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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI China: China has over 1.12 billion internet users, boosting prowess in culture, AI

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China had more than 1.12 billion internet users as of June 2025, according to a report released by the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) on Monday.

    The report also noted that internet penetration in China reached 79.7 percent by June 2025, an increase of 1.1 percentage points compared with December 2024.

    People visit the Light of Internet Expo in Wuzhen, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Nov. 19, 2024. The Light of Internet Expo kicked off on Tuesday during the 2024 World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit in the water-town of Wuzhen, showcasing the latest technological achievements, especially those made in the artificial intelligence (AI) area. (Xinhua/Cai Xiangxin)

    According to the report, China has made significant strides in internet development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025). In particular, efforts to make the internet more inclusive have allowed key groups, such as the elderly and rural residents, to share in the benefits of this progress.

    As of June 2025, China had 161 million internet users aged 60 and above, and 322 million living in rural areas. Internet penetration among these groups reached 52 percent and 69.2 percent, respectively.

    Meanwhile, the continued development of the internet in China has played a key role in promoting Chinese culture both domestically and internationally, the report said, citing the rising export of Chinese online literature and games, along with the growing synergy between popular web series and related tourist destinations.

    For instance, in 2024, the overseas market scale of Chinese online literature exceeded 5 billion yuan (about 700 million U.S. dollars). Reaching more than 200 countries and regions worldwide, Chinese online literature now has more than 350 million overseas readers.

    In particular, Japan saw its number of Chinese online literature readers grow by an astounding 180 percent, making it the fastest-growing emerging market in the sector.

    Zhang Yijun, first vice chairman of the China Audio-video and Digital Publishing Association, said that China’s online literature has emerged as a new mass cultural art form and promoted the development of a diversified value system within the industry, and that its integration with micro-short dramas opened up new paths for the industry’s transformation in 2024.

    Apart from online art and literature creations, the report also highlighted China’s remarkable progress in generative artificial intelligence (AI) development. It noted that in the first half of 2025, generative AI products saw development on all fronts, from technology to application.

    As of March 2025, a total of 346 generative AI services were registered at the Cyberspace Administration of China, the report said.

    In terms of application, domestic Chinese AI products have achieved significant breakthroughs, reaching parameter scales in the hundreds of billions and achieving multi-modal capabilities. They have been deeply integrated into scenarios such as office collaboration, education, industrial design and content creation, forming an intelligent application ecosystem covering multiple fields. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MHRA announces proposals to improve access to world’s best medical devices for patients and to boost economic growth in Britain’s med tech sector

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    MHRA announces proposals to improve access to world’s best medical devices for patients and to boost economic growth in Britain’s med tech sector

    The MHRA has now published the government’s response to its public consultation on future routes to market for medical devices – designed to modernise regulation

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today announced important new steps to secure access for patients to the latest medical technologies available in Europe and other advanced countries.

    As well as improving patient access to technologies, the proposals will boost med tech industrial growth by reducing duplicative regulatory costs faced by manufacturers and instead focuses the domestic approvals route (UKCA) on first-in-market innovative technologies, including AI as a medical device.  

    The MHRA has now published the government’s response to its public consultation on future routes to market for medical devices in Great Britain (GB), designed to modernise regulation and improve patient access to the latest innovative technologies.

    In direct response to stakeholder feedback, the MHRA is also announcing its intention to consult later this year on the indefinite recognition of CE-marked medical devices.

    In parallel, new international reliance routes will be introduced to allow swifter access to medical devices from trusted regulators in Australia, Canada, and the United States. This will allow eligible products to follow a streamlined pathway to market, helping bring the latest technologies to patients more quickly.

    The MHRA will support removing the requirement for physical UKCA markings on products and packaging once unique device identification (UDI) requirements are in place. This will reduce barriers to entry to the market while strengthening traceability and safety monitoring.

    These measures reflect the government’s commitments in the UK’s Life Sciences Sector Plan and Industrial Strategy, and the 10 Year Health Plan for England, to reduce unwarranted barriers to market entry and to deliver transformative technologies to patients faster.

    Today’s announcement forms part of our broader regulatory reform programme for medical devices that will see improvements in patient safety through our new post-market surveillance requirements, the creation of streamlined and risk-proportionate routes for faster market entry for products that have already undergone assessment in comparator regions, and a refocusing of the UKCA domestic pathway on innovative technologies including AI.

    Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting MP, said:

    Our 10-Year Health Plan will seize the opportunities provided by new technology, medicines and innovation to deliver better care for patients, whether these originate at home or abroad.

    It makes perfect sense that medical devices approved for use on patients in a country whose safety regulations we trust can also be used here – without red tape or bureaucracy delaying devices which can benefit NHS patients now.

    We will look around the world to bring the best life-saving devices to Britain quickly and safely and build a modern health service that is fit for the future.

    Minister of State for Science, Lord Patrick Vallance MP, said:

    The MHRA’s new international reliance routes are excellent news for patients, who will now gain rapid access to new medical devices which have been approved as safe by our trusted regulatory partners. This is precisely the sort of streamlining of red tape that the Life Sciences Sector Plan calls for.

    By making quick, informed, sensible decisions enabled by international reliance, the MHRA will be able to better target its resources, focusing on regulatory activity and scientific advice that will advance the development of innovative new medical products – ultimately helping patients, and supporting med tech businesses to grow.

    Lawrence Tallon, MHRA CEO, said:

    Our focus is on ensuring that patients benefit from the earliest possible access to safe and effective medical technologies that meet their needs and deliver significant clinical benefit.

    By reducing regulatory duplication, improving traceability and aligning with international best practice, we are delivering on the Government’s promise to make this the best place in the world to market medical devices and a global leader in life sciences.

    Professor Tom Clutton-Brock, Professor of Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine at the University of Birmingham and Chair of the Interim Devices Working Group (an expert advisory committee to the MHRA), said:

    The proposed changes to the regulations represent the most significant advances since their original introduction. When enacted, we will lead the world in streamlining medical device approvals.

    The rapid advances in medical and healthcare technology make balancing the need for innovation against both short-term and long-term safety a real challenge.  After the EU exit there was a clear need to update our regulations to keep pace with other countries. After extensive consultation, the MHRA has listened carefully and published its response.

    Simplification for low-risk devices and the carefully controlled reliance and recognition of regulatory approval from other countries will support safe innovation. This will benefit patients, clinicians and our MedTech and HealthTech industries.

    The MHRA intends to notify the World Trade Organization of these changes later this year and will continue engaging with international partners and industry to implement the reforms. 

    Summary of the consultation response:

    The MHRA’s 2024 public consultation on medical device regulation focused on the following areas: international reliance, UKCA marking, and the regulation of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices.

    Measures being taken forward include:

    • International reliance routes will allow certain devices that have approvals or certifications from trusted regulators in Australia (TGA), Canada (Health Canada), and the United States (FDA) to follow a streamlined pathway to the GB market. This includes specific software and implantable devices that meet GB equivalence criteria.

    • The government will consult later this year on proposals to indefinitely recognise CE marked medical devices, which continue to be recognised in GB under existing transitional arrangements until 30 June 2028 or 2030 (depending on the device classification and legislation complied with).

    • Physical UKCA marking requirements will be removed once Unique Device Identification (UDI) is in place. This aims to reduce burdens on manufacturers while improving traceability and post-market surveillance.

    • Class B IVD devices will be subject to a more risk proportionate approach, requiring manufacturers to self-declare conformity with the Medical Devices Regulations 2002 and hold ISO 13485 quality management system certification before placing products on the GB market.

    The response to a fourth proposal, to extend four pieces of assimilated EU law, was published in February 2025 and has subsequently been actioned.

    Notes to Editors

    • The consultation response is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-medical-devices-regulations-routes-to-market-and-in-vitro-diagnostic-devices
    • The consultation, “Future regulation of medical devices and IVDs – routes to market”, ran from 30 November 2024 to 29 January 2025. It sought views on four legislative proposals to update the Medical Devices Regulations 2002 (as amended).
    • These reforms are part of a broader programme to modernise medical device regulation in Great Britain following the UK’s departure from the European Union. They align with the ambitions of the Government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan and 10-Year Plan for the NHS in England.
    • ISO 13485 is an internationally recognised standard that sets out requirements for a quality management system (QMS) specific to the medical device industry. It ensures that manufacturers demonstrate consistent design, development, production, and post-market support for medical devices.
    • The MHRA will publish further information in due course about the next steps, including updates on the planned Pre-Market Statutory Instrument and a future consultation on the indefinite recognition of CE-marked devices.
    • The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe. All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
    • The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.

    For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

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    Published 22 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Updated guidance for suspected quarantinable disease on domestic and international vessels

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    Health New Zealand, working with New Zealand Customs and Maritime NZ, has updated “Vessel Management Framework: Guidance for managing maritime vessels when a quarantinable disease is suspected or known to be on board.”

    You’ll find it on our ports and harbours page.

    The Vessel Management Framework has been created for port and vessel operators, unions, agents, government officials, and the National Public Health Service to follow at any port whenever crew or passengers (both international and domestic) are suspected of having, or test positive for, a quarantinable disease.

    This guidance, developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been adapted to be applied to any quarantinable disease. It is generic guidance built on best practice. It will need to be read alongside any specific legislation or guidance developed for any outbreak.

    Read now

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: AIXA Miner Launches New Ethereum Cloud Mining Contracts Amid Renewed Market Focus on ETH

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Denver, Colorado, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  AIXA Miner, a global leader in automated and sustainable crypto mining infrastructure, has officially launched its Ethereum (ETH) cloud mining offering, designed to meet the growing demand for intelligent, secure, and compliant participation in the Ethereum ecosystem. The launch comes as Ethereum garners fresh attention across global markets, following a combination of regulatory clarity, increased institutional capital flows, and renewed public interest in digital assets.

    As of mid-July 2025, the price of Ethereum has surged past $3,775, marking an increase of more than 15% in the last seven days. This latest rally has been driven by several key catalysts, including the passage of the GENIUS Stablecoin Act by the U.S. House of Representatives and continued inflows into Ethereum spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The convergence of legislative support and institutional adoption has sparked what many are calling a turning point in the maturity of Ethereum as a core blockchain infrastructure layer.

    “The renewed spotlight on Ethereum signals a shift toward broader acceptance and real-world integration,” said a spokesperson from AIXA Miner’s Blockchain Product Division. “With our new ETH cloud mining contracts, we aim to empower users to engage with this ecosystem in a scalable, automated, and environmentally responsible way—without the need to manage complex hardware or market risk.”

    AIXA Miner’s Ethereum cloud mining solution enables users to earn daily ETH income through a secure and seamless contract-based process. Participants simply select a preferred mining tier, fund their contract, and begin receiving daily rewards—all backed by AIXA Miner’s proprietary AI-optimized mining engine and green-powered global infrastructure.

    The new ETH mining plans were developed with flexibility and user experience at the core. Whether participants are newcomers exploring Ethereum for the first time or seasoned investors seeking consistent passive income, AIXA Miner offers plan durations and capital thresholds to suit diverse profiles. The system operates through real-time smart contracts that automate all aspects of the mining process—reward calculation, distribution, energy load balancing, and uptime management.

    Behind this offering is AIXA Miner’s commitment to clean energy and sustainability. All Ethereum mining contracts are powered by a distributed network of data centers running on renewable energy sources, including hydroelectric, solar, and wind. This infrastructure spans North America, Southeast Asia, and parts of South America—regions selected for their grid stability, low-emission potential, and compatibility with energy-efficient GPU hardware.

    In line with its green blockchain framework, AIXA Miner ensures that every ETH mining contract includes transparency tools, allowing users to view energy source metrics, regional energy efficiency data, and carbon offset details. These insights help participants engage with the platform in a way that aligns with both personal financial goals and global environmental standards.

    “Sustainability and transparency are more than just operational standards—they’re competitive advantages in today’s market,” the spokesperson added. “We are proud to bring an Ethereum mining experience that delivers on performance, compliance, and accountability.”

    AIXA Miner’s launch also coincides with the global celebration of “Cryptocurrency Week”, a coordinated industry effort to promote education, innovation, and participation in the digital asset space. With Ethereum playing a central role in DeFi, NFTs, and enterprise applications, cloud mining represents a valuable on-ramp for users looking to earn from the network without engaging in active trading.

    Unlike traditional Ethereum staking, which often requires minimum holding thresholds, locked capital, or technical validator setup, AIXA Miner’s solution provides an alternative model. Participants do not need to manage private keys or interact with smart contract code; instead, they benefit from a fully-managed, automated income stream through mining participation.

    The ETH cloud mining contracts are now live and available globally through AIXA Miner’s intuitive web and mobile platforms. Each contract includes a dedicated performance dashboard showing mining speed, reward accumulation, and environmental impact—all updated in real time.

    As institutional engagement grows and regulatory frameworks become clearer, AIXA Miner remains committed to building user-first solutions that reflect the evolving nature of blockchain participation. This latest ETH launch further reinforces the company’s mission to make sustainable, intelligent mining accessible to everyone, anywhere in the world.

    Media Contact:
    PR Division
    info@aixaminer.com
    https://aixaminer.com

    Disclaimer:
    This press release is for informational purposes only. Participation in cloud mining involves risk and should be based on independent research. AIXA Miner does not provide investment advice or guarantee specific financial outcomes.

    Attachment

    • AIXA Miner

    The MIL Network –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Battleship North Carolina Hosts Announcement: North Carolina Named CNBC’s ‘Top State for Business’

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Battleship North Carolina Hosts Announcement: North Carolina Named CNBC’s ‘Top State for Business’

    Battleship North Carolina Hosts Announcement: North Carolina Named CNBC’s ‘Top State for Business’
    jejohnson6
    Mon, 07/21/2025 – 17:29

    WILMINGTON

    Governor Josh Stein’s announcement Thursday that the state was named CNBC’s “Top State for Business” — its third time earning the title in the last four years — was revealed from the deck of one of the state’s most iconic landmarks, the Battleship North Carolina.The Battleship North Carolina, a State Historic Site and part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, symbolizes North Carolina’s continued forward momentum and attracts more than 200,000 visitors annually.

    “North Carolina’s recognition as the ‘Top State for Business’ echoes the legacy of excellence embodied by the Battleship North Carolina,” said Executive Director Jay Martin. “We’re proud that this historic site could serve as the backdrop for such a meaningful moment in our state’s story.”

    Gov. Stein celebrated the ranking as a testament to North Carolina’s skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, world-class education system, and high quality of life.

    “This confirms what we have known for a long time — that North Carolina is the best state in the country for business,” said Gov. Stein. “I am proud of the progress our state has made, and we are just getting started.”

    North Carolina earned top scores in Economy, Workforce, and Business Friendliness, scoring 1,614 out of a possible 2,500 points in CNBC’s nationwide analysis.

    Since taking office in January, Gov. Stein has announced nearly $17 billion in new capital investment and more than 20,000 new jobs. His administration has launched initiatives to expand workforce training, reduce degree barriers to state jobs, and invest in small business recovery, particularly in western North Carolina.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Jul 17, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: North Carolina Zoo Grieves Giraffe Leia

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: North Carolina Zoo Grieves Giraffe Leia

    North Carolina Zoo Grieves Giraffe Leia
    jejohnson6
    Mon, 07/21/2025 – 17:17

    The North Carolina Zoo is grieving the loss of Leia, a 15-year-old giraffe, who has been a beloved part of the Zoo family since 2010. Grief counselors have been on site to support staff members during the grieving process. Leia’s death is especially raw as she passed away Tuesday, only a day after the Zoo’s long-time Director and CEO Pat Simmons.

    On the morning of her death, Leia underwent a planned medical procedure to address a foot injury. Medical staff expected Leia to make a full recovery before she experienced acute aspiration following the procedure. Aspiration is a recognized complication that can sometimes occur with the use of anesthesia in both humans and animals, and is generally considered the most common complication with giraffe surgical procedures. A necropsy, or animal autopsy, was performed on Leia and results confirmed aspiration as the official cause of death.

    Zoo team members, particularly the caretakers, the Zoo’s medical staff, entertainment staff and volunteers who formed a special bond with Leia over the years are heartbroken. The Zoo respectfully requests privacy and compassion for affected staff as they continue to mourn.

    “We are so grateful to the community and our loyal supporters for the outpouring of love during this incredibly challenging time,” says Deputy Director Diane Villa. “Your warmth and kind words are a comfort to us all as we navigate loss and begin our journey toward healing.”

    About the North Carolina Zoo  
    At the North Carolina Zoo, we celebrate nature. As the world’s largest natural habitat Zoo, we inspire a lifelong curiosity about animals in the hundreds of thousands of people who visit our Zoo each year. Our dedicated team of experts provides exceptional, compassionate care for the more than 1,700 animals and 52,000 plants that call our Park home. We also lead efforts locally and globally to protect wildlife and wild places because we believe nature’s diversity is critical for our collective future. The North Carolina Zoo invites all of our guests to witness the majesty of the wild in the heart of North Carolina and welcomes everyone to join in our mission to protect nature’s diversity. Visit NCZoo.org to begin your life-changing journey.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Jul 18, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Mountain Gateway Museum to Host Historical Book Club Meeting July 30

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Mountain Gateway Museum to Host Historical Book Club Meeting July 30

    Mountain Gateway Museum to Host Historical Book Club Meeting July 30
    jejohnson6
    Mon, 07/21/2025 – 17:20

    Mountain Gateway Museum, in partnership with the McDowell County Public Library, has launched a new monthly book club exploring regional history through literature.

    The second gathering of the Mountain Stories Book Club will be held Wednesday, July 30, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the museum’s new location (78-C Catawba Ave., Old Fort). The featured book is “My Old True Love” by Sheila Kay Adams, a historical novel set in Madison County during the 1860s.

    This free event is open to the public and will highlight a different book each month that connects to western North Carolina’s rich and complex history.

    Copies of “My Old True Love” are available through McDowell County Public Library in multiple formats. The Old Fort Library reopened at the beginning of July. For more information, call 828-619-5100 or visit mgmnc.org.

    About Mountain Gateway Museum
    A regional branch of the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh, the Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center (MGM) is the westernmost facility in the N.C. Department of Natural & Cultural Resources’ Division of State History Museums.

    Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the banks of historic Mill Creek in downtown Old Fort (McDowell County), the museum uses artifacts, exhibitions, educational programs, living history demonstrations, and special events to teach people about the rich history and cultural heritage of the state’s mountain region, from its original inhabitants through early settlement and into the 20th century.

    As part of its education outreach mission, MGM also assists non-profit museums and historic sites in 38 western NC counties with exhibit development and fabrication, genealogical research, photography archives, traveling exhibitions, and consultations.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Jul 18, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Rehabilitation of Sea Turtle Captures Hearts and Exemplifies N.C. Aquarium Mission

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Rehabilitation of Sea Turtle Captures Hearts and Exemplifies N.C. Aquarium Mission

    Rehabilitation of Sea Turtle Captures Hearts and Exemplifies N.C. Aquarium Mission
    jejohnson6
    Mon, 07/21/2025 – 17:13

    The newest sea turtle patient at the N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island is quickly capturing hearts across the Outer Banks. In late June a small juvenile green sea turtle, nicknamed “Lucky Duck,” arrived at the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (S.T.A.R.) Center at the N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island with visible injuries from an apparent shark bite. The mission of the Aquarium, to inspire appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments, is lately exemplified by Lucky’s Duck’s survival and rehabilitation. The Aquarium is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

    On June 25 a radiograph revealed a fractured carapace and additional health complications for Lucky Duck. Upon closer inspection, Aquarium veterinarians and sea turtle aquarists at the S.T.A.R. Center discovered Lucky Duck’s intestinal tract was flooded with ingested micro-plastics. To demonstrate the severity and amount of plastic Lucky Duck ingested, the striking variety of defecated debris was placed on display at the Aquarium to raise public awareness about the damage single-use plastic can cause for wildlife.

    Contending with difficulties caused by both natural and man-made encounters, Lucky Duck came by its nickname naturally having survived these difficulties and being rescued oceanside by a visitor to the Outer Banks by notifying Aquarium partner, N.E.S.T. (Network for Endangered Sea Turtles).

    Since arriving at the Aquarium, Lucky Duck has been on a steady diet of protein and lettuce—roughage—to help it defecate the ingested plastic. When plastics enter a sea turtle’s environment, it presumes the plastics to be part of the environment. Plastic grocery bags in water, for example, appear as jellyfish to a sea turtle. A sea turtle with a belly full of micro-plastics will expend energy trying to digest the plastic, which wastes valuable nutrients and weakens the sea turtle. At the Aquarium, Lucky Duck is receiving quality food and nutrients to restore its health, which is especially important as it recovers from trauma wounds due to the apparent shark bite. Lucky Duck is healing nicely, swimming, and navigating excellently. The Aquarium is pleased to share this progress report with the public.

    Responding to the impact of Lucky Duck’s story, Leslie Vegas, husbandry curator at the Aquarium said, “Working with the team that cares for the animals is so rewarding, whether the animals are rehab patients or permanent residents at our facility. Lucky Duck’s story is one of many that can inspire folks to appreciate all the animals we are lucky enough to care for at the Aquarium. They each have unique stories that teach us the importance of conservation work.”

