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Walker has 22 as Binghamton knocks off Lancaster Bible 85-60
NoneHundreds flee Gaza as IDF orders evacuationsWASHINGTON — As she checked into a recent flight to Mexico for vacation, Teja Smith chuckled at the idea of joining another Women’s March on Washington . As a Black woman, she just couldn’t see herself helping to replicate the largest act of resistance against then-President Donald Trump’s first term in January 2017. Even in an election this year where Trump questioned his opponent’s race , held rallies featuring racist insults and falsely claimed Black migrants in Ohio were eating residents’ pets , he didn't just win a second term. He became the first Republican in two decades to clinch the popular vote, although by a small margin. “It’s like the people have spoken and this is what America looks like,” said Smith, the Los Angeles-based founder of the advocacy social media agency, Get Social. “And there’s not too much more fighting that you’re going to be able to do without losing your own sanity.” After Trump was declared the winner over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris , many politically engaged Black women said they were so dismayed by the outcome that they were reassessing — but not completely abandoning — their enthusiasm for electoral politics and movement organizing. Black women often carry much of the work of getting out the vote in their communities. They had vigorously supported the historic candidacy of Harris, who would have been the first woman of Black and South Asian descent to win the presidency. Harris' loss spurred a wave of Black women across social media resolving to prioritize themselves, before giving so much to a country that over and over has shown its indifference to their concerns. AP VoteCast , a survey of more than 120,000 voters, found that 6 in 10 Black women said the future of democracy in the United States was the single most important factor for their vote this year, a higher share than for other demographic groups. But now, with Trump set to return to office in two months, some Black women are renewing calls to emphasize rest, focus on mental health and become more selective about what fight they lend their organizing power to. “America is going to have to save herself,” said LaTosha Brown, the co-founder of the national voting rights group Black Voters Matter. She compared Black women’s presence in social justice movements as “core strategists and core organizers” to the North Star, known as the most consistent and dependable star in the galaxy because of its seemingly fixed position in the sky. People can rely on Black women to lead change, Brown said, but the next four years will look different. “That’s not a herculean task that’s for us. We don’t want that title. ... I have no goals to be a martyr for a nation that cares nothing about me,” she said. AP VoteCast paints a clear picture of Black women's concerns. Black female voters were most likely to say that democracy was the single most important factor for their vote, compared to other motivators such as high prices or abortion. More than 7 in 10 Black female voters said they were “very concerned” that electing Trump would lead the nation toward authoritarianism, while only about 2 in 10 said this about Harris. About 9 in 10 Black female voters supported Harris in 2024, according to AP VoteCast, similar to the share that backed Democrat Joe Biden in 2020. Trump received support from more than half of white voters, who made up the vast majority of his coalition in both years. Like voters overall, Black women were most likely to say the economy and jobs were the most important issues facing the country, with about one-third saying that. But they were more likely than many other groups to say that abortion and racism were the top issues, and much less likely than other groups to say immigration was the top issue. Despite those concerns, which were well-voiced by Black women throughout the campaign, increased support from young men of color and white women helped expand Trump’s lead and secured his victory. Politically engaged Black women said they don’t plan to continue positioning themselves in the vertebrae of the “backbone” of America’s democracy. The growing movement prompting Black women to withdraw is a shift from history, where they are often present and at the forefront of political and social change. One of the earliest examples is the women’s suffrage movement that led to ratification in 1920 of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution , which gave women the right to vote. Black women, however, were prevented from voting for decades afterward because of Jim Crow-era literacy tests, poll taxes and laws that blocked the grandchildren of slaves from voting. Most Black women couldn’t vote until the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Black women were among the organizers and counted among the marchers brutalized on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama, during the historic march in 1965 from Selma to Montgomery that preceded federal legislation. Decades later, Black women were prominent organizers of the Black Lives Matter movement in response to the deaths of Black Americans at the hands of police and vigilantes. In his 2024 campaign, Trump called for leveraging federal money to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs in government programs and discussions of race, gender or sexual orientation in schools. His rhetoric on immigration, including false claims that Black Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating cats and dogs, drove support for his plan to deport millions of people . Tenita Taylor, a Black resident of Atlanta who supported Trump this year, said she was initially excited about Harris’ candidacy. But after thinking about how high her grocery bills have been, she feels that voting for Trump in hopes of finally getting lower prices was a form of self-prioritization. “People say, ‘Well, that’s selfish, it was gonna be better for the greater good,''' she said. “I’m a mother of five kids. ... The things that (Democrats) do either affect the rich or the poor.” Some of Trump’s plans affect people in Olivia Gordon’s immediate community, which is why she struggled to get behind the “Black women rest” wave. Gordon, a New York-based lawyer who supported the Party for Socialism and Liberation’s presidential nominee, Claudia de la Cruz, worries about who may be left behind if the 92% of Black women voters who backed Harris simply stopped advocating. “We’re talking millions of Black women here. If millions of Black women take a step back, it absolutely leaves holes, but for other Black women,” she said. “I think we sometimes are in the bubble of if it’s not in your immediate circle, maybe it doesn’t apply to you. And I truly implore people to understand that it does.” Nicole Lewis, an Alabama-based therapist who specializes in treating Black women’s stress, said she’s aware that Black women withdrawing from social impact movements could have a fallout. But she also hopes that it forces a reckoning for the nation to understand the consequences of not standing in solidarity with Black women. “It could impact things negatively because there isn’t that voice from the most empathetic group,” she said. “I also think it’s going to give other groups an opportunity to step up. ... My hope is that they do show up for themselves and everyone else.” Brown said a reckoning might be exactly what the country needs, but it’s a reckoning for everyone else. Black women, she said, did their job when they supported Harris in droves in hopes they could thwart the massive changes expected under Trump. “This ain’t our reckoning,” she said. “I don’t feel no guilt.” ____ AP polling editor Amelia Thomson DeVeaux and Associated Press writer Linley Sanders in Washington contributed to this report.
