ESSA Bancorp (ESSA) in Stroudsburg, Pa., has agreed to buy Franklin Security Bancorp in nearby Wilkes-Barre.

The former chairman and chief executive of the failed Summit Bank in Burlington, Wash., has been sentenced to three years in prison for concealing millions of dollars in past-due loans.

Pacific Premier Bancorp (PPBI) in Irvine, Calif., has agreed to acquire chain-restaurant lender Infinity Franchise Capital.

The pairing of Rockville Financial in Connecticut and United Financial in Massachusetts would create a $5 billion-asset bank that can get more efficient yet invest in growth. More deals like it have been happening around the country this year.

Community Trust Bancorp (CTBI) in Pikeville, Ky., faces sanctions from the Federal Reserve Board over its assessment of overdraft fees.

WASHINGTON — Regulators on Friday announced they had finalized guidelines proposed in March that attempt to encourage banks' community development activities beyond their immediate markets.

The company lost $1 million in the third quarter as it invests in research and development for a product that would tie together mobile banking and real-time processing.

North Milwaukee Bancshares in Wisconsin entered into a written agreement with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago this week.

Waterstone Financial (WSBF) in Wauwatosa, Wis., has begun a common stock offering tied to its second-step conversion.

The central bank is making clear it has doubts about the private sector's ability to implement a faster electronic payments system on its own.

Rockville Financial (RCKB) in Rockville, Conn., will merge with United Financial Bancorp (UBNK) in West Springfield, Mass.

The House Financial Services Committee passed several bills on Thursday, including regulatory relief legislation for community banks and credit unions.

Old Line Bancshares in Bowie, Md., agreed to disclose more information about a recent acquisition when challenged by shareholders, but it refused to pay any money. That rare resistance could embolden other banks to fight such suits harder, experts say.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has lifted an Oct. 2010 consent order against Santa Clara Valley Bank in Santa Paula, Calif.

Social media can be treacherous for any large firm. Just ask JPMorgan Chase, which provoked a frenzy this week after its #AskJPM hashtag was hijacked by angry customers. Big banks arguably face more challenges than other large corporations because, while they must use social media to reach out to customers, they still face substantial reputation damage from the financial crisis. Following are some of the worst experiences banks have had to date.

How can banks charge their customers more without inviting their outrage? By introducing new services to off-set the fees and by communicating clearly with their customers, according to some small banks. American Banker reporters discuss other tips for companies that are trying to raise their prices but keep their customers happy.

Suffolk Bancorp (SUBK) in Riverhead, N.Y., has settled a longstanding lawsuit from investors.

Valley Financial (VYFC) in Roanoke, Va., has exited the Troubled Asset Relief Program with the repurchase of a warrant the company issued to the Treasury Department in 2008.

Directors at community banks could also face more liability as regulations, including the qualified mortgage rule, are implementing in coming months

Sandy Spring Bancorp (SASR) in Olney, Md., has named Ronda McDowell as chief credit officer of its bank.