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Compass Datacenters and Meridian Community College Launch Mississippi’s First Data Center Workforce Training Program

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New MEI Data Center Pathway Program will prepare Mississippians for high-demand careers supporting a $10 billion digital infrastructure investment in Meridian

Compass Datacenters and Meridian Community College (MCC) launch Mississippi’s first Mechanical, Electrical and Information Technology (MEI) Data Center Pathway Program.Building on the momentum of the workforce development program Compass founded, the MEI Pathway program provides hands-on training for in-demand technical jobs supporting the digital infrastructure industry.Through the 14-week program, Meridian residents with no degree or experience will gain direct access to training and jobs that build generational careers that are critical to America’s digital economy.Ten industry partners, including RK Industries, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Vertiv, Allied Universal, Convergint, Rosendin, Rubicon, Salute and Shermco, are supporting the inaugural MEI Pathway program cohort at MCC – a strong show of industry support heading into launch.A career fair will follow the launch on July 31 and August 1 at MCC’s Riley Workforce Development Center.

MERIDIAN, Miss., July 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Compass Datacenters and Meridian Community College (MCC) are launching the Mechanical, Electrical and Information Technology (MEI) Data Center Pathway Program, creating a data center talent pipeline for residents across Mississippi. The two organizations will mark the program’s launch with a two-day event and career fair on July 31 and August 1 at MCC’s Riley Workforce Development Center, ahead of the inaugural class beginning this fall.

The workforce development initiative is a signature Compass program that reflects the company’s commitment to being a 100-year neighbor by investing in the communities it calls home. Designed for the digital industry as a whole, the program is open to any company that needs skilled technicians. Compass customers, suppliers, service providers and competitors alike are welcome to participate and to recruit graduates.

Meeting Growing Demand for Skilled Labor in Mississippi
The data center industry faces a shortfall of more than 500,000 skilled trade professionals every year – the people who keep the data centers mechanical, electrical and IT systems running. These shortages are especially tough in Mississippi, where competition from other large industrial projects makes local workforce development even more urgent.

The MEI Pathway program curriculum helps fill that gap by giving residents hands-on training for essential data center jobs. No degree or prior experience is required. Compass is funding full-tuition scholarships for the inaugural cohort, removing a key barrier for anyone ready to start a career in the field.

“We’re building the future in Mississippi, and this program is tailor-made to ensure Meridian has the workforce to meet that future,” said Chris Crosby, CEO of Compass Datacenters. “When we build in a community, we commit to it for the long haul. We aren’t just building data centers in Meridian. We’re helping create a workforce that will support them for decades to come. The people who live here should have every opportunity to benefit from the growth happening in their backyard, and the MEI Data Center Pathway Program helps make that possible.”

Training on the Same Equipment Used in Modern Data Centers
The 14-week program gives students hands-on experience working with the same equipment being used in data centers today. Graduates are well prepared to step into roles across electrical, mechanical and IT infrastructure operations.

“Meridian Community College opens doors to provide new opportunities to people from all walks of life,” said Dr. Tom Huebner, President of Meridian Community College. “Partnering with Compass Datacenters lets us meet a national industry need with local talent that gives East Mississippians a direct path to career-building jobs. We’re proud to be home to the first MEI Data Center Pathway Program cohort in Mississippi.”

“The data center industry doesn’t run on technology alone. It runs on people,” said Sudhir Kalra, Fellow and Chief Advisor for Data Center Operations at Compass. “As digital infrastructure demand grows, so does the need for technicians who understand the systems behind it. Programs like the MEI Pathway program are how we make sure the next generation of technicians is ready. The partnership with MCC gives us the chance to train that workforce in a community that is invested in its own future.”

Building on a Successful Workforce Development Model in Texas
The MEI Data Center Pathway Program was founded by Compass in Red Oak, Texas. Now in its second year, the waitlisted training program has already placed graduates with companies including CBRE, Schneider Electric, Siemens and Salute, with many stepping into roles paying 30-50% above local median salaries. The program has already expanded from Red Oak to Texas State Technical College’s Waco and Abilene campuses. Based on that track record, Compass expects the same strong response from candidates and employers in Mississippi.