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Rashad King's 21 points helped Northeastern defeat Old Dominion 75-71 on Sunday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Rashad King's 21 points helped Northeastern defeat Old Dominion 75-71 on Sunday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Rashad King’s 21 points helped Northeastern defeat Old Dominion 75-71 on Sunday. King added nine rebounds for the Huskies (8-3). LA Pratt added 15 points while going 7 of 14 from the field while they also had six rebounds. Masai Troutman shot 4 for 7 (0 for 3 from 3-point range) and 7 of 9 from the free-throw line to finish with 15 points. Robert Davis Jr. led the way for the Monarchs (3-8) with 17 points and six rebounds. Caelum Swanton-Rodger added 12 points, six rebounds and three blocks for Old Dominion. Sean Durugordon finished with 10 points. Harold Woods put up seven points in the first half for Northeastern, who led 31-26 at halftime. Northeastern turned a four-point second-half lead into a 13-point advantage with a 9-0 run to make it a 52-39 lead with 9:50 left in the half. King scored 14 second-half points in the victory. Northeastern’s next game is Wednesday against UMass on the road, and Old Dominion visits UL Monroe on Saturday. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. Advertisement'Keep fighting', mother urges veterans after inquiryISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has revealed the significant economic losses caused by opposition-led protests, ARY News reported. Muhammad Aurangzaib held a press conference as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is advancing towards Islamabad for its protest. He spoke about the serious economic damage caused by such demonstrations. Addressing the media, he stated that the daily financial damage from opposition-led lockdowns and protests exceeds Rs190 billion. He explained that disruptions caused by protests hinder tax collection, obstruct businesses, and negatively impact exports. Additional expenses are also incurred for maintaining law and order during such protests. The minister highlighted that the IT and telecommunications sectors face separate economic losses, with their closure affecting social dynamics and the digital economy. According to a detailed report by the Ministry of Finance, protests result in a daily GDP loss of Rs 144 billion. Export reductions cost Rs 26 billion daily, while direct foreign investment declines lead to an additional Rs 3 billion loss. Aurangzeb added that provinces bear additional losses, including Rs 26 billion daily in the agricultural sector and over Rs 20 billion in the industrial sector. Read More: Musadik Malik accuses PTI leadership of ‘blocking’ founder’s release The presser from FinMin came as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) advances towards Islamabad. Earlier, Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik criticised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) leadership, claiming they are seemingly disinterested in securing the release of their founder, Imran Khan. Speaking at a news conference, Musadik Malik emphasised that solving public issues is the government’s priority, highlighting that government measures have led to a reduction in inflation, and the stock market is at its highest level in history. He added that the nation must unite against extremism, mentioning that people from Parachinar are sitting on the roads with the bodies of their loved ones, yet there has been no sign of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur going to help them. Musadik Malik also criticised Ali Amin Gandapur for trying to attack Punjab and Islamabad, adding, “What happened to his Do-or-Die rally today? There are voices everywhere saying ‘Arrest me, take me in.’ Where are all the senior PTI leaders? No rallies are visible in Punjab, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala.”
