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eSpark Brings AI to the Science of Reading

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CHICAGO, Aug. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — eSpark, an online supplemental curriculum provider for math, reading, and writing, is bringing AI-powered phonics practice to foundational reading instruction this school year. This update strengthens eSpark’s already strong alignment with the science of reading.

The eSpark Reading Lab uses advanced speech recognition technology to provide 1:1 phonics support and practice.

The eSpark Reading Lab brings advanced speech recognition and analysis technologies to the award-winning eSpark platform, beginning with a six-week phonics scope and sequence for the back-to-school season. The Reading Lab analyzes students’ speech patterns to provide detailed instruction, practice, and reporting on individual phonemes, giving teachers an unprecedented window into where students are on their early reading journeys.

eSpark introduced more than 50,000 teachers to the benefits of generative AI during the 2023-2024 school year through uniquely personalized activities like Choice Texts, Choice Math, and an AI-powered writing tutor. The company then turned to one of the highest priorities in education today–foundational reading instruction–and worked closely with teachers to identify where they needed the most support.

“To think about having a sentence on the screen, a child reading that, and eSpark providing immediate feedback and instruction on individual sounds and putting those sounds together…That’s basically teaching [my students] how to read,” said Michigan teacher Michelle VanGilder. “To have something like that to support kids who aren’t reading as much at home and have limited classroom time to practice is amazing.”

As teachers adapt to a generation of students who are “built differently” post-pandemic, it has become crucial to differentiate instruction beyond just leveling content. eSpark’s Reading Lab is the newest example of how technology can ease the burden on teachers for time-intensive 1:1 support, while also fostering a love of reading with engaging, responsive, highly personalized activities.

“Teachers dedicate a huge amount of time and energy to helping students learn and love reading, but it’s tough to give each student one-on-one attention in a busy classroom,” said Ray Lyons, eSpark’s VP of Product. “With Reading Lab, we’re excited to offer this new technology that assesses students and gives personalized feedback and phonics support, so teachers can spend more quality time in small groups.”

A free trial of the eSpark Reading Lab is available now for all first-time signups and returning teachers. Learn more and get started at https://www.esparklearning.com/product/reading-lab/.

About eSpark: eSpark is a leading provider of standards-aligned Math and ELA curriculum for enrichment, intervention and acceleration. eSpark is used in over 14,000 schools spanning all 50 states and meets all evidence-based intervention requirements under ESSA.

Contact: Kelsey Jern, kelsey@esparklearning.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/espark-brings-ai-to-the-science-of-reading-302217997.html

SOURCE eSpark

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MDA SPACE ANNOUNCES OFFERING OF C$600 MILLION SENIOR UNSECURED NOTES DUE 2033

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/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/

TORONTO, July 23, 2026 /CNW/ — MDA Space Ltd. (“MDA Space” or the “Company”) (TSX: MDA) (NYSE: MDA), a trusted mission partner to the rapidly expanding global space industry, announced today that it has priced a private placement offering (the “Offering”) to sell, pursuant to the Offering, C$600 million aggregate principal amount of 6.50% senior unsecured notes due August 5, 2033 (the “Notes”). The Offering is expected to close on or about August 5, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

The Notes will be issued at a price of C$1,000 per C$1,000 principal amount of Notes. The Notes will constitute senior unsecured obligations of the Company, ranking pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness of the Company (including the 7.00% senior unsecured notes issued by the Company on December 23, 2025 in an aggregate principal amount of C$250,000,000 due December 23, 2030), and will be guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries. Interest on the Notes will accrue at a rate of 6.50% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on February 5 and August 5 of each year, commencing on February 5, 2027.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to fund a portion of the purchase price for the acquisition of Blue Canyon Technologies LLC (“BCT”) (the “Acquisition”), that was previously announced by the Company on June 19, 2026, and acquisition-related fees and expenses. Once completed, the Acquisition is expected to provide MDA Space with a strategic business and manufacturing footprint to capitalize on growing demand in the U.S. government market for defence space missions. The Acquisition is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. In the event the Acquisition does not close, the Company will be required to redeem all of the outstanding Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

“This successful offering supports the long-term growth objectives underlying our acquisition of BCT, and our steadfast commitment to create shareholder value,” said Guillaume Lavoie, Chief Financial Officer of MDA Space. “We are pleased with the market’s positive response and strong demand to participate in the offering, which reflects continued investor confidence in our ability to execute on our growth strategy while maintaining balance sheet discipline.”  