The MEI Pathway program will directly support the growing job market for skilled data center technicians in Mississippi, as employers actively recruit roles across the region to serve the growing data center industry.

“Mississippi is competing for and winning the jobs of the future, and workforce development is how we keep that momentum going,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “I thank Compass for investing in our people and our communities, and I applaud Meridian for building excellent programming that helps Mississippi workers participate in the fast-growing digital economy.”

“This program reaches much further than the city limits,” said Josh Todd, President of the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors. “Students from anywhere in Lauderdale County will be able to learn skills they can take anywhere in the world, while the tax revenue from the data center campus will have a transformational impact on our roads and bridges, public schools and government services. This is a pivotal moment for Lauderdale County.”

“This is what transformational economic development looks like,” said Mayor Percy Bland III. “Compass isn’t just investing in infrastructure, they’re investing in the people of Meridian. Through this partnership, we’re creating new career opportunities that will strengthen our workforce and our community for generations. We’re grateful to Compass Datacenters, Meridian Community College and all our partners.”

Upon completion, Compass Datacenters’ Meridian campus will represent an estimated $10 billion investment, including future tenant equipment. Built to last a century, the campus will support direct and indirect jobs throughout its lifecycle. As a Class A, Community-First developer, Compass is committed to ensuring the economic benefits created by data center development extend to the community for decades. For Meridian, it’s a pathway for the community to share directly in the economic benefits a Compass campus brings through generational jobs, workforce training and the partnerships the program creates.

About Compass
Compass Datacenters does data centers differently. The company develops and operates sustainable Class A, Community-First campuses guided by a 100-year neighbor philosophy that invests in the workforce, infrastructure, and well-being of every community it calls home. Backed by the institutional strength of Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, Brookfield Infrastructure and KKR, Compass delivers high-quality facilities at speed for the cloud and hyperscale customers driving today’s economy. By combining industrialized, prefabricated design with advanced hybrid cooling, responsible water and energy use, and zero-waste construction, Compass takes a more sustainable approach to digital infrastructure supporting the company’s built-to-last vision. The result is move-in ready capacity that scales efficiently and responsibly. Data Centers Done Differently.

About Meridian Community College
Since its founding in 1937, Meridian Community College continues meeting the diverse educational, workforce, and cultural needs of the communities it serves. Serving more than 3,500 students annually, the College offers a comprehensive University Transfer program and more than 40 Career and Technical Education programs in business, health education, industrial technology, and other high-demand fields.

MCC also provides online and hybrid learning, dual education, adult education, workforce training and continuing education opportunities designed to help learners earn credentials, prepare for university transfer, build job-ready skills, and pursue lifelong learning. Students also benefit from academic advising, tutoring, support services, student activities, and arts and cultural enrichment opportunities that promote success inside and outside the classroom.

MCC’s main campus is located at 910 Highway 19 North in Meridian, Mississippi. For more information, visit mericiancc.edu.

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SOURCE Compass Datacenters

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NordVPN introduces transaction monitoring for bank accounts

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July 31, 2026

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The feature alerts users about a suspicious charge in their bank account

LONDON, July 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NordVPN’s Dark Web Monitor already alerts users when their personal data, such as passwords or card details, shows up in a breach. Transaction monitoring extends that protection to cover financial accounts directly, notifying users the moment suspicious activity is detected.

Fraud often goes unnoticed precisely because keeping track of transactions across multiple accounts is tedious. Online shopping adds more risk through compromised websites, insecure payment methods, misleading free trials, and hidden charges. The sooner a suspicious transaction is caught, the better the chances of limiting the damage.

“Most people only look at their bank statement once a month, if that. By then, a fraudulent charge has had weeks to go unnoticed,” says Domininkas Virbickas, product director at NordVPN. “Financial stress is bad enough without also having to wonder whether someone is quietly draining your account. Transaction monitoring takes that worry off the table.”

Transaction monitoring is available only for financial institutions in the United States for now, but NordVPN plans to bring it to more countries in the future. The feature is already available on Android, iOS, and Windows devices, and is coming to macOS in the following weeks.