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In a late-Thursday post on social media, President-elect Donald Trump expressed his support for dockworkers in the labor dispute between US Gulf and East Coast ports and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). The ILA and the ports, represented in the negotiations by the US Maritime Alliance (USMX), are facing a 15 January deadline to complete a new master agreement. The union has vowed to strike if its demands on limiting automation are not met. In a post on Truth Social after meeting with union president Harold Daggett, Trump said “the amount of money saved [by automation] is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American workers”. Trump said he would rather see the ports spend money on labor instead of “machinery, which is expensive, and which will constantly have to be replaced”. “For the great privilege of accessing our markets, these foreign companies should hire our incredible American workers, instead of laying them off, and sending those profits back to foreign countries,” Trump said. The USMX responded in a post to its website. “We appreciate and value President-elect Trump’s statement on the importance of American ports,” the USMX said. “But this contract goes beyond our ports – it is about supporting American consumers and giving American businesses access to the global marketplace – from farmers, to manufacturers, to small businesses, and innovative start-ups looking for new markets to sell their products.” The USMX contends that to achieve this, there is a need for modern technology that is proven to improve worker safety, boost port efficiency, increase port capacity, and strengthen supply chains. “ILA members’ compensation increases with the more goods they move – the greater capacity the ports have and goods that are moved means more money in their pockets,” the USMX said. “We look forward to working with the President-elect and the incoming administration on how our members are working to support the strength and resilience of the US supply chain and making crucial investments that support ILA members and millions of workers and businesses across the entire domestic supply chain, improving efficiency and creating even more high-paying jobs for ILA members,” the USMX said. A strike would not have an impact on liquid chemical tankers, which transport most chems. But container ships and costs for shipping containers are relevant to the chemical industry because while most chemicals are liquids and are shipped in tankers, container ships transport polymers, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), are shipped in pellets. They also transport liquid chemicals in isotanks. No negotiations are currently underway with slightly less than five weeks left before the deadline. Source: By Adam Yanelli,49ers attempt to bounce back and boost their postseason chances as they visit Green Bay
Trio leads UIC to 77-69 victory over Little Rock in OTGOGGLEBOX stars have been left devastated as they announced the death of a beloved family member. Fans have flooded the former show favourites with support as they took to social media to announce the news. 2 Daniel and Stephen announced the death of ‘our princess’ to fans Credit: Instagram/@stephengwebb 2 The ex couple were flooded with support from Goggleblox fans Credit: Channel 4 Stephen Webb and Daniel Lustig revealed their gorgeous poodle had passed away. Taking to Instagram, the former couple said: "Today we said goodbye to the kindest little girl, our princess RIP." Stephen, 53, also shared a montage of snaps of their furry companion from over the years. Gogglebox fans flooded them with support, with one writing: "Sending lots of love." more on gogglebox bundle of joy Gogglebox star gives birth to adorable baby boy and reveals sweet name ELL OF A TIME Furious Gogglebox star Ellie Warner hits back after being cruelly mum-shamed A second said: "Oh I’m sorry to hear this 😔 I know your pain." "Sending so much strength to you at this painful moment," a third posted. While a fourth commented: "So sorry to hear of your loss. It’s heartbreaking when we lose our fur babies." Daniel previously told The Sun how his and Stephen's six-year marriage ultimately ended because they fell out of love and had become better off as friends . Most read in News TV BEACH BABE Jean Johansson flaunts incredible toned figure & endless legs on Barbados beach HOST'S PAIN BBC's Glenn Campbell makes shock admission as he gives tumour battle update COMIC'S CASTLE Still Game star takes £150,000 hit to offload luxury £4m Scots castle THAT'S A WRAP The Simpsons Milhouse actor retires after 35 years on hit show Hairdresser Daniel, who is still business partners with Stephen, said the pair made the joint decision to call time on their relationship after having many difficult discussions. Celebs Go Dating contestant hits back at Stephen Webb after fans called for Gogglebox star to be AXED over 'perv' comments Despite their marriage breakdown, the pair have remained good friends. Stephen previously revealed he was 'sick' of Gogglebox, which led to his decision to leave the show. The 52-year-old said: "I thought, 'I just can’t go back, I’m sick of it'." He continued to The Mirror: "I got to the 10th anniversary of Gogglebox. I started feeling like Ken Barlow... there from day one." Gogglebox stars Stephen and Daniel's relationship timeline Hairdressing duo Stephen Webb and Daniel Lustig got engaged back in 2016 and married two years later. The couple co-own a hair salon and live in a £575,000 property on Brighton's sought after seafront. At the time of the engagement, Stephen appeared on Gogglebox alongside his ex-boyfriend Chris Ashby-Steed. In 2019, Daniel made his Gogglebox debut and was immediately a big hit. Chris, who is now in a happy relationship with husband Tony, spoke publicly about how the show affected his mental health. Having relocated to Wales and quit showbiz, Chris said he was racked with anxiety during his time on the programme. Just last year Daniel and Stephen shocked Gogglebox fans when they announced they were leaving the programme . Daniel had been part of the show since its launch in 2013. Their departure opened up a new world of opportunity for the duo and it was soon announced that Stephen would take part in Dancing on Ice. But disaster struck and injury ruled him out before the live shows. There were further gasps of shock in April when we revealed the pair had split up. They vowed to remain friends and looked to be true to their word, sharing a smiley picture the following day with Stephen's mum on the seafront.