    The S.T.A.R. Center, founded at the Aquarium in 2014, rehabilitates rescued sea turtles year-round. In recent years, sea turtle patients have been treated at the Aquarium for assorted problems, including cold-stunning, eye injuries, kidney failure, pneumonia, frostbite, infections, and injuries from boat strikes and ingested fishing hooks. When sea turtle patients are cleared by Aquarium veterinarians, the Aquarium releases recovered sea turtles back into their natural environment. Sea turtles have been released by the Aquarium oceanside, offshore into the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, and into the Croatan Sound—the Aquarium’s aquatic backyard. Dedicated in 1976, the Aquarium is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026.

    About the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
    Located on the Outer Banks in Manteo, N.C., the N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island is part of N.C. Aquariums, which includes four attractions along North Carolina’s coast and is a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The 63,000 square-foot facility on 16 acres overlooks the Croatan Sound and houses over 2,200 animals. Over 319,000 guests visit the Aquarium each year to see the 285,000-gallon “Graveyard of the Atlantic” shark and ocean habitat, visit the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (S.T.A.R.) Center, and learn why North Carolina’s waterways are so special. As an educational attraction, the mission of N.C. Aquariums is to inspire appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments. The Aquarium is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, please visit www.ncaquariums.com/roanoke-island.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.

    Jul 21, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: In Elmira, As New York Police Departments Face Staffing Shortages, Gillibrand Announces Bill To Keep New Yorkers And Law Enforcement Families Safe

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    The Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act would establish a pilot program to provide child care services for police officers to accommodate their work hours and enhance officer recruitment and retention

    Today, standing with law enforcement officials, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand called for the passage of the Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act. The bipartisan bill would provide $24 million in federal funding for each of the next 5 fiscal years to establish a pilot child care services program to support law enforcement families.

    “Law enforcement is one of the most critical components of keeping communities safe, and police officers should not have to choose between taking care of their children and staying in the police force,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Providing child care options will open the professional door to aspiring police officers who do not want to worry about child care while also providing stability to current officers struggling to find child care options.”

    The Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act would establish a grant pilot program to provide child care services for the children of police officers to accommodate the shift work and abnormal work hours of the officers, and to enhance recruitment and retention of the workforce. Specifically, the bill authorizes $24 million in funding for each of the next 5 fiscal years and allows for grants of up to $3 million to individual law enforcement agencies or consortia to establish child care programs for their police personnel. In addition, to ensure parents employed by smaller police departments receive support, 20% of the total grant funding will be set aside for law enforcement agencies employing fewer than 200 officers.

    Police officers often work extended hours on a nontraditional schedule. In a recent survey, more than 70% of law enforcement agencies reported that recruitment is more difficult now than five years ago, and at one major metropolitan police department, more than half of officers reported having to leave or miss work due to child care issues. This issue disproportionately impacts women, who make up less than 14% of sworn officers and 4% of police chiefs. Senator Gillibrand’s bill would help increase public safety by reducing barriers to a career in law enforcement and by ensuring the best talent is recruited into our police departments.

    Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) cosponsors this bill in the Senate and Representative Scott Peters (D-CA-50) leads the bill in the House of Representatives.

    “I thank Senator Gillibrand on her efforts to reintroduce this legislation,” said Mayor Dan Mandell of Elmira. “If passed, this legislation would immensely benefit those police officers with children who struggle to find child care due to their diverse work hours.”

    “Funding for law enforcement child care ensures that whatever the circumstance — but especially in the most dire of circumstance — they can protect and defend without the distraction of concern for the wellness of their own children moment to moment, and fully concentrate on providing the utmost safety for all of the community, secure in the knowledge that their own family is safe and being well cared for,” said Chemung County Legislator Brent Stermer.

    This legislation is supported by the following organizations: 30×30, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), International Union of Police Associations (IUPA), National Asian Peace Officers Association (NAPOA), National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA), International Association of Chiefs of Police, Central New York Association of Chiefs of Police, New York State Association of Chief of Police, AFSCME, and Third Way.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: In Poughkeepsie, As New York Police Departments Face Staffing Shortages, Gillibrand Announces Bill To Keep New Yorkers And Law Enforcement Families Safe

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    The Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act would establish a pilot program to provide child care services for police officers to accommodate their work hours and enhance officer recruitment and retention

    Today, standing with law enforcement officials,U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand called for the passage of the Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act. The bipartisan bill would provide $24 million in federal funding for each of the next 5 fiscal years to establish a pilot child care services program to support law enforcement families.

    “Law enforcement is one of the most critical components of keeping communities safe, and police officers should not have to choose between taking care of their children and staying in the police force,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Providing child care options will open the professional door to aspiring police officers who do not want to worry about child care while also providing stability to current officers struggling to find child care options.”

    The Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act would establish a grant pilot program to provide child care services for the children of police officers to accommodate the shift work and abnormal work hours of the officers, and to enhance recruitment and retention of the workforce. Specifically, the bill authorizes $24 million in funding for each of the next 5 fiscal years and allows for grants of up to $3 million to individual law enforcement agencies or consortia to establish child care programs for their police personnel. In addition, to ensure parents employed by smaller police departments receive support, 20% of the total grant funding will be set aside for law enforcement agencies employing fewer than 200 officers.

    Police officers often work extended hours on a nontraditional schedule. In a recent survey, more than 70% of law enforcement agencies reported that recruitment is more difficult now than five years ago, and at one major metropolitan police department, more than half of officers reported having to leave or miss work due to child care issues. This issue disproportionately impacts women, who make up less than 14% of sworn officers and 4% of police chiefs. Senator Gillibrand’s bill would help increase public safety by reducing barriers to a career in law enforcement and by ensuring the best talent is recruited into our police departments.

    Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) cosponsors this bill in the Senate and Representative Scott Peters (D-CA-50) leads the bill in the House of Representatives.

    “Our cops are heroes, we’ve got to have their back and make sure they have all the tools they need to take care of our families as well as their own,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “My number one priority is making sure our communities are safe and that all starts with taking care of our cops. This is commonsense legislation – it’s a win for working parents, a win for law enforcement recruitment, a win for our cops and a win for public safety across the entire country. As a father and a public servant, I will push relentlessly to get this bill signed into law.”

    “Finding affordable, reliable childcare is one of the biggest challenges facing families today – and for law enforcement officers working nights, weekends, and unpredictable shifts, it can feel nearly impossible,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “This bill tackles a real barrier that keeps too many parents, especially women, from staying in the profession. I’m grateful to Senator Gillibrand for working across the aisle to bring attention to this issue and advance a practical solution that supports the people behind the badge and strengthens public safety in communities like ours.”

    “Our law enforcement partners put their lives on the line to protect us every day, around the clock and under intense pressure. Senator Gillibrand’s Child Care for Police Officers Act establishes reliable childcare services for our police officers, which in turn strengthens public safety in Dutchess County,” said Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi. “This legislation is about supporting those who protect our communities and giving them the same peace of mind they provide us every day.  I’m proud to support this important legislation.”

    This legislation is supported by the following organizations: 30×30, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), International Union of Police Associations (IUPA), National Asian Peace Officers Association (NAPOA), National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA), International Association of Chiefs of Police, Central New York Association of Chiefs of Police, New York State Association of Chief of Police, AFSCME, and Third Way.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Presidential Message on the 81st Anniversary of the Liberation of Guam

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    Today, on the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Guam from Imperial Japanese control, our Nation proudly honors the strength, courage, and unbreakable resilience of every hero of liberty who gallantly fought to free the people of Guam and establish a foothold from which we would win the Second World War.
    On July 21, 1944, American forces stormed the beaches of Guam to conquer tyranny and restore the righteous promise of American sovereignty in the Pacific.  As Imperial Japanese forces tried to hold their ground, they struggled to withstand the full might of the U.S. Armed Forces.  After three weeks of gruesome and blood-soaked warfare in jungles, caves, and rugged hills, America triumphed—regaining control of Guam and putting U.S. forces within striking distance of ending the war in the Pacific.
    As we commemorate America’s hard-earned victory in Guam, our Nation also solemnly pays tribute to the more than 1,200 Service members and more than 1,000 residents of Guam who made the ultimate sacrifice to liberate the American territory.
    To this day, the liberation of Guam remains etched upon our Nation’s history as a bold reassertion of American sovereignty at a time when our future and our freedom were in peril.  Under my leadership, the United States remains committed to upholding a foreign policy of peace through strength—and we will never waver in defending our interests, our citizens, our territory, and our glorious way of life from all enemies, foreign and domestic. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Planting the seeds of community at Gordon Park

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    Date:  22 July 2025

    Situated just outside the town, the remnant kahikatea forest of Gordon Park Scenic Reserve is unique in the Whanganui area and beloved by many people in the community.

    Department of Conservation Community Ranger Hēmi Stuteley says the new car park, fencing, and a planned picnic area will improve access and enjoyment.

    “On top of these, the forest is gaining ground! Around two hectares of paddock are ready for planting with locally sourced seedstock, the majority collected and grown on by Friends of Gordon Park volunteers.”

    Paddock areas to the north and west were deforested a long time ago but are part of Gordon Park Scenic Reserve.

    “We can all play a role in protecting and enhancing this small but mighty patch of forest,” says Hēmi.

    “This planting will help protect the mature forest as well as provide more habitat for our wetland birds like the at-risk mātātā or fernbird.”

    Colin Ogle, spokesperson for volunteer group Friends of Gordon Park, says the community can be involved in planting the new areas.

    “It’s a chance to be here from the start of something, plant some trees with your tamariki, then watch them grow over the coming years.

    “We want this forest to belong to the community.”

    The existing Gordon Park Scenic Reserve forest has been nurtured by the Friends of Gordon Park for almost 20 years, and new volunteers are always welcome.

    Colin says it’s a busy planting schedule from July to the end of September.

    “There’s around 6000 native trees to go in; we’ll provide the tools if you bring the enthusiasm, boots, and weather appropriate clothing!”

    The main community planting day is Sunday 3 August at 11 am, however extra people to contribute are also welcome at the six weekday plantings falling on regular volunteer days.

    Regular volunteer days at Gordon Park are held twice a month, on the second Tuesday morning at 10 am and fourth Thursday afternoon at 1 pm.

    Contact whanganui@doc.govt.nz for more information.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Ripplecoin Mining launches XRP cloud mining contracts to help investors lock in daily crypto yields

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Francisco, California , July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As XRP breaks through $3.55, setting a new record high, Ripplecoin Mining announced the launch of a new XRP cloud mining service to provide cryptocurrency investors with a stable daily income channel. Users can directly start cloud mining contracts using mainstream currencies such as XRP and BTC, opening a truly “zero threshold, intelligent” asset appreciation model.

    XRP hits a new high, and the crypto market ushers in a new trend in asset allocation

    XRP rose by more than 36% in the past week, exceeding the increase in Bitcoin in the same period, becoming the leading asset in the rebound of altcoins. Analysts believe that the signing of the GENIUS Act, the settlement between Ripple and the SEC, and the expansion of the RLUSD stablecoin are the three core driving forces for XRP’s rise. As the market enters a new cycle where compliance and infrastructure are equally important, the strategy of “holding coins + passive income” has become the new normal for investors.

    Ripplecoin Mining: Converting XRP into daily cash flow

    Ripplecoin Mining is a technology platform focusing on “light mode mining” and is committed to turning idle digital assets into daily cash flow income. Its newly released XRP cloud mining service breaks the dependence of traditional mining on hardware, electricity and technology, allowing ordinary users to participate in mining at a low cost.

    Platform highlights:

    AI computing power scheduling: the system automatically selects the world’s best computing power node
    Mining on mobile: supports iOS and Android, easy to operate
    Daily income: automatic settlement, stable and visible income
    Green data center: 120+ green mines deployed globally
    Safety guarantee: multiple protection technologies to ensure the safety of user assets

    Quickly participate in cloud mining: start daily income in three steps

    Register an account: Click here to visit the official website to register and enjoy $15 free computing power experience

    Recharge XRP/BTC: Use your XRP or BTC to recharge your member account and start the contract

    Select a contract and start: A variety of contracts automatically settle income every day, no maintenance required
    The following contract explains the potential income you can get

    Contract Price Contract Duration Daily Earnings Total Revenue
    $100 2Days $5 $100 + $10
    $500 5Days $6 $500 + $30
    $1,300 9Days $16 $1,300 + $158
    $3,000 14Days $42 $3,000 + $588
    $7,800 21Days $117 $7,800 + $2,457
    $23,000 29Days $396 $23,000 + $11,472

    User feedback: Real praise, word-of-mouth communication

    “In the past, XRP could only wait for price increases, but now the income is automatically credited every day, and I feel that my assets are “working.”
    –Swiss user Daniel L.
    “I don’t understand technology, but this platform is as simple as using Alipay.”
    –Japanese user Miko T.

    About Ripplecoin Mining

    Founded in 2017 and headquartered in the UK, Ripplecoin Mining is the world’s leading AI-driven compliant cloud mining platform. The platform supports mainstream currencies including XRP, BTC, ETH, DOGE, SOL, etc., and combines green energy data centers with intelligent computing power scheduling algorithms to provide efficient, safe and sustainable mining services to more than 9.5 million users worldwide. Ripplecoin Mining is committed to lowering the threshold for mining, so that every crypto investor can easily realize the automatic appreciation of assets.

    Official website address: https://ripplecoinmining.com

    App download: https://ripplecoinmining.com/xml/index.html#/app

    Media contact: info@ripplecoinmining.com

    The MIL Network –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Ripplecoin Mining launches XRP cloud mining contracts to help investors lock in daily crypto yields

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Francisco, California , July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As XRP breaks through $3.55, setting a new record high, Ripplecoin Mining announced the launch of a new XRP cloud mining service to provide cryptocurrency investors with a stable daily income channel. Users can directly start cloud mining contracts using mainstream currencies such as XRP and BTC, opening a truly “zero threshold, intelligent” asset appreciation model.

    XRP hits a new high, and the crypto market ushers in a new trend in asset allocation

    XRP rose by more than 36% in the past week, exceeding the increase in Bitcoin in the same period, becoming the leading asset in the rebound of altcoins. Analysts believe that the signing of the GENIUS Act, the settlement between Ripple and the SEC, and the expansion of the RLUSD stablecoin are the three core driving forces for XRP’s rise. As the market enters a new cycle where compliance and infrastructure are equally important, the strategy of “holding coins + passive income” has become the new normal for investors.

    Ripplecoin Mining: Converting XRP into daily cash flow

    Ripplecoin Mining is a technology platform focusing on “light mode mining” and is committed to turning idle digital assets into daily cash flow income. Its newly released XRP cloud mining service breaks the dependence of traditional mining on hardware, electricity and technology, allowing ordinary users to participate in mining at a low cost.

    Platform highlights:

    AI computing power scheduling: the system automatically selects the world’s best computing power node
    Mining on mobile: supports iOS and Android, easy to operate
    Daily income: automatic settlement, stable and visible income
    Green data center: 120+ green mines deployed globally
    Safety guarantee: multiple protection technologies to ensure the safety of user assets

    Quickly participate in cloud mining: start daily income in three steps

    Register an account: Click here to visit the official website to register and enjoy $15 free computing power experience

    Recharge XRP/BTC: Use your XRP or BTC to recharge your member account and start the contract

    Select a contract and start: A variety of contracts automatically settle income every day, no maintenance required
    The following contract explains the potential income you can get

    Contract Price Contract Duration Daily Earnings Total Revenue
    $100 2Days $5 $100 + $10
    $500 5Days $6 $500 + $30
    $1,300 9Days $16 $1,300 + $158
    $3,000 14Days $42 $3,000 + $588
    $7,800 21Days $117 $7,800 + $2,457
    $23,000 29Days $396 $23,000 + $11,472

    User feedback: Real praise, word-of-mouth communication

    “In the past, XRP could only wait for price increases, but now the income is automatically credited every day, and I feel that my assets are “working.”
    –Swiss user Daniel L.
    “I don’t understand technology, but this platform is as simple as using Alipay.”
    –Japanese user Miko T.

    About Ripplecoin Mining

    Founded in 2017 and headquartered in the UK, Ripplecoin Mining is the world’s leading AI-driven compliant cloud mining platform. The platform supports mainstream currencies including XRP, BTC, ETH, DOGE, SOL, etc., and combines green energy data centers with intelligent computing power scheduling algorithms to provide efficient, safe and sustainable mining services to more than 9.5 million users worldwide. Ripplecoin Mining is committed to lowering the threshold for mining, so that every crypto investor can easily realize the automatic appreciation of assets.

    Official website address: https://ripplecoinmining.com

    App download: https://ripplecoinmining.com/xml/index.html#/app

    Media contact: info@ripplecoinmining.com

    The MIL Network –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Female technician completes EV training at EIT

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

    25 seconds ago

    A female technician at Andrew Simms Motor Group in Auckland has completed electric vehicle training through EIT to meet growing demand in the workshop.

    Lezani Oosthuizen-Meyer, who joined the dealership in 2023, recently completed the NZ Certificate in Electric Vehicle Automotive Engineering [Level 5] through EIT via distance learning, while working full-time in the service department.

    Auckland technician Lezani Oosthuizen-Meyer completed the NZ Certificate in Electric Vehicle Automotive Engineering [Level 5] through EIT while working at Andrew Simms Motor Group.

    Originally from South Africa, the 35-year-old has more than a decade of experience in the automotive industry, including experience with both passenger vehicles and heavy transport.

    Her enrolment is part of a wider upskilling initiative at Andrew Simms, which, since 2023, has chosen EIT as its preferred provider for EV training across its six Auckland dealerships.

    “We’re seeing more and more EVs coming through, so my managers encouraged me to do the course, and it was a really good experience.”

    Delivered through a mix of online learning and in-person block courses, the level 5 programme is designed to equip qualified technicians with the skills and safety knowledge required to service and repair high-voltage electric vehicles.

    Lezani said the support from her EIT tutor Scott Cunningham made a big difference.

    “Scotty was very knowledgeable and helped me a lot. Even now, if I have questions, I can call him, and he’ll talk me through it.”

    Having previously trained in both South Africa and New Zealand, Lezani said the EIT course offered more depth than anything she had done before.

    “It broke everything down really clearly,” she said. “I already had experience working with modules and diagnostics, but this gave me a much better understanding of high-voltage systems.”

    While juggling study, work, and parenting a four-year-old was a challenge, she said it was manageable and worth it.

    “Sometimes I’d get home late, give my son a bath and get him to bed, then go straight into the online classes,” she said. “It was tiring, but it’s added to what I can do in the workshop.”

    As one of the few women in the trade, Lezani said she’s noticed a more inclusive culture in New Zealand compared to South Africa, where opportunities were limited.

    “I’ve seen more women in the industry here, which is really encouraging,” she said.

    Now looking to take a break from study, she hopes to explore opportunities in management in the future.

    “For now, I’m focused on work and family, but I’d definitely recommend the course to others. It’s a good investment in your future.”

    Tim Jagusch, EIT School of Trades and Technology Assistant Head, said Lezani’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when determination meets opportunity.

    “At EIT, we’re proud to support learners like her; people who are not only advancing their own careers but also helping to shape the future of the automotive industry. Her success reflects the strength of our partnerships with industry leaders like Andrew Simms Motor Group and the value of flexible, high-quality training. We congratulate Lezani on her achievement and look forward to seeing more technicians take up the challenge of EV training.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: TEC-funded tertiary education data

    Source: Tertiary Education Commission

    Last updated 21 March 2025
    Last updated 21 March 2025

    Print

    Share

    This page has information on the latest delivery volume and funding details for our main funds.
    This page has information on the latest delivery volume and funding details for our main funds.

    The spreadsheet below shows Tertiary Education Commission (TEC)-funded tertiary education data submitted by tertiary education organisations (TEOs) through the Single Data Return (SDR) and the Industry Training Register (ITR). The data is broken down by the following funding groups:

    Foundation education
    Vocational education
    Higher education.

    It contains information on equivalent full-time students (EFTS) and funding for each TEO. We will update this data three times per year.
    How to use the spreadsheet
    Please read the “Information Sheet” before using the data. In the spreadsheet, click on the [+] button on the left of each sheet to see data at the TEO level (where applicable).
    2023 to 2025 (April YTD) funded tertiary education (XLSX 210 KB)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Sues Trump Administration for Gutting Critical Social Services

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today led a coalition of 20 other attorneys general in suing the federal administration to stop its unlawful attempt to gut lifesaving health, education, and social service programs for low-income families. Earlier this month, in a chaotic reversal of decades of agency policy, the administration issued sweeping new directives barring many safety net programs from serving all residents, regardless of immigration status. The changes threaten access to core services such as Head Start, Meals on Wheels, child welfare programs, domestic violence shelters, housing assistance, mental health treatment, food banks, and community health centers. Attorney General James and the coalition are asking the court to halt these policies and act quickly to prevent the collapse of some of the nation’s most vital public programs.

    “For decades, states like New York have built health, education, and family support systems that serve anyone in need,” said Attorney General James. “These programs work because they are open, accessible, and grounded in compassion. Now, the federal government is pulling that foundation out from under us overnight, jeopardizing cancer screenings, early childhood education, primary care, and so much more. This is a baseless attack on some of our country’s most effective and inclusive public programs, and we will not let it stand.”

