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This release introduces new PromQL functions and experimental features for timestamp handling and histograms, alongside numerous performance improvements and bug fixes across discovery, TSDB, and the UI. API changes include deprecating certain `stats` query parameter values and enhancing the `/api/v1/status/config` endpoint.

This LTS release introduces experimental API search endpoints, significant PromQL enhancements including new scalar functions and native histogram support, and several performance improvements across the TSDB and label matching. It also contains critical security fixes and changes how HTTP credentials are handled during redirects.

This release candidate focuses heavily on CI/build improvements following migration issues, while introducing several PromQL enhancements, performance optimizations in TSDB, and security fixes. Key user-facing changes include embedding third-party licenses in the binary and renaming experimental duration functions.