Technology

Forge Institute and AFRL Partner to Advance Cyber Resilience and Intelligence

Published

1 year ago

February 4, 2025

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Feb. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Forge Institute, a leader in private-public partnerships for national defense, has entered into a multi-year Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the Information Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This strategic alliance will focus on the advancement of analytic techniques for publicly available information (PAI), which are integral to enhancing the Air Force’s cyber resilience and intelligence capabilities. This could potentially reshape the landscape of future Air Force multi-domain operations.

This initiative aligns with the U.S. Military Strategy, which prioritizes PAI and artificial intelligence (AI) to maintain a strategic advantage across all domains of warfare. As global threats evolve, integrating PAI analytics with machine learning and pattern recognition will help refine intelligence gathering, optimize decision-making, and improve national security efforts.

The project will involve key collaborations with the Arkansas Air National Guard’s 188th Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group (188th ISRG) at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Colonel Michael Martin, commander of the 188th ISRG, affirmed that associations like the one with the Forge Institute give the Air Force the opportunity to leverage next-gen digital tools like robotic process automation, AI, and cloud capabilities to improve analytic methods.

Highlighting the strategic importance of this partnership, Brigadier General Olen C. Bridges, the Arkansas Adjutant General, added, “Private-public collaborations, like the one with Forge Institute, are essential for offering state-of-the-art capabilities to Arkansas’ military missions. We’re always looking for a competitive advantage on the ground, in the air, or in cyberspace to provide leaders the best information for decision making. Partnerships like these are what makes the Arkansas National Guard the premier destination for Arkansas’ best and brightest minds.”

As part of the CRADA, the Air Force and the Forge Institute will share their expertise in PAI analytics to understand and develop advanced analytic methods, thereby integrating training, AI, and next-gen cloud capabilities.

Lee Watson, Chairman and CEO of Forge Institute, stated, “This CRADA with the AFRL will spark innovative exchanges that support our warfighters and stimulate economic growth in Arkansas. We are proud to serve the United States Air Force and the Intelligence Community in advancing capabilities for national security.”

By combining cutting-edge technology with mission-driven collaboration, Forge Institute continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening America’s cyber resilience and defense readiness.

For more information, visit www.forge.institute.

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SOURCE Forge Institute

Technology

Register NOW for the Maynard Regional Training Series in partnership with Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications

Published

15 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

Maynard Regional Training Series for early-career and mid-level managers and editors features innovative frameworks, coaching and mentoring for career and newsroom development.

CHICAGO, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism Education will conduct its Maynard Regional Training Series with Northwestern University’s Medill Local News Initiative on June 4-5, 2026.

The Maynard Regional Training Series brings two days of onsite editing and management training to journalists across the United States. In partnership with universities, these sessions give editors and managers the tools they need amid the complexities of news leadership.

Award-winning journalists and Medill professors will lead the training with Maynard Institute faculty. This program is for editors and managers working in any platform, (print, broadcast, digital).

The training provides workshops, discussions and coaching to help emerging news leaders manage teams and news coverage. Northwestern will cover the standard registration fee on behalf of registrants. Two meals are provided each day, and limited discounted hotel rooms will be available.

“The Maynard Regional Training will deliver customized workshops designed to sharpen the craft and confidence of editors and newsroom managers,” said Odette Alcazaren-Keeley, director of the Maynard Regional Training Series. “Alongside hands-on coaching from award-winning editors, participants will grow our vital community of peer support.”

The Medill Local News Initiative and Accelerator work to spur a more inclusive and economically robust local news ecosystem by offering expertise and programs on topics including consumer research, content strategy, executive leadership and more. These offerings help local news outlets maximize Chicagoland residents’ access to the information they need to be civically engaged.

The deadline to register is 11:59 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, May 20.

Training schedule: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CDT June 4-5.

Technology

Columbia Bank Receives 2026 Best Bank Honors from Crisil Coalition Greenwich

Published

15 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

TACOMA, Wash., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Columbia Bank, a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System (Nasdaq: COLB), today announced it has been recognized by Crisil Coalition Greenwich with two regional Best Bank Awards for excellence in middle market banking. More than 500 banks worldwide were evaluated across small business and middle market categories, with only 47 banks receiving honors.

