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Northwestern State University partners with IBM to launch groundbreaking AI course, empowering students with cutting-edge tech skills

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NATCHITOCHES, La., Sept. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern State University is set to launch a pioneering artificial intelligence programming course in partnership with IBM, one of the world’s tech leaders. NSU is the first and only institution to be recognized as a success story by IBM Power Skills Academy.

Starting in Spring 2025, NSU’s School of Business will offer “IBM Power Systems Programming with Emphasis on AI in Business Applications”, a course designed to equip both traditional students and professionals with advanced AI and programming skills.

Offered online through both flexible and real-time formats, the course will focus on AI applications in business and RPG IV programming. In collaboration with IBM, this career-focused training addresses the growing need for skilled professionals, preparing participants to excel in the rapidly advancing tech industry.

“This course will allow students to gain exposure to IBM technology, which they can apply directly in their careers,” said Dr. Curtis Penrod, director of NSU’s School of Business. “The integration of AI concepts will strengthen their ability to compete in the future workforce.”

The partnership with IBM was made possible by NSU alumnus Monty Chicola, founder of Real Vision Software and a prominent IBM business partner. Chicola, who earned his degree in Computer Information Systems in 1979, will serve as the course instructor. With his vast experience in IBM solutions, Chicola’s leadership ensures students will receive a top-tier education in AI and programming.

“I can confidently say that our collaboration with IBM represents a pivotal step for Northwestern in advancing technological education,” said Chicola. “Students are immersed in hands-on learning that prepares them for real-world challenges, mastering IBM i’s integrated (operating) system and exploring the transformative power of artificial intelligence. This course not only builds technical expertise but also provides a globally recognized IBM certification badge.”

“We are thrilled to partner with IBM to bring cutting-edge technology education to our students,” said NSU President James Genovese. “The launch of our first course using the IBM curriculum, with a focus on artificial intelligence and RPG IV programming, marks a significant milestone for Northwestern and the state of Louisiana. This collaboration not only enhances our curriculum but also positions our students to be leaders in the rapidly evolving tech industry. We look forward to expanding this partnership and continuing to offer innovative educational opportunities that prepare our graduates for the future.”

Currently enrolled students are encouraged to contact their advisor or Dr. Penrod at penrodc@nsula.edu for more information about this course.

For those seeking enrollment, NSU welcomes you to apply as a non-degree seeking student. A step-by-step enrollment guide can be found by visiting https://nsu.la/IBMApply.

In addition to its focus on AI, NSU’s Computer Information Systems program offers comprehensive degree options, including concentrations in Application Development, Information Systems Management, and Networking and Cybersecurity. The program has been recognized for its excellence in preparing students for the tech sector, offering both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems.

Quick Links:
IBM + NSU Program Page: https://nsu.la/ibm
Apply as a Non-Degree Seeking Visiting Student: https://nsu.la/IBMApply
IBM + NSU Partnership: https://www.ibm.com/university/power/nsu/
NSU CIS Degree Programs: https://nsu.la/cis

Media Contact:
Leah Jackson (jacksonl@nsula.edu)
Director of Public Information and Media Relations
Northwestern State University
(318) 357-4553
www.nsula.edu/news

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SOURCE Northwestern State University

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Reliance Digital Brings Samsung’s Latest Galaxy Z Fold8 Series and Galaxy Z Flip8 to Stores Across India

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Be among the first to own the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 series and Galaxy Z Flip8. Customers can now pre-order the latest Galaxy foldables at Reliance Digital, with EMIs starting at ₹6000/month.

MUMBAI, India, July 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Reliance Digital, India’s leading consumer electronics retailer, today announced the availability of Samsung’s latest generation of foldable smartphones – the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8. Designed to deliver the next evolution of Galaxy AI, powerful performance and iconic foldable innovation, Samsung’s newest line-up is now available across Reliance Digital stores and online.

Built around Samsung’s vision of making AI more intuitive and personal, the new Galaxy foldables combine immersive displays, premium craftsmanship and intelligent experiences that seamlessly adapt to the way users work, create and stay connected.

Leading the line-up is the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Samsung’s most premium foldable yet. Featuring an expansive 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display, a flagship 200MP camera, the latest Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor and a 5,000mAh battery, the device is engineered for users who demand the ultimate in productivity, creativity and entertainment. It is available in Graphite, Cream and Violet Shadow,.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 brings Samsung’s signature foldable experience in a more compact form factor, featuring a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display, a redesigned wider cover screen, Galaxy AI-powered multitasking and flagship-grade performance. Customers can choose from Lavender, Graphite and Cream colour options.

Completing the line-up is the Galaxy Z Flip8, Samsung’s most stylish foldable smartphone, designed for users who want flagship performance in a compact, pocket-friendly form. Equipped with a vibrant 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, an enhanced FlexWindow, a 50MP camera system and Galaxy AI experiences, the Flip8 effortlessly blends fashion with functionality.