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks climbed Thursday after market superstar Nvidia and another round of companies said they’re making even fatter profits than expected. The S&P 500 pulled 0.5% higher after flipping between gains and losses several times during the day. Banks, smaller companies and other areas of the stock market that tend to do best when the economy is strong helped lead the way, while bitcoin briefly broke above $99,000. Crude oil, meanwhile, continued to rise. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 461 points, or 1.1%, and the Nasdaq composite edged up by less than 0.1%. Nvidia rose just 0.5% after beating analysts’ estimates for profit and revenue yet again, but it was still the strongest force pulling the S&P 500 upward. It also gave a forecast for revenue in the current quarter that topped most analysts’ expectations due to voracious demand for its chips used in artificial-intelligence technology. Its stock initially sank in afterhours trading Wednesday following the release of the results. Some investors said the market might have been looking for Nvidia’s revenue forecast to surpass expectations by even more. But its stock recovered in premarket trading Thursday, and Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said it was another “flawless” profit report provided by Nvidia and CEO Jensen Huang, whom Ives calls “the Godfather of AI.” The stock meandered through Thursday as well, dragging the S&P 500 and other indexes back and forth. How Nvidia’s stock performs has more impact than any other because it’s grown into Wall Street’s most valuable company at roughly $3.6 trillion. The frenzy around AI is sweeping up other stocks, and Snowflake jumped 32.7% after reporting stronger results for the latest quarter than analysts expected. The company, whose platform helps customers get a better view of all their silos of data and use AI, also reported stronger revenue growth than expected. BJ’S Wholesale Club rose 8.3% after likewise delivering a bigger profit than expected. That may help calm worries about how resilient U.S. shoppers can remain, given high prices across the economy and still-high interest rates. A day earlier, Target tumbled after reporting sluggish sales in the latest quarter and giving a dour forecast for the holiday shopping season. It followed Walmart , which gave a much more encouraging outlook. Nearly 90% of the stocks in the S&P 500 ended up rising Thursday, and the gains were even bigger among smaller companies. The Russell 2000 index of smaller stocks jumped a market-leading 1.7%. Google’s parent company, Alphabet, helped keep indexes in check. It fell 4.7% after U.S. regulators asked a judge to break up the tech giant by forcing it to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser. In a 23-page document filed late Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Justice called for sweeping punishments that would include restrictions preventing Android from favoring its own search engine. Regulators stopped short of demanding Google sell Android but left the door open to it if the company’s oversight committee continues to see evidence of misconduct. All told, the S&P 500 rose 31.60 points to 5,948.71. The Dow jumped 461.88 to 43,870.35, and the Nasdaq composite added 6.28 to 18,972.42. In the crypto market, bitcoin eclipsed $99,000 for the first time before pulling back toward $98,000, according to CoinDesk. It’s more than doubled so far this year, and its climb has accelerated since Election Day. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to make the country “the crypto capital of the planet” and create a “strategic reserve” of bitcoin. Bitcoin got a further boost after Gary Gensler, the chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, said Thursday he would step down in January . Gensler has pushed for more protections for crypto investors. Bitcoin and related investment have a notorious history of big price swings in both directions. MicroStrategy, a company that’s been raising cash expressly to buy bitcoin, saw an early Thursday gain of 14.6% for its stock quickly disappear. It finished the day with a loss of 16.2%. In the oil market, a barrel of benchmark U.S. crude rose 2% to bring its gain for the week to 4.8%. Brent crude, the international standard, climbed 1.8%. Oil has been rising amid escalations in the Russia-Ukraine war. In stock markets abroad, shares of India’s Adani Enterprises plunged 22.6% Thursday after the U.S. charged founder Gautam Adani in a federal indictment with securities fraud and conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud. The businessman and one of the world’s richest people is accused of concealing that his company’s huge solar energy project on the subcontinent was being facilitated by an alleged bribery scheme. Stock indexes elsewhere in Asia and Europe were mixed. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury inched up to 4.43% from 4.41% late Wednesday following some mixed reports on the U.S. economy. One said fewer U.S. workers applied for unemployment benefits last week in the latest signal that the job market remains solid. Another report, though, said manufacturing in the mid-Atlantic region unexpectedly shrank. Sales of previously occupied homes, meanwhile, strengthened last month by more than expected. AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Yuri Kageyama contributed.