    Starting on July 10, four federal agencies – the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Education (ED), Labor (DOL), and Justice (DOJ) – issued a coordinated set of rules and guidance documents reinterpreting the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), a 1996 law governing access to public benefits. For nearly three decades, under both Democratic and Republican administrations, federal agencies interpreted PRWORA to allow states to offer a wide range of essential services without regard to immigration status.

    That changed abruptly with new notices issued under the president’s executive order, “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders.” The new policies redefine broad swaths of federally funded programs as restricted “federal public benefits,” now subject to immigration verification. These rules took effect immediately or with little notice, bypassing public input and ignoring real-world consequences. The policies apply not just to undocumented immigrants, but also to some people with legal status, including student visa holders, temporary workers, and exchange visitors. In addition, the attorneys general warn that even U.S. citizens and lawful residents could be denied services, as many low-income individuals lack government-issued identification.

    Attorney General James and the coalition argue the policies are already causing significant disruption. The notices started to take effect almost immediately, and state programs face the risks of enforcement, endangering their federal funding. Providers, including those serving children, pregnant patients, refugees, and other vulnerable populations, are ill-equipped to implement the new policies under any timeline. Children in foster care, domestic violence survivors, people leaving homelessness, and many other vulnerable communities could lose access to some of their most critical supports. Although some charitable organizations remain exempt from the requirement to verify immigration status, states and their subgrantees are not. The attorneys general assert that in its rush to inflict harm on immigrant communities, the administration is poised to harm tens of thousands of low-income families, workers, and children, including U.S. citizens and lawful residents.

    In New York, the consequences are especially alarming:

    • Community Health Centers: New York’s 850 community health centers provide primary and preventative care to 2.4 million low-income residents, regardless of insurance or immigration status. These centers are often the only healthcare provider available in underserved communities. Without federal funding or reimbursement for treating patients whose status cannot be verified, many centers could be forced to close – leaving entire communities without access to vaccines, mammograms, wellness exams, and chronic disease care.
    • Title X Family Planning Clinics: Title X clinics provide low- or no-cost reproductive care, STI testing, cancer screenings, and wellness exams to over 300,000 New Yorkers each year. In 2024, the state received more than $11 million in Title X funding – all of which may now be at risk unless clinics begin screening for verifying immigration status, a step providers call unworkable and deeply harmful.
    • Anti-Poverty Programs: New York receives approximately $65 million annually through the Community Services Block Grant, which supports food, housing, utility assistance, and more. In 2023, the state’s Community Action Agencies served more than half a million New Yorkers, distributed 1.5 million boxes of food, and provided before- and after-school programs for over 200,000 students. Under the new rules, far fewer people will access these critical anti-poverty services – either because they lack ID or because they fear immigration-related repercussions.
    • Early Childhood Education: Head Start provides early education to 43,000 low-income children at nearly 1,000 sites statewide and receives approximately $700 million in federal funding. New York’s Head Start providers warn that they may not have the ability or capacity to feasibly implement immigration screening. These programs are particularly fragile: when federal funding was temporarily frozen in January 2025, several centers shut down within days, forcing parents to miss work and threatening job stability.
    • Behavioral Health: New York receives nearly $180 million annually in federal mental health and substance use block grant funding to support critical programs like crisis intervention teams, substance use disorder treatment, school-based mental health services, peer support networks, the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, and jail diversion initiatives. These services are now at serious risk under the new federal rules. For many individuals with serious mental illness – including those experiencing homelessness – immigration status screening and documentation requirements may pose an insurmountable barrier to care. The New York Office of Mental Health also warns that these changes could severely undermine the state’s mental health infrastructure and further worsen the nationwide youth mental health crisis.
    • Adult Education Services: More than 80,000 New Yorkers use Adult Career and Continuing Education Services (ACCES) each year to build literacy, earn high school equivalency diplomas, and gain career training. These programs are especially vital for new Americans and are essential to addressing workforce shortages. The administration’s rules would exclude thousands of learners overnight and destabilize the entire system. Providers warn they cannot implement the new requirements without gutting their mission and ability to serve.

    The attorneys general argue that the federal government acted unlawfully by issuing sweeping new mandates without following the required rulemaking process, in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act. They also argue the administration grossly misread PRWORA, improperly applying it to entire programs rather than individual benefits, and generally failed to consider the sweeping and devastating impacts these changes would have on states. Finally, they assert the rules violate the Constitution’s Spending Clause, which requires the federal government to provide clear and fair notice of any new conditions on funding before states accept those funds.

    Attorney General James and the coalition are asking the court to declare the new rules unlawful, halt their implementation through preliminary and permanent injunctions, vacate the rules and restore long-standing practice, and prevent the federal government from using PRWORA as a pretext to dismantle core safety net programs in the future.

    Joining Attorney General James in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI NGOs: MEDIA + TALENT ALERT: The 30th session of the International Seabed Authority Assembly starts

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    TUESDAY 22 JULY — The future of deep sea mining will be a focus for world leaders this week as the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Assembly kicked in Kingston, Jamaica overnight (11pm AEST). Delegates, including from the Pacific and Australia, will discuss deep sea mining for the first time since The Metals Company (TMC) submitted the first-ever application to commercially mine the international seabed.

    During the Council meeting which ended overnight, governments responded to the application by launching an investigation into whether mining contractors, including TMC’s subsidiaries Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. (NORI) and Tonga Offshore Mining Limited (TOML), are complying with contractual obligations to act in accordance with the international legal framework. The Council has ended with a clear signal that this industry will not get international approval anytime soon. 

    Rae Bainteiti, Pacific Political Coordinator at Greenpeace Australia Pacific © Greenpeace / Bianca Vitale

    Rae Bainteiti, Pacific Political Coordinator at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said from the ISA in Kingston: 

    “Despite industry pressure reaching fever pitch, governments have sent a clear signal that the deep sea mining industry will not get international approval any time soon.

    “As more delegations arrive to attend the ISA Assembly meeting, they’ll be met by a rising tide of voices — from scientists, Pacific communities, businesses, and concerned citizens — all saying the same thing: deep sea mining is a dangerous gamble we cannot afford. For generations, Indigenous knowledge has taught us that the ocean is not just a resource—it is a sacred, living system central to Pacific identity and survival. We have always known that disturbing the seabed threatens the balance of life in ways science is only beginning to understand. The only responsible way forward at the ISA is a global moratorium.”

    — ENDS —

    Contacts:
    Greenpeace Australia Pacific: Kimberley Bernard on [email protected] or +61 407 581 404
    Greenpeace International: Sol Gosetti on [email protected] or +34664029407 (WhatsApp)

    Images can be found here


    TALENT AVAILABLE

    Greenpeace spokespeople and Pacific allies are available in Kingston and across the Pacific region on topics including:

    • The threats deep sea mining poses to Pacific people, heritage and culture
    • The dangers of a rushed mining code and the importance of decision-making being centred around Indigenous and Pacific voices
    • Deep sea mining across the Pacific, various viewpoints, history and local civil society momentum to stop deep sea mining
    • High-level analysis and reactions to announcements and developments
    • Calls for Australia and Pacific governments

    IN KINGSTON (GMT-5):

    Raeed Ali, Pacific Community Mobiliser at Greenpeace Australia Pacific

    Location: Kingston, Jamaica

    From: Fiji

    Rae Bainteiti, Pacific Political Coordinator at Greenpeace Australia Pacific

    Location: Kingston, Jamaica

    From: Kiribati

    Alanna Matamaru Smith, Director of Te Ipukarea Society

    Location: Kingston, Jamaica

    From: Rarotonga, Cook Islands

    Millicent Barty, Founder of Kastom Keepers

    Location: Kingston, Jamaica

    From: Solomon Islands

    Louisa Casson, campaigner at Greenpeace International

    Location: Kingston, Jamaica

    From: London, UK

    IN THE PACIFIC REGION:

    Glenn Walker, Head of Nature at Greenpeace Australia Pacific (GMT+10)

    Location: Sydney, Australia

    Juressa Lee, Campaigner at Greenpeace Aotearoa (GMT+12)

    Location: Auckland, Aotearoa-New Zealand

    MIL OSI NGO –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: RBB Bancorp Reports Second Quarter 2025 Earnings and Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.16 Per Common Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RBB Bancorp (NASDAQ:RBB) and its subsidiaries, Royal Business Bank (the “Bank”) and RBB Asset Management Company (“RAM”), collectively referred to herein as the “Company,” announced financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

    Second Quarter 2025 Highlights

    • Net income totaled $9.3 million, or $0.52 diluted earnings per share
    • Return on average assets of 0.93%, compared to 0.24% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025
    • Net interest margin expanded to 2.92%, up from 2.88% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025
    • Net loans held for investment growth of $91.6 million, or 12% annualized
    • Nonperforming assets decreased $3.6 million, or 5.5%, to $61.0 million at June 30, 2025, down from $64.6 million at March 31, 2025
    • Book value and tangible book value per share(1) increased to $29.25 and $25.11 at June 30, 2025, up from $28.77 and $24.63 at March 31, 2025

    The Company reported net income of $9.3 million, or $0.52 diluted earnings per share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to net income of $2.3 million, or $0.13 diluted earnings per share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. Net income for the second quarter of 2025 included income from an Employee Retention Credit (“ERC”) of $5.2 million (pre-tax), which was included in other income, offset partially by professional and advisory costs associated with filing and determining eligibility for the ERC totaling $1.2 million (pre-tax).

    “Another quarter of strong loan growth and stable loan yields drove increasing net interest income and margin expansion in the second quarter,” said Johnny Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of RBB Bancorp. “We also benefited from the receipt of a $5.2 million ERC in the second quarter. We continue to work through our nonperforming assets and remain focused on resolving our nonperforming loans as quickly as possible while minimizing the impact to earnings and capital.”

    (1 ) Reconciliations of the non–U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) measures included at the end of this press release.
         

    Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

    Net interest income was $27.3 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $26.2 million for the first quarter of 2025. The $1.2 million increase was due to a $1.9 million increase in interest income, offset by a $698,000 increase in interest expense. The increase in interest income was mostly due to a $2.1 million increase in interest and fees on loans. The increase in interest expense was due to a $433,000 increase in interest on borrowings and a $265,000 increase in interest on deposits.

    The net interest margin (“NIM”) was 2.92% for the second quarter of 2025, an increase of 4 basis points from 2.88% for the first quarter of 2025. The NIM expansion was due to a 3 basis point increase in the yield on average interest-earning assets, combined with a 1 basis point decrease in the overall cost of funds. The yield on average interest-earning assets increased to 5.79% for the second quarter of 2025 from 5.76% for the first quarter of 2025 due mainly to a 2 basis point increase in the yield on average loans to 6.03%. Average loans represented 85% of average interest-earning assets in the second quarter of 2025, as compared to 84% in the first quarter of 2025.

    The average cost of funds decreased to 3.14% for the second quarter of 2025 from 3.15% for the first quarter of 2025, driven by an 11 basis point decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing deposits, partially offset by a 75 basis point increase in the average cost of total borrowings. The average cost of interest-bearing deposits decreased to 3.66% for the second quarter of 2025 from 3.77% for the first quarter of 2025. The overall funding mix for the second quarter of 2025 remained relatively unchanged from the first quarter of 2025 with total deposits representing 90% of interest bearing liabilities and average noninterest-bearing deposits representing 17% of average total deposits. The average cost of borrowings increased as $150 million in long term FHLB advances matured during the first quarter of 2025, the majority of which were replaced and repriced at current market rates. The all-in average spot rate for total deposits was 2.95% at June 30, 2025.

    Provision for Credit Losses

    The provision for credit losses was $2.4 million for the second quarter of 2025 compared to $6.7 million for the first quarter of 2025. The second quarter of 2025 provision for credit losses reflected an increase in general reserves of $1.5 million due mainly to net loan growth, and an increase in a specific reserve of $924,000 related to one lending relationship. The second quarter provision also took into consideration factors such as changes in the outlook for economic conditions and market interest rates, and changes in credit quality metrics, including changes in loans 30-89 days past due, nonperforming loans, special mention and substandard loans during the period. Net charge-offs of $3.3 million in the second quarter related to loans which had these specific reserves at March 31, 2025. Net charge-offs on an annualized basis represented 0.42% of average loans for the second quarter of 2025 compared to 0.35% for the first quarter of 2025.

    Noninterest Income

    Noninterest income for the second quarter of 2025 was $8.5 million, an increase of $6.2 million from $2.3 million for the first quarter of 2025. The second quarter of 2025 included other income of $5.2 million for the receipt of ERC funds from the IRS. The ERC was a grant program established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and these funds relate to qualifying amended payroll tax returns the Company filed for the first and second quarters of 2021.

    Upon receipt of the ERC funds, certain professional and tax advisory costs associated with the assessment and compilation of the ERC refunds became due and payable. These amounts totaled $1.2 million and are included in legal and professional expense in our consolidated statements of income for the second quarter of 2025. There were no such ERC amounts received or associated costs recognized during the first quarter of 2025 or the quarter ended June 30, 2024.

    The second quarter of 2025 also included a higher gain on sale of loans of $277,000 and recoveries associated with a fully-charged off loan acquired in a bank acquisition of $350,000, the latter included in “other income.”

    Noninterest Expense

    Noninterest expense for the second quarter of 2025 was $20.5 million, an increase of $2.0 million from $18.5 million for the first quarter of 2025. This increase was mostly due to higher legal and professional expense of $1.4 million, of which $1.2 million was attributed to the aforementioned ERC advisory costs, and a $437,000 increase in salaries and employee benefits expenses. The increase in compensation includes higher incentives related to sustained production levels, the impact of annual pay increases, and approximately $330,000 in costs related to executive management transitions, offset by lower payroll taxes. The efficiency ratio was 57.2% for the second quarter of 2025, down from 65.1% for the first quarter of 2025 due mostly to higher noninterest income related to the ERC, partially offset by higher noninterest expense related to the ERC advisory costs.

    Income Taxes

    The effective tax rate was 27.8% for the second quarter of 2025 and 28.2% for the first quarter of 2025. 

    Balance Sheet

    At June 30, 2025, total assets were $4.1 billion, an $80.6 million increase compared to March 31, 2025, and a $221.9 million increase compared to June 30, 2024.

    Loan and Securities Portfolio

    Loans held for investment (“HFI”) totaled $3.2 billion as of June 30, 2025, an increase of $91.6 million, or 12% annualized, compared to March 31, 2025 and an increase of $187.0 million, or 6.1%, compared to June 30, 2024. The second quarter of 2025 net loan growth included $182.8 million in new production with an average yield of 6.76%. The increase from March 31, 2025 was primarily due to a $57.3 million increase in single-family residential (“SFR”) mortgage loans, a $28.0 million increase in commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans, a $5.3 million increase in Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans and a $2.7 million increase in commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loans. The loan to deposit ratio was 101.5% at June 30, 2025, compared to 100.0% at March 31, 2025 and 100.9% at June 30, 2024. 

    As of June 30, 2025, available for sale securities (“AFS”) totaled $413.1 million, an increase of $35.0 million from March 31, 2025, primarily related to purchases of $68.0 million, offset by maturities and amortization of $33.0 million during the second quarter of 2025. As of June 30, 2025, net unrealized losses totaled $23.1 million, a $1.9 million decrease, when compared to net unrealized losses of $25.0 million as of March 31, 2025.

    Deposits

    Total deposits were $3.2 billion as of June 30, 2025, an increase of $45.6 million, or 5.8% annualized, compared to March 31, 2025 and an increase of $164.6 million, or 5.4%, compared to June 30, 2024. The increase during the second quarter of 2025 was due to a $29.9 million increase in interest-bearing deposits coupled with a $15.7 million increase in noninterest-bearing deposits. The increase in interest-bearing deposits included increases in time deposits of $59.5 million, offset by decreases in interest-bearing non-maturity deposits of $29.5 million. Wholesale deposits totaled $183.8 million at June 30, 2025, an increase of $25.3 million compared to $158.5 million at March 31, 2025. Noninterest-bearing deposits totaled $543.9 million and represented 17.1% of total deposits at June 30, 2025 compared to $528.2 million and 16.8% at March 31, 2025.

    Credit Quality

    Nonperforming assets totaled $61.0 million, or 1.49% of total assets, at June 30, 2025, down from $64.6 million, or 1.61% of total assets, at March 31, 2025. The $3.6 million decrease in nonperforming assets was due to $3.3 million in net charge-offs and $1.7 million in payoffs and paydowns, partially offset by $1.4 million in additions from loans migrating to nonaccrual status in the second quarter of 2025. Nonperforming assets included one $4.2 million other real estate owned (included in “accrued interest and other assets”) at June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025.

    Special mention loans totaled $91.3 million, or 2.82% of total loans, at June 30, 2025, up from $64.3 million, or 2.05% of total loans, at March 31, 2025. The $27.0 million increase was primarily due to the addition of loans totaling $30.1 million and $1.6 million in balance increases, partially offset by the downgrade of two CRE loans totaling $4.0 million to substandard-rated loans and payoffs and paydowns totaling $660,000. As of June 30, 2025, all special mention loans were paying current.

    Substandard loans totaled $91.0 million at June 30, 2025, up from $76.4 million at March 31, 2025. The $14.6 million increase was primarily due to the downgrades totaling $20.6 million, partially offset by net charge-offs totaling $3.3 million and payoffs and paydowns totaling $2.7 million. Of the total substandard loans at June 30, 2025, there were $34.2 million on accrual status.

    30-89 day delinquent loans, excluding nonperforming loans, totaled $18.0 million, or 0.56% of total loans, at June 30, 2025, up from $5.9 million, or 0.19% of total loans, at March 31, 2025. The $12.1 million increase was mostly due to $15.5 million in new delinquent loans, offset by $2.2 million in loans returning to current status, $798,000 in loans migrating to nonaccrual status, and $427,000 in paydowns and payoffs. The additions include an $8.5 million CRE loan that has since been brought current.

    As of June 30, 2025, the allowance for credit losses totaled $51.6 million and was comprised of an allowance for loan losses of $51.0 million and a reserve for unfunded commitments of $629,000 (included in “accrued interest and other liabilities”). This compares to the allowance for credit losses of $52.6 million, comprised of an allowance for loan losses of $51.9 million and a reserve for unfunded commitments of $629,000 at March 31, 2025. The $918,000 decrease in the allowance for credit losses for the second quarter of 2025 was due to net charge-offs of $3.3 million, offset by a $2.4 million provision for credit losses. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans HFI decreased to 1.58% at June 30, 2025, compared to 1.65% at March 31, 2025, due mainly to net charge-offs of amounts included in specific reserves at March 31, 2025. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of nonperforming loans HFI was 90% at June 30, 2025, an increase from 86% at March 31, 2025. 

      For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025     For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2025  
    (dollars in thousands) Allowance
    for
    loan losses
        Reserve for
    unfunded
    loan commitments
        Allowance
    for
    credit losses
        Allowance
    for loan
    losses
        Reserve for
    unfunded
    loan
    commitments
        Allowance
    for credit
    losses
     
    Beginning balance $ 51,932     $ 629     $ 52,561     $ 47,729     $ 729     $ 48,458  
    Provision for (reversal of) credit losses   2,387       —       2,387       9,233       (100 )     9,133  
    Less loans charged-off   (3,339 )     —       (3,339 )     (6,065 )     —       (6,065 )
    Recoveries on loans charged-off   34       —       34       117       —       117  
    Ending balance $ 51,014     $ 629     $ 51,643     $ 51,014     $ 629     $ 51,643  
     

    Shareholders’ Equity

    At June 30, 2025, total shareholders’ equity was $517.7 million, a $7.3 million increase compared to March 31, 2025, and a $6.4 million increase compared to June 30, 2024. The increase in shareholders’ equity for the second quarter of 2025 was due to net income of $9.3 million, lower net unrealized losses on AFS securities of $1.3 million and equity compensation activity of $1.1 million, offset by common stock cash dividends paid totaling $2.9 million and common stock repurchases totaling $1.5 million. The increase in shareholders’ equity for the last twelve months was due to net income of $23.0 million, lower net unrealized losses on AFS securities of $4.9 million, and equity compensation activity of $2.5 million, offset by common stock repurchases totaling $12.5 million and common stock cash dividends paid totaling $11.5 million. Book value per share and tangible book value per share(1) increased to $29.25 and $25.11 at June 30, 2025, up from $28.77 and $24.63 at March 31, 2025 and up from $28.12 and $24.06 at June 30, 2024.

    Dividend Announcement

    The Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per common share. The dividend is payable on August 12, 2025 to shareholders of record on July 31, 2025.

    (1 ) Reconciliations of the non–U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) measures included at the end of this press release.
         

    Corporate Overview

    RBB Bancorp is a community-based financial holding company headquartered in Los Angeles, California. As of June 30, 2025, the Company had total assets of $4.1 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-centric communities 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.

    Conference Call

    Management will hold a conference call at 11:00 a.m. Pacific time/2:00 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, to discuss the Company’s second quarter 2025 financial results.

    To listen to the conference call, please dial 1-888-506-0062 or 1-973-528-0011, the Participant ID code is 710803, conference ID RBBQ225. A replay of the call will be made available at 1-877-481-4010 or 1-919-882-2331, the passcode is 52690, approximately one hour after the conclusion of the call and will remain available through August 05, 2025.

