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O’Shaughnessy Ventures Backs Astrophysicist Challenging Assumptions About How Much Dark Matter the Universe Needs

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Jenny Wagner receives an O’Shaughnessy Fellowship to investigate whether dark matter is as abundant as our models suggest

GREENWICH, Conn., July 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — O’Shaughnessy Ventures LLC (OSV), an investment firm that empowers creators, has awarded an O’Shaughnessy Fellowship to Jenny Wagner, an astrophysicist based in Saarbrücken, Germany.

Wagner will use the fellowship to investigate how much dark matter the universe requires. Dark matter is the invisible mass that scientists invoke to explain why galaxies and galaxy clusters behave as they do. Wagner’s work suggests that how much dark matter scientists conclude is present depends heavily on the assumptions built into the theoretical models used to interpret the data. Building on her earlier research in gravitational lensing (the bending of light around massive cosmic structures), she will study the motion of galaxies within clusters to test how much of the “missing mass” could be ordinary matter that has gone undetected, and how much is an artifact of the models themselves. Over the next 12 months, she plans to analyze at least two cosmic structures and produce a series of outreach videos explaining the results to the public.

Wagner holds a physics diploma and doctorate from Heidelberg University, where her doctoral research applied machine learning to cancer research. She turned to astrophysics in 2014, winning a grant from the German Research Foundation, and in 2020 received the Prize for Courageous Science from the Ministry of Science, Research and Arts of Baden-Württemberg for her work on gravitational lensing. She currently holds visiting scientist positions at the Helsinki Institute of Physics and the Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics in Taipei.

OSV’s founder and CEO, Jim O’Shaughnessy, commented, “Jenny follows the evidence wherever it leads, even when it challenges prevailing assumptions. Projects like hers are exactly why we launched the O’Shaughnessy Fellowships.”

“I am over the moon to be the first astrophysicist to receive an O’Shaughnessy Fellowship,” said Wagner. “In the OSV community, I have found like-minded people who share my attitudes and values. A big thank you to Jim O’Shaughnessy and his entire team for supporting my research. Let’s carry a bright torch to the dark side of the universe together.”

About the O’Shaughnessy Fellowships Program

Launched in 2023, the O’Shaughnessy Fellowships program discovers and empowers the world’s boldest creatives, builders and researchers. Fellows receive a grant of up to $100,000 and gain access to OSV’s network of founders, investors and experts. OSV will award up to 20 fellowships in 2026.

Wagner is the thirteenth fellow announced in 2026. More information about previous fellows is available at OSV’s website.

Applications for the O’Shaughnessy Fellowships are now closed and will reopen on Jan. 1, 2027. Individuals interested in applying can do so via OSV’s website.

About O’Shaughnessy Ventures

OSV is a creative investment firm that empowers creators to bring their ideas to life. Founded by Jim O’Shaughnessy, a pioneer in quantitative investing, founder of O’Shaughnessy Asset Management, and author of five books, OSV aims to provide financial support and to partner in growing the next life-changing creative ideas.

OSV combines Jim’s deeply rooted interest in all things art, science, investing and technology with his long-held desire to establish scenarios designed to help promising creators and their inspiring ideas succeed, regardless of age, location, job history or level of education. For more information, visit OSV’s website.

Media Contact:
Ena Gong
O’Shaughnessy Ventures LLC
(917) 355-7420
418932@email4pr.com

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SOURCE O’Shaughnessy Ventures

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Texas Instruments board declares third quarter 2026 quarterly dividend

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July 16, 2026

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DALLAS, July 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The board of directors of Texas Instruments Incorporated (Nasdaq: TXN) today declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.42 per share of common stock, payable August 11, 2026, to stockholders of record on July 31, 2026.   

About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments Incorporated (Nasdaq: TXN) is a global semiconductor company that designs, manufactures and sells analog and embedded processing chips for markets such as industrial, automotive, data center, personal electronics and communications equipment. At our core, we have a passion to create a better world by making electronics more affordable through semiconductors. This passion is alive today as each generation of innovation builds upon the last to make our technology more reliable, more affordable and lower power, making it possible for semiconductors to go into electronics everywhere. Learn more at TI.com.

TXN-G

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SOURCE Texas Instruments Incorporated

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Drake Expands End-to-End Professional Services with Launch of Drake Audit Defense™

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July 16, 2026

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New post-filing audit defense service extends Drake Software’s support beyond tax preparation, helping firms save time while delivering greater value to clients.

FRANKLIN, N.C., July 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Drake Software, a leader in professional tax preparation solutions, today announced the launch of Drake Audit Defense™, a new post-filing audit defense service designed to help tax professionals better support their clients after a return is filed. The new offering represents another step in Drake’s continued investment in delivering integrated products and services that support tax professionals throughout the entire client journey—from intake to post-filing.

Enrollment for Drake Audit Defense is available now for Drake Software customers for Tax Year 2026 returns. Customers can enroll by logging into their account at DrakeSoftware.com

Drake Audit Defense provides tax professionals with an easy-to-offer service that helps clients navigate eligible IRS and state tax notices, audit assistance, and qualifying tax-related identity theft assistance. By reducing the administrative burden associated with post-filing issues, firms can spend less time managing notices and audits while providing additional value and peace of mind to their clients.

“Tax professionals are looking for more than software—they’re looking for solutions that help them run more efficient practices and deliver exceptional client experiences,” said Alice Curry, Chief Customer Offer. “Drake Audit Defense is another example of how we’re expanding the Drake ecosystem with integrated services that support firms before, during, and after tax season.”

“Our goal is to make it easy for firms to manage the products and services they rely on in one connected Drake experience,” said Curry. “By integrating Drake Audit Defense alongside our growing portfolio of workflow solutions and enhancements, we’re giving customers greater visibility into their practice, fewer administrative tasks, and a simpler way to manage their business while delivering even more value to their clients.”

Drake Audit Defense is designed specifically for Drake Software customers and integrates seamlessly into existing workflows, making it simple to enroll clients during the tax preparation process while providing trusted support by credentialed tax experts when post-filing issues arise.

About Drake Software

For more than four decades, Drake Software has provided innovative tax preparation and practice management solutions that help tax professionals serve their clients with confidence. Today, Drake continues to expand its ecosystem with integrated products and services that support firms from client intake through post-filing, helping practices work more efficiently while delivering exceptional client experiences.

Media Contact:
Colleen Woods Heikka
Sr. Director, Product Marketing
Colleen.woods@Taxact.com

+1-781-588-6339

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SOURCE Drake Software, LLC

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IronSpark Studios Launches in Birmingham, AL

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July 16, 2026

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IronSpark is a new creative studio focused on animation, game development, and interactive experiences.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., July 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Storytelling has a new home in Birmingham, Alabama, with the launch of IronSpark Studios, a creative media company focused on animation, game development, and interactive experiences. Guided by its mission to build stories that engage, excite, and entertain, IronSpark Studios develops original and client-driven intellectual property and digital experiences.

Production is shifting away from traditional big studios and moving rapidly toward independent creators and agile, small studios. Founded on the belief that world-class creative belongs in Birmingham, IronSpark Studios collaborates with local creatives, businesses and organizations while working to attract animation, game development and interactive media production to the region.

“Our vision is to create experiences that inspire audiences, spark imagination and leave a lasting impact,” said Brass Bralley, co-founder and managing director. “We believe Birmingham is a place where creative talent can grow, collaborate and help shape the future of storytelling.”

The studio operates through three divisions—Animation, Games and Interactive—creating content for film, commercial projects, video games, immersive exhibits and emerging digital experiences.

IronSpark Studios is partnering with clients and intellectual property owners while developing original projects of its own, helping bring more animation, game development, and interactive media production to Birmingham.

“I’ve chosen to build many businesses in the Birmingham ecosystem, and the choice to build IronSpark here was a simple one,” said Mazi Rasulnia, co-founder and consulting partner.  “Birmingham has a vibrant community of innovators and creators, and IronSpark will be a great addition.”

Among those projects is its first original animated short film, The Purple Sky Peanut Butter Club. Based on a true story of heroism and sacrifice, the dialogue-free animated short explores the power of small traditions and their ability to provide healing through grief and transcend generations.

“The stories we create are meant to connect people,” said Wink Winkler, co-founder and head of creative. “Whether that’s through film, series, a video game or an interactive experience, at the end of the day, the story is at the heart of everything we create.” 

Contact: Brass Bralley, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Brass@ironsparkstudios.com

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SOURCE IronSpark Studios

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