PHL economic reforms pique Canadian firms’ interest
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RBB Bancorp (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: RBB) is pleased to announce that effective January 1, 2025, Mr. Johnny Lee, currently President and Chief Banking Officer of Royal Business Bank (the “Bank”), will be appointed as President of the Company, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank and a director of the Company and Bank. In addition, effective as of May 22, 2025, Mr. Lee will be appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Lee brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Company from various financial institutions, and the Company will continue to benefit and grow with his leadership. Prior to joining the Company in 2023, Mr. Lee, age 62, most recently served as Senior Managing Director, Head of International and Commercial Banking of East West Bank, from 2021 to 2023. Prior thereto, Mr. Lee also served in the following roles at East West Bank: Head of Venture Lending, Emerging Technologies, from 2018 to 2023; Managing Director & Chief Administrative Officer, US Greater China (Bridge) Banking, from 2015 to 2018; and Managing Director, International Banking Group, Corporate Banking Division, from 2013 to 2015. Mr. Lee has over 35 years of banking experience. Effective January 1, 2025, Mr. David Morris, will resign from his position as Chief Executive Officer of the Bank and President of the Company. Mr. Morris will continue serving as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer until he retires effective as of May 21, 2025. Mr. Morris will remain on the Boards of Directors of the Company and the Bank. “We wish to express our sincere appreciation for the tremendous work Mr. Morris has completed for the Company over the past 15 years and we are grateful for his service and dedication. Our Company has grown substantially due in large part to his strategic efforts and we are so pleased he plans to continue his service as a director of both the Company and the Bank after he retires from the day-to-day responsibilities as CEO of the Company,” said Christina Kao, the Company’s Chair of the Board of Directors. “We are also pleased to have Mr. Lee become President and CEO of the Bank at the start of the year and Chief Executive Officer of the Company in May of 2025 through a succession plan. Mr. Lee is a remarkably talented executive, and I look forward to his continued leadership and ongoing contributions as we continue to attract top-tier banking professionals to grow our team and strive to deliver value to our customers, community, and shareholders.” Commenting on his new appointment, Mr. Lee stated, "I am delighted to be part of the collaborative Royal Business Bank team. The Company has demonstrated outstanding growth and performance while delivering shareholder value and serving the Asian American community and Asian-centric businesses. I look forward to leading the Company to achieve success for the benefit of our employees, clients and shareholders." In additional leadership changes, effective January 1, 2025, Mr. Mina Rizkalla, currently Senior Vice President/BSA Officer & Deputy Chief Risk Officer for the Bank since 2023, will become Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer for the Company and the Bank and will report to Mr. Lee. Mr. I-Ming (Vincent) Liu, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer for the Company and the Bank, will relinquish the Chief Risk Officer position and remain with the Bank as Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff and will report to Mr. Lee. In his new role, Mr. Liu will assist with the announced senior leadership succession plan and transition timeline. Corporate Overview RBB Bancorp is a community-based financial holding company headquartered in Los Angeles, California. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had total assets of $4.0 billion. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Royal Business Bank, is a full service commercial bank, which provides consumer and business banking services predominately to the Asian communities and Asian-centric businesses in Los Angeles County, Orange County, and Ventura County in California, in Las Vegas, Nevada, in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan in New York, in Edison, New Jersey, in the Chicago neighborhoods of Chinatown and Bridgeport, Illinois, and on Oahu, Hawaii. Bank services include remote deposit, E-banking, mobile banking, commercial and investor real estate loans, business loans and lines of credit, commercial and industrial loans, SBA 7A and 504 loans, 1-4 single family residential loans, trade finance, a full range of depository account products and wealth management services. The Bank has nine branches in Los Angeles County, two branches in Ventura County, one branch in Orange County, California, one branch in Las Vegas, Nevada, three branches and one loan operation center in Brooklyn, three branches in Queens, one branch in Manhattan in New York, one branch in Edison, New Jersey, two branches in Chicago, Illinois, and one branch in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Company's administrative and lending center is located at 1055 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90017, and its operations center is located at 7025 Orangethorpe Ave., Buena Park, California 90621. The Company's website address is www.royalbusinessbankusa.com . Safe Harbor Certain matters set forth herein (including the exhibits hereto) constitute forward-looking statements relating to the Company’s current business plans and expectations and our future financial position and operating results. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance and/or achievements to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the effectiveness of the Company ’ s internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures ; the potential for additional material weaknesses in the Company ’ s internal controls over financial reporting or other potential control deficiencies of which the Company is not currently aware or which have not been detected; business and economic conditions generally and in the financial services industry, nationally and within our current and future geographic markets, including the tight labor market, ineffective management of the United States ( “ U.S. ” ) federal budget or debt or turbulence or uncertainly in domestic of foreign financial markets; the strength of the U.S. economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which we conduct operations; our ability to attract and retain deposits and access other sources of liquidity; possible additional provisions for loan losses and charge-offs; credit risks of lending activities and deterioration in asset or credit quality; extensive laws and regulations and supervision that we are subject to, including potential supervisory action by bank supervisory authorities; increased costs of compliance and other risks associated with changes in regulation, including any amendments to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and other money laundering statutes and regulations; potential goodwill impairment; liquidity risk; fluctuations in interest rates; risks associated with acquisitions and the expansion of our business into new markets; inflation and deflation; real estate market conditions and the value of real estate collateral; environmental liabilities; our ability to compete with larger competitors; our ability to retain key personnel; successful management of reputational risk; severe weather, natural disasters, earthquakes, fires; or other adverse external events could harm our business; geopolitical conditions, including acts or threats of terrorism, actions taken by the U.S. or other governments in response to acts or threats of terrorism and/or military conflicts, including the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East, which could impact business and economic conditions in the U.S. and abroad; public health crises and pandemics, and their effects on the economic and business environments in which we operate, including our credit quality and business operations, as well as the impact on general economic and financial market conditions; general economic or business conditions in Asia, and other regions where the Bank has operations; failures, interruptions, or security breaches of our information systems; climate change, including any enhanced regulatory, compliance, credit and reputational risks and costs; cybersecurity threats and the cost of defending against them; our ability to adapt our systems to the expanding use of technology in banking; risk management processes and strategies; adverse results in legal proceedings; the impact of regulatory enforcement actions, if any; certain provisions in our charter and bylaws that may affect acquisition of the Company; changes in tax laws and regulations; the impact of governmental efforts to restructure the U.S. financial regulatory system; the impact of future or recent changes in the FDIC insurance assessment rate and the rules and regulations related to the calculation of the FDIC insurance assessments; the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices or accounting standards, as may be adopted from time-to-time by bank regulatory agencies, the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other accounting standards setters, including Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 (Topic 326, “Measurement of Current Losses on Financial Instruments, commonly referenced as the Current Expected Credit Losses Model, which changed how we estimate credit losses and may further increase the required level of our allowance for credit losses in future periods; market disruption and volatility; fluctuations in the Company’s stock price; restrictions on dividends and other distributions by laws and regulations and by our regulators and our capital structure; issuances of preferred stock; our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, and the potential resulting dilution of interests of holders of our common stock; the soundness of other financial institutions; our ongoing relations with our various federal and state regulators, including the SEC, FDIC, FRB and DFPI; our success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing items and all other factors set forth in the Company’s public reports, including its Annual Report as filed under Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and particularly the discussion of risk factors within that document. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements except as required by law. Any statements about future operating results, such as those concerning accretion and dilution to the Company’s earnings or shareholders, are for illustrative purposes only, are not forecasts, and actual results may differ. Lynn Hopkins, Chief Financial Officer (657) 255-3282 lhopkins@rbbusa.com Source: RBB Bancorp
What's the secret to finding mega-winner stocks like Amazon and Nvidia before they soar? It's not a secret. You just need to spot a company that's uniquely positioned to capitalize on a real opportunity before most other investors do the same. Problem? It's much easier said than done. For every Amazon and Nvidia out there, there are also a bunch of high-profile implosions like AOL (and then Yahoo!), BlackBerry , and Groupon . Not every well-touted ticker lives up to the hype. The company in question must truly offer a game-changing product or service, but it's not always clear if and when they do. When they do, however, then wow! With that as the backdrop, risk-tolerant investors on the hunt for a prospective mega-winner might want to put QuantumScape ( QS 2.38% ) on their radar if not in their portfolio. This company may be on the verge of getting electric vehicles over one of their tallest hurdles. Electric vehicles are struggling with major marketability problems Never heard of QuantumScape? Don't sweat it. The company's $2.5 billion market cap doesn't turn many heads. It's also a pre-revenue company, deterring even more investors. Nevertheless, there's enough potential here to merit a look. In simplest terms, QuantumScape designs and manufactures superior lithium batteries. It's not exactly a new science. Lithium-based batteries have been found in most common consumer electronics for years now. Tesla 's very first car -- the Roadster -- also used lithium-ion batteries when it first began production back in 2008. With automobile manufacturers recognizing this material's energy-storage capacity was necessary to make EVs viable, nearly every electric vehicle made since then has followed suit. And for most EV owners most of the time, these batteries are adequate. Anybody keeping their finger on the pulse of the electric vehicle movement, however, likely knows sales growth is slowing. Although the market itself is still expanding, J.D. Power's Autovista24 reports sales growth of battery-powered cars and plug-in hybrids slowed to a pace of 22% during the first half of this year, down from the year-earlier growth rate of 