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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Security: Combating serious organised crime focal point for Danish EU Presidency

    Source: Eurojust

    With regards to Justice, Denmark will put a strong focus on combating serious cross-border and organised crime during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Denmark took over the Presidency of the Council from Poland, last week.

    Representative for Denmark at Eurojust, Ms Kirstine Troldborg, stated: ‘Having started as Representative for Denmark only a few months ago, it’s a great honour to collaborate with my colleague prosecutors at Eurojust on the Danish EU Presidency. We share common goals, and the fight against serious cross-border and organised crime, which has a serious human and societal impact, is the priority we will work on together, bringing in our specific judicial expertise.’

    Fighting serious organised crime was also a priority for the Polish EU Presidency and builds on the work of the European Judicial Organised Crime Network (EJOCN), which is hosted at Eurojust. Established in September 2024, the EJOCN brings together specialised prosecutors to take a more strategic and coordinated approach to combating major organised crime groups, which increasingly operate on a global scale.

    The Danish priority of tackling major organised crime will further strengthen and support the work of the EJOCN and cross-border judicial cooperation in this area. Denmark will also focus on strengthening judicial protection and law enforcement authorities’ ability to fight online activities. 

    Throughout its Presidency, Denmark will ensure the protection of fundamental rights.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Officers continue to investigate vandalism of Windrush Exhibition

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Officers are continuing to investigate the circumstances around vandalism to an exhibition honouring the Windrush generation in Brixton.

    Police were called to reports of vandalism at Windrush Square at 06:09hrs on Thursday, 3 July.

    Officers arrested a 24-year-old man on Saturday, 5 July on suspicion of vandalism. The suspect was then taken to hospital due to concerns for his welfare.

    Upon returning to custody, he was further arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage and possessing articles with intent to destroy or damage property.

    Investigating officers continue to explore all possible motives. However, based on additional enquiries since the suspect’s further arrest in custody, they still do not believe this incident is racially motivated.

    Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond, who leads policing in Lambeth, said:

    “We absolutely recognise the concern this matter has caused and that the community perceives this to be a hate crime. That is why the suspect was further arrested while in custody on suspicion of racially aggravated offences.

    “While the evidence does not support this act being racially motivated, our priority is to ensure the victims and wider community feel heard and supported as they navigate this painful and shocking act of vandalism.

    “Local neighbourhood officers have been in contact with the organiser of the exhibition, and remain in the area to respond to any questions or worries that people may have.

    “My team continue to investigate this incident and we urge anyone with information to contact police.”

    The man arrested has been bailed pending further enquiries.

    Anyone with information that may assist police is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 1182/3July.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Officers continue to investigate vandalism of Windrush Exhibition

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Officers are continuing to investigate the circumstances around vandalism to an exhibition honouring the Windrush generation in Brixton.

    Police were called to reports of vandalism at Windrush Square at 06:09hrs on Thursday, 3 July.

    Officers arrested a 24-year-old man on Saturday, 5 July on suspicion of vandalism. The suspect was then taken to hospital due to concerns for his welfare.

    Upon returning to custody, he was further arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage and possessing articles with intent to destroy or damage property.

    Investigating officers continue to explore all possible motives. However, based on additional enquiries since the suspect’s further arrest in custody, they still do not believe this incident is racially motivated.

    Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond, who leads policing in Lambeth, said:

    “We absolutely recognise the concern this matter has caused and that the community perceives this to be a hate crime. That is why the suspect was further arrested while in custody on suspicion of racially aggravated offences.

    “While the evidence does not support this act being racially motivated, our priority is to ensure the victims and wider community feel heard and supported as they navigate this painful and shocking act of vandalism.

    “Local neighbourhood officers have been in contact with the organiser of the exhibition, and remain in the area to respond to any questions or worries that people may have.

    “My team continue to investigate this incident and we urge anyone with information to contact police.”

    The man arrested has been bailed pending further enquiries.

    Anyone with information that may assist police is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 1182/3July.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Xtract One Selected by Mecklenburg County Public Schools to Enhance Building Security District-Wide

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xtract One Technologies (TSX: XTRA)(OTCQX: XTRAF)(FRA: 0PL) (“Xtract One” or the “Company”) today announced its Xtract One Gateway (“Gateway”) system has been selected by Mecklenburg County Public Schools, located in Boydton, Virginia, to enhance school security and ensure student, staff, and visitor safety.

    After extensive analysis of the industry, Mecklenburg County Public Schools selected the Company’s Gateway solution to optimize student, staff, and visitor security and ingress. Having previously faced challenges with efficiently and effectively screening students’ backpacks, Mecklenburg County Public Schools is revamping its security screening procedures with Xtract One’s tested and modernized system. Gateway is purpose-built for weapons detection in environments – like schools – where visitors regularly enter carrying numerous larger personal items, such as backpacks, laptops and lunch bags.

    “We’re proud to partner with Mecklenburg County Public Schools to help create a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, and staff across the entire district,” said Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One. “Up until today, schools like Mecklenburg have often struggled with systems that alert on laptops, binders, eye glass cases, chargers, etc. This has resulted in costly solutions that require complex ConOps, additional systems like x-ray machines, and the added complexity of state inspections for those machines, additional staffing for bag checks, and unfortunately continued ineffectiveness and missed weapons. Schools have had to use two systems to do one job. With Gateway we have delivered a leapfrog in innovation – one system that can do two jobs, and allows students to walk in with their backpacks, laptops, binders, chargers, headsets, Nintendo switches, smartphones… without any divesting, all while detecting weapons”.

    “We have been very pleased with Xtract One, as they have worked diligently with us to deploy a weapons detection system for our secondary schools here in Mecklenburg County, Virginia,” said Scott Worner, Superintendent of Mecklenburg County Public Schools. “Wanting to better address the ingress of our middle and high school students as they enter our facilities, the Company’s One Gateway should provide our students and parents with additional confidence of a safer school environment, as well as a deterrent for individuals who wish to enter our facilities with contraband and weapons. Xtract One has exemplified what we expect in a partnership – with a focus on the best outcome for our school, providing set up, integration, training, troubleshooting, and analytics.”

    Xtract One Gateway transforms the security experience by balancing powerful threat classification and detection with seamless flow for individuals passing through. With advanced bi-directional configurable screening and proprietary sensors designed for precise weapons detection and identification, Gateway helps streamline access into and out of facilities up to four times faster than traditional screening methods without disrupting the flow of movement. The solution respects individual privacy while maintaining the highest safety standards, scanning individuals, their pockets, their bags, and their backpacks for potential mass casualty weapons while distinguishing harmless personal belongings like laptops, tablets, three-ring binders, notebooks, phones, and water bottles.

    To learn more, visit www.xtractone.com.

    About Xtract One
    Xtract One Technologies is a leading technology-driven provider of threat detection and security solutions leveraging AI to deliver seamless and secure experiences. The Company makes unobtrusive weapons and threat detection systems that are designed to assist facility operators in prioritizing- and delivering improved “Walk-right-In” experiences while enhancing safety. Xtract One’s innovative portfolio of AI-powered Gateway solutions excels at allowing facilities to discreetly screen and identify weapons and other threats at points of entry and exit without disrupting the flow of traffic. With solutions built to serve the unique market needs for schools, hospitals, arenas, stadiums, manufacturing, distribution, and other customers, Xtract One is recognized as a market leader delivering the highest security in combination with the best individual experience. For more information, visit www.xtractone.com or connect on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

    About Mecklenburg County Public Schools
    Mecklenburg County Public Schools provide a 21st century learning environment which fosters career literacy, academic enhancement, social-emotional growth and community engagement that prepares students who contribute to the global society. The mission of the Mecklenburg Public School Division, in partnership with family and community, is to provide all students with a quality education within a safe environment supporting the development of intellectual growth, effective communication, wellness, and life-long learning in a rapidly changing society.

    About Threat Detection Systems
    Xtract One solutions, when properly configured, deployed, and utilized, are designed to help enhance safety and reduce threats. Given the wide range of potential threats in today’s world, no threat detection system is 100% effective. Xtract One solutions should be utilized as one element in a multilayered approach to physical security.

    Forward Looking Statements
    This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks detailed from time to time in the continuous disclosure filings made by the Company with securities regulations. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. The Company has no obligation to update any forward looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new information or for any other reason except as required by law.

    For further information, please contact:
    Xtract One Inquiries: info@xtractone.com, http://www.xtractone.com   
    Investor Relations: Chris Witty, Darrow Associates, cwitty@darrowir.com, 646-438-9385
    Media Contact: Kristen Aikey, JMG Public Relations, kristen@jmgpr.com, 212-206-1645

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Mercury Receives Two New Common Processing Architecture Production Awards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ANDOVER, Mass., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mercury Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY, www.mrcy.com), a technology company that delivers mission-critical processing to the edge, today announced it received two new production awards in June totaling $36.9 million for ground-based radar programs that leverage its Common Processing Architecture and cybersecurity software from recently acquired Star Lab.

    “We continue to see strong demand for secure, high-performance processing solutions at the edge,” said Tom Smelker, Mercury’s Senior Vice President of Processing Technologies. “These follow-on programs with two U.S. defense primes reflect the unique value of our technology in this area, as well as our capacity to deliver these capabilities at the necessary speed and scale.”

    Mercury Systems – Innovation that matters®
    Mercury Systems is a technology company that delivers mission-critical processing power to the edge, making advanced technologies profoundly more accessible for today’s most challenging aerospace and defense missions. The Mercury Processing Platform allows customers to tap into innovative capabilities from silicon to system scale, turning data into decisions on timelines that matter. Mercury’s products and solutions are deployed in more than 300 programs and across 35 countries, enabling a broad range of applications in mission computing, sensor processing, command and control, and communications. Mercury is headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, and has more than 20 locations worldwide. To learn more, visit mrcy.com. (Nasdaq: MRCY)

    Forward-Looking Safe Harbor Statement
    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including those relating to the Company’s focus on enhanced execution of the Company’s strategic plan. You can identify these statements by the words “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “continue,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “likely,” “forecast,” “probable,” “potential,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, continued funding of defense programs, the timing and amounts of such funding, general economic and business conditions, including unforeseen weakness in the Company’s markets, effects of any U.S. federal government shutdown or extended continuing resolution, effects of geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in or cost increases related to completing development, engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, changes in, or in the U.S. government’s interpretation of, federal export control or procurement rules and regulations, including tariffs, changes in, or in the interpretation or enforcement of, environmental rules and regulations, market acceptance of the Company’s products, shortages in or delays in receiving components, supply chain delays or volatility for critical components, production delays or unanticipated expenses including due to quality issues or manufacturing execution issues, adherence to required manufacturing standards, capacity underutilization, increases in scrap or inventory write-offs, failure to achieve or maintain manufacturing quality certifications, such as AS9100, the impact of supply chain disruption, inflation and labor shortages, among other things, on program execution and the resulting effect on customer satisfaction, inability to fully realize the expected benefits from acquisitions, restructurings, and operational efficiency initiatives or delays in realizing such benefits, challenges in integrating acquired businesses and achieving anticipated synergies, effects of shareholder activism, increases in interest rates, changes to industrial security and cyber-security regulations and requirements and impacts from any cyber or insider threat events, changes in tax rates or tax regulations, such as the deductibility of internal research and development, changes to interest rate swaps or other cash flow hedging arrangements, changes to generally accepted accounting principles, difficulties in retaining key employees and customers, litigation, including the dispute arising with the former CEO over his resignation, unanticipated costs under fixed-price service and system integration engagements, and various other factors beyond our control. These risks and uncertainties also include such additional risk factors as are discussed in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 28, 2024 and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made.

    INVESTOR CONTACT
    Tyler Hojo
    Vice President, Investor Relations
    Tyler.Hojo@mrcy.com

    MEDIA CONTACT
    Turner Brinton
    Senior Director, Corporate Communications
    Turner.Brinton@mrcy.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Churchill Reports High-Grade Zinc Results on Polymetallic Veins at the Black Raven Property, Central Newfoundland

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Churchill Resources Inc. (“Churchill” or the “Company”) (TSXV: CRI) is pleased to announce the final due-diligence sample results on its Black Raven property with three over-limit zinc assays of 5.25%, 11.03% and 12.11% from grab samples 305, 315 and 321 respectively. These samples returned high-grade gold, silver, lead and zinc, emphasizing the polymetallic metal assemblage of critical minerals present in the Black Raven vein system, per the summary table and figure below.

    Sample #   300   304   305   315   321
    Silver grade (g/t)   153   329   321   251   395
    Gold grade (g/t)   3.07   7.70   7.79   5.09   2.16
    Lead grade (%)   3.10   6.47   5.80   8.83   7.34
    Zinc grade (%)   2.85   4.97   5.25   11.03   12.11
    Copper grade (%)   nil   0.37   0.50   0.39   0.40
                         

    These samples exceeded the laboratory’s original upper detection limit for zinc (50,000ppm or 5% – see release of June 23 2025), and the results reported herein are from the overage assay protocols. The Black Raven vein systems have never been drilled.

    “These excellent zinc results complete all of the over-limit ore-grade analyses from our due-diligence sampling, and continue to strongly confirm our belief that the Black Raven system includes high-grade polymetallic veins, as well as the known Frost Cove Antimony and Stewart Gold past-producers,” commented Paul Sobie, President of Churchill. “Our next batch of rock samples are at SGS and will be processed much more quickly than the due-diligence set, as we’re running the appropriate ore grade analyses concurrently on suspected high-grade samples.”

    The Black Raven Property hosts two past-producing mines dating back to the late 1800’s, the Frost Cove Antimony Mine, and the Stewart Gold Mine which returned antimony grades of 35.1% and gold grades of 14.4 g/t, respectively (see release of 12th June 2025). The zinc results reported herein are from different locations on the property (see attached map). Black Raven is located approximately 60km northwest of Gander, and approximately 100km north of the Beaver Brook Antimony Mine, currently on care and maintenance.

    Antimony: A Critical Mineral in High Demand

    Antimony is a critical mineral essential for national security and modern technology, with over 90% of global production controlled by China, Russia, and other non-Western jurisdictions. The metal is a vital component in military applications, while also being crucial for certain flame retardants, strengthening alloys in batteries, and emerging energy storage technologies. Recent Chinese export restrictions have driven prices to record levels exceeding $50,000 per tonne, highlighting antimony’s strategic importance to a “Fortress North America” approach to critical mineral supply chains and making domestic North American sources increasingly important for economic and national security.

    Due-Diligence Sampling Program

    Antimony, gold, silver, lead, zinc, copper and molybdenum samples were selected by Dr. Derek Wilton, independent QP to Churchill, during field visits on April 24th and 25th. All samples were labelled and securely bound and delivered to the prep laboratory of SGS Canada Inc. in Grand Falls-Windsor, for crushing and pulverizing. Splits were couriered to Burnaby, B.C. by SGS for GE_AAS33E50 zinc assays and overlimit samples by the GO_ICP90Q100 ore-grade analytical method. All due-diligence samples described in this news release were grab samples and are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades of the property.

    Black Raven Antimony-Gold Property

    The Black Raven Property comprises nine map-staked licenses constituting a single contiguous block of 125 claims that in total cover 3,125ha or 31.25km2. Churchill and the vendors have agreed to a 4km wide area of interest around the property boundaries as part of their agreement.

    The past sampling data reported in this News Release is historic in nature and does not meet NI43-101 standards. Churchill has relied on the information supplied in the Government of Newfoundland field assessment reports and from information found in the Mineral Occurrence Database System operated by the Newfoundland Department of Industry, Energy and, Technology. Natural Resources.

    The technical and scientific information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Derek H.C Wilton, P.Geo., FGC, who is a “qualified person” as defined under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”). Dr. Wilton is an honorary research professor of Economic Geology at Memorial University in St. John’s and is independent of the Company for the purposes of NI 43-101.

    References:

    Heyl, George R., 1936. Geology and Mineral Deposits of the Bay of Exploits Area. Newfoundland Department of Natural Resources, Geological Section, Bulletin No 3. 65 pages.

    Fogwill, W.D., 1968. Report on a copper prospect at Western Head, Moreton’s Harbour in the Notre Dame Bay Area, Newfoundland. Newfoundland and Labrador Geological Survey, Assessment File 2E/10/0350, 1968, 48 pages

    Kay, E.A. 1981. A geochemical and fluid inclusion study of the arsenopyrite-stibnite-gold mineralization, Moreton’s Harbour, Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland. Master Thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Canada, 1981. Newfoundland and Labrador Geological Survey, Assessment File 002E/10/1075, 1981, 209 pages.

    Quinlan E, 2013. First Year Assessment Report for 019872M, Ninth Year Assessment Report for 015553M, and Third Year Assessment Report for 017787M for Exploration within the Black Raven Property, NTS Map Sheet 2E/10. Newfoundland and Labrador Geological Survey Assessment Report, 69 pages

    Quinlan, E. 2025. 21st, 8th & 4th Year Assessment Report of Diamond Drilling & Prospecting On Black Raven Property, License 023212M (21st Year), License 02840m (8th Year), License 35674m (4th Year) NTS 02E/10, North-Central Newfoundland. Property centered at approximately 49°57’N, 54°87’ W. 34 pages.

    About Churchill Resources

    Churchill Resources Inc. is a Canadian exploration company focused on strategic, critical minerals in Canada, principally at its prospective Black Raven, Taylor Brook and Florence Lake properties in Newfoundland & Labrador. The Churchill management team, board, and advisors have decades of combined experience in mineral exploration and in the establishment of successful publicly listed mining companies, both in Canada and around the world. Churchill’s Newfoundland and Labrador projects have the potential to benefit from the province’s large and diversified minerals industry, which includes world class nickel mines and processing facilities, and a well-developed mineral exploration sector with locally based drilling and geological expertise.

    Churchill’s Taylor Brook Nickel-Copper-Cobalt-Vanadium-Titanium Property, and Florence Lake Nickel Property, are both in good standing for a number of years, such that further exploration and development can await improved market conditions sentiment while the Company focuses on high-grade antimony-gold and other critical minerals.

    Further Information

    For further information regarding Churchill, please contact:

    Churchill Resources Inc.
    Paul Sobie, Chief Executive Officer
    psobie@churchillresources.com
    Tel. 416.365.0930 (o)
           647.988.0930 (m)

    Alec Rowlands, Business Development & IR
    Alec.rowlands1@gmail.com
    Tel. 416.721.4732 (m)

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements about Churchill’s objectives, goals and exploration activities proposed to be conducted on its properties; future growth potential of Churchill, including whether any proposed exploration programs at any of its properties will be successful; exploration results; and future exploration plans and costs. Wherever possible, words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict” or “potential” or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the Company’s goals and objectives, and future exploration work to be conducted on the Company’s Black Raven Antimony Property. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.

    Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: exploration results on the Black Raven Antimony Property; the expected benefits to Churchill relating to the exploration proposed to be conducted on its properties; receipt of all regulatory approvals in connection with the transaction contemplated herein; failure to identify any additional mineral resources or significant mineralization; the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, including to fund any exploration programs on the Churchill’s properties, if required; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining and mineral exploration; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); the unlikelihood that properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines; geological factors; actual results of current and future exploration; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated; soil sampling results being preliminary in nature and are not conclusive evidence of the likelihood of a mineral deposit; and title to properties. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Churchill cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Churchill assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7bb07e79-51ac-4671-b042-3607a1200922

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes Vaxart, Inc. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced Vaxart, Inc. (OTCQX: VXRT), a clinical-stage biotechnology company, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. Vaxart, Inc. previously traded on NASDAQ.

    Vaxart, Inc. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “VXRT.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    Trading on the OTCQX Market offers companies efficient, cost-effective access to the U.S. capital markets. Streamlined market requirements for OTCQX are designed to help companies lower the cost and complexity of being publicly traded, while providing transparent trading for their investors. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

    “We thank OTC Markets Group for welcoming us and appreciate our investors for their continued support” said Steven Lo, Vaxart CEO. “We remain focused on making meaningful scientific progress in developing oral pill vaccines to potentially transform public health.”

    About Vaxart, Inc.
    Vaxart is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a range of oral recombinant vaccines based on its proprietary delivery platform. Vaxart vaccines are designed to be administered using pills that can be stored and shipped without refrigeration and eliminate the risk of needle-stick injury. Vaxart believes that its proprietary pill vaccine delivery platform is suitable to deliver recombinant vaccines, positioning the company to develop oral versions of currently marketed vaccines and to design recombinant vaccines for new indications. Vaxart’s development programs currently include pill vaccines designed to protect against coronavirus, norovirus and influenza, as well as a therapeutic vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV), Vaxart’s first immune-oncology indication. Vaxart has filed broad domestic and international patent applications covering its proprietary technology and creations for oral vaccination using adenovirus and TLR3 agonists

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.

    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market, OTCID™️ Basic Market and Pink Limited Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN, OTC Link NQB, and MOON ATS are each SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC. To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit
    www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Calian Reinforces Support for Canadian Armed Forces with $250M Contract Amendment

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OTTAWA, Ontario, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Calian Group Ltd. (TSX: CGY), a mission-critical solutions company focused on defence, space, healthcare and other strategic critical infrastructure sectors, today announced a $250 million amendment to its Health Care Provider Recruitment (HCPR) contract with the Department of National Defence (DND).

    This amendment reinforces Calian’s commitment to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and its members—ensuring the continued delivery of essential health services to support their operational readiness and well-being. Since 2005, Calian’s work under the Health Support Services Contract—and since 2018, the Health Care Provider Recruitment (HCPR)— has delivered physicians, nurses, dentists and mental health professionals to CAF clinics across Canada and remains foundational to the health and preparedness of those who serve.        

    “We are proud to play a role in safeguarding the health of Canadian Armed Forces members,” said Kevin Ford, Calian CEO. “Operational readiness is rooted in resilience—and that starts with a healthy force. This work matters and we take pride in supporting the well-being of CAF members so they can focus on the mission.”

    The contract amendment activates a previously approved option. It consolidates unspent funds from Option Period 5 with planned funding for Option Period 6, ensuring uninterrupted delivery of care across CAF clinics, supporting both day-to-day readiness and deployment capability.

    The award contributes to Calian’s total contract backlog of $1.6 billion, two thirds of which is related to its defence business, supporting defence customers in Canada and internationally. This increase reflects the ongoing partnership between Calian and government and military organizations, as well as the continued trust in its services.

    For over two decades, Calian has been an innovative and reliable partner to Canada’s military. In an era of heightened global uncertainty, Calian’s delivery of integrated healthcare solutions remains a vital component in enabling the CAF to respond with strength and resilience.

    “This is more than a contract. It’s a commitment to those who serve our country. Our teams across Canada take that responsibility seriously” Ford added.

    Calian continues to support DND with mission-critical solutions, including healthcare, training and simulation, IT modernization and cybersecurity, satellite communications, and manufacturing and engineering. These solutions play a fundamental role in strengthening Canada’s defence posture, supporting the operational readiness of the CAF, and bolstering national resilience in an era of evolving threats.

    For more on Calian as a Canadian defence solutions partner, visit Calian’s Defence Solutions.

    About Calian

    www.calian.com

    We keep the world moving forward. Calian® helps people communicate, innovate, learn and lead safe and healthy lives. Every day, our employees live our values of customer commitment, integrity, innovation, respect and teamwork to engineer reliable solutions that solve complex challenges. That’s Confidence. Engineered. A stable