    The conference call will also be simultaneously webcast over the Internet; please visit our Royal Business Bank website at www.royalbusinessbankusa.com and click on the “Investors” tab to access the call from the site. This webcast will be recorded and available for replay on our website approximately two hours after the conclusion of the conference call.

    Disclosure

    This press release contains certain non-GAAP financial disclosures for tangible common equity and tangible assets and adjusted earnings. The Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures to provide meaningful supplemental information regarding the Company’s operational performance and to enhance investors’ overall understanding of such financial performance. Please refer to the tables at the end of this release for a presentation of performance ratios in accordance with GAAP and a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the GAAP financial measures.

    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 or foreign financial markets; the strength of the U.S. economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which we conduct operations; adverse developments in the banking industry highlighted by high-profile bank failures and the potential impact of such developments on customer confidence, liquidity and regulatory responses to these developments; possible additional provisions for credit 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; compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and other money laundering statutes and regulations; potential goodwill impairment; liquidity risk; failure to comply with debt covenants; 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; the effects of having concentrations in our loan portfolio, including commercial real estate and the risks of geographic and industry concentrations; 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, including direct and indirect costs and impacts on clients, the Company and its employees from the January 2025 Los Angeles County wildfires; 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, in the Middle East, and increasing tensions between China and Taiwan, which could impact business and economic conditions in the U.S. and abroad; tariffs, trade policies, and related tensions, which could impact our clients, specific industry sectors, and/or broader economic conditions and financial market; 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 and 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; the impact of changes in the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“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; 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; 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 California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation; 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, 2024, 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.

    RBB BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
      June 30,     March 31,     December 31,     September 30,     June 30,  
      2025     2025     2024     2024     2024  
    Assets                                      
    Cash and due from banks $ 27,338     $ 25,315     $ 27,747     $ 26,388     $ 23,313  
    Interest-earning deposits with financial institutions   164,514       213,508       229,998       323,002       229,456  
    Cash and cash equivalents   191,852       238,823       257,745       349,390       252,769  
    Interest-earning time deposits with financial institutions   600       600       600       600       600  
    Investment securities available for sale   413,142       378,188       420,190       305,666       325,582  
    Investment securities held to maturity   4,186       5,188       5,191       5,195       5,200  
    Loans held for sale   –       655       11,250       812       3,146  
    Loans held for investment   3,234,695       3,143,063       3,053,230       3,091,896       3,047,712  
    Allowance for loan losses   (51,014 )     (51,932 )     (47,729 )     (43,685 )     (41,741 )
    Net loans held for investment   3,183,681       3,091,131       3,005,501       3,048,211       3,005,971  
    Premises and equipment, net   23,945       24,308       24,601       24,839       25,049  
    Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock   15,000       15,000       15,000       15,000       15,000  
    Cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance   61,111       60,699       60,296       59,889       59,486  
    Goodwill   71,498       71,498       71,498       71,498       71,498  
    Servicing assets   6,482       6,766       6,985       7,256       7,545  
    Core deposit intangibles   1,667       1,839       2,011       2,194       2,394  
    Right-of-use assets   25,554       26,779       28,048       29,283       30,530  
    Accrued interest and other assets   91,322       87,926       83,561       70,644       63,416  
    Total assets $ 4,090,040     $ 4,009,400     $ 3,992,477     $ 3,990,477     $ 3,868,186  
    Liabilities and shareholders’ equity                                      
    Deposits:                                      
    Noninterest-bearing demand $ 543,885     $ 528,205     $ 563,012     $ 543,623     $ 542,971  
    Savings, NOW and money market accounts   691,679       721,216       663,034       666,089       647,770  
    Time deposits, $250,000 and under   1,010,674       1,000,106       1,007,452       1,052,462       1,014,189  
    Time deposits, greater than $250,000   941,993       893,101       850,291       830,010       818,675  
    Total deposits   3,188,231       3,142,628       3,083,789       3,092,184       3,023,605  
    FHLB advances   180,000       160,000       200,000       200,000       150,000  
    Long-term debt, net of issuance costs   119,720       119,624       119,529       119,433       119,338  
    Subordinated debentures   15,265       15,211       15,156       15,102       15,047  
    Lease liabilities – operating leases   27,294       28,483       29,705       30,880       32,087  
    Accrued interest and other liabilities   41,877       33,148       36,421       23,150       16,818  
    Total liabilities   3,572,387       3,499,094       3,484,600       3,480,749       3,356,895  
    Shareholders’ equity:                                      
    Common stock   259,863       260,284       259,957       259,280       266,160  
    Additional paid-in capital   3,579       3,360       3,645       3,520       3,456  
    Retained earnings   270,152       263,885       264,460       262,946       262,518  
    Non-controlling interest   72       72       72       72       72  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net   (16,013 )     (17,295 )     (20,257 )     (16,090 )     (20,915 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   517,653       510,306       507,877       509,728       511,291  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 4,090,040     $ 4,009,400     $ 3,992,477     $ 3,990,477     $ 3,868,186  
    RBB BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (Unaudited)
    (In thousands, except share and per share data)
     
      For the Three Months Ended     For the Six Months Ended  
      June 30,
    2025
        March 31,
    2025
        June 30,
    2024
        June 30,
    2025
        June 30,
    2024
     
    Interest and dividend income:                                      
    Interest and fees on loans $ 47,687     $ 45,621     $ 45,320     $ 93,308     $ 90,867  
    Interest on interest-earning deposits   1,750       2,014       3,353       3,764       8,393  
    Interest on investment securities   4,213       4,136       3,631       8,349       7,242  
    Dividend income on FHLB stock   324       330       327       654       658  
    Interest on federal funds sold and other   231       235       255       466       521  
    Total interest and dividend income   54,205       52,336       52,886       106,541       107,681  
    Interest expense:                                      
    Interest on savings deposits, NOW and money market accounts   4,567       4,468       4,953       9,035       9,431  
    Interest on time deposits   19,250       19,084       21,850       38,334       45,172  
    Interest on long-term debt and subordinated debentures   1,634       1,632       1,679       3,266       3,358  
    Interest on FHLB advances   1,420       989       439       2,409       878  
    Total interest expense   26,871       26,173       28,921       53,044       58,839  
    Net interest income before provision for credit losses   27,334       26,163       23,965       53,497       48,842  
    Provision for credit losses   2,387       6,746       557       9,133       557  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   24,947       19,417       23,408       44,364       48,285  
    Noninterest income:                                      
    Service charges and fees   1,060       1,017       1,064       2,077       2,056  
    Gain on sale of loans   358       81       451       439       763  
    Loan servicing fees, net of amortization   541       588       579       1,129       1,168  
    Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance   411       403       385       814       767  
    Gain on OREO   —       —       292       —       1,016  
    Other income   6,108       206       717       6,314       1,090  
    Total noninterest income   8,478       2,295       3,488       10,773       6,860  
    Noninterest expense:                                      
    Salaries and employee benefits   11,080       10,643       9,533       21,723       19,460  
    Occupancy and equipment expenses   2,377       2,407       2,439       4,784       4,882  
    Data processing   1,713       1,602       1,466       3,315       2,886  
    Legal and professional   2,904       1,515       1,260       4,419       2,140  
    Office expenses   405       408       352       813       708  
    Marketing and business promotion   212       197       189       409       361  
    Insurance and regulatory assessments   709       730       981       1,439       1,963  
    Core deposit premium   172       172       201       344       402  
    Other expenses   921       848       703       1,769       1,291  
    Total noninterest expense   20,493       18,522       17,124       39,015       34,093  
    Income before income taxes   12,932       3,190       9,772       16,122       21,052  
    Income tax expense   3,599       900       2,527       4,499       5,771  
    Net income $ 9,333     $ 2,290     $ 7,245     $ 11,623     $ 15,281  
                                           
    Net income per share                                      
    Basic $ 0.53     $ 0.13     $ 0.39     $ 0.66     $ 0.83  
    Diluted $ 0.52     $ 0.13     $ 0.39     $ 0.65     $ 0.82  
    Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.16     $ 0.16     $ 0.16     $ 0.32     $ 0.32  
    Weighted-average common shares outstanding                                      
    Basic   17,746,607       17,727,712       18,375,970       17,737,212       18,488,623  
    Diluted   17,797,735       17,770,588       18,406,897       17,784,237       18,529,299  
    RBB BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
    AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND NET INTEREST INCOME
    (Unaudited)
     
      For the Three Months Ended  
      June 30, 2025     March 31, 2025     June 30, 2024  
      Average     Interest     Yield /     Average     Interest     Yield /     Average     Interest     Yield /  
    (tax-equivalent basis, dollars in thousands) Balance     & Fees     Rate     Balance     & Fees     Rate     Balance     & Fees     Rate  
    Interest-earning assets                                                                      
    Cash and cash equivalents(1) $ 163,838     $ 1,980       4.85 %   $ 194,236     $ 2,249       4.70 %   $ 255,973     $ 3,608       5.67 %
    FHLB Stock   15,000       324       8.66 %     15,000       330       8.92 %     15,000       327       8.77 %
    Securities                                                                      
    Available for sale(2)   399,414       4,189       4.21 %     390,178       4,113       4.28 %     318,240       3,608       4.56 %
    Held to maturity(2)   5,028       48       3.83 %     5,189       49       3.83 %     5,203       46       3.56 %
    Total loans(3)   3,171,570       47,687       6.03 %     3,079,224       45,621       6.01 %     3,017,050       45,320       6.04 %
    Total interest-earning assets   3,754,850     $ 54,228       5.79 %     3,683,827     $ 52,362       5.76 %     3,611,466     $ 52,909       5.89 %
    Total noninterest-earning assets   254,029                       260,508                       240,016                  
    Total average assets $ 4,008,879                     $ 3,944,335                     $ 3,851,482                  
                                                                           
    Interest-bearing liabilities                                                                      
    NOW $ 66,755       368       2.21 %   $ 61,222     $ 321       2.13 %   $ 56,081     $ 276       1.98 %
    Money market   482,669       3,774       3.14 %     463,443       3,625       3.17 %     431,559       3,877       3.61 %
    Saving deposits   141,411       425       1.21 %     155,116       522       1.36 %     164,913       800       1.95 %
    Time deposits, $250,000 and under   996,249       9,768       3.93 %     989,622       10,046       4.12 %     1,049,666       12,360       4.74 %
    Time deposits, greater than $250,000   922,540       9,482       4.12 %     864,804       9,038       4.24 %     772,255       9,490       4.94 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   2,609,624       23,817       3.66 %     2,534,207       23,552       3.77 %     2,474,474       26,803       4.36 %
    FHLB advances   159,286       1,420       3.58 %     176,833       989       2.27 %     150,000       439       1.18 %
    Long-term debt   119,657       1,296       4.34 %     119,562       1,295       4.39 %     119,275       1,296       4.37 %
    Subordinated debentures   15,230       338       8.90 %     15,175       337       9.01 %     15,011       383       10.26 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   2,903,797       26,871       3.71 %     2,845,777       26,173       3.73 %     2,758,760       28,921       4.22 %
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities                                                                      
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   526,113                       520,145                       529,450                  
    Other noninterest-bearing liabilities   65,278                       66,151                       51,087                  
    Total noninterest-bearing liabilities   591,391                       586,296                       580,537                  
    Shareholders’ equity   513,691                       512,262                       512,185                  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 4,008,879                     $ 3,944,335                     $ 3,851,482                  
    Net interest income / interest rate spreads         $ 27,357       2.08 %           $ 26,189       2.03 %           $ 23,988       1.67 %
    Net interest margin                   2.92 %                     2.88 %                     2.67 %
                                                                           
    Total cost of deposits $ 3,135,737     $ 23,817       3.05 %   $ 3,054,352     $ 23,552       3.13 %   $ 3,003,924     $ 26,803       3.59 %
    Total cost of funds $ 3,429,910     $ 26,871       3.14 %   $ 3,365,922     $ 26,173       3.15 %   $ 3,288,210     $ 28,921       3.54 %

    ___________

    (1 ) Includes income and average balances for interest-earning time deposits and other miscellaneous interest-earning assets.
    (2 ) Interest income and average rates for tax-exempt securities are presented on a tax-equivalent basis.
    (3 ) Average loan balances relate to loans held for investment and loans held for sale and include nonaccrual loans. Interest income on loans includes the effects of discount accretion and net deferred loan origination fees and costs accounted for as yield adjustments.
    RBB BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
    AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND NET INTEREST INCOME
    (Unaudited)
     
      Six Months Ended June 30,  
      2025     2024  
      Average     Interest     Yield /     Average     Interest     Yield /  
    (tax-equivalent basis, dollars in thousands) Balance     & Fees     Rate     Balance     & Fees     Rate  
    Interest-earning assets                                              
    Cash and cash equivalents(1) $ 178,953     $ 4,230       4.77 %   $ 310,476     $ 8,914       5.77 %
    FHLB Stock   15,000       654       8.79 %     15,000       658       8.82 %
    Securities                                              
    Available for sale(2)   394,822       8,302       4.24 %     319,127       7,197       4.54 %
    Held to maturity(2)   5,108       97       3.83 %     5,205       94       3.63 %
    Total loans(3)   3,125,652       93,308       6.02 %     3,017,737       90,867       6.06 %
    Total interest-earning assets   3,719,535     $ 106,591       5.78 %     3,667,545     $ 107,730       5.91 %
    Total noninterest-earning assets   257,250                       243,178                  
    Total average assets $ 3,976,785                     $ 3,910,723                  
                                                   
    Interest-bearing liabilities                                              
    NOW $ 64,004       689       2.17 %   $ 57,513     $ 574       2.01 %
    Money market   473,109       7,399       3.15 %     421,655       7,403       3.53 %
    Saving deposits   148,225       947       1.29 %     161,070       1,454       1.82 %
    Time deposits, $250,000 and under   992,954       19,815       4.02 %     1,112,735       26,165       4.73 %
    Time deposits, greater than $250,000   893,832       18,519       4.18 %     778,713       19,007       4.91 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   2,572,124       47,369       3.71 %     2,531,686       54,603       4.34 %
    FHLB advances   168,011       2,409       2.89 %     150,000       878       1.18 %
    Long-term debt   119,610       2,591       4.37 %     119,228       2,591       4.37 %
    Subordinated debentures   15,203       675       8.95 %     14,984       767       10.29 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   2,874,948       53,044       3.72 %     2,815,898       58,839       4.20 %
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities                                              
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   523,145                       528,898                  
    Other noninterest-bearing liabilities   65,711                       53,441                  
    Total noninterest-bearing liabilities   588,856                       582,339                  
    Shareholders’ equity   512,981                       512,486                  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 3,976,785                     $ 3,910,723                  
    Net interest income / interest rate spreads         $ 53,547       2.06 %           $ 48,891       1.71 %
    Net interest margin                   2.90 %                     2.68 %
                                                   
    Total cost of deposits $ 3,095,269     $ 47,369       3.09 %   $ 3,060,584     $ 54,603       3.59 %
    Total cost of funds $ 3,398,093     $ 53,044       3.15 %   $ 3,344,796     $ 58,839       3.54 %

    ___________

    (1 ) Includes income and average balances for interest-earning time deposits and other miscellaneous interest-earning assets.
    (2 ) Interest income and average rates for tax-exempt securities are presented on a tax-equivalent basis.
    (3 ) Average loan balances relate to loans held for investment and loans held for sale and include nonaccrual loans. Interest income on loans includes the effects of discount accretion and net deferred loan origination fees and costs accounted for as yield adjustments.
    RBB BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
    SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
    (Unaudited)
     
      At or for the Three Months Ended     At or for the Six Months Ended June 30,  
      June 30,     March 31,     June 30,                  
      2025     2025     2024     2025     2024  
    Per share data (common stock)                                      
    Book value $ 29.25     $ 28.77     $ 28.12     $ 29.25     $ 28.12  
    Tangible book value(1) $ 25.11     $ 24.63     $ 24.06     $ 25.11     $ 24.06  
    Performance ratios                                      
    Return on average assets, annualized   0.93 %     0.24 %     0.76 %     0.59 %     0.79 %
    Return on average shareholders’ equity, annualized   7.29 %     1.81 %     5.69 %     4.57 %     6.00 %
    Return on average tangible common equity, annualized(1)   8.50 %     2.12 %     6.65 %     5.33 %     7.01 %
    Noninterest income to average assets, annualized   0.85 %     0.24 %     0.36 %     0.55 %     0.35 %
    Noninterest expense to average assets, annualized   2.05 %     1.90 %     1.79 %     1.98 %     1.75 %
    Yield on average earning assets   5.79 %     5.76 %     5.89 %     5.78 %     5.91 %
    Yield on average loans   6.03 %     6.01 %     6.04 %     6.02 %     6.06 %
    Cost of average total deposits(2)   3.05 %     3.13 %     3.59 %     3.09 %     3.59 %
    Cost of average interest-bearing deposits   3.66 %     3.77 %     4.36 %     3.71 %     4.34 %
    Cost of average interest-bearing liabilities   3.71 %     3.73 %     4.22 %     3.72 %     4.20 %
    Net interest spread   2.08 %     2.03 %     1.67 %     2.06 %     1.71 %
    Net interest margin   2.92 %     2.88 %     2.67 %     2.90 %     2.68 %
    Efficiency ratio(3)   57.22 %     65.09 %     62.38 %     60.70 %     61.21 %
    Common stock dividend payout ratio   30.19 %     123.08 %     41.03 %     48.48 %     38.55 %

    ___________

    (1 ) Non-GAAP measure. See Non–GAAP reconciliations set forth at the end of this press release.
    (2 ) Total deposits include non-interest bearing deposits and interest-bearing deposits.
    (3 ) Ratio calculated by dividing noninterest expense by the sum of net interest income before provision for credit losses and noninterest income.
    RBB BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
    SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
      At or for the quarter ended  
      June 30,     March 31,     June 30,  
      2025     2025     2024  
    Credit Quality Data:                      
    Special mention loans $ 91,317     $ 64,279     $ 19,520  
    Special mention loans to total loans HFI   2.82 %     2.05 %     0.64 %
    Substandard loans $ 91,019     $ 76,372     $ 63,076  
    Substandard loans to total loans HFI   2.81 %     2.43 %     2.07 %
    Loans 30-89 days past due, excluding nonperforming loans $ 18,003     $ 5,927     $ 11,270  
    Loans 30-89 days past due, excluding nonperforming loans, to total loans   0.56 %     0.19 %     0.37 %
    Nonperforming loans $ 56,817     $ 60,380     $ 54,589  
    OREO $ 4,170     $ 4,170     $ —  
    Nonperforming assets $ 60,987     $ 64,550     $ 54,589  
    Nonperforming loans to total loans HFI   1.76 %     1.92 %     1.79 %
    Nonperforming assets to total assets   1.49 %     1.61 %     1.41 %
                           
    Allowance for loan losses $ 51,014     $ 51,932     $ 41,741  
    Allowance for loan losses to total loans HFI   1.58 %     1.65 %     1.37 %
    Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans HFI   89.79 %     86.01 %     76.46 %
    Net charge-offs $ 3,305     $ 2,643     $ 551  
    Net charge-offs to average loans   0.42 %     0.35 %     0.07 %
                           
    Capitalratios(1)                      
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets(2)   11.07 %     11.10 %     11.53 %
    Tier 1 leverage ratio   12.04 %     12.07 %     12.48 %
    Tier 1 common capital to risk-weighted assets   17.61 %     17.87 %     18.89 %
    Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets   18.17 %     18.45 %     19.50 %
    Total capital to risk-weighted assets   24.00 %     24.42 %     25.67 %

    ___________

    (1 ) June 30, 2025 capital ratios are preliminary.
    (2 ) Non-GAAP measure. See Non-GAAP reconciliations set forth at the end of this press release.
    RBB BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
    SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
    (Unaudited)
     
    Loan Portfolio Detail As of June 30, 2025   As of March 31, 2025     As of June 30, 2024  
    (dollars in thousands) $   %   $     %     $     %  
    Loans:                                          
    Commercial and industrial $ 138,263       4.3 %   $ 135,538       4.3 %   $ 126,649       4.2 %
    SBA   55,984       1.7 %     50,651       1.6 %     50,323       1.7 %
    Construction and land development   157,970       4.9 %     158,883       5.1 %     202,459       6.6 %
    Commercial real estate(1)   1,273,442       39.4 %     1,245,402       39.6 %     1,190,207       39.1 %
    Single-family residential mortgages   1,603,114       49.6 %     1,545,822       49.2 %     1,467,802       48.2 %
    Other loans   5,922       0.1 %     6,767       0.2 %     10,272       0.2 %
    Total loans $ 3,234,695       100.0 %   $ 3,143,063       100.0 %   $ 3,047,712       100.0 %
    Allowance for loan losses   (51,014 )         (51,932 )             (41,741 )        
    Total loans, net $ 3,183,681         $ 3,091,131             $ 3,005,971          

    ___________

    (1 ) Includes non-farm and non-residential loans, multi-family residential loans and non-owner occupied single family residential loans.
    Deposits As of June 30, 2025   As of March 31, 2025     As of June 30, 2024  
    (dollars in thousands) $   %   $   %     $   %  
    Deposits:                                          
    Noninterest-bearing demand $ 543,885       17.1 %   $ 528,205       16.8 %   $ 542,971       18.0 %
    Savings, NOW and money market accounts   691,679       21.7 %     721,216       22.9 %     647,770       21.4 %
    Time deposits, $250,000 and under   848,379       26.6 %     863,962       27.5 %     921,712       30.5 %
    Time deposits, greater than $250,000   920,481       28.8 %     870,708       27.8 %     790,478       26.1 %
    Wholesale deposits(1)   183,807       5.8 %     158,537       5.0 %     120,674       4.0 %
    Total deposits $ 3,188,231       100.0 %   $ 3,142,628       100.0 %   $ 3,023,605       100.0 %

    ___________

    (1 ) Includes brokered deposits, collateralized deposits from the State of California, and deposits acquired through internet listing services.