The Notes are being offered through a syndicate of underwriters led by RBC Capital Markets, BMO Capital Markets and Scotiabank.

The Notes are being offered for sale in each of the provinces of Canada to “accredited investors” on a private placement basis, in reliance upon exemptions from the prospectus requirements under applicable Canadian securities laws. The Notes have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and are being offered and sold in the United States only to qualified institutional buyers, pursuant to Rule 144A of the U.S. Securities Act, and outside the United States in offshore transactions in reliance upon Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes, nor shall there be any offer or sale of the Notes in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About MDA Space

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX:MDA) (NYSE:MDA) is a trusted mission partner to the global defence and space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The global MDA Space team of more than 4,000 space experts has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that’s been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we’ll take you there. For more information, visit the Company’s filings on SEDAR+ and the Company’s Investor Relations website at www.mda-en.investorroom.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain statements that may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements”). When used in this news release, forward-looking statements often but not always, can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as, including but not limited to, “may”, “will”, “would”, “should”, “expect”, “believe”, “intend”, “future” and other similar terminology or the negative or inverse of such words or terminology. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements with respect to the size and terms of the Offering, including the terms of the Notes, the use of proceeds therefrom, the timing and successful completion of the Acquisition, the anticipated benefits and synergies described in connection with the Acquisition, the possibility of a special mandatory redemption of the Notes by the Company if the Acquisition is not consummated, and the timing and successful completion of the Offering. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses (including the timing and success of the Offering) made by the Company in light of management’s experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including without limitation the risks and uncertainties detailed under the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s annual information form dated March 4, 2026. Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect and there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with the forward-looking statements. There are a number of additional risks and uncertainties affecting or that could affect MDA Space, which could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those described in, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release.  Except as required by law, MDA Space is not under any obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOCIAL MEDIA

LinkedIn:       linkedin.com/company/mdaspace
X:                  twitter.com/MDA_space
Facebook:    facebook.com/MDAspace
YouTube:      youtube.com/c/mdaspace
Instagram:    instagram.com/MDA_space

SOURCE MDA Space

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U.S. Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill to Establish July 20 as Lunar Landing Day — A National Day of Observance

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Legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) with bipartisan support from U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) now advances to the U.S. House of Representatives

SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Senate today passed bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) with bipartisan support from U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) to designate July 20 as Lunar Landing Day, a national day of observance honoring the Apollo 11 mission and one of the greatest achievements in American history. Once the bill is approved by both Houses, it will go to the President for signing.

The legislation commemorates July 20, 1969, when astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the Moon while Michael Collins orbited above in the command module Columbia. More than celebrating a single mission, the bill recognizes the vision, ingenuity and determination that established America’s leadership in space exploration and continues to inspire generations of scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs and explorers.

The legislation has earned the support of the four surviving moonwalkers—Buzz Aldrin (Apollo 11), Dave Scott (Apollo 15), Charlie Duke (Apollo 16) and Jack Schmitt (Apollo 17)—as well as former NASA flight directors, astronauts, museum leaders and space advocates nationwide. A growing coalition includes supporters in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., along with organizations such as The Explorers Club, the National Space Society, the Aldrin Family Foundation and more than 40 museums and science centers.

The legislation also comes as the United States enters a new era of lunar exploration through NASA’s Artemis program, which will return astronauts to the Moon and pave the way for future missions deeper into space.

As the nation celebrates America’s 250th anniversary, supporters say Lunar Landing Day offers a fitting opportunity to recognize one of the country’s greatest achievements while inspiring future generations to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and careers.

The legislation follows years of work by the nonpartisan Lunar Landing Day Initiative, founded by Robert Slater, M.D., who has worked alongside astronauts, educators, business leaders, historians, veterans and civic organizations to establish permanent national recognition for the Apollo 11 mission.