Crisil Coalition Greenwich recognized Columbia Bank in the following middle market banking categories for the U.S. West region:

Best Bank – Satisfaction in Cash Management for Middle Market Banking in the U.S. (West)Best Bank – Satisfaction with Relationship Manager for Middle Market Banking in the U.S. (West)

Source: Coalition Greenwich Voice of Client – 2025 U.S. Commercial Banking Study

Best Bank Awards are based on extensive client feedback. The 2026 middle market recognitions draw from more than 11,000 interviews with U.S.-based businesses generating $10 million to $500 million in annual sales.

“Columbia Bank’s recognition by Crisil Coalition Greenwich as a 2026 Best Bank is especially meaningful since it’s the result of customer testimonials. It reflects the priority we place on supporting middle market companies, as well as the dedication and expertise our bankers bring to the table every day for our customers,” said Tory Nixon, Columbia Bank President. “It’s a privilege to support so many outstanding middle market enterprises across the West, and we will continue to earn their trust and confidence.”

Additional 2026 Accolades
The Coalition Greenwich awards add to a growing list of honors Columbia Bank has received this year, including:

Forbes: America’s Best BanksGlobal Finance: Best Bank for Small and Midsize Enterprises, West Global Finance: Best Trade Finance Partner, West

About Columbia Bank
Columbia Bank is the largest bank headquartered in the Northwest and one of the largest banks headquartered in the West with offices in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Columbia Bank combines the resources, sophistication, and expertise of a national bank with a commitment to deliver superior, personalized service. The bank supports consumers and businesses through a full suite of services, including retail and commercial banking, Small Business Administration lending, institutional and corporate banking, and equipment leasing. Columbia Bank customers also have access to comprehensive investment and wealth management expertise as well as healthcare and private banking through Columbia Wealth Management. Columbia Bank is a subsidiary of Tacoma, Washington-based Columbia Banking System, Inc. (Nasdaq: COLB).

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SOURCE Columbia Banking System, Inc.

Technology

McLuck Sweepstakes Casino Celebrates 3rd Birthday with Week-Long Rewards

Published

15 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

McLuck Sweepstakes Casino announces its third-anniversary celebration, featuring community events and rewards from April 22nd through April 30th. The milestone will be marked by themed influencer live streams, and limited-time offers across McLuck’s official channels.

DOUGLAS, Isle of Man, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — McLuck, a premier online Sweepstakes casino in the US, is marking its third year with a week-long anniversary celebration. From April 22nd through April 30th, the social casino will host a variety of commemorative activities, including influencer giveaways and exclusive offers to recognize the milestone.

“Turning three is a major milestone, and we wanted to celebrate it alongside the players who made our growth possible,” said Joerg Nottebaum, spokesperson for McLuck. “Through April 30th, we are offering themed creator streams and exclusive rewards to mark this occasion with our community.”

Since its launch in 2023, McLuck has established a significant presence in the US Sweepstakes casino market, known for its extensive library of titles including online slots, live casino games, casual titles, and engaging seasonal offers. This anniversary week is designed to acknowledge the platform’s community growth through interactive content and birthday-themed rewards.

The anniversary celebration includes the following highlights:

Birthday-Themed Rewards: Throughout the week, the official McLuck website will feature limited-time bundles featuring Gold Coins, along with FREE Sweepstakes Coins and Free Spins.Influencer Live Streams: McLuck partner influencers will host custom birthday-themed sessions. These live streams will feature exclusive giveaways, providing viewers with opportunities to receive Free Spins and FREE Sweepstakes Coins.McLuck Blog Promo Code: The official McLuck blog will serve as a central resource, providing updates, and a unique anniversary promo code for blog readers.Social Media Challenges: McLuck’s verified channels on Instagram and Facebook will host anniversary-themed competitions and offers, bringing the party to the wider Sweepstakes casino community.

The celebrations are available to both new and existing players via the official McLuck website. For the latest updates and to stay informed on the week’s activities, players can engage with the official social channels and blog.

About McLuck

Established in 2023, McLuck is a leading social and Sweepstakes casino platform serving players across the United States and Canada. Dedicated to providing a premier free-to-play experience, McLuck offers a vast library of over 1,000 slots and live dealer games from top-tier providers including 3 Oaks Gaming, NetEnt, and Playson.

McLuck allows users to enjoy casino-style entertainment with no purchase necessary, while offering the opportunity to win real prizes. McLuck is committed to responsible social gaming, innovation, and player satisfaction.

For more information, visit www.mcluck.com.

No purchase necessary. 21+. Void where prohibited by law. See Terms of Service.

Media Contact

Joerg Nottebaum, McLuck, 350 54 093 606, pr@mcluck.com, https://www.mcluck.com/

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SOURCE McLuck