversations or other timely topics, Traliant’s rapid development capabilities make it fast and cost-effective to deliver targeted training that aligns with each organization’s unique needs.

To learn more about Traliant Soft Skills Microlearning, visit: https://www.traliant.com/.

About Traliant
Traliant, a leader in compliance training, is on a mission to help make workplaces better, for everyone. Committed to a customer promise of “compliance you can trust, training you will love,” Traliant delivers continuously compliant online courses, backed by an unparalleled in-house legal team, with engaging, story-based training designed to create truly enjoyable learning experiences.

Traliant supports over 14,000 organizations worldwide with a library of curated essential courses to broaden employee perspectives, achieve compliance and elevate workplace culture, including sexual harassment training, inclusion training, code of conduct training, and many more.

Backed by PSG, a leading growth equity firm, Traliant holds a coveted position on Inc.’s 5000 fastest-growing private companies in America for four consecutive years, along with numerous awards for its products and workplace culture. For more information, visit http://www.traliant.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Contact
Reagan Bennet
traliant@v2comms.com

The MIL Network –
July 18, 2025

MIL-OSI: Seize the ETH Bull Market: GoldenMining Launches ETH-Focused Cloud Mining Contracts offers a Stable Return of $9,700 Per Day

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

London, UK, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GoldenMining, a global cloud mining platform, has officially launched a new suite of Ethereum (ETH)-focused cloud mining contracts designed to help crypto holders generate stable daily returns without needing hardware, technical expertise, or market timing.

This announcement comes as Ethereum pushes above $3,400, fueled by the recent approval of ETH spot ETFs and a surge in institutional capital. With ETH forecasted to reach $6,500 by year-end, GoldenMining’s new contract offerings provide an accessible alternative to speculation—enabling users to activate contracts directly with ETH and earn up to $9,700 daily in mining income.

Smarter Income for ETH Investors

Rather than navigating market volatility, GoldenMining users can now convert their ETH holdings into an active income stream. Once a user signs a contract using ETH or other supported cryptocurrencies, the platform deploys professional mining infrastructure on their behalf. Users receive daily mining rewards credited automatically to their accounts, allowing them to benefit from Ethereum’s growth while minimizing risk.

“We’re excited to launch these ETH-specific mining contracts at a time when the market is seeing exponential activity,” said a spokesperson at GoldenMining. “Our goal is to simplify mining access for everyone—especially during this historic phase of Ethereum’s evolution.”

ETH Contract Options and Returns

contract	Investment Amount	Contract Rewards	Total income
Daily Sign-in Rewards	$15	$0.6	$15.6
New User Contract	$100	$3	$106
Bitmain S23 Hyd	$650	$42.25	$692.25
AntminerL917GH	$1800	$287.28	$2087.28
L916GH	$4500	$1890	$6390
ElphaPex DG Hydro1	$7800	$3346	$11146
Elphapex DG2	$12000	$8100	$20100

Security and Simplicity

All contracts are fully managed by GoldenMining’s professional operations team. There’s no need to set up hardware, manage electricity costs, or handle technical maintenance. Security is ensured through SSL encryption, AIG-backed investment insurance, and fund custody via first-tier financial institutions.

New users receive a $15 upon registration to test the mining system without any upfront deposit. Supported cryptocurrencies for deposits include ETH, BTC, XRP, DOGE, USDC, and SOL.

How to Get Started

1. Register and Get $15 Instantly
No fees or deposits required. New users receive a free $15 contract to test the platform’s mining system and begin earning within 24 hours.

2. Choose a Cloud Mining Contract
Fund your account using ETH or other supported cryptocurrencies such as BTC, XRP, USDC, SOL, or DOGE. Select from various contract options based on your budget and risk preference.

3. Start Earning Automatically
Once activated, the contract begins generating daily ETH income. Earnings can be withdrawn or reinvested at any time.

4. Security and Insurance
All user funds are stored securely in first-tier banking institutions. SSL encryption protects user data, and investments are insured by AIG Insurance, ensuring top-tier financial security.

About GoldenMining

Based in London, GoldenMining is a globally recognized cloud mining platform dedicated to making digital asset mining simple, secure, and profitable. Through high-performance mining centers and user-focused design, the company empowers crypto holders to generate consistent income, regardless of market volatility.