    Non-GAAP Reconciliations

    Tangible Book Value Reconciliations

    Tangible book value per share is a non-GAAP disclosure. Management measures tangible book value per share to assess the Company’s capital strength and business performance and believes this is helpful to investors as additional tools for further understanding our performance. The following is a reconciliation of tangible book value to the Company shareholders’ equity computed in accordance with GAAP, as well as a calculation of tangible book value per share as of as of the dates indicated.

                         
    (dollars in thousands, except share and per share data) June 30, 2025     March 31, 2025     June 30, 2024  
    Tangible common equity:                      
    Total shareholders’ equity $ 517,653     $ 510,306     $ 511,291  
    Adjustments                      
    Goodwill   (71,498 )     (71,498 )     (71,498 )
    Core deposit intangible   (1,667 )     (1,839 )     (2,394 )
    Tangible common equity $ 444,488     $ 436,969     $ 437,399  
    Tangible assets:                      
    Total assets-GAAP $ 4,090,040     $ 4,009,400     $ 3,868,186  
    Adjustments                      
    Goodwill   (71,498 )     (71,498 )     (71,498 )
    Core deposit intangible   (1,667 )     (1,839 )     (2,394 )
    Tangible assets $ 4,016,875     $ 3,936,063     $ 3,794,294  
    Common shares outstanding   17,699,091       17,738,628       18,182,154  
    Common equity to assets ratio   12.66 %     12.73 %     13.22 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio   11.07 %     11.10 %     11.53 %
    Book value per share $ 29.25     $ 28.77     $ 28.12  
    Tangible book value per share $ 25.11     $ 24.63     $ 24.06  

    Return on Average Tangible Common Equity

    Management measures return on average tangible common equity (“ROATCE”) to assess the Company’s capital strength and business performance and believes this is helpful to investors as an additional tool for further understanding our performance. Tangible equity excludes goodwill and other intangible assets (excluding mortgage servicing rights) and is reviewed by banking and financial institution regulators when assessing a financial institution’s capital adequacy. This non-GAAP financial measure should not be considered a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies. The following table reconciles ROATCE to its most comparable GAAP measure:

      Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended June 30,  
    (dollars in thousands) June 30, 2025     March 31, 2025     June 30, 2024     2025     2024  
    Net income available to common shareholders $ 9,333     $ 2,290     $ 7,245     $ 11,623     $ 15,281  
    Average shareholders’ equity   513,691       512,262       512,185       512,981       512,486  
    Adjustments:                                      
    Average goodwill   (71,498 )     (71,498 )     (71,498 )     (71,498 )     (71,498 )
    Average core deposit intangible   (1,780 )     (1,951 )     (2,525 )     (1,865 )     (2,625 )
    Adjusted average tangible common equity $ 440,413     $ 438,813     $ 438,162     $ 439,618     $ 438,363  
    Return on average common equity, annualized   7.29 %     1.81 %     5.69 %     4.57 %     6.00 %
    Return on average tangible common equity, annualized   8.50 %     2.12 %     6.65 %     5.33 %     7.01 %

    The MIL Network –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: RBB Bancorp Reports Second Quarter 2025 Earnings and Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.16 Per Common Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RBB Bancorp (NASDAQ:RBB) and its subsidiaries, Royal Business Bank (the “Bank”) and RBB Asset Management Company (“RAM”), collectively referred to herein as the “Company,” announced financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

    Second Quarter 2025 Highlights

    • Net income totaled $9.3 million, or $0.52 diluted earnings per share
    • Return on average assets of 0.93%, compared to 0.24% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025
    • Net interest margin expanded to 2.92%, up from 2.88% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025
    • Net loans held for investment growth of $91.6 million, or 12% annualized
    • Nonperforming assets decreased $3.6 million, or 5.5%, to $61.0 million at June 30, 2025, down from $64.6 million at March 31, 2025
    • Book value and tangible book value per share(1) increased to $29.25 and $25.11 at June 30, 2025, up from $28.77 and $24.63 at March 31, 2025

    The Company reported net income of $9.3 million, or $0.52 diluted earnings per share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to net income of $2.3 million, or $0.13 diluted earnings per share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. Net income for the second quarter of 2025 included income from an Employee Retention Credit (“ERC”) of $5.2 million (pre-tax), which was included in other income, offset partially by professional and advisory costs associated with filing and determining eligibility for the ERC totaling $1.2 million (pre-tax).

    “Another quarter of strong loan growth and stable loan yields drove increasing net interest income and margin expansion in the second quarter,” said Johnny Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of RBB Bancorp. “We also benefited from the receipt of a $5.2 million ERC in the second quarter. We continue to work through our nonperforming assets and remain focused on resolving our nonperforming loans as quickly as possible while minimizing the impact to earnings and capital.”

    (1 ) Reconciliations of the non–U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) measures included at the end of this press release.
         

    Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

    Net interest income was $27.3 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $26.2 million for the first quarter of 2025. The $1.2 million increase was due to a $1.9 million increase in interest income, offset by a $698,000 increase in interest expense. The increase in interest income was mostly due to a $2.1 million increase in interest and fees on loans. The increase in interest expense was due to a $433,000 increase in interest on borrowings and a $265,000 increase in interest on deposits.

    The net interest margin (“NIM”) was 2.92% for the second quarter of 2025, an increase of 4 basis points from 2.88% for the first quarter of 2025. The NIM expansion was due to a 3 basis point increase in the yield on average interest-earning assets, combined with a 1 basis point decrease in the overall cost of funds. The yield on average interest-earning assets increased to 5.79% for the second quarter of 2025 from 5.76% for the first quarter of 2025 due mainly to a 2 basis point increase in the yield on average loans to 6.03%. Average loans represented 85% of average interest-earning assets in the second quarter of 2025, as compared to 84% in the first quarter of 2025.

    The average cost of funds decreased to 3.14% for the second quarter of 2025 from 3.15% for the first quarter of 2025, driven by an 11 basis point decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing deposits, partially offset by a 75 basis point increase in the average cost of total borrowings. The average cost of interest-bearing deposits decreased to 3.66% for the second quarter of 2025 from 3.77% for the first quarter of 2025. The overall funding mix for the second quarter of 2025 remained relatively unchanged from the first quarter of 2025 with total deposits representing 90% of interest bearing liabilities and average noninterest-bearing deposits representing 17% of average total deposits. The average cost of borrowings increased as $150 million in long term FHLB advances matured during the first quarter of 2025, the majority of which were replaced and repriced at current market rates. The all-in average spot rate for total deposits was 2.95% at June 30, 2025.

    Provision for Credit Losses

    The provision for credit losses was $2.4 million for the second quarter of 2025 compared to $6.7 million for the first quarter of 2025. The second quarter of 2025 provision for credit losses reflected an increase in general reserves of $1.5 million due mainly to net loan growth, and an increase in a specific reserve of $924,000 related to one lending relationship. The second quarter provision also took into consideration factors such as changes in the outlook for economic conditions and market interest rates, and changes in credit quality metrics, including changes in loans 30-89 days past due, nonperforming loans, special mention and substandard loans during the period. Net charge-offs of $3.3 million in the second quarter related to loans which had these specific reserves at March 31, 2025. Net charge-offs on an annualized basis represented 0.42% of average loans for the second quarter of 2025 compared to 0.35% for the first quarter of 2025.

    Noninterest Income

    Noninterest income for the second quarter of 2025 was $8.5 million, an increase of $6.2 million from $2.3 million for the first quarter of 2025. The second quarter of 2025 included other income of $5.2 million for the receipt of ERC funds from the IRS. The ERC was a grant program established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and these funds relate to qualifying amended payroll tax returns the Company filed for the first and second quarters of 2021.

    Upon receipt of the ERC funds, certain professional and tax advisory costs associated with the assessment and compilation of the ERC refunds became due and payable. These amounts totaled $1.2 million and are included in legal and professional expense in our consolidated statements of income for the second quarter of 2025. There were no such ERC amounts received or associated costs recognized during the first quarter of 2025 or the quarter ended June 30, 2024.

    The second quarter of 2025 also included a higher gain on sale of loans of $277,000 and recoveries associated with a fully-charged off loan acquired in a bank acquisition of $350,000, the latter included in “other income.”

    Noninterest Expense

    Noninterest expense for the second quarter of 2025 was $20.5 million, an increase of $2.0 million from $18.5 million for the first quarter of 2025. This increase was mostly due to higher legal and professional expense of $1.4 million, of which $1.2 million was attributed to the aforementioned ERC advisory costs, and a $437,000 increase in salaries and employee benefits expenses. The increase in compensation includes higher incentives related to sustained production levels, the impact of annual pay increases, and approximately $330,000 in costs related to executive management transitions, offset by lower payroll taxes. The efficiency ratio was 57.2% for the second quarter of 2025, down from 65.1% for the first quarter of 2025 due mostly to higher noninterest income related to the ERC, partially offset by higher noninterest expense related to the ERC advisory costs.

    Income Taxes

    The effective tax rate was 27.8% for the second quarter of 2025 and 28.2% for the first quarter of 2025. 

    Balance Sheet

    At June 30, 2025, total assets were $4.1 billion, an $80.6 million increase compared to March 31, 2025, and a $221.9 million increase compared to June 30, 2024.

    Loan and Securities Portfolio

    Loans held for investment (“HFI”) totaled $3.2 billion as of June 30, 2025, an increase of $91.6 million, or 12% annualized, compared to March 31, 2025 and an increase of $187.0 million, or 6.1%, compared to June 30, 2024. The second quarter of 2025 net loan growth included $182.8 million in new production with an average yield of 6.76%. The increase from March 31, 2025 was primarily due to a $57.3 million increase in single-family residential (“SFR”) mortgage loans, a $28.0 million increase in commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans, a $5.3 million increase in Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans and a $2.7 million increase in commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loans. The loan to deposit ratio was 101.5% at June 30, 2025, compared to 100.0% at March 31, 2025 and 100.9% at June 30, 2024. 

    As of June 30, 2025, available for sale securities (“AFS”) totaled $413.1 million, an increase of $35.0 million from March 31, 2025, primarily related to purchases of $68.0 million, offset by maturities and amortization of $33.0 million during the second quarter of 2025. As of June 30, 2025, net unrealized losses totaled $23.1 million, a $1.9 million decrease, when compared to net unrealized losses of $25.0 million as of March 31, 2025.

    Deposits

    Total deposits were $3.2 billion as of June 30, 2025, an increase of $45.6 million, or 5.8% annualized, compared to March 31, 2025 and an increase of $164.6 million, or 5.4%, compared to June 30, 2024. The increase during the second quarter of 2025 was due to a $29.9 million increase in interest-bearing deposits coupled with a $15.7 million increase in noninterest-bearing deposits. The increase in interest-bearing deposits included increases in time deposits of $59.5 million, offset by decreases in interest-bearing non-maturity deposits of $29.5 million. Wholesale deposits totaled $183.8 million at June 30, 2025, an increase of $25.3 million compared to $158.5 million at March 31, 2025. Noninterest-bearing deposits totaled $543.9 million and represented 17.1% of total deposits at June 30, 2025 compared to $528.2 million and 16.8% at March 31, 2025.

    Credit Quality

    Nonperforming assets totaled $61.0 million, or 1.49% of total assets, at June 30, 2025, down from $64.6 million, or 1.61% of total assets, at March 31, 2025. The $3.6 million decrease in nonperforming assets was due to $3.3 million in net charge-offs and $1.7 million in payoffs and paydowns, partially offset by $1.4 million in additions from loans migrating to nonaccrual status in the second quarter of 2025. Nonperforming assets included one $4.2 million other real estate owned (included in “accrued interest and other assets”) at June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025.

    Special mention loans totaled $91.3 million, or 2.82% of total loans, at June 30, 2025, up from $64.3 million, or 2.05% of total loans, at March 31, 2025. The $27.0 million increase was primarily due to the addition of loans totaling $30.1 million and $1.6 million in balance increases, partially offset by the downgrade of two CRE loans totaling $4.0 million to substandard-rated loans and payoffs and paydowns totaling $660,000. As of June 30, 2025, all special mention loans were paying current.

    Substandard loans totaled $91.0 million at June 30, 2025, up from $76.4 million at March 31, 2025. The $14.6 million increase was primarily due to the downgrades totaling $20.6 million, partially offset by net charge-offs totaling $3.3 million and payoffs and paydowns totaling $2.7 million. Of the total substandard loans at June 30, 2025, there were $34.2 million on accrual status.

    30-89 day delinquent loans, excluding nonperforming loans, totaled $18.0 million, or 0.56% of total loans, at June 30, 2025, up from $5.9 million, or 0.19% of total loans, at March 31, 2025. The $12.1 million increase was mostly due to $15.5 million in new delinquent loans, offset by $2.2 million in loans returning to current status, $798,000 in loans migrating to nonaccrual status, and $427,000 in paydowns and payoffs. The additions include an $8.5 million CRE loan that has since been brought current.

    As of June 30, 2025, the allowance for credit losses totaled $51.6 million and was comprised of an allowance for loan losses of $51.0 million and a reserve for unfunded commitments of $629,000 (included in “accrued interest and other liabilities”). This compares to the allowance for credit losses of $52.6 million, comprised of an allowance for loan losses of $51.9 million and a reserve for unfunded commitments of $629,000 at March 31, 2025. The $918,000 decrease in the allowance for credit losses for the second quarter of 2025 was due to net charge-offs of $3.3 million, offset by a $2.4 million provision for credit losses. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans HFI decreased to 1.58% at June 30, 2025, compared to 1.65% at March 31, 2025, due mainly to net charge-offs of amounts included in specific reserves at March 31, 2025. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of nonperforming loans HFI was 90% at June 30, 2025, an increase from 86% at March 31, 2025. 

      For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025     For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2025  
    (dollars in thousands) Allowance
    for
    loan losses
        Reserve for
    unfunded
    loan commitments
        Allowance
    for
    credit losses
        Allowance
    for loan
    losses
        Reserve for
    unfunded
    loan
    commitments
        Allowance
    for credit
    losses
     
    Beginning balance $ 51,932     $ 629     $ 52,561     $ 47,729     $ 729     $ 48,458  
    Provision for (reversal of) credit losses   2,387       —       2,387       9,233       (100 )     9,133  
    Less loans charged-off   (3,339 )     —       (3,339 )     (6,065 )     —       (6,065 )
    Recoveries on loans charged-off   34       —       34       117       —       117  
    Ending balance $ 51,014     $ 629     $ 51,643     $ 51,014     $ 629     $ 51,643  
     

    Shareholders’ Equity

    At June 30, 2025, total shareholders’ equity was $517.7 million, a $7.3 million increase compared to March 31, 2025, and a $6.4 million increase compared to June 30, 2024. The increase in shareholders’ equity for the second quarter of 2025 was due to net income of $9.3 million, lower net unrealized losses on AFS securities of $1.3 million and equity compensation activity of $1.1 million, offset by common stock cash dividends paid totaling $2.9 million and common stock repurchases totaling $1.5 million. The increase in shareholders’ equity for the last twelve months was due to net income of $23.0 million, lower net unrealized losses on AFS securities of $4.9 million, and equity compensation activity of $2.5 million, offset by common stock repurchases totaling $12.5 million and common stock cash dividends paid totaling $11.5 million. Book value per share and tangible book value per share(1) increased to $29.25 and $25.11 at June 30, 2025, up from $28.77 and $24.63 at March 31, 2025 and up from $28.12 and $24.06 at June 30, 2024.

    Dividend Announcement

    The Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per common share. The dividend is payable on August 12, 2025 to shareholders of record on July 31, 2025.

    (1 ) Reconciliations of the non–U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) measures included at the end of this press release.
         

    Corporate Overview

    RBB Bancorp is a community-based financial holding company headquartered in Los Angeles, California. As of June 30, 2025, the Company had total assets of $4.1 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-centric communities 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.

    Conference Call

    Management will hold a conference call at 11:00 a.m. Pacific time/2:00 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, to discuss the Company’s second quarter 2025 financial results.

    To listen to the conference call, please dial 1-888-506-0062 or 1-973-528-0011, the Participant ID code is 710803, conference ID RBBQ225. A replay of the call will be made available at 1-877-481-4010 or 1-919-882-2331, the passcode is 52690, approximately one hour after the conclusion of the call and will remain available through August 05, 2025.

    The conference call will also be simultaneously webcast over the Internet; please visit our Royal Business Bank website at www.royalbusinessbankusa.com and click on the “Investors” tab to access the call from the site. This webcast will be recorded and available for replay on our website approximately two hours after the conclusion of the conference call.

    Disclosure

    This press release contains certain non-GAAP financial disclosures for tangible common equity and tangible assets and adjusted earnings. The Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures to provide meaningful supplemental information regarding the Company’s operational performance and to enhance investors’ overall understanding of such financial performance. Please refer to the tables at the end of this release for a presentation of performance ratios in accordance with GAAP and a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the GAAP financial measures.

    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 or foreign financial markets; the strength of the U.S. economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which we conduct operations; adverse developments in the banking industry highlighted by high-profile bank failures and the potential impact of such developments on customer confidence, liquidity and regulatory responses to these developments; possible additional provisions for credit 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; compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and other money laundering statutes and regulations; potential goodwill impairment; liquidity risk; failure to comply with debt covenants; 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; the effects of having concentrations in our loan portfolio, including commercial real estate and the risks of geographic and industry concentrations; 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, including direct and indirect costs and impacts on clients, the Company and its employees from the January 2025 Los Angeles County wildfires; 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, in the Middle East, and increasing tensions between China and Taiwan, which could impact business and economic conditions in the U.S. and abroad; tariffs, trade policies, and related tensions, which could impact our clients, specific industry sectors, and/or broader economic conditions and financial market; 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 and 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; the impact of changes in the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“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; 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; 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 California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation; 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, 2024, 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.