How it works

Users connect their bank accounts through the NordVPN app using a secure third-party platform. Once a bank is selected, the user logs in to their online banking website, and grants authorization to connect selected bank accounts. No credentials are stored by NordVPN.

Once connected, the feature pulls the account’s transaction history and uses it to build a statistical profile of what normal spending looks like for that account. Every new transaction that comes in is then analyzed against that profile. If something deviates from the expected pattern, an alert is sent immediately.

Multiple accounts can be connected and monitored simultaneously, all manageable from a single place in the NordVPN web app. Alerts appear in nearly real time, and users can acknowledge or act on them directly from there. Accounts can be disconnected at any time.

ABOUT NORDVPN

NordVPN is an all-in-one digital privacy and security app trusted by millions of internet users worldwide. The NordVPN app combines the world’s most advanced VPN, a next-generation antivirus, and other built-in security features, such as Dark Web Monitor™. For more information, visit nordvpn.com.

 

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nordvpn-introduces-transaction-monitoring-for-bank-accounts-302840029.html

SOURCE NordVPN

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Media Advisory – Parliamentary Secretary Grant to make forest sector announcement

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21 minutes ago

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July 31, 2026

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VANCOUVER, BC, July 31, 2026 /CNW/ — Wade Grant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will make a funding announcement. Media availability will follow.  

Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Time: 10 a.m. PT

All accredited media are asked to pre-register by emailing media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca. Details on how to participate will be provided upon registration.

Follow Natural Resources Canada on LinkedIn.

SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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GigaMedia Announces Second-Quarter 2026 Financial Results

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July 31, 2026

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TAIPEI, July 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GigaMedia Limited (NASDAQ: GIGM) today announced its second-quarter 2026 unaudited financial results.

Comments from Management

In the second quarter of 2026, GigaMedia reported revenues of $2.13 million, with a gross profit $1.24 million, an operating loss of $0.10 million, but a net income of $0.55 million.

In this quarter, we successfully carried out an IP collaboration for a licensed game we operated in Hong Kong. With this success, we have achieved a significant increase in revenues. As a result, our operating loss reduced from $0.95 million to $0.10 million quarter-on-quarter.

Currently we focused on cultivating the customer base brought by this successful IP collaboration to build a solid groundwork for our future growth.

Meanwhile, in this quarter, we also successfully converted and settled our holdings of the corporate bonds of Aeolus Robotics Corporation (“Aeolus”) into its preferred shares at advantageous prices. As a result of the conversion and settlement, we currently hold 33.35% of its ownership voting rights, and thereby account for it under the equity-method.

Aeolus is an R&D company engaged in developing AI-enabled service robots, specifically in elderly-care, night shift patrol and disinfection. We believe the strategic investment in this robotics company will position our company for a broader industry outlook, and open up vast business opportunities.

Second Quarter Overview

Operating revenues increased significantly by approximately 182.3% quarter-on-quarter, from $0.75 million in last quarter, and by 144.9% year-over-year from $0.87 million the same period last year.Gross profit increased by 197.1% to $1.24 million from $0.42 million in last quarter, and increased by 159.7% compared to $0.48 million in the same period last year.Investments in Aeolus were reclassified from available-for-sale to equity-method investment upon the conversion and settlement mentioned above. Considering the advantageous conversion and settlement prices, previous adjustments recorded in other comprehensive loss were reversed. As a result, the book value of the investment increased from $8.17 million to $12.67 million at the end of this quarter, and a deemed disposal gain of $0.37 million was recognized.The net asset value was $3.69 per share.

Unaudited Consolidated Financial Results

GigaMedia Limited is a diversified provider of digital entertainment services. GigaMedia’s digital entertainment service business FunTown develops and operates a suite of digital entertainments in Taiwan and Hong Kong, with focus on browser/mobile games and casual games.

Unaudited consolidated results of GigaMedia are summarized in the table below.