For more information, visit www.GoldenMining.com or contact info@GoldenMining.com for business cooperation.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

The MIL Network –

July 18, 2025

MIL-OSI: Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (FMCB) Reports Record Second Quarter 2025 Earnings

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Second Quarter 2025 Highlights

Net income of $23.1 million, an increase of $1.3 million or 5.9% compared to the second quarter of 2024;
Basic earnings per share of $33.06 and diluted earnings per share of $32.94; diluted earnings per share up 12.1% compared to the second quarter of 2024;
Diluted earnings per share of $126.87 over the trailing twelve months, up 7.8% compared to $117.73 over the same trailing period a year ago and 15.2% compared to $110.10 for the same period two years ago;
Tangible book value per share increased 9.7% to $835.33 compared to $761.62 as of June 30, 2024;
Achieved a return on average assets of 1.65% and a return on average equity of 15.09%;
Net interest income of $53.9 million, up $3.1 million or 6.1% compared to $50.8 million in the second quarter of 2024; net interest margin (tax equivalent basis) of 4.07%, up from 3.91% in the second quarter of 2024;
Continued cost discipline resulted in an efficiency ratio of 44.88%;
Liquidity position remains strong with $291.8 million in cash, $1.3 billion in investment securities, of which $573.0 million are available-for-sale, no borrowings and a borrowing capacity of $2.1 billion as of June 30, 2025;
Continued to grow our solid capital position with a preliminary total risk-based capital ratio of 15.35%, common equity tier 1 ratio of 13.87%, tier 1 leverage ratio of 11.18% and a tangible common equity ratio of 11.08%;
Credit quality remains resilient with an allowance for credit losses on loans and leases of 2.09%; net charge-off ratio of 0.02% for the quarter and no non-accrual loans or leases at quarter-end.

LODI, Calif., July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (OTCQX: FMCB) (the “Company” or “FMCB”), the parent company of Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California (the “Bank” or “F&M Bank”), reported record second quarter net income of $23.1 million, or $32.94 per diluted common share for the second quarter of 2025 compared with $21.8 million, or $29.39 per diluted common share, for the second quarter of 2024 and $23.0 million, or $32.86 per diluted common share for the first quarter of 2025. Annualized return on average assets was 1.65% and return on average equity was 15.09% for the second quarter of 2025 compared with 1.58% and 15.33% for the second quarter of 2024, and 1.70% and 15.65% for the first quarter of 2025. The expense efficiency ratio for second quarter was 44.88% down from 45.77% for the second quarter of 2024 and up from 43.86% for the first quarter of 2025.

Net income over the trailing twelve months was $90.0 million compared with $87.9 million for the same trailing period a year earlier. Diluted earnings per share over the trailing twelve months totaled $126.87, up 7.8% compared with $117.73 for the same trailing period a year ago and $110.10 for the same period two years ago. Basic earnings per share over the trailing twelve months totaled $127.01, up 7.9% compared with $117.73 for the same trailing period a year ago and $110.10 for the same period two years ago.

During the quarter, the Company declared a mid-year cash dividend of $9.30 per share totaling $6.5 million, a 5.7% increase over the $8.80 per share mid-year dividend paid in 2024. The Company has now paid a cash dividend for 90 consecutive years and has increased the cash dividend for 60 consecutive years. Farmers and Merchants Bancorp is a member of a select group of only 55 publicly traded companies referred to as “Dividend Kings,” and is ranked 17^t^h in that group. On July 1, 2025, Sure Dividend released their top-ranked Dividend Kings, based on expected returns over the next five years and ranked Farmers & Merchants Bancorp #5 on this prestigious list.

