Stardust Power Joins Lithium Regional Innovation Cluster to Strengthen American Lithium Supply Chain

Stardust Power (NASDAQ: SDST) said it signed a non-binding Letter of Intent with battery technology firm Charge CCCV LLC (C4V) to supply battery-grade lithium carbonate from its Muskogee, Oklahoma refinery. C4V’s preliminary demand forecast calls for 3,000 MT in 2028, 10,000 MT in 2029, and 20,000 MT by 2030. Stardust noted the deal could cover much of planned output and generate billions if prices stay near current levels.

Albertsons Companies said it is voluntarily recalling four ready-to-eat products containing jalapeños supplied by Taylor Farms, including items sold at Randalls in Texas. The recall followed a supplier recall tied to an ongoing federal investigation and an FDA probe of a Salmonella Javiana outbreak. FDA reported 345 illnesses in 27 states, 36 hospitalizations, no deaths.

U.S. health authorities are investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to Mexican jalapeño peppers. The CDC and FDA say 345 people are ill across 27 states, with 36 hospitalizations and no deaths. The supplier, Coast Citrus Distributors, recalled peppers sent to restaurants including Chipotle and QDOBA. Chipotle removed jalapeños from some outlets and shares fell over 8% on Aug. 4.

Realty Income (NYSE: O) says it began investing in data centers in late 2023 via a build-to-suit JV with Digital Realty, buying an 80% stake in an up to 48 MW facility. It also formed a hyperscale JV with Cloud Capital, targeting up to $1.4B investment for a 45% stake. Realty Income raised 2024 AFFO guidance to $4.44-$4.45/share and investment outlook to $10B.

Bloomberg reported the US Army plans to buy at least $400 million of AeroVironment counter-drone laser systems, citing a person familiar with the deal. The order would include dozens of LOCUST units that use AI to detect and track small to medium drones and then engage them with a high-energy laser. AeroVironment’s stock rose about 8% on Friday.

Rocket Lab (RKLB) said it won a $397 million U.S. Space Force contract to develop, launch, and operate multiple Flatellites for the SB-AMTI program. Flatellites are slimmer, stackable satellites intended to increase deployments per launch and integrate with Rocket Lab’s Neutron rocket. The article cites analyst forecasts for revenue rising from $602M (2025) to $1.7B (2028).