    RBB BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
      June 30,     March 31,     December 31,     September 30,     June 30,  
      2025     2025     2024     2024     2024  
    Assets                                      
    Cash and due from banks $ 27,338     $ 25,315     $ 27,747     $ 26,388     $ 23,313  
    Interest-earning deposits with financial institutions   164,514       213,508       229,998       323,002       229,456  
    Cash and cash equivalents   191,852       238,823       257,745       349,390       252,769  
    Interest-earning time deposits with financial institutions   600       600       600       600       600  
    Investment securities available for sale   413,142       378,188       420,190       305,666       325,582  
    Investment securities held to maturity   4,186       5,188       5,191       5,195       5,200  
    Loans held for sale   –       655       11,250       812       3,146  
    Loans held for investment   3,234,695       3,143,063       3,053,230       3,091,896       3,047,712  
    Allowance for loan losses   (51,014 )     (51,932 )     (47,729 )     (43,685 )     (41,741 )
    Net loans held for investment   3,183,681       3,091,131       3,005,501       3,048,211       3,005,971  
    Premises and equipment, net   23,945       24,308       24,601       24,839       25,049  
    Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock   15,000       15,000       15,000       15,000       15,000  
    Cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance   61,111       60,699       60,296       59,889       59,486  
    Goodwill   71,498       71,498       71,498       71,498       71,498  
    Servicing assets   6,482       6,766       6,985       7,256       7,545  
    Core deposit intangibles   1,667       1,839       2,011       2,194       2,394  
    Right-of-use assets   25,554       26,779       28,048       29,283       30,530  
    Accrued interest and other assets   91,322       87,926       83,561       70,644       63,416  
    Total assets $ 4,090,040     $ 4,009,400     $ 3,992,477     $ 3,990,477     $ 3,868,186  
    Liabilities and shareholders’ equity                                      
    Deposits:                                      
    Noninterest-bearing demand $ 543,885     $ 528,205     $ 563,012     $ 543,623     $ 542,971  
    Savings, NOW and money market accounts   691,679       721,216       663,034       666,089       647,770  
    Time deposits, $250,000 and under   1,010,674       1,000,106       1,007,452       1,052,462       1,014,189  
    Time deposits, greater than $250,000   941,993       893,101       850,291       830,010       818,675  
    Total deposits   3,188,231       3,142,628       3,083,789       3,092,184       3,023,605  
    FHLB advances   180,000       160,000       200,000       200,000       150,000  
    Long-term debt, net of issuance costs   119,720       119,624       119,529       119,433       119,338  
    Subordinated debentures   15,265       15,211       15,156       15,102       15,047  
    Lease liabilities – operating leases   27,294       28,483       29,705       30,880       32,087  
    Accrued interest and other liabilities   41,877       33,148       36,421       23,150       16,818  
    Total liabilities   3,572,387       3,499,094       3,484,600       3,480,749       3,356,895  
    Shareholders’ equity:                                      
    Common stock   259,863       260,284       259,957       259,280       266,160  
    Additional paid-in capital   3,579       3,360       3,645       3,520       3,456  
    Retained earnings   270,152       263,885       264,460       262,946       262,518  
    Non-controlling interest   72       72       72       72       72  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net   (16,013 )     (17,295 )     (20,257 )     (16,090 )     (20,915 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   517,653       510,306       507,877       509,728       511,291  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 4,090,040     $ 4,009,400     $ 3,992,477     $ 3,990,477     $ 3,868,186  
    RBB BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (Unaudited)
    (In thousands, except share and per share data)
     
      For the Three Months Ended     For the Six Months Ended  
      June 30,
    2025
        March 31,
    2025
        June 30,
    2024
        June 30,
    2025
        June 30,
    2024
     
    Interest and dividend income:                                      
    Interest and fees on loans $ 47,687     $ 45,621     $ 45,320     $ 93,308     $ 90,867  
    Interest on interest-earning deposits   1,750       2,014       3,353       3,764       8,393  
    Interest on investment securities   4,213       4,136       3,631       8,349       7,242  
    Dividend income on FHLB stock   324       330       327       654       658  
    Interest on federal funds sold and other   231       235       255       466       521  
    Total interest and dividend income   54,205       52,336       52,886       106,541       107,681  
    Interest expense:                                      
    Interest on savings deposits, NOW and money market accounts   4,567       4,468       4,953       9,035       9,431  
    Interest on time deposits   19,250       19,084       21,850       38,334       45,172  
    Interest on long-term debt and subordinated debentures   1,634       1,632       1,679       3,266       3,358  
    Interest on FHLB advances   1,420       989       439       2,409       878  
    Total interest expense   26,871       26,173       28,921       53,044       58,839  
    Net interest income before provision for credit losses   27,334       26,163       23,965       53,497       48,842  
    Provision for credit losses   2,387       6,746       557       9,133       557  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   24,947       19,417       23,408       44,364       48,285  
    Noninterest income:                                      
    Service charges and fees   1,060       1,017       1,064       2,077       2,056  
    Gain on sale of loans   358       81       451       439       763  
    Loan servicing fees, net of amortization   541       588       579       1,129       1,168  
    Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance   411       403       385       814       767  
    Gain on OREO   —       —       292       —       1,016  
    Other income   6,108       206       717       6,314       1,090  
    Total noninterest income   8,478       2,295       3,488       10,773       6,860  
    Noninterest expense:                                      
    Salaries and employee benefits   11,080       10,643       9,533       21,723       19,460  
    Occupancy and equipment expenses   2,377       2,407       2,439       4,784       4,882  
    Data processing   1,713       1,602       1,466       3,315       2,886  
    Legal and professional   2,904       1,515       1,260       4,419       2,140  
    Office expenses   405       408       352       813       708  
    Marketing and business promotion   212       197       189       409       361  
    Insurance and regulatory assessments   709       730       981       1,439       1,963  
    Core deposit premium   172       172       201       344       402  
    Other expenses   921       848       703       1,769       1,291  
    Total noninterest expense   20,493       18,522       17,124       39,015       34,093  
    Income before income taxes   12,932       3,190       9,772       16,122       21,052  
    Income tax expense   3,599       900       2,527       4,499       5,771  
    Net income $ 9,333     $ 2,290     $ 7,245     $ 11,623     $ 15,281  
                                           
    Net income per share                                      
    Basic $ 0.53     $ 0.13     $ 0.39     $ 0.66     $ 0.83  
    Diluted $ 0.52     $ 0.13     $ 0.39     $ 0.65     $ 0.82  
    Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.16     $ 0.16     $ 0.16     $ 0.32     $ 0.32  
    Weighted-average common shares outstanding                                      
    Basic   17,746,607       17,727,712       18,375,970       17,737,212       18,488,623  
    Diluted   17,797,735       17,770,588       18,406,897       17,784,237       18,529,299  
    RBB BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
    AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND NET INTEREST INCOME
    (Unaudited)
     
      For the Three Months Ended  
      June 30, 2025     March 31, 2025     June 30, 2024  
      Average     Interest     Yield /     Average     Interest     Yield /     Average     Interest     Yield /  
    (tax-equivalent basis, dollars in thousands) Balance     & Fees     Rate     Balance     & Fees     Rate     Balance     & Fees     Rate  
    Interest-earning assets                                                                      
    Cash and cash equivalents(1) $ 163,838     $ 1,980       4.85 %   $ 194,236     $ 2,249       4.70 %   $ 255,973     $ 3,608       5.67 %
    FHLB Stock   15,000       324       8.66 %     15,000       330       8.92 %     15,000       327       8.77 %
    Securities                                                                      
    Available for sale(2)   399,414       4,189       4.21 %     390,178       4,113       4.28 %     318,240       3,608       4.56 %
    Held to maturity(2)   5,028       48       3.83 %     5,189       49       3.83 %     5,203       46       3.56 %
    Total loans(3)   3,171,570       47,687       6.03 %     3,079,224       45,621       6.01 %     3,017,050       45,320       6.04 %
    Total interest-earning assets   3,754,850     $ 54,228       5.79 %     3,683,827     $ 52,362       5.76 %     3,611,466     $ 52,909       5.89 %
    Total noninterest-earning assets   254,029                       260,508                       240,016                  
    Total average assets $ 4,008,879                     $ 3,944,335                     $ 3,851,482                  
                                                                           
    Interest-bearing liabilities                                                                      
    NOW $ 66,755       368       2.21 %   $ 61,222     $ 321       2.13 %   $ 56,081     $ 276       1.98 %
    Money market   482,669       3,774       3.14 %     463,443       3,625       3.17 %     431,559       3,877       3.61 %
    Saving deposits   141,411       425       1.21 %     155,116       522       1.36 %     164,913       800       1.95 %
    Time deposits, $250,000 and under   996,249       9,768       3.93 %     989,622       10,046       4.12 %     1,049,666       12,360       4.74 %
    Time deposits, greater than $250,000   922,540       9,482       4.12 %     864,804       9,038       4.24 %     772,255       9,490       4.94 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   2,609,624       23,817       3.66 %     2,534,207       23,552       3.77 %     2,474,474       26,803       4.36 %
    FHLB advances   159,286       1,420       3.58 %     176,833       989       2.27 %     150,000       439       1.18 %
    Long-term debt   119,657       1,296       4.34 %     119,562       1,295       4.39 %     119,275       1,296       4.37 %
    Subordinated debentures   15,230       338       8.90 %     15,175       337       9.01 %     15,011       383       10.26 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   2,903,797       26,871       3.71 %     2,845,777       26,173       3.73 %     2,758,760       28,921       4.22 %
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities                                                                      
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   526,113                       520,145                       529,450                  
    Other noninterest-bearing liabilities   65,278                       66,151                       51,087                  
    Total noninterest-bearing liabilities   591,391                       586,296                       580,537                  
    Shareholders’ equity   513,691                       512,262                       512,185                  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 4,008,879                     $ 3,944,335                     $ 3,851,482                  
    Net interest income / interest rate spreads         $ 27,357       2.08 %           $ 26,189       2.03 %           $ 23,988       1.67 %
    Net interest margin                   2.92 %                     2.88 %                     2.67 %
                                                                           
    Total cost of deposits $ 3,135,737     $ 23,817       3.05 %   $ 3,054,352     $ 23,552       3.13 %   $ 3,003,924     $ 26,803       3.59 %
    Total cost of funds $ 3,429,910     $ 26,871       3.14 %   $ 3,365,922     $ 26,173       3.15 %   $ 3,288,210     $ 28,921       3.54 %

    ___________

    (1 ) Includes income and average balances for interest-earning time deposits and other miscellaneous interest-earning assets.
    (2 ) Interest income and average rates for tax-exempt securities are presented on a tax-equivalent basis.
    (3 ) Average loan balances relate to loans held for investment and loans held for sale and include nonaccrual loans. Interest income on loans includes the effects of discount accretion and net deferred loan origination fees and costs accounted for as yield adjustments.
    RBB BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
    AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND NET INTEREST INCOME
    (Unaudited)
     
      Six Months Ended June 30,  
      2025     2024  
      Average     Interest     Yield /     Average     Interest     Yield /  
    (tax-equivalent basis, dollars in thousands) Balance     & Fees     Rate     Balance     & Fees     Rate  
    Interest-earning assets                                              
    Cash and cash equivalents(1) $ 178,953     $ 4,230       4.77 %   $ 310,476     $ 8,914       5.77 %
    FHLB Stock   15,000       654       8.79 %     15,000       658       8.82 %
    Securities                                              
    Available for sale(2)   394,822       8,302       4.24 %     319,127       7,197       4.54 %
    Held to maturity(2)   5,108       97       3.83 %     5,205       94       3.63 %
    Total loans(3)   3,125,652       93,308       6.02 %     3,017,737       90,867       6.06 %
    Total interest-earning assets   3,719,535     $ 106,591       5.78 %     3,667,545     $ 107,730       5.91 %
    Total noninterest-earning assets   257,250                       243,178                  
    Total average assets $ 3,976,785                     $ 3,910,723                  
                                                   
    Interest-bearing liabilities                                              
    NOW $ 64,004       689       2.17 %   $ 57,513     $ 574       2.01 %
    Money market   473,109       7,399       3.15 %     421,655       7,403       3.53 %
    Saving deposits   148,225       947       1.29 %     161,070       1,454       1.82 %
    Time deposits, $250,000 and under   992,954       19,815       4.02 %     1,112,735       26,165       4.73 %
    Time deposits, greater than $250,000   893,832       18,519       4.18 %     778,713       19,007       4.91 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   2,572,124       47,369       3.71 %     2,531,686       54,603       4.34 %
    FHLB advances   168,011       2,409       2.89 %     150,000       878       1.18 %
    Long-term debt   119,610       2,591       4.37 %     119,228       2,591       4.37 %
    Subordinated debentures   15,203       675       8.95 %     14,984       767       10.29 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   2,874,948       53,044       3.72 %     2,815,898       58,839       4.20 %
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities                                              
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   523,145                       528,898                  
    Other noninterest-bearing liabilities   65,711                       53,441                  
    Total noninterest-bearing liabilities   588,856                       582,339                  
    Shareholders’ equity   512,981                       512,486                  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 3,976,785                     $ 3,910,723                  
    Net interest income / interest rate spreads         $ 53,547       2.06 %           $ 48,891       1.71 %
    Net interest margin                   2.90 %                     2.68 %
                                                   
    Total cost of deposits $ 3,095,269     $ 47,369       3.09 %   $ 3,060,584     $ 54,603       3.59 %
    Total cost of funds $ 3,398,093     $ 53,044       3.15 %   $ 3,344,796     $ 58,839       3.54 %

    ___________

    (1 ) Includes income and average balances for interest-earning time deposits and other miscellaneous interest-earning assets.
    (2 ) Interest income and average rates for tax-exempt securities are presented on a tax-equivalent basis.
    (3 ) Average loan balances relate to loans held for investment and loans held for sale and include nonaccrual loans. Interest income on loans includes the effects of discount accretion and net deferred loan origination fees and costs accounted for as yield adjustments.
    RBB BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
    SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
    (Unaudited)
     
      At or for the Three Months Ended     At or for the Six Months Ended June 30,  
      June 30,     March 31,     June 30,                  
      2025     2025     2024     2025     2024  
    Per share data (common stock)                                      
    Book value $ 29.25     $ 28.77     $ 28.12     $ 29.25     $ 28.12  
    Tangible book value(1) $ 25.11     $ 24.63     $ 24.06     $ 25.11     $ 24.06  
    Performance ratios                                      
    Return on average assets, annualized   0.93 %     0.24 %     0.76 %     0.59 %     0.79 %
    Return on average shareholders’ equity, annualized   7.29 %     1.81 %     5.69 %     4.57 %     6.00 %
    Return on average tangible common equity, annualized(1)   8.50 %     2.12 %     6.65 %     5.33 %     7.01 %
    Noninterest income to average assets, annualized   0.85 %     0.24 %     0.36 %     0.55 %     0.35 %
    Noninterest expense to average assets, annualized   2.05 %     1.90 %     1.79 %     1.98 %     1.75 %
    Yield on average earning assets   5.79 %     5.76 %     5.89 %     5.78 %     5.91 %
    Yield on average loans   6.03 %     6.01 %     6.04 %     6.02 %     6.06 %
    Cost of average total deposits(2)   3.05 %     3.13 %     3.59 %     3.09 %     3.59 %
    Cost of average interest-bearing deposits   3.66 %     3.77 %     4.36 %     3.71 %     4.34 %
    Cost of average interest-bearing liabilities   3.71 %     3.73 %     4.22 %     3.72 %     4.20 %
    Net interest spread   2.08 %     2.03 %     1.67 %     2.06 %     1.71 %
    Net interest margin   2.92 %     2.88 %     2.67 %     2.90 %     2.68 %
    Efficiency ratio(3)   57.22 %     65.09 %     62.38 %     60.70 %     61.21 %
    Common stock dividend payout ratio   30.19 %     123.08 %     41.03 %     48.48 %     38.55 %

    ___________

    (1 ) Non-GAAP measure. See Non–GAAP reconciliations set forth at the end of this press release.
    (2 ) Total deposits include non-interest bearing deposits and interest-bearing deposits.
    (3 ) Ratio calculated by dividing noninterest expense by the sum of net interest income before provision for credit losses and noninterest income.
    RBB BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
    SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
      At or for the quarter ended  
      June 30,     March 31,     June 30,  
      2025     2025     2024  
    Credit Quality Data:                      
    Special mention loans $ 91,317     $ 64,279     $ 19,520  
    Special mention loans to total loans HFI   2.82 %     2.05 %     0.64 %
    Substandard loans $ 91,019     $ 76,372     $ 63,076  
    Substandard loans to total loans HFI   2.81 %     2.43 %     2.07 %
    Loans 30-89 days past due, excluding nonperforming loans $ 18,003     $ 5,927     $ 11,270  
    Loans 30-89 days past due, excluding nonperforming loans, to total loans   0.56 %     0.19 %     0.37 %
    Nonperforming loans $ 56,817     $ 60,380     $ 54,589  
    OREO $ 4,170     $ 4,170     $ —  
    Nonperforming assets $ 60,987     $ 64,550     $ 54,589  
    Nonperforming loans to total loans HFI   1.76 %     1.92 %     1.79 %
    Nonperforming assets to total assets   1.49 %     1.61 %     1.41 %
                           
    Allowance for loan losses $ 51,014     $ 51,932     $ 41,741  
    Allowance for loan losses to total loans HFI   1.58 %     1.65 %     1.37 %
    Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans HFI   89.79 %     86.01 %     76.46 %
    Net charge-offs $ 3,305     $ 2,643     $ 551  
    Net charge-offs to average loans   0.42 %     0.35 %     0.07 %
                           
    Capitalratios(1)                      
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets(2)   11.07 %     11.10 %     11.53 %
    Tier 1 leverage ratio   12.04 %     12.07 %     12.48 %
    Tier 1 common capital to risk-weighted assets   17.61 %     17.87 %     18.89 %
    Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets   18.17 %     18.45 %     19.50 %
    Total capital to risk-weighted assets   24.00 %     24.42 %     25.67 %

    ___________

    (1 ) June 30, 2025 capital ratios are preliminary.
    (2 ) Non-GAAP measure. See Non-GAAP reconciliations set forth at the end of this press release.
    RBB BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
    SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
    (Unaudited)
     
    Loan Portfolio Detail As of June 30, 2025   As of March 31, 2025     As of June 30, 2024  
    (dollars in thousands) $   %   $     %     $     %  
    Loans:                                          
    Commercial and industrial $ 138,263       4.3 %   $ 135,538       4.3 %   $ 126,649       4.2 %
    SBA   55,984       1.7 %     50,651       1.6 %     50,323       1.7 %
    Construction and land development   157,970       4.9 %     158,883       5.1 %     202,459       6.6 %
    Commercial real estate(1)   1,273,442       39.4 %     1,245,402       39.6 %     1,190,207       39.1 %
    Single-family residential mortgages   1,603,114       49.6 %     1,545,822       49.2 %     1,467,802       48.2 %
    Other loans   5,922       0.1 %     6,767       0.2 %     10,272       0.2 %
    Total loans $ 3,234,695       100.0 %   $ 3,143,063       100.0 %   $ 3,047,712       100.0 %
    Allowance for loan losses   (51,014 )         (51,932 )             (41,741 )        
    Total loans, net $ 3,183,681         $ 3,091,131             $ 3,005,971          

    ___________

    (1 ) Includes non-farm and non-residential loans, multi-family residential loans and non-owner occupied single family residential loans.
    Deposits As of June 30, 2025   As of March 31, 2025     As of June 30, 2024  
    (dollars in thousands) $   %   $   %     $   %  
    Deposits:                                          
    Noninterest-bearing demand $ 543,885       17.1 %   $ 528,205       16.8 %   $ 542,971       18.0 %
    Savings, NOW and money market accounts   691,679       21.7 %     721,216       22.9 %     647,770       21.4 %
    Time deposits, $250,000 and under   848,379       26.6 %     863,962       27.5 %     921,712       30.5 %
    Time deposits, greater than $250,000   920,481       28.8 %     870,708       27.8 %     790,478       26.1 %
    Wholesale deposits(1)   183,807       5.8 %     158,537       5.0 %     120,674       4.0 %
    Total deposits $ 3,188,231       100.0 %   $ 3,142,628       100.0 %   $ 3,023,605       100.0 %

    ___________

    (1 ) Includes brokered deposits, collateralized deposits from the State of California, and deposits acquired through internet listing services.

    Non-GAAP Reconciliations

    Tangible Book Value Reconciliations

    Tangible book value per share is a non-GAAP disclosure. Management measures tangible book value per share to assess the Company’s capital strength and business performance and believes this is helpful to investors as additional tools for further understanding our performance. The following is a reconciliation of tangible book value to the Company shareholders’ equity computed in accordance with GAAP, as well as a calculation of tangible book value per share as of as of the dates indicated.

                         
    (dollars in thousands, except share and per share data) June 30, 2025     March 31, 2025     June 30, 2024  
    Tangible common equity:                      
    Total shareholders’ equity $ 517,653     $ 510,306     $ 511,291  
    Adjustments                      
    Goodwill   (71,498 )     (71,498 )     (71,498 )
    Core deposit intangible   (1,667 )     (1,839 )     (2,394 )
    Tangible common equity $ 444,488     $ 436,969     $ 437,399  
    Tangible assets:                      
    Total assets-GAAP $ 4,090,040     $ 4,009,400     $ 3,868,186  
    Adjustments                      
    Goodwill   (71,498 )     (71,498 )     (71,498 )
    Core deposit intangible   (1,667 )     (1,839 )     (2,394 )
    Tangible assets $ 4,016,875     $ 3,936,063     $ 3,794,294  
    Common shares outstanding   17,699,091       17,738,628       18,182,154  
    Common equity to assets ratio   12.66 %     12.73 %     13.22 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio   11.07 %     11.10 %     11.53 %
    Book value per share $ 29.25     $ 28.77     $ 28.12  
    Tangible book value per share $ 25.11     $ 24.63     $ 24.06  

    Return on Average Tangible Common Equity

    Management measures return on average tangible common equity (“ROATCE”) to assess the Company’s capital strength and business performance and believes this is helpful to investors as an additional tool for further understanding our performance. Tangible equity excludes goodwill and other intangible assets (excluding mortgage servicing rights) and is reviewed by banking and financial institution regulators when assessing a financial institution’s capital adequacy. This non-GAAP financial measure should not be considered a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies. The following table reconciles ROATCE to its most comparable GAAP measure:

      Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended June 30,  
    (dollars in thousands) June 30, 2025     March 31, 2025     June 30, 2024     2025     2024  
    Net income available to common shareholders $ 9,333     $ 2,290     $ 7,245     $ 11,623     $ 15,281  
    Average shareholders’ equity   513,691       512,262       512,185       512,981       512,486  
    Adjustments:                                      
    Average goodwill   (71,498 )     (71,498 )     (71,498 )     (71,498 )     (71,498 )
    Average core deposit intangible   (1,780 )     (1,951 )     (2,525 )     (1,865 )     (2,625 )
    Adjusted average tangible common equity $ 440,413     $ 438,813     $ 438,162     $ 439,618     $ 438,363  
    Return on average common equity, annualized   7.29 %     1.81 %     5.69 %     4.57 %     6.00 %
    Return on average tangible common equity, annualized   8.50 %     2.12 %     6.65 %     5.33 %     7.01 %

    The MIL Network –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: How EVs and electric water heaters are turning cities into giant batteries

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bin Lu, Senior Research Fellow in Renewable Energy, Australian National University

    Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock

    As the electrification of transport and heating accelerates, many worry the increased demand could overload national power grids. In Australia, electricity consumption is expected to double by 2050.