CEO Commentary

Kent Steinwert, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are very pleased with the Company’s financial performance in the second quarter of 2025, highlighted by record second quarter net income of $23.1 million, a return on average assets of 1.65%, and a return on average equity of 15.09%. Net income for the first six-months of 2025 of $46.1 million is the best performing six-month period in the history of the Company. We achieved these impressive results while continuing to maintain a strong liquidity position and balance sheet at quarter end with $291.8 million in cash, $1.3 billion in investment securities, of which $573.0 million are available-for-sale, no borrowings and access to $2.1 billion in borrowing capacity, while maintaining a conservative loan-to-deposit ratio of 76.38%. Capital levels continue to strengthen and are significantly above the regulatory thresholds for “well-capitalized” banks. Total deposits increased $61.2 million, or 1.3% to $4.8 billion at June 30, 2025 compared to December 31, 2024, as we continued our focus on growing deposits with our longstanding client relationships and developing new client relationships. Gross loans and leases were $3.6 billion at the end of the second quarter, up $40.3 million or 1.1% from March 31, 2025 and down $54.4 million or 1.5% from December 31, 2024. The increase in the second quarter was due to increased loan demand while the decrease in the first quarter was partially due to some seasonality in agricultural lending as well as our continued conservative approach in underwriting given the yield curve, which continues to not price in duration risk for loans and leases beyond three years. Credit quality remains solid as we continue to work closely with our borrowers while they work through the current economic cycle, particularly in a few agricultural products adversely impacted by negative conditions in the export market. Our Company remains in excellent financial condition, continues to perform at a high-level and is well positioned to navigate the challenges ahead as we have for the past 109 years.”

Mr. Steinwert continued, “I am pleased to announce that Bank Director Magazine just released their annual ranking of the top performing banks for 2024 and Farmers & Merchants Bancorp was ranked the #3 bank in the nation across all asset categories. This follows our #2 ranking for 2023 and #1 ranking for 2022. Bank Director’s recognition of our performance over the last three years validates the success of our strategy and commitment to our clients, employees, shareholders and communities.”

Earnings

Net interest income for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 was $53.9 million compared with $50.8 million in the same quarter in 2024 and $53.1 million in the first quarter of 2025. Net interest income for the six-months ended June 30, 2025 was $107.0 million, an increase of $4.5 million, or 4.4%, when compared with the $102.5 million for the same period in 2024. The Company’s net interest margin increased to 4.13% for the six-months ended June 30, 2025 compared with 4.02% for the same period in 2024. The increase in the net interest margin was driven primarily by a decrease in deposit costs. Tangible book value per share increased to $835.33 at June 30, 2025, up 9.7% compared with $761.62 a year ago.

Balance Sheet

Total assets at quarter-end were $5.5 billion, up from $5.4 billion as of December 31, 2024. Total cash and cash equivalents were $291.8 million, an increase of $79.2 million from December 31, 2024 and a decrease of $315.5 million compared to March 31, 2025, primarily due to the repayment of brokered deposits. Total loans and leases outstanding were $3.6 billion, a decrease of $54.4 million or 1.5% from December 31, 2024, but an increase of $40.3 million or 1.1% from March 31, 2025. As of June 30, 2025, our total investment securities portfolio was $1.3 billion, an increase of $88.0 million from December 31, 2024 and an increase of $66.6 million from March 31, 2025. The portfolio is comprised of $573.0 million in available-for-sale securities and $748.9 million in held-to-maturity securities. Total deposits decreased $217.6 million to $4.76 billion compared to March 31, 2025, due to the repayment of all brokered deposits of $250.0 million during the quarter. Excluding the brokered deposits, total deposits increased $32.4 million, or 0.7% in the second quarter from March 31, 2025, and increased $61.2 million or 1.3% from December 31, 2024. Our loan to deposit ratio was 76.38% as of June 30, 2025, down from 78.53% as of December 31, 2024, due to an increase in total deposits and a modest decrease in total loans and leases.

Credit Quality

The Company’s credit quality remained solid with no non-accrual loans and leases as of June 30, 2025 and a negligible delinquency ratio of 0.03% of total loans and leases. Net charge-offs were 0.02% of average loans and leases for both the second quarter of 2025 and for the first half of 2025 compared to minor net recoveries for the comparative periods in 2024. Net charge-offs over the trailing twelve months were 0.04% of average total loans and leases. The total allowance for credit losses on loans and leases as well as unfunded commitments was $79.0 million as of June 30, 2025 compared to $78.1 million as of March 31, 2025. The allowance for credit losses on loans and leases increased by $0.8 million to $76.2 million, or 2.09% as of June 30, 2025 compared with $75.4, million or 2.10% as of March 31, 2025. A provision of $1.4 million was recorded during the second quarter of 2025 compared to no provision during the second quarter of 2024. The provision totaled $1.7 million for the first six-months of 2025 compared to no provision in the first six-months of 2024.