“We’re deeply grateful to Senators Sheehy and Kelly for their bipartisan leadership,” said Slater. “Landing on the Moon wasn’t simply a victory for NASA—it was a triumph of American ingenuity, determination and collaboration. Today’s Senate passage brings us one step closer to ensuring future generations understand what Americans can accomplish when we unite behind an ambitious goal.”

The bill now moves to the U.S. House of Representatives. If approved by the House and signed by the President, July 20 would be observed annually as Lunar Landing Day, a national day of observance—not a federal holiday—encouraging schools, museums, science centers and communities to hold educational programming and civic events celebrating America’s legacy of exploration, innovation and discovery.

For more information, visit lunarlandingday.net.

About the Lunar Landing Day Initiative

The Lunar Landing Day Initiative is a nonpartisan, grassroots effort dedicated to establishing July 20 as Lunar Landing Day, a permanent national day of observance honoring the Apollo 11 mission and inspiring future generations through America’s legacy of exploration, innovation and discovery.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-senate-passes-bipartisan-bill-to-establish-july-20-as-lunar-landing-day–a-national-day-of-observance-302833753.html

SOURCE Lunar Landing Day

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Achieve named to Az Business Magazine’s ’10 Best Places for Women to Work in Arizona’ for 2026

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Recognition highlights the company’s commitment to creating opportunities for women to grow and lead

SAN MATEO, Calif., July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Achieve, the leader in digital personal finance, has been named among the 2026 10 Best Places for Women to Work in Arizona by Az Business Magazine. The annual recognition highlights organizations that create supportive environments where women can thrive professionally, advance into leadership roles and build meaningful careers.

The honor reflects Achieve’s ongoing investment in workplace programs that support employee growth, flexibility, leadership development and career advancement. Women serve in leadership roles across the organization and play a critical role in shaping the company’s culture, products and long-term success.

“Creating an environment where women can grow, lead and build rewarding careers is central to who we are as a company,” said Achieve Senior Vice President of Human Resources Heather Marcom. “We’re honored to be recognized among Arizona’s top workplaces for women and remain committed to fostering a culture where employees feel supported, valued and empowered to do their best work.”

Achieve maintains a major corporate presence in the Phoenix area, where hundreds of employees contribute to the company’s mission of helping people move from struggling to thriving financially. The company supports employees through leadership development opportunities, employee resource groups, mentorship and learning programs designed to help team members reach their professional goals.

The recognition adds to a growing list of workplace honors for Achieve. Earlier this year, the company was named among the Top 3 Best Workplaces for LGBTQ+ Employees by BestCompaniesAZ and was also recognized by AZ Big Media as one of Arizona’s Most Admired Companies.

“Strong organizations are built by diverse perspectives and inclusive leadership,” said Marcom. “We’re proud of the talented women across Achieve who help drive our business forward every day and grateful for the impact they make on our employees, customers and communities.”

The 10 Best Places for Women to Work in Arizona list is determined through a public voting process conducted by AZ Big Media and published in Az Business magazine.

About Achieve

Achieve, THE digital personal finance company, helps everyday people get on, and stay on, the path to a better financial future. Achieve pairs proprietary data and analytics with personalized support to offer personal loanshome equity loans, debt relief and debt consolidation, along with financial tips and education and free mobile apps: Achieve MoLO® (Money Left Over) and Achieve GOOD™ (Get Out Of Debt). Achieve is frequently recognized for providing top-rated customer experience and satisfaction by both consumers and leading personal finance review platforms and has 2,200 dedicated teammates across the country, with hubs in Arizona, California, Florida and Texas.

Achieve refers to the global organization and may denote one or more affiliates of Achieve Company, including Achieve.com, Equal Housing Opportunity (NMLS ID #138464); Achieve Home Loans, Equal Housing Opportunity (NMLS ID #1810501); Achieve Personal Loans (NMLS ID #227977); Freedom Debt Relief (NMLS ID # 1248929); and Freedom Financial Asset Management (CRD #170229).

Contacts

Austin Kilgore
akilgore@achieve.com
214-908-5097

Elina Tarkazikis
etarkazikis@achieve.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/achieve-named-to-az-business-magazines-10-best-places-for-women-to-work-in-arizona-for-2026-302833720.html

SOURCE Achieve

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