Customers can visit their nearest Reliance Digital store to experience the new foldables first-hand with guidance from Reliance Digital’s Tech Dosts, compare models, explore exclusive launch offers and Pre-order the Galaxy device that best fits their lifestyle. The complete Galaxy Z Fold8 series and Galaxy Z Flip8 are also available through Reliance Digital’s online platform, ensuring customers can be among the first to own Samsung’s latest foldable innovations.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/reliance-digital-brings-samsungs-latest-galaxy-z-fold8-series-and-galaxy-z-flip8-to-stores-across-india-302834321.html

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Weichai’s Five Tech Routes Global Debut: Diverse Paths to a Green, Smart Future

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HANOI, Vietnam, July 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At VEC in Vietnam on July 21, the Shandong Heavy Industry global partners conference & green intelligent products expo opened. Responding to the green transition of global commercial vehicles and heavy equipment, Weichai – with decades of expertise – unveiled five core tech routes: BEV, HEV, PEMFC, alternative-fuel ICE, and ADAS. Through full-chain proprietary control and breakthroughs, it provides efficient, low-carbon, intelligent power solutions to the global market.

Battery electric vehicle powertrain: full-chain deployment and high-efficiency recharging: Weichai masters core battery, motor, and e‑control technologies. Its CT100 battery – for heavy tractors and dump trucks – features integrated design and triple insulation, delivering better reliability, efficiency, safety, and speed. The WMS3200 drive system, tailored for heavy‑truck haulage, boosts efficiency and cuts vehicle power consumption. The WMC‑L/H/B integrated controllers offer stable, efficient control for light trucks, heavy trucks, and buses.

Hybrid electric vehicle powertrain: deep integration and ultra-long range: Weichai covers series, parallel, and series-parallel architectures, deeply integrating engine and e-drive. For urban logistics, the WP2.5T range extender offers quick response and low noise; for long-haul transport, the WP3NNG natural-gas range extender uses a “pure electric for short hauls, range-extended for long hauls” mode, with over 1,000 km combined range, easing range anxiety.

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell: zero-carbon leadership: Weichai has built a full-chain hydrogen energy system covering components, stacks, and systems. The WEF300 fuel cell engine has been deployed in volume in 49-ton heavy-duty trucks, suitable for long-haul and port logistics. The WEFG500 power generation system provides megawatt-class scalable power to support data centers and industrial plants.

Alternative fuel internal combustion engine: diverse clean-energy options and exceptional cost-effectiveness: Modular design enables flexible switching between H₂ and methanol. WP15DI hydrogen ICE peaks at 46.8% thermal efficiency; WP17T methanol ICE targets heavy‑equipment energy use, cuts operating costs, and is mass‑deployed in 130‑ton mining trucks.

Intelligent driving assistance system: vehicle-road-cloud collaboration: Weichai built a vehicle‑road‑cloud full‑stack architecture, with mining autonomous solution for cm‑level docking & obstacle avoidance, and trunk‑line ADAS with intelligent cruise & auto lane‑change, boosting high‑speed safety and economy.

Going forward, Weichai will keep iterating these five tech routes with global partners to advance sustainable manufacturing.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/weichais-five-tech-routes-global-debut-diverse-paths-to-a-green-smart-future-302834548.html

SOURCE Weichai Group

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Portland General Electric declares dividend

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PORTLAND, Ore., July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The board of directors of Portland General Electric Company (NYSE: POR) declared a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.55125 per share.

The company’s dividend is evaluated based on capital requirements and financial performance. PGE targets a dividend payout ratio of 60 to 70% over the long term.

The quarterly dividend is payable on or before October 15, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 25, 2026.

About Portland General Electric Company
Portland General Electric (NYSE: POR) is an integrated energy company that generates, transmits and distributes electricity to nearly 960,000 customers serving an area of approximately 2 million Oregonians. Since 1889, Portland General Electric (PGE) has been powering economies, delivering safe, affordable and reliable electricity while working to transform energy systems to meet evolving customer needs. PGE continues to make progress towards emissions reduction targets, and customers have set the standard for prioritizing clean energy with the No. 1 voluntary renewable energy program in the country. PGE is ranked a top ten utility in the 2025 Forrester U.S. Customer Experience Index. In 2025, PGE employees and retirees volunteered over 18,300 hours to more than 400 nonprofits organizations. Through the PGE Foundation, along with corporate contributions and the employee matching gift program, more than $5 million was directed to charitable organizations supporting economic growth and community resilience across our service area. For information: portlandgeneral.com/news.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about the future, involve risks and uncertainties, and are not guarantees. Future results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement. These forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Forward-looking statements include statements, other than statements of historical or current fact, regarding the Company’s amount and timing of dividends payable as well as other statements containing words such as “committed to,” “targets,” or similar expressions.

There can be no assurance that future dividends will be declared. The declaration of future dividends is subject to approval of our board of directors and various risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: our cash flow and cash needs; the timing or amount of dividends paid; the timing or outcome of various legal and regulatory actions; changes in the Company’s business strategy; increases in capital expenditures; changes in capital and credit market conditions, including volatility of equity markets as well as changes in PGE’s credit ratings and outlook on such credit ratings restrictions on the payment of dividends under existing or future financing arrangements; changes in tax laws relating to corporate dividends; deterioration in our financial condition or results, and those risks, uncertainties, and other factors identified from time-to-time in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. These reports are available through the EDGAR system free-of-charge on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov and on the Company’s website, investors.portlandgeneral.com. Investors should not rely unduly on any forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other factors.

Media Contact:
Drew Hanson
Corporate Communications
Phone: 503-464-2067

Investor Contact:
Erin Schwartz
Investor Relations
Phone: 503-464-7751

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/portland-general-electric-declares-dividend-302834503.html

SOURCE Portland General Company

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