Capital

The Company’s and Bank’s regulatory capital ratios continued to strengthen during the second quarter of 2025. The growth in capital was driven by net income of $23.1 million offset by stock repurchases of $5.3 million and dividends paid of $6.8 million. The Company repurchased 4,546 shares during the quarter, reducing total outstanding shares to 725,367. As of June 30, 2025, there remains $14.7 million authorized for repurchases under the board-approved repurchase plan. At June 30, 2025, the Company’s preliminary total risk-based capital ratio was 15.35% and the common equity tier 1 capital ratio was 13.87%, an increase from 15.23% and 13.75% as of March 31, 2025, respectively. At June 30, 2025, the Company’s tier 1 leverage capital ratio was 11.18%, a decrease from 11.32% as of March 31, 2025, as a result of higher average assets. At June 30, 2025, all F&M Bank capital ratios exceeded the regulatory requirements to be classified as “well-capitalized.” At June 30, 2025, the tangible common equity ratio was 11.08%, up from 10.72% as of June 30, 2024.

About Farmers & Merchants Bancorp

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, trades on the OTCQX under the symbol FMCB, and is the parent company of Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California, also known as F&M Bank. Founded in 1916, F&M Bank is a locally owned and operated community bank, which proudly serves California through 33 convenient locations. F&M Bank is financially strong, with $5.5 billion in assets, and is consistently recognized as one of the nation’s safest banks by national bank rating firms. The Bank has maintained a 5-Star rating from BauerFinancial for 35 consecutive years, longer than any other commercial bank in the State of California.

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp has paid dividends for 90 consecutive years and has increased dividends for 60 consecutive years. As a result, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp is a member of a select group of only 55 publicly traded companies referred to as “Dividend Kings,” and is ranked 17^th in that group based on consecutive years of dividend increases. A “Dividend King” is a stock with 50 or more consecutive years of dividend increase.

In July 2025, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp was named by Bank Director’s Magazine as the #3 best performing bank in the nation across all asset categories in their annual “Ranking Banking” study of the top performing banks for 2024. In July 2024, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp was named by Bank Director’s Magazine as the #2 best performing bank in the nation across all asset categories in their annual “Ranking Banking” study of the top performing banks for 2023. In July 2023, the Bank was named by Bank Director’s Magazine as the #1 best performing bank in the nation across all asset categories in their annual “Ranking Banking” study of the top performing banks for 2022.

In April 2024, F&M Bank was ranked 6^th on Forbes Magazine’s list of “America’s Best Banks” in 2023. Forbes’ annual “America’s Best Banks” list looks at ten metrics measuring growth, credit quality, profitability, and capital for the 2023 calendar year, as well as stock performance in the 12 months through March 18, 2024.

In December 2023, F&M Bank was ranked 4^th on S&P Global Market Intelligence’s “Top 50 List of Best-Performing Community Banks” in the US with assets between $3.0 billion and $10.0 billion for 2023. S&P Global Market Intelligence ranks financial institutions based on several key factors including financial returns, growth, and balance sheet risk profile.

In October 2021, F&M Bank was named the “Best Community Bank in California” by Newsweek magazine. Newsweek’s ranking recognizes those financial institutions that best serve their customers’ needs in each state. This recognition speaks to the superior customer service the F&M Bank team members provide to its clients.

F&M Bank is the 18^th largest bank lender to agriculture in the United States. F&M Bank operates in the mid-Central Valley of California, including Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Stanislaus, and Merced counties and the east region of the San Francisco Bay Area, including Napa, Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

F&M Bank was inducted into the National Agriculture Science Center’s “Ag Hall of Fame” at the end of 2021 for providing resources, financial advice, guidance, and support to the agribusiness communities as well as to students in the next generation of agribusiness workforce. F&M Bank is dedicated to helping California remain the premier agricultural region in the world and will continue to work with the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and processors. F&M Bank remains committed to servicing the needs of agribusiness in California as has been the case since its founding over 109 years ago.