For the Second Quarter

GIGAMEDIA 2Q26 UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL RESULTS

(unaudited, all figures in US$ thousands, except
per share amounts)

2Q26

1Q26

Change
(%)

2Q26

2Q25

Change
(%)

Revenues

2,126

753

182.3

%

2,126

868

144.9

%

Gross Profit

1,239

417

197.1

%

1,239

477

159.7

%

Loss from Operations

(103)

(945)

NM

(103)

(918)

NM

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to
GigaMedia

551

(876)

NM

551

844

NM

Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable
to GigaMedia, Diluted

0.05

(0.08)

NM

0.05

0.08

NM

EBITDA (A)

322

(1,216)

NM

322

423

NM

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted
Cash

29,018

27,973

3.7

%

29,018

31,186

(7.0)

%

NM= Not Meaningful

(A) EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) is provided as a supplement to results provided in accordance
with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). (See, “Use of Non-GAAP Measures,” for more details.)

Second-Quarter Financial Results

Consolidated revenues for the second quarter of 2026 increased significantly by 182.3% quarter-on-quarter from $0.75 million in last quarter, and by 144.9% year-over-year from $0.87 million the same period last year.Consolidated gross profit was $1.24 million, increased by 197.1% quarter-on-quarter and by 159.7% year-over-year.Consolidated loss from operation of the second quarter of 2026 was $0.10 million, improved from $0.95 million in the first quarter.Non-operating income from operation of the second quarter of 2026 was $0.65 million, improved from $0.07 million in the first quarter, mainly due to a deemed disposal gain of $0.37 million upon the reclassification of Aeolus investments from available-for-sale to equity-method investment.Net income in the second quarter of 2026 was $0.55 million, improved from a net loss of $0.88 million in the first quarter.Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the second quarter of 2026 amounted to $29.0 million, increased by 3.7% from $28.0 million as of the end of the first quarter.

Financial Position

GigaMedia maintained its solid financial position, with cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash amounted to $29.0 million, or $2.63 per share, as of June 30, 2026.

Business Outlook

The following forward-looking statements reflect GigaMedia’s expectations as of July 31, 2026. Given potential changes in economic conditions and consumer spending, the evolving nature of digital entertainments, and various other risk factors, including those discussed in the Company’s 2025 Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as referenced below, actual results may differ materially.

“In the second half of 2026, we will dedicate ourselves to sustaining the momentum from this quarter’s success and deepening engagement with the customer base to fuel our future growth,” stated GigaMedia CEO James Huang.

As for new business, our management continues evaluating and pursuing prospects of strategic investment targets that are with potential to expand our business and create greater shareholder value.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

To supplement GigaMedia’s consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with US GAAP, the Company uses the following measure defined as non-GAAP by the SEC: EBITDA. Management believes that EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) is a useful supplemental measure of performance because it excludes certain non-cash items such as depreciation and amortization and that EBITDA is a measure of performance used by some investors, equity analysts and others to make informed investment decisions. EBITDA is not a recognized earnings measure under GAAP and does not have a standardized meaning. Non-GAAP measures such as EBITDA should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, but should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, other financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. A limitation of using EBITDA is that it does not include all items that impact the company’s net income for the period. Reconciliations to the GAAP equivalents of the non-GAAP financial measures are provided on the attached unaudited financial statements.

About the Numbers in This Release

Quarterly results

All quarterly results referred to in the text, tables and attachments to this release are unaudited. The financial statements from which the financial results reported in this press release are derived have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, unless otherwise noted as “non-GAAP,” and are presented in U.S. dollars.

Q&A

For Q&A regarding the second quarter 2026 performance upon the release, investors may send the questions via email to IR@gigamedia.com.tw, and the responses will be replied individually.

About GigaMedia

Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, GigaMedia Limited (Singapore registration number: 199905474H) is a diversified provider of digital entertainment services in Taiwan and Hong Kong. GigaMedia’s digital entertainment service business is an innovative leader in Asia with growing capabilities of development, distribution and operation of digital entertainments, as well as platform services for games with a focus on mobile games and casual games. More information on GigaMedia can be obtained from www.gigamedia.com.