35%. The still-young industry was hoping for acceleration at this stage of the game. Causes for this headwind include high upfront costs, a lack of fast-charging infrastructure, and poor battery life. Perhaps more than anything, though, would-be EV owners worry about a limited driving range on a single charge without a convenient recharging option at their destination. QuantumScape's technology addresses all of these concerns. The world's ready for QuantumScape's superior tech It's called a solid-state battery. The term doesn't mean much to the average consumer, or even a prospective electric vehicle owner. But it should. QuantumScape says its solid-state lithium batteries not only store and then deliver more power, but can do so for longer than the typical lithium-ion battery used in electric vehicles does today. The numbers: Electric vehicles that can be driven 350 miles on a single charge of a common lithium-based battery pack can be driven between 400 and 500 miles using one of QuantumScape's solid-state batteries. They're also capable of faster charging without damage (up to 80% capacity in 15 minutes or less). Perhaps most important, testing of QuantumScape's batteries suggests they'll still be able to hold a 95% charge even after 1,000 charges. That's roughly 300,000 miles' worth of usage. As was noted, the company hasn't commercialized anything yet. It's close, though. Just last month it began deliveries of its latest prototype to EV manufacturers. Volkswagen has already committed to a partnership with QuantumScape, in fact, even before the commercial version of its battery design is finalized. It's also encouraging to QuantumScape shareholders that last month Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced the EV maker would be using solid-state lithium batteries in some of its vehicles beginning next year, although he didn't indicate where the underlying technology would come from. Dodge parent Stellantis intends to begin tinkering with the tech in 2026. Connect the dots. This is the future. Indeed, as solid-state batteries benefit from the EV market's growth, they may also help reaccelerate its expansion. In this vein, Polaris Market Research suggests the global EV battery market is set to grow at an annualized pace of nearly 19% through 2030. Solid-state batteries should drive the bulk of this growth. Straits Research, in fact, predicts the worldwide solid-state lithium battery market is poised to grow by an average rate of more than 36% during this time frame. Is QuantumScape a millionaire-maker? But the question remains -- could a $10,000 investment in QuantumScape now grow to a million-dollar holding within a lifetime? Given the potential of its technology and the next likely chapter of the electric vehicle evolution, it's certainly possible. This company's market cap of $2.5 billion is nearly nothing compared to a solid-state lithium battery market that could eventually be worth more than $24 billion per year. Just keep the risk in perspective. There's a lot of it, beginning with the simple fact that the company isn't actually selling anything yet. It's only sitting on the prospect of selling its superior batteries. A close-second risk is the likelihood of lingering losses for long after QuantumScape officially begins commercialization of its tech. At the same time, while President-elect Donald Trump isn't likely to up-end the EV movement's growth, he can certainly rattle it. If you can stomach the risk and the rest of your portfolio is on a stronger footing, QuantumScape a compelling prospect.
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A small-town Waikato primary school has gone viral, racking up more than 20,000 views on social media, helping them win more than $50,000 worth of school supplies. Mangakino School has been named the winner of Noel Leeming’s first-ever ‘Class of the Future’ competition and will receive brand-new technology. The prize package includes 24 touchscreen Chromebooks, an interactive screen, classroom furniture, and a professional development package for teachers. Principal Cherie Hill told the Taupō and Tūrangi Herald the prize package was well-deserved. Mangakino School once had a roll of 1800 students, when the town was “booming” during construction of hydro-electric stations on the Waikato River, and by 1954 it was the biggest school in the Southern Hemisphere.
Stephen Olowoniyi scores 18 as Southern Indiana knocks off Shawnee State 91-56Chandigarh: The Indian Building Congress (IBC), in association with the Engineering Department of the Chandigarh Administration, on Sunday organized a technical seminar on “Sustainable Building Construction Practices” and “Glass Fibre Reinforced Rebars”. The session began with a welcome address by C B Ojha, Chief Engineer, UT Chandigarh, who extended his greetings to all IBC members and distinguished guests present. This event brought together eminent architects, engineers, urban planners, policymakers, and industry leaders to deliberate on “Sustainable Building Construction Practices”, urban development and the future of infrastructure growth in India. TNN We also published the following articles recently India-Greece ties reinforced at international seminar in Thessaloniki The 2nd International Conference on "History, Science, Entrepreneurship, and Society" in Athens strengthened Indo-Hellenic ties. Academics, diplomats, and policymakers explored shared cultural roots and collaboration opportunities. Discussions ranged from the Greek Chair at JNU and Indian diaspora connections to trade, defence, and technology partnerships. Sustainability in Data Centers: Addressing the Urgent Need for Indias Low-Carbon Digital Future India's booming digital economy relies heavily on data centers, but their energy consumption poses an environmental challenge. Key players like hyperscalers, developers, and investors are embracing sustainability to mitigate risks and ensure long-term viability. From transitioning to renewables and optimizing cooling systems to incorporating ESG criteria in investments, the industry is striving for a greener digital future. Focus on policy stability & sustaining growth: RBI governor Sanjay Malhotra, the new RBI governor, emphasized stability, trust, and growth as the central bank's core values. He pledged to support India's continued growth trajectory, focusing on financial inclusion. Malhotra, seen as potentially more dovish than his predecessor, stressed policy stability and a consultative approach in navigating a complex global landscape. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .
Luckily, there’s another tactic to help you earn a “gift whisperer” reputation: seeking out unique, practical, game-changing gifts that will truly surprise and delight. But that’s about as easy as it sounds, which is to say it’s not easy at all. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. Start making your list with this compilation of some of the most innovative, functional and fun gifts of 2024. There’s something for every budget. A pepper grinder, really? Bear with me: The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Available in three colors (Sangria Red, Midnight Black and Soft Cream), the rechargeable-battery unit grinds with a light touch rather than hand-tiring twists. That’s easier for everyone and especially helpful for those experiencing hand or wrist issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. And it’s fun to use. The set includes a stackable storage tray and four pods that can be easily swapped as needed: The GT microplane grater for hard spices, nuts and chocolate; the MAX for large spices and dried herbs; the ProPlus for smaller and oily spices; and the Pepper Pod for, well, pepper. $110. To build a fire Campers and backyard firepit lovers who have experienced the heartbreak of wet wood will appreciate having a three-pack of Pull Start Fire on hand. Made of 89% recycled materials, including sanding dust, wax and flint, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Just loop the attached green string around a log, incorporate it into a wood stack, and pull the attached red string to ignite. Each windproof, rainproof block burns for 30 minutes. $29.99. The place for a ladle is on the pot The No Mess Utensil Set from Souper Cubes , a company known for its portioned, silicone freezer trays, lives up to its name. The utensils — a serving spoon and a ladle — have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot, keeping them upright so they won’t slip in. The design also eliminates the need for a spoon rest or, worse, placing dirty utensils on the kitchen counter or stovetop between stirs. A silicone coating in a choice of Aqua, Charcoal, Cranberry or Blueberry keeps handles cool to the touch. $24.99. Up your birdwatching with this feeder The FeatherSnap Wi-Fi smart bird feeder could turn anyone into an avid birdwatcher. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. An optional premium subscription ($59.99 annually or $6.99 monthly) includes unlimited photo and video storage, AI identification with species-specific details, and the opportunity to earn badges for logging new visitors. Turn on notifications to get alerts sent to your phone whenever there’s activity at the feeder. $179.99. Printing old-fashioned photos via Bluetooth Fujifilm's Instax Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the 4.9-by-3.5-by-1.3-inch printer with Instax Mini instant film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. If you want to get fancy, you can adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, or apply filters, including 3D augmented-reality effects, via the free Instax Mini Link app. It can also make collages of up to six images, or animate photos to share on social media. Available in Rose Pink, Clay White and Sage Green. $99.95. Houseplants don't get much easier than this The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Select a pot color, size and plant (or get recommendations based on sunlight requirements, pet friendliness and other attributes) and fill the self-watering container’s built-in reservoir roughly once a month. Moisture will permeate the soil from the bottom as needed, eliminating the often-fatal consequences of over- or under-watering. It’s also a literal lifesaver come vacation time. $49-$259. Making your own (plant-based) milk If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. The Nama M1 appliance both blends and strains ingredients, converting nuts, seeds, grains or oats into velvety-smooth milk in just one minute, with zero grit. And for zero waste, the pasty leftover pulp can be used in other recipes for added nutrients. The device also makes infused oils, flavored waters and soups. And, importantly, cleanup is easy. Available in white and black. $400. The perfect temperature for 350,000-plus wines For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Unlike traditional wine refrigerators, this device doesn’t take up any floor space. It also doesn’t chill wine to just one or two temperatures based on its color. Instead — paired with the free QelviQ app — the tabletop chiller relies on a database of more than 350,000 wines to bring a bottle to its specific recommended serving temperature in as little as 20 minutes. It also suggests food-wine and wine-food pairings. Plus, the appliance serves as a great icebreaker to inspire dinnertime conversation. Available in Exciting Red, Dashing Black and Dreamy White. $495. Casting light on the grill after dark Grilling food after dark — and ascertaining its doneness — can prove challenging without outdoor lighting, and it’s nearly impossible to cook while holding a flashlight. But as is often the case, the simplest of solutions can make the biggest of impacts: Uncommon Good’s 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. After use, the lights can be removed and the utensils run through the dishwasher. $40.Justin Tucker's erratic season isn't getting any better, and it's hurting Baltimore's outlook