F&M Bank offers a full complement of loan, deposit, equipment leasing and treasury management products to businesses, as well as a full suite of consumer banking products. The FDIC awarded F&M Bank the highest possible rating of “Outstanding” in their last Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) evaluation.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current expectations regarding the Company’s financial performance. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate” or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could” or “may.” Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding loan and deposit production levels of net interest margin, the ability to control costs and expenses, the competitive environment, financial and regulatory policies of the United States government, general economic conditions, inflation, recessions, tariffs, economic uncertainty in the United States, and changes in interest rates. Forward-looking statements in this earnings release include matters that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include, among others: the effects of and changes in monetary and fiscal policies, including the interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board and their effects on inflation risk; political and economic uncertainty, including any decline in global, domestic or local economic conditions or the stability of credit and financial markets; and other relevant risks detailed in the Company’s Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs, and various other securities law filings made periodically by the Company, copies of which are available from the Company’s website. All such factors are difficult to predict and are beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict. There also may be additional risks that the Company does not presently know, or that the Company currently believes to be immaterial, that could also cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those contained in these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances after the date of this press release or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.

For more information about Farmers & Merchants Bancorp and F&M Bank, visit fmbonline.com.

Investor Relations Contact
Farmers & Merchants Bancorp
Bart R. Olson
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Phone: 209-367-2485
bolson@fmbonline.com

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Three-Months Ended

Six-Months Ended

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

June 30, 2025

March 31, 2025

June 30, 2024

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2024

Earnings and Profitability:

Interest income

70,061

67,138

69,831

137,199

136,472

Interest expense

16,193

13,997

19,050

30,190

33,978

Net interest income

53,868

53,141

50,781

107,009

102,494

Provision for credit losses

1,400

300

–

1,700

–

Noninterest income

5,519

5,021

4,767

10,540

9,842

Noninterest expense

26,651

25,509

25,422

52,160

50,943

Income before taxes

31,336

32,353

30,126

63,689

61,393

Income tax expense

8,281

9,344

8,359

17,625

16,903

Net income

23,055

23,009

21,767

46,064

44,490

Basic earnings per share

33.06

32.88

29.39

65.94

59.95

Diluted earnings per share

32.94

32.86

29.39

65.80

59.95

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Basic

697,332

699,736

740,752

698,527

742,150

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Diluted

699,852

700,215

740,752

700,102

742,150

Return on average assets

1.65

1.70

1.58

1.67

1.65

Return on average equity

15.09

15.65

15.33

15.37

15.82

Loan yield

6.08

6.07

6.13

6.07

6.11

Cost of average total deposits

1.31

1.17

1.51

1.25

1.39

Net interest margin – tax equivalent

4.07

4.20

3.91

4.13

4.02

Effective tax rate

26.43

28.88

27.75

27.67

27.53

Efficiency ratio

44.88

43.86

45.77

44.37

45.35

Book value per share

852.72

825.18

779.40

852.72

779.40

Tangible book value per share

835.33

843.33

761.62

835.33

761.62

Balance Sheet:

Total assets

5,478,773

5,680,024

5,267,485

5,478,773

5,267,485

Cash and cash equivalents

291,752

607,254

295,936

291,752

295,936

of which held at Fed

178,999

515,758

225,676

178,999

225,676

Total investment securities

1,321,812

1,255,204

1,046,210

1,321,812

1,046,210

of which available-for-sale

572,951

495,433

251,413

572,951

251,413

of which held-to-maturity

748,861

759,771

794,797

748,861

794,797

Gross loans and leases

3,635,831

3,595,511

3,692,237

3,635,831

3,692,237

Allowance for credit losses – loans and leases

76,169

75,423

74,432

76,169

74,432

Total deposits

4,760,364

4,977,968

4,597,055

4,760,364

4,597,055

Subordinated debentures

10,310

Total shareholders’ equity

618,532

602,306

576,220

618,532

576,220

Loan-to-deposit ratio

76.38

72.23

80.32

76.38

80.32

Percentage of checking deposits to total deposits

49.23

50.79

48.60

49.23

48.60

Capital ratios (Bancorp) ⁽¹⁾

Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets

13.87

13.75

13.09

13.87

13.09

Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets

14.09

13.97

13.32

14.09

13.32

Risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets

15.35

15.23

14.58

15.35

14.58

Tier 1 leverage capital ratio

11.18

11.32

10.66

11.18

10.66

Tangible common equity ratio ⁽²⁾

11.08

10.40

10.72

11.08

10.72

(1) Capital information is preliminary for June 30, 2025

(2) Non-GAAP measurement

Non-GAAP measurement reconciliation:

(Dollars in thousands)

June 30, 2025

March 31, 2025

June 30, 2024

Shareholders’ equity

618,532

602,306

576,220

Less: Intangible assets

12,609

12,740

13,145

Tangible common equity

605,923

589,566

563,075

Total assets

5,478,773

5,680,024

5,267,485

Less: Intangible assets

12,609

12,740

13,145

Tangible assets

5,466,164

5,667,284

5,254,340

Tangible common equity ratio ⁽¹⁾

11.08

10.40

10.72

(1) Tangible common equity divided by tangible assets

The MIL Network –

July 18, 2025

MIL-OSI: Ataccama brings AI to data lineage to help business users understand and trust their data
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BOSTON, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ataccama, the data trust company, today announced the release of Ataccama ONE v16.2, the latest version of its unified data trust platform. This release makes it easier for business users to understand how data moves and changes across systems without writing a single line of SQL. With intuitive, compact lineage views and improved performance, teams can make better decisions with greater confidence and speed.

Most business teams can’t see where their data comes from or how it has been changed. Instead, they rely on technical experts to explain the logic behind key metrics, which slows decision-making and exposes organizations to unnecessary risk. Forrester reports that only 20% of business decision-makers are self-sufficient with analytics tools. The result is a persistent trust gap that makes it harder to govern data, scale analytics, or move at the speed business demands.

Ataccama closes that gap by turning complex data logic into plain language. Business users can now trace a data point’s origin and understand how it was profiled or flagged without relying on IT. Ataccama shows how data flows through systems and provides plain-language descriptions of the steps behind every number. For example, in a financial services setting, a data steward can immediately see how a risk score was derived or how a flagged transaction passed through a series of enrichment and quality checks. That kind of visibility shortens reviews, streamlines audits, and gives business teams the confidence to act on the data in front of them.

“We’re seeing enterprise data projects increasingly kick off in the business, not just in IT, and that changes everything,” said Jessica Smith, VP of Data Quality at Ataccama. “The teams driving these initiatives need to understand where the data comes from, how it’s changed, and whether it can be trusted. That’s why we’ve focused on making complex data processes, like profiling, quality checks, and lineage, clear and usable to everyone. Because if data is going to scale across the business, it has to work for the people who are using it.”

Ataccama strengthens day-to-day governance and lays the groundwork for more scalable, compliant AI initiatives. Key features include:
- AI-powered data lineage. Automatically generates readable descriptions of how data was transformed both upstream and downstream, clarifying filters, joins, and calculations, so business users can understand the logic behind each dataset without reading SQL.
- Compact lineage diagrams. Presents a simplified, high-level view of data flows with the option to drill into details on demand. This makes it easier to identify issues, answer audit questions, and align stakeholders on how data flows through the organization.
- Edge processing for secure lineage. Enables metadata extraction from on-prem or restricted environments without moving sensitive data to the cloud. Organizations can maintain compliance, minimize risk, and still get full visibility into their data pipelines, regardless of where the data lives.
- Expanded pushdown support and performance enhancements. Users can now execute profiling and data quality workloads in pushdown mode for BigQuery and Azure Synapse, minimizing data movement and improving performance for large-scale workloads. The release also includes volume support for Databricks Unity Catalog, further optimizing execution within modern cloud platforms.
Ataccama ONE v16.2 data trust platform is available immediately. To learn how to simplify data lineage and drive clarity for both business and IT, watch the webinar.

About Ataccama

Ataccama is the data trust company. Organizations worldwide rely on Ataccama ONE, the unified data trust platform, to ensure data is accurate, accessible, and actionable. By integrating data quality, lineage, observability, governance, and master data management into a single solution, Ataccama enables businesses to unlock value from their data for AI, analytics, and operations. Trusted by global enterprises, Ataccama helps organizations drive innovation, reduce costs, and mitigate risk. Recognized as a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Augmented Data Quality and the 2025 Magic Quadrant for Data and Analytics Governance, Ataccama continues to set the standard for trusted data at scale. Learn more at www.ataccama.com.

Media contact
press@ataccama.com

The MIL Network –
July 18, 2025

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