    If everyone charges their car and heats water using electric systems at the same time, peak demand could rise sharply, forcing costly grid upgrades. But this would only happen if there’s no planning done.

    The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) and electric water heating has a huge silver lining. As more Australians make the switch, they’re quietly expanding a vast network of distributed energy storage. In a fully electrified future, each person could have on average about 46 kilowatt hours worth of energy storage – both in EV batteries and hot water systems.

    Scaled up, that’s a huge resource. If all cars and water heaters run on electricity, their combined flexible energy storage could reach over 1,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) across Australia. That’s far beyond the 350 GWh capacity of the Snowy 2.0 hydroelectric project and all existing grid-scale batteries put together.

    Authorities can use these devices to help operate the grid more efficiently and slash infrastructure costs. In fact, our new research shows that with the right coordination, cities can transform from energy consumers into flexible energy hubs able to store energy and release it as necessary. This would make it possible to avoid billions of dollars worth of grid upgrades.

    Storage built in

    Electrification replaces fossil fuel-burning technology with electric-only systems, powered by a grid getting steadily cleaner.

    For households, electrification means switching a combustion engine car for an EV and replacing gas hot water with electric systems such as heat pumps. Both slash carbon emissions when run on grids with high levels of renewables.

    EVs and electric hot water systems offer more than just mobility or heating. They also have built-in energy storage. EV batteries store huge amounts of electricity – usually several times the size of a house battery. Hot water systems store energy too, in the form of heat.

    Both of these resources are very useful to power grid authorities, because they can help optimise how the grid operates.

    Power grids are a constant balancing act, where supply and demand have to be carefully matched up. At times of intense demand, such as during a heatwave, demand can outstrip normal supply and send prices skyrocketing.

    When EVs are charged and water heated during off-peak periods, the strain on the grid can be significantly lessened.

    Workplace EV chargers are convenient for drivers – and very useful for the grid.
    jixiang liu/Shutterstock

    Canberra is pointing the way

    Since 2020, Canberra has been 100% powered by renewable electricity. The ACT Government is aiming for net zero by 2045.

    In our modelling, we found this goal could get a lot closer if EVs and hot water systems are used cleverly. We found changing the time cars are charged and water heated would shift around 5 kWh of electricity per person per day. That’s about a third of each Canberra resident’s average daily electricity use.

    Unmanaged charging and water heating would cause peak load to jump 34%. But if charging and heating was shifted to off-peak hours overnight, it could restrict the rise in peak load to just 16%.

    Reducing the rise in peak load would make it possible to avoid billions of dollars in grid upgrades such as expanding substations and building more transmission lines.

    Where flexibility matters most

    We found Canberra’s new energy storage resources are concentrated in storage hotspots – densely populated areas with many electric hot water systems and where many EVs are parked during the day.

    Importantly, these hotspots don’t stay put. During working hours, vehicle batteries tend to concentrate in high-density office areas where EVs are parked. Storage capacity rose up to 31% in some Canberra working districts during the working week.

    It would make sense to make the most of these hotspots by installing smart chargers, which optimise the timing of EV charging and creating virtual power plants, which can coordinate the time when household devices and EVs draw power.

    Both of these approaches offer a cost-effective way to aggregate small scale household devices into a large coordinated storage resource.

    Aligning demand with solar peaks means using renewable energy which might otherwise go to waste during peak times.

    This map shows Canberra’s storage hotspots averaged out. EV batteries are in blue and electric hot water storage in orange.
    Bin Lu, CC BY-NC-ND

    Policy needs to catch up

    Capturing the huge benefits from these new storage resources won’t happen automatically. It requires smart systems and supportive policies.

    Technologies such as smart chargers and virtual power plants already exist. South Australia’s Virtual Power Plant shows what’s possible in practice.

    But to date, most Australian households don’t have these kinds of smart systems. In many areas, electricity pricing is relatively inflexible and there’s limited coordination between flexible energy use and the needs of the grid.

    To unlock the full potential of this huge new energy storage resource, governments and energy companies should:

    • encourage uptake of smart chargers and smart water heaters in buildings

    • expand dynamic pricing schemes which better reflect real-time supply and demand to help shift electricity use to off-peak periods

    • focus on rolling out workplace EV chargers in high-density areas to boost charging during solar peak periods

    • develop smart energy systems able to aggregate devices in individual households into a large grid-supporting fleet.

    More demand – but more storage

    As Australia increasingly goes electric, cities are becoming more than just energy consumers.

    Rather, they’re becoming flexible energy hubs able to help balance supply and demand.

    Used wisely, humble electric water heaters and EVs can do more than meet household needs — they can help power Australia’s clean energy future.

    Bin Lu received research funding from the Icon Water & ActewAGL Endowment Fund.

    Marnie Shaw has received funding from federal and state governments.

    – ref. How EVs and electric water heaters are turning cities into giant batteries – https://theconversation.com/how-evs-and-electric-water-heaters-are-turning-cities-into-giant-batteries-261369

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: Pumped up with poison: new research shows many anabolic steroids contain toxic metals

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Piatkowski, Lecturer in Psychology, Griffith University

    MilosStankovic/Getty Images

    Eighteen-year-old Mark scrolls Instagram late at night, watching videos of fitness influencers showing off muscle gains and lifting the equivalent of a baby elephant off the gym floor.

    Spurred on by hashtags and usernames indicating these feats involve steroids, soon Mark is online, ordering his first “steroid cycle”. No script, no warnings, just vials in the mail and the promise of “gains”.

    A few weeks later, he’s posting progress shots and getting tagged as #MegaMark. He’s pleased. But what if I told you Mark was unknowingly injecting toxic chemicals?

    In our new research we tested products sold in Australia’s underground steroid market and found many were mislabelled or missing the expected steroid entirely.

    Even more concerning, several contained heavy metals such as lead, arsenic and cadmium. These substances are known to cause cancer, heart disease and organ failure.

    What are anabolic steroids, and who is using them?

    Anabolic steroids are synthetic drugs designed to mimic the effects of testosterone. Medical professionals sometimes prescribe them for specific health conditions (for example, hypogonadism, where the body isn’t making enough sex hormones). But they are more commonly taken by people looking to increase muscle size, improve athletic performance, or elevate feelings of wellbeing.

    In Australia, it’s illegal to possess steroids without a prescription. This offence can attract large fines and prison terms (up to 25 years in Queensland).

    Despite this, they’re widely available online and from your local “gym bro”. So it’s not surprising we’re seeing escalating use, particularly among young men and women.

    People usually take steroids as pills and capsules or injectable oil- or water-based products. But while many people assume these products are safe if used correctly, they’re made outside regulated settings, with no official quality checks.




    Read more:
    Get big or die trying: social media is driving men’s use of steroids. Here’s how to mitigate the risks


    Our research

    For this new study, we analysed 28 steroid products acquired from people all over Australia which they’d purchased either online or from peers in the gym. These included 16 injectable oils, ten varieties of oral tablets, and two “raw” powders.

    An independent forensic lab tested the samples for active ingredients, contaminants and heavy metals. We then compared the results against what people thought they were taking.

    More than half of the samples were mislabelled or contained the wrong drug. For example, one product labelled as testosterone enanthate (200mg/mL) contained 159mg/mL of trenbolone (a potent type of steroid) and no detectable testosterone. Oxandrolone (also known as “Anavar”, another type of steroid) tablets were sold claiming a strength of 10mg but actually contained 6.8mg, showing a disparity in purity.

    Just four products matched their expected compound and purity within a 5% margin.

    But the biggest concern was that all steroids we analysed were contaminated with some level of heavy metals, including lead, arsenic and cadmium.

    While all of the concentrations we detected were within daily exposure limits regarded as safe by health authorities, more frequent and heavier use of these drugs would quickly see people who use steroids exceed safe thresholds. And we know this happens.

    If consumed above safe limits, research suggests lead can damage the brain and heart. Arsenic is a proven carcinogen, having been linked to the development of skin, liver and lung cancers.

    People who use steroids often dose for weeks or months, and sometimes stack multiple drugs, so these metals would build up. This means long‑term steroid use could be quietly fuelling cognitive decline, organ failure, and even cancer.

    What needs to happen next?

    Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic and cadmium often contaminate anabolic steroid products because raw powders sourced from some manufacturers, particularly those in China, may be produced with poor quality control and impure starting materials. These metals can enter the supply chain during synthesis, handling, or from contaminated equipment and solvents, leading to their presence in the final products.

    Steroid use isn’t going away, so we need to address the potential health harms from these contaminants.

    While pill testing is now common at festivals for drugs such as ecstasy, testing anabolic steroids requires more complex chemical analysis that cannot be conducted on-site. Current steroid testing relies on advanced laboratory techniques, which limits availability mostly to specialised research programs such as those in Australia and Switzerland.

    We need to invest properly in a national steroid surveillance and testing network, which will give us data‑driven insights to inform targeted interventions.

    This should involve nationwide steroid testing programs integrated with needle‑and‑syringe programs and community health services which steroid-using communities are aware of and engage with.

    We also need to see peer‑led support through trusted programs to educate people who use steroids around the risks. The programs should be based in real evidence, and developed by people with lived experience of steroid use, in partnership with researchers and clinicians.

    Timothy Piatkowski receives funding from Queensland Mental Health Commission. He is affiliated with Queensland Injectors Voice for Advocacy and Action as the Vice President. He is affiliated with The Loop Australia as the research lead (Queensland).

    – ref. Pumped up with poison: new research shows many anabolic steroids contain toxic metals – https://theconversation.com/pumped-up-with-poison-new-research-shows-many-anabolic-steroids-contain-toxic-metals-261470

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: Pumped up with poison: new research shows many anabolic steroids contain toxic metals

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Piatkowski, Lecturer in Psychology, Griffith University

    MilosStankovic/Getty Images

    Eighteen-year-old Mark scrolls Instagram late at night, watching videos of fitness influencers showing off muscle gains and lifting the equivalent of a baby elephant off the gym floor.

    Spurred on by hashtags and usernames indicating these feats involve steroids, soon Mark is online, ordering his first “steroid cycle”. No script, no warnings, just vials in the mail and the promise of “gains”.

    A few weeks later, he’s posting progress shots and getting tagged as #MegaMark. He’s pleased. But what if I told you Mark was unknowingly injecting toxic chemicals?

    In our new research we tested products sold in Australia’s underground steroid market and found many were mislabelled or missing the expected steroid entirely.

    Even more concerning, several contained heavy metals such as lead, arsenic and cadmium. These substances are known to cause cancer, heart disease and organ failure.

    What are anabolic steroids, and who is using them?

    Anabolic steroids are synthetic drugs designed to mimic the effects of testosterone. Medical professionals sometimes prescribe them for specific health conditions (for example, hypogonadism, where the body isn’t making enough sex hormones). But they are more commonly taken by people looking to increase muscle size, improve athletic performance, or elevate feelings of wellbeing.

    In Australia, it’s illegal to possess steroids without a prescription. This offence can attract large fines and prison terms (up to 25 years in Queensland).

    Despite this, they’re widely available online and from your local “gym bro”. So it’s not surprising we’re seeing escalating use, particularly among young men and women.

    People usually take steroids as pills and capsules or injectable oil- or water-based products. But while many people assume these products are safe if used correctly, they’re made outside regulated settings, with no official quality checks.




    Read more:
    Get big or die trying: social media is driving men’s use of steroids. Here’s how to mitigate the risks


    Our research

    For this new study, we analysed 28 steroid products acquired from people all over Australia which they’d purchased either online or from peers in the gym. These included 16 injectable oils, ten varieties of oral tablets, and two “raw” powders.

    An independent forensic lab tested the samples for active ingredients, contaminants and heavy metals. We then compared the results against what people thought they were taking.

    More than half of the samples were mislabelled or contained the wrong drug. For example, one product labelled as testosterone enanthate (200mg/mL) contained 159mg/mL of trenbolone (a potent type of steroid) and no detectable testosterone. Oxandrolone (also known as “Anavar”, another type of steroid) tablets were sold claiming a strength of 10mg but actually contained 6.8mg, showing a disparity in purity.

    Just four products matched their expected compound and purity within a 5% margin.

    But the biggest concern was that all steroids we analysed were contaminated with some level of heavy metals, including lead, arsenic and cadmium.

    While all of the concentrations we detected were within daily exposure limits regarded as safe by health authorities, more frequent and heavier use of these drugs would quickly see people who use steroids exceed safe thresholds. And we know this happens.

    If consumed above safe limits, research suggests lead can damage the brain and heart. Arsenic is a proven carcinogen, having been linked to the development of skin, liver and lung cancers.

    People who use steroids often dose for weeks or months, and sometimes stack multiple drugs, so these metals would build up. This means long‑term steroid use could be quietly fuelling cognitive decline, organ failure, and even cancer.

    What needs to happen next?

    Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic and cadmium often contaminate anabolic steroid products because raw powders sourced from some manufacturers, particularly those in China, may be produced with poor quality control and impure starting materials. These metals can enter the supply chain during synthesis, handling, or from contaminated equipment and solvents, leading to their presence in the final products.

    Steroid use isn’t going away, so we need to address the potential health harms from these contaminants.

    While pill testing is now common at festivals for drugs such as ecstasy, testing anabolic steroids requires more complex chemical analysis that cannot be conducted on-site. Current steroid testing relies on advanced laboratory techniques, which limits availability mostly to specialised research programs such as those in Australia and Switzerland.

    We need to invest properly in a national steroid surveillance and testing network, which will give us data‑driven insights to inform targeted interventions.

    This should involve nationwide steroid testing programs integrated with needle‑and‑syringe programs and community health services which steroid-using communities are aware of and engage with.

    We also need to see peer‑led support through trusted programs to educate people who use steroids around the risks. The programs should be based in real evidence, and developed by people with lived experience of steroid use, in partnership with researchers and clinicians.

    Timothy Piatkowski receives funding from Queensland Mental Health Commission. He is affiliated with Queensland Injectors Voice for Advocacy and Action as the Vice President. He is affiliated with The Loop Australia as the research lead (Queensland).

    – ref. Pumped up with poison: new research shows many anabolic steroids contain toxic metals – https://theconversation.com/pumped-up-with-poison-new-research-shows-many-anabolic-steroids-contain-toxic-metals-261470

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: CTRL Group Limited Announces Name Change

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Kowloon, Hong Kong, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CTRL Group Limited (the “Company”) (Nasdaq CM: MCTR), an integrated marketing and advertising services provider in Hong Kong specializing in mobile games promotion for the local market, today announced, subject to and conditional upon the approval of the Registrar of Companies in the British Virgin Islands (the “Registrar”), it will change its name from CTRL Group Ltd. to TJGC Group.

    The name change will become effective upon the issuance of a Certificate of Change of Name by the Registrar and the corresponding update in the Register of Companies.

    The Company’s ordinary shares will continue to be listed and traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the current ticker symbol “MCTR”. The CUSIP number for the Company’s ordinary shares will remain unchanged.

    About CTRL Group Limited

    The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary and operating company, CTRL Group Limited, is an integrated marketing and advertising services provider in Hong Kong specializing in mobile games promotion for the local market. The Company provides services to mobile game developers, principally developers of mobile gaming applications or “apps” that gamers download from the developers’ websites and applicable mobile operating systems, such as Apple Store or Android Google Play Store. The market for specialized mobile game advertising in Hong Kong is occupied by a few market players who compete with one another. The Company’s prominent market share and proven track record are indicative of its audience reach and engagement, as well as its relevance to advertisers in Hong Kong markets. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: https://www.ctrl-media.com/

    Forward-Looking Statements

    All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs, including the expectation that the Offering will be successfully completed. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and in its other filings with the SEC.

    For more information, please contact:

    Investor Relations
    CTRL Group Limited
    Phone: +852-3107-4887
    Email: project@ctrl-media.com

    The MIL Network –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Par Pacific, Mitsubishi, and ENEOS to Establish Joint Venture for Renewable Fuels in Hawaii

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON and TOKYO, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. (including its subsidiaries and affiliates, “Par Pacific”), Mitsubishi Corporation (“Mitsubishi”), and ENEOS Corporation (“ENEOS”) today announced the signing of definitive agreements to establish Hawaii Renewables, LLC (“Hawaii Renewables”), a joint venture to produce renewable fuels at Par Pacific’s refinery in Kapolei Hawaii. Mitsubishi and ENEOS will form Alohi Renewable Energy, LLC, which will acquire a 36.5% equity stake in Hawaii Renewables in exchange for cash consideration of $100 million. Par Pacific will retain the remaining interest and lead the project’s execution and operations through its affiliate, Par Hawaii Refining, LLC. The project’s attractive capital cost, along with its operating and distribution cost advantages, are key differentiators.

    Hawaii Renewables will leverage Par Pacific’s existing refining and logistics infrastructure and Lutros, LLC’s new and advantaged pretreatment technology. Construction is currently underway, and the facility is expected to be completed and operational by the end of the year. Once fully operational, Hawaii Renewables will be the state’s largest renewable fuels manufacturing facility and is expected to produce approximately 61 million gallons per year of renewable diesel (“RD”), sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”), renewable naphtha and low carbon liquified petroleum gases.

    The facility is designed to produce up to 60% SAF as a first step toward decarbonizing Hawaii’s significant air travel market, with flexibility to process diverse feedstocks and shift yields to RD based on market conditions. These renewable fuels will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while providing reliable transportation and utility fuels to Hawaii consumers.

    This strategic partnership will combine Par Pacific’s advantaged West Coast and Pacific asset base and operational capabilities with Mitsubishi’s global integrated business, including access to Mitsubishi’s Petro-Diamond Inc. Terminal in Long Beach, California and global feedstock procurement expertise. As Japan’s leading energy company, ENEOS will strengthen the partnership by leveraging its historical success in fuel refining and trading across Asia-Pacific and North America.

    “We are thrilled to partner with Mitsubishi and ENEOS through the formation of this strategic joint venture,” said Will Monteleone, Par Pacific’s President & Chief Executive Officer. “Creating the Hawaii Renewables joint venture brings together the best of our three organizations and yields additional scale and expertise across feedstock origination, commercial optimization, and market access throughout the Pacific Basin.”

    “We are so honored to partner with Par Pacific in the renewable fuels business,” said Masaru Saito, Group CEO, Environmental Energy Group, Mitsubishi Corporation. “We view this partnership as an important step for our SAF initiative, supporting aviation sector decarbonization across Hawaii and beyond through our feedstock procurement and renewable fuels sales expertise.”

    “We anticipate this project will deliver a stable supply of energy and contribute to a carbon-neutral society,” said Marcus Echigoya, Senior Vice President, Managing Executive Officer, ENEOS Corporation. “ENEOS aims to contribute to this initiative by utilizing our deep experience in fuel refining and marketing, with an emphasis on enhancing Hawaii Renewable’s feedstock procurement capabilities.”

    The closing of the joint venture transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Lazard served as financial advisor to Par Pacific on this transaction.

    About Par Pacific
    Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: PARR), headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a growing energy company providing both renewable and conventional fuels to the western United States. Par Pacific owns and operates 219,000 bpd of combined refining capacity across four locations in Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies, and an extensive energy infrastructure network, including 13 million barrels of storage, and marine, rail, rack, and pipeline assets. In addition, Par Pacific operates the Hele retail brand in Hawaii and the “nomnom” convenience store chain in the Pacific Northwest. Par Pacific also owns 46% of Laramie Energy, LLC, a natural gas production company with operations and assets concentrated in Western Colorado. More information is available at www.parpacific.com. 

    About Mitsubishi Corporation
    Mitsubishi Corporation is a global integrated business enterprise that develops and operates business together with its offices and subsidiaries worldwide. MC has eight Business Groups that operate across virtually every industry: Environmental Energy, Material Solution, Mineral Resources, Urban Development and Infrastructure, Mobility, Food Industry, Smart-Life Creation, and Power Solution.

    About ENEOS Corporation
    ENEOS Group is Japan’s leading energy company with manufacturing and sales facilities throughout the world. ENEOS has developed businesses in the refining and marketing of petroleum products, petrochemical products, and lubricants. While fulfilling our responsibility of providing a stable supply of energy and materials both now and in the future, we will realize a carbon neutral society through energy transition. This is also a great challenge for mankind, and we, the ENEOS Group, will maximize our corporate value by steadily taking on the challenge.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This news release includes certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to qualify for the “safe harbor” from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about Par Pacific’s plans to invest in renewable fuels production. There can be no assurances that Par Pacific will be successful in its renewable fuels production efforts, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. We cannot provide assurances that the assumptions upon which these forward-looking statements are based will prove to have been correct. Should one of these risks materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements, and investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are current only as of this date. We do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or any other forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. We further expressly disclaim any written or oral statements made by a third party regarding the subject matter of this news release.

    Par Pacific Contacts
    Investors:
    Ashimi Patel
    VP, Investor Relations & Sustainability
    +1 (832) 916-3355
    apatel@parpacific.com

    Media Inquiries:
    Marc Inouye
    Director, Government & Public Affairs
    +1 (808) 203-2344
    minouye@parpacific.com

    Mitsubishi Corporation Contacts
    Media Inquiries:
    Telephone: +81-3-3210-2171

    ENEOS Contacts
    Media Inquiries:
    pr@eneos.com

    The MIL Network –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: Could Rupert Murdoch bring down Donald Trump? A court case threatens more than just their relationship

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Dodd, Professor of Journalism, Director of the Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of Melbourne

    If Rupert Murdoch becomes a white knight standing up to a rampantly bullying US president, the world has moved into the upside-down.