The statements included above and elsewhere in this press release that are not historical in nature are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding expected financial performance (as described without limitation in the “Business Outlook” section and in quotations from management in this press release) and GigaMedia’s strategic and operational plans. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties and changes in circumstances. There are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward looking statements, including but not limited to, our ability to license, develop or acquire additional online games that are appealing to users, our ability to retain existing online game players and attract new players, and our ability to launch online games in a timely manner and pursuant to our anticipated schedule. Further information on risks or other factors that could cause results to differ is detailed in GigaMedia’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed in April 2026 and its other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

(Tables to follow)

GIGAMEDIA LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands of US dollars, except for earnings per share amounts)

Three months ended

Six months ended

6/30/2026

3/31/2026

6/30/2025

6/30/2026

6/30/2025

unaudited

unaudited

unaudited

unaudited

unaudited

Operating revenues

Digital entertainment service revenues

2,126

753

868

2,879

1,726

2,126

753

868

2,879

1,726

Operating costs

Cost of digital entertainment service revenues

887

336

391

1,223

790

887

336

391

1,223

790

Gross profit

1,239

417

477

1,656

936

Operating expenses

Product development and engineering expenses

148

145

157

293

352

Selling and marketing expenses

376

380

360

756

754

General and administrative expenses

817

837

877

1,654

1,717

Other

1

—

1

1

1

1,342

1,362

1,395

2,704

2,824

Loss from operations

(103)

(945)

(918)

(1,048)

(1,888)

Non-operating income (expense)

Interest income

242

353

436

595

859

Foreign exchange gains (loss) – net

42

(285)

1,330

(243)

1,197

Gain on disposal of investment in securities

370

—

—

370

—

Changes in the fair value of an instrument
recognized at fair value

—

1

(9)

1

(6)

Other – net

—

—

5

—

5

654

69

1,762

723

2,055

Income (loss) before income taxes

551

(876)

844

(325)

167

Income tax expense

—

—

—

—

—

Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders
of GigaMedia

551

(876)

844

(325)

167

Earnings (loss) per share attributable to
GigaMedia:

Basic

0.05

(0.08)

0.08

(0.03)

0.02

Diluted

0.05

(0.08)

0.08

(0.03)

0.02

Weighted average shares outstanding:

Basic

11,052

11,052

11,052

11,052

11,052

Diluted

11,052

11,052

11,052

11,052

11,052

 

 

GIGAMEDIA LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(in thousands of US dollars)

6/30/2026

3/31/2026

6/30/2025

unaudited

unaudited

unaudited

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

28,705

27,660

30,873

Investment in securities-current

—

4,652

—

Accounts receivable – net

182

105

167

Prepaid expenses

248

392

235

Restricted cash

313

313

313

Other receivables

202

227

259

Other current assets

140

134

140

Total current assets

29,790

33,483

31,987

Investment in securities – noncurrent

—

3,521

8,120

Equity-method investment

12,674

—

—

Property, plant & equipment – net

68

79

98

Intangible assets – net

3

4

4

Prepaid licensing and royalty fees

214

217

86

Other assets

1,833

2,163

1,403

Total assets

44,582

39,467

41,698

Liabilities and equity

Accounts payable

69

30

30

Accrued expenses

1,358

754

1,016

Unearned revenue

735

547

614

Other current liabilities

562

562

332

Total current liabilities

2,724

1,893

1,992

Other liabilities

1,092

1,164

286

Total liabilities

3,816

3,057

2,278

Total equity

40,766

36,410

39,420

Total liabilities and equity

44,582

39,467

41,698

 

 

GIGAMEDIA LIMITED

RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands of US dollars)

Three months ended

Six months ended

6/30/2026

3/31/2026

6/30/2025

6/30/2026

6/30/2025

unaudited

unaudited

unaudited

unaudited

unaudited

Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to
EBITDA

Net income (loss) attributable to GigaMedia

551

(876)

844

(325)

167

Depreciation

12

12

13

24

26

Amortization

1

1

2

2

4

Interest income

(242)

(353)

(436)

(595)

(859)

Interest expense

—

—

—

—

—

Income tax expense

—

—

—

—

—

EBITDA

322

(1,216)

423

(894)

(662)

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gigamedia-announces-second-quarter-2026-financial-results-302839970.html

SOURCE GigaMedia

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