    This is, after all, the media mogul whose US television network, Fox News, actively supported Donald Trump’s Big Lie about the 2020 presidential election result and paid out a US$787 million (about A$1.2 billion) lawsuit for doing so.

    It is also the network that supplied several members of Trump’s inner circle, including former Fox host, now controversial Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth.

    But that is where we are after Trump filed a writ on July 18 after Murdoch’s financial newspaper, The Wall Street Journal, published an article about a hand-drawn card Trump is alleged to have sent to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2003. The newspaper reported:

    A pair of small arcs denotes the woman’s breasts, and the future president’s signature is a squiggly “Donald” below her waist, mimicking pubic hair.

    The Journal said it has seen the letter but did not republish it. The letter allegedly concluded:

    Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.

    The card was apparently Trump’s contribution to a birthday album compiled for Epstein by the latter’s partner Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence after being found guilty of sex trafficking in 2021.

    Trump was furious. He told his Truth Social audience he had warned Murdoch the letter was fake. He wrote, “Mr Murdoch stated that he would take care of it but obviously did not have the power to do so,” referring to Murdoch handing leadership of News Corporation to his eldest son Lachlan in 2023.




    Read more:
    How Rupert Murdoch helped create a monster – the era of Trumpism – and then lost control of it


    Trump is being pincered. On one side, The Wall Street Journal is a respected newspaper that speaks to literate, wealthy Americans who remain deeply sceptical about Trump’s radical initiative on tariffs, which it described in an editorial as “the dumbest trade war in history”.

    On the other side is the conspiracy theory-thirsty MAGA base who have been told for years that there was a massive conspiracy around Epstein’s apparent suicide in 2019 that included the so-called deep state, Democrat elites and, no doubt, the Clintons.

    Trump, who loves pro wrestling as well as adopting its garish theatrics, might characterise his lawsuit against Murdoch as a smackdown to rival Hulk Hogan vs Andre the Giant in the 1980s.

    To adopt wrestling argot, though, it is a rare battle between two heels.

    A friendship of powerful convenience

    Murdoch and Trump’s relationship is longstanding but convoluted. The key to understanding it is that both men are ruthlessly transactional.

    Exposure in Murdoch’s New York Post in the 1980s and ‘90s was crucial to building Trump’s reputation.

    Not that Murdoch particularly likes Trump. Yes, Murdoch attended his second inauguration, albeit in a back row behind the newly favoured big tech media moguls. He was also seen sitting in the Oval Office a few days later looking quite at home.

    But this was pure power-display politics, not the behaviour of a friend.

    Murdoch joined Trump in the Oval Office in February 2025.
    Anna Moneymaker/Getty

    Remember Murdoch’s derision on hearing Trump was considering standing for office before the 2016 election, and his promotion of Ron De Santis in the primaries before Trump’s second term. Murdoch’s political hero has always been Ronald Reagan. Trump has laid waste to the Republican Party of Reagan.

    Murdoch knows what the rest of sane America knows: Trump is downright weird, if not dangerous. This, of course, only makes Murdoch’s complicity in Trump’s rise to power, and Fox News’ continued boosterism of Trump, all the more appalling.

    But, in keeping with Murdoch’s relationship to power throughout his career, what he helps make, he also helps destroy. Perhaps now it’s Trump’s turn to be unmade. As a former Murdoch lieutenant told The Financial Times over the weekend:

    he’s testing out: Is Trump losing his base? And where do I need to be to stay in the heart of the base?

    And here is Murdoch’s great advantage, and his looming threat.

    A double-edged sword

    The advantage comes with the scope of Murdoch’s media empire, which operates like a federation of different mastheads, each with their own market and aspirations. While Fox News panders to the MAGA base, and The New York Post juices its New York audience, The Wall Street Journal speaks, and listens, to business. Each audience has different needs, meaning they’re often presented with the same news in very different ways, or sometimes different news entirely.

    Like a federation, though, News Corp uses its various operations to drive the type of change that affects all its markets.

    It might work like this. The Wall Street Journal breaks a story that’s so shocking it begins to chip away at MAGA’s unquestioning loyalty of Trump. This process is, of course, willingly aided by the rest of the media. The resulting groundswell eventually allows Fox News and the Post to tentatively follow their audiences into questioning, and then perhaps criticising, Trump.

    Fox News audiences could slowly begin to question Trump, or abandon the network entirely.
    NurPhoto/Getty

    The threat is that before that groundswell builds, Murdoch is seriously vulnerable to criticism from a still dominant Trump, who can turn conspiracy-prone audiences away from Fox News with just a social media post. Trump has already been busy doing just that, saying he is looking forward to getting Murdoch onto the witness stand for his lawsuit.

    If the Fox audience decides it’s the proprietor who’s behind this denigration of Trump, they may decide to boycott their own favoured media channel, even though Fox’s programming hasn’t yet started questioning Trump.

    The Murdochs’ fear of audience backlash was a major factor in Fox’s promulgation of the Big Lie after Trump’s defeat in 2020. The fear their audience might defect to Newsmax or some other right-wing media outfit is just as real today.

    History littered with fakery

    We also need to consider that Trump might be right. What if the letter is a fake?

    Murdoch has form when it comes to high-profile exposés that turn out to be fiction. Who can forget the Hitler Diaries in 1983, which we now know Murdoch knew were fake before he published.

    Think also of the Pauline Hanson photos, allegedly of her posing in lingerie, all of which were quickly proved to be fake after they were published by Murdoch’s Australian tabloids in 2009.

    There was also The Sun’s despicable and wilfully wrong campaign against Elton John in 1987 and the same paper’s continued denigration of the people of Liverpool following the Hillsborough stadium disaster in 1989.

    But while Murdoch’s News Corp has a history of confection and fakery, the Wall Street Journal has a reputation for straight reportage, albeit through a conservative lens. Since Murdoch bought it in 2007, it has been engaged in its own internal battle for editorial standards.

    Media rolling over

    What Trump won’t get from Murdoch is the same acquiescence he’s enjoyed from America’s ABC and CBS networks, which have both handed over tens of millions of dollars in defamation settlements following dubious claims by Trump about the nature of their coverage.




    Read more:
    ABC’s and CBS’s settlements with Trump are a dangerous step toward the commander in chief becoming the editor-in-chief


    In December 2024, ABC’s owner Disney settled and agreed to pay US$15 million (A$23 million) to Trump’s presidential library. The president sued after a presenter said Trump was found guilty of raping E. Jean Carroll.

    Trump had actually been found guilty by a jury in a civil trial of sexually abusing and defaming Carroll and was ordered to pay her US$5 million (A$7.6 million).

    CBS’ parent company, Paramount, did similarly after being sued by the president, agreeing in early July to settle and pay US$16 million (A$24.5 million) to Trump’s library. This was despite earlier saying the case was “completely without merit”.

    Beware the legal microscope

    From Trump’s viewpoint, two prominent media companies have been cowed. But his campaign against critical media doesn’t stop there.

    Last week, congress passed a bill cancelling federal funding for the country’s two public-service media outlets, the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR).

    Also last week, CBS announced the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s stridently critical comedy show, although CBS claims this is just a cost-cutting exercise and not about appeasing a bully in the White House.

    Presuming the reported birthday letter is real, Murdoch will not bend so easily. And that’s when it will be important to pay attention, because at some point Trump’s lawyers will advise him about the dangers of depositions and discovery: the legal processes that force parties to a dispute to reveal what they have and what they know.

    If the Epstein files do implicate Trump, the legal fight won’t last long and the media campaign against him will only intensify.

    Right now we have the spectre of Murdoch joining that other disaffected mogul, Elon Musk, in a moral crusade against Trump, the man they both helped make. The implications are head-spinning.

    As global bullies, the three of them probably deserve each other. But we, the public, surely deserve better than any of them.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Could Rupert Murdoch bring down Donald Trump? A court case threatens more than just their relationship – https://theconversation.com/could-rupert-murdoch-bring-down-donald-trump-a-court-case-threatens-more-than-just-their-relationship-261532

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: The end of open-plan classrooms: how school design reflects changing ideas in education

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leon Benade, Professor in the School of Education of Edith Cowan University (ECU), Perth, WA, Edith Cowan University

    skynesher/Getty Imaged

    The end of open-plan classrooms in New Zealand, recently announced by Education Minister Erica Stanford, marks yet another swing of the pendulum in school design.

    Depending on who you ask, these classrooms were an opportunity to foster collaboration and flexibility or an exercise in organised chaos.

    So-called “modern learning environments” – characterised by flexible layouts, fewer walls and sometimes multiple classes and teachers in one space – were vigorously pushed by the National government in 2011.

    The stated goal was to promote flexibility in the way students were taught, encourage collaboration and to accommodate new technology in classrooms.

    But a 2024 ministerial inquiry into school property found complex procurement, design and authorisation processes associated with bespoke designs caused delays, budget overruns and unrealised expectations in many school communities.

    Among the solutions offered by the inquiry was the development of simple but functional schools based on cookie-cutter designs constructed off-site. This recommendation was welcomed by the current National-led government.

    Design influenced by ideology

    The modern, bespoke designs of the past two decades represented a response to technological developments, such as the introduction of digital devices, that changed how students learned.

    This resulted in the steady replacement of traditional school designs from the industrial age with spaces designed for flexibility.

    Those industrial age schools were themselves products of changes in the second half of the 20th century. Since the first school opened in 1843, school architecture in New Zealand had evolved significantly. Early schools featured cramped six-metre by four-metre classrooms which could accommodate more than 30 students.

    By the 1920s, the “Taranaki” and “Canterbury” models included a more generous minimum classroom size of eight metres by seven metres. There was a greater emphasis on light and ventilation. Their larger spaces also recognised changes in teaching styles that encouraged more active and participatory learning.

    By the 1950s, classroom size had grown to ten metres by seven metres. The “Nelson” and “S68” blocks of the 1950s and 1960s provided small self-contained blocks of classrooms that reduced student movement and corridor noise.

    Changes to New Zealand school buildings also reflected global trends. Open-plan schools emerged in North America after 1960. At the same time, there were signs English schools would replace their traditional Victorian-style buildings with classrooms considered more child-centred.

    The goal was to achieve flexible, connected designs to support evolving education philosophies. England’s 1966 Plowden Report on primary education significantly aided this evolution towards progressive styles of teaching and learning, leading to the creation of schools that featured flexibility, connectivity and external-internal flow.

    These schools were the forerunners of “innovative learning environments” and were considered cutting-edge at the time.

    In 2004, the ambitious Building Schools for the Future programme was launched in the United Kingdom. It was designed to replace outdated school facilities considered unfit for preparing students for the 21st century.

    But in 2011, the James Review of Education Capital highlighted a number of issues with the way schools were being built, putting an end to the infrastructure programme.

    That report, like the 2024 New Zealand report, suggested replacing government investment in bespoke school infrastructure with a focus on standardised designs.

    A swing back

    In New Zealand, “modern learning environments” became part of education policy with the Ministry of Education’s School Property Strategy 2011-2021, published in 2011. But the pendulum started to swing back after Labour came to power in 2017.

    Departing from the 2011 strategy, the language of “modern learning environments”, “innovative learning environments” and “flexible learning spaces” largely disappeared. It was replaced in policy documents with “quality learning environments”.

    This shift emphasised physical characteristics such as heating, lighting and acoustics, rather than innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

    Since coming to power, the current National-led coalition has focused on embedding a standardised approach to foundational skills in reading, writing, maths and science.

    While not directly scapegoating open-plan designs for educational underachievement, Erica Stanford said the reforms would ensure learning spaces were “designed to improve student outcomes”.

    But as New Zealand moves back to standardised designs, it is worth considering why modern learning environments were introduced in the first place – the flexibility for new technology and space for collaboration – and what students may lose by a swing back towards the separate classrooms of the past.

    Leon Benade is affiliated with Learning Environments Australasia, Philosophy of Education Society of Australasia (PESA) and The Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE).

    Chris Bradbeer is affiliated with Learning Environments New Zealand/Aotearoa (LENZ), and Learning Environments Australasia (LEA).

    Alastair Wells does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The end of open-plan classrooms: how school design reflects changing ideas in education – https://theconversation.com/the-end-of-open-plan-classrooms-how-school-design-reflects-changing-ideas-in-education-261359

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pharmac continues to engage with consumers

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour welcomes the establishment of Pharmac’s new consumer working group to help Pharmac help reset how it works with health consumers.

    “For many New Zealanders, funding for pharmaceuticals is life or death, or the difference between a life of pain and suffering or living freely,” Mr Seymour says.  

    “My expectation is that Pharmac should have good processes to ensure that people with an illness, their carers and family, can provide input to decision-making processes. This is part of the ACT-National Coalition Agreement. 

    “Pharmac hosted a Consumer Engagement Workshop in March. Patients and advocates voiced their hopes at resetting the patient – Pharmac relationship. Pharmac published a report on the findings from the workshop. 

    “The report recommended that the Board invite workshop participants, in association with the wider consumer-patient representative community, to select a working group. The group would work with Pharmac’s Board and management to reset the relationship between Pharmac and the consumer/representative community. 

    “The patient advocacy community selected Dr Malcolm Mulholland to lead the consumer working group. He has worked with consumers to select the other members of the working group. These members represent patients with a wide range of health conditions. They are named at the end of this release.”

    “We’ve waited a long time for this opportunity. The work that Pharmac does is vitally important for the health of patients and their families, and this is why getting Pharmac to work as well as it can, will be the focus of the working group,” Dr Mulholland says.

    “The consumer working group met for the first time yesterday to confirm the approach for the reset programme and agree the first set of actions. I look forward to hearing about their progress,” Mr Seymour says. 

    “I’m pleased to see the Board take the opportunity to continue to prioritise expanding opportunities and access for patients and their families by expanding access to more medicines for more groups. 

    “The working group reflects our commitment to a more adaptable and patient-centred approach. It follows my letters of expectations, the consumer engagement workshop, last year’s Medicines Summit, and the acceptance of Patient Voice Aotearoa’s White Paper as actions to achieve this. 

    “The Government is doing its part. Last year we allocated Pharmac its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, and a $604 million uplift to give Pharmac the financial support it needs to carry out its functions – negotiating the best deals for medicine for New Zealanders.” 

    The consumer working group members are:

    1. Dr Malcolm Mulholland MNZM – Patient Voice Aotearoa
    2. Libby Burgess MNZM – Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition
    3. Tim Edmonds – Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ
    4. Chris Higgins – Rare Disorders NZ
    5. Francesca Holloway – Arthritis NZ
    6. Trent Lash – Heartbeats Charitable Trust
    7. Gerard Rushton – The Meningitis Foundation
    8. Rachel Smalley MNZM – The Medicine Gap
    9. Tracy Tierney – Epilepsy NZ
    10. Deon York – Haemophilia NZ

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: A new era for Ripple XRP: PBK Miner launches zero-hardware XRP cloud mining, offering a new way to make money

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Sydney,Australia, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Ripple’s XRP ecosystem flourishes around the world, PBKMiner is proud to introduce a breakthrough in cryptocurrency mining: XRP-specific cloud mining contracts. These short-term, flexible contracts are now available on desktop and mobile platforms, allowing users to mine XRP remotely and receive daily XRP rewards – no mining hardware, technical expertise, or experience required. This is the first time that retail users can seamlessly participate in the XRP economy through an integrated and easy-to-use platform.

    XRP Cloud Mining Now Available—Easy, Smart, and Profitable
    XRP has long been recognized for its role in cross-border payments and institutional financing, and now PBKMiner’s latest innovation – user-friendly cloud mining, takes XRP to the next level.
    Users can mine XRP directly or take advantage of PBKMiner’s intelligent AI engine, which automatically transfers mining power to the highest-yielding assets, including BTC, ETH, DOGE, USDC, and more. Earnings will be paid daily in the cryptocurrency of your choice, providing a reliable source of income regardless of market fluctuations.
    Whether you are a novice or an experienced investor, the PBKMiner platform allows you to earn continuous cryptocurrency income anytime, anywhere.
    Why does PBKMiner’s XRP mining stand out?
    – Available to Everyone: No technical skills, no hardware, no complications — just click to earn.
    – XRP Native: Handle XRP from deposits to withdrawals in one ecosystem.
    – Smart, Stable Returns: AI Mining Strategies Deliver Stable Yields Across Assets.
    – Built-in Flexibility: Choose to mine XRP or diversify into other top cryptocurrencies — all from one contract.
    – Global Instant Access: Start mining securely from anywhere in the world via your browser or app.
    Start earning income in just three easy steps:
    1.Register – Create an account and receive a $10 welcome bonus.
    2. Choose a plan – Select a short-term or long-term contract (1-55 days available).
    3. Start earning – Track your daily rewards and withdraw them in your preferred token.

    Main features of PBKMiner’s XRP cloud mining contract
    – Full XRP Ecosystem Integration: Deposit, mine, and withdraw XRP seamlessly on the platform.
    – Multi-currency mining support: Earn XRP, BTC, ETH, DOGE, USDC, USDT, SOL, LTC, BCH, and more.
    – AI Revenue Optimization: Proprietary algorithms optimize mining allocations for peak profitability.
    – 100% Remote Access: No hardware required – fully accessible via the PBKMiner app or browser.
    – Capital Protection: All contracts return full principal at expiration, minimizing risk while maximizing potential.
    Flexible mining contracts to meet various budget needs
    PBKMiner offers a variety of XRP-based cloud mining contracts designed for flexibility, predictable income, and effective risk management:
    $10 contract – 1 day – earn $0.6
    $100 contract – 2 days – earn $3.5 per day
    $500 contract – 5 days – earn $6.5 per day
    $5,000 contract – 30 days – earn $77.50 per day
    $30,000 contract – 50 days – earn $525.00 per day
    Whether you are investing for the first time or building a long-term portfolio, PBKMiner offers transparent, low-risk contracts that bring a steady daily XRP income.
    Click here to explore all XRP contracts.

    About PBKMiner
    Founded in 2019, it represents a new generation of AI-driven cloud mining technology, with data, performance, and trust as the pillars. The platform supports cloud mining of XRP, BTC, ETH, LTC, DOGE, and SOL. It has helped millions of users around the world earn passive crypto income through secure, AI-driven cloud mining. With the launch of XRP mining, the platform now combines retail-level accessibility with institutional-grade technology. Users can choose to mine XRP directly, or invest in the best performing digital assets – all in a secure, fully remote environment.
    A PBKMiner spokesperson said:
    “XRP has always been fast, efficient, and scalable. Now, it can also be mined securely, remotely, and profitably. We have removed all barriers so that anyone can participate in the future of XRP.”
    The market may go up and down, but your mining income can remain stable. Especially suitable for investors who seek sustainable long-term returns rather than speculative gains.
    For full details and participation options please visit: https://pbkminer.com
    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or a trading recommendation. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and may result in the loss of funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    The MIL Network –

    July 22, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: 510th Buzzards, a history of excellence

    Source: United States Airforce

    AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy (AFNS) —  

    Nine pilots from the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Aviano Air Base earned Single-Event Air Medals, and two were simultaneously awarded the Distinguished Flying cross, after returning from a deployment to the Central Command area of responsibility. During the deployment, they flew various defensive counter air sorties to protect U.S. Naval assets traveling through the Bab el Mandeb Strait, breaking records along the way.

    “As the new Buzzard Commander, I am honored and humbled to lead such an accomplished team,” said Lt. Col. Brent Smith, the newly appointed commander of the 510th EFS. “The legacy of excellence, dedication and professionalism is inspiring and motivating. It’s a privilege to step into this role and work alongside some of the most talented and mission-focused individuals in the Air Force.”

    During the deployment, the Buzzards flew 8,800 hours and 1,400 total sorties.

    “The Buzzards supported a variety of missions, including Inherent Resolve’s fight against ISIS, Operation Prosperity Guardian’s protection of coalition partners and civilian vessels in the Red Sea, Operation Spartan Shield’s defense of US interests in the Arabian Gulf, and many other force protection and deterrence missions,” Smith said.

    The 510th EFS has a long history of excellence, beginning in 1943 as the 625th Bombardment Squadron until being re-designated the 510th Fighter-Bomber Squadron later that same year.

    After being stationed at various locations across the globe and experiencing multiple periods of activation and inactivation, the 510th EFS was permanently reactivated in 1994, establishing its current home at Aviano AB, Italy.

    The 510th EFS has been the highest flown PSAB fighter unit since 2019, highest flown Aviano deployed unit since 2010, and the highest flown rotation fighter unit in the area of responsibility.

    The Buzzards have flown combat missions during World War II, the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Provide Comfort, Operation Deny Flight and many more. During their most recent deployment to support Operation Prosperity Guardian, the squadron exuded excellence while protecting American assets overseas.

    “Each decoration represents not only a specific event, but also the precision, teamwork and unwavering commitment to the mission required to successfully execute in combat,” Smith said. “They represent countless hours of preparation, sacrifice and high intensity training by the whole Buzzard operations and maintenance team. They are proof of a culture that demands and delivers high performance every single day.”

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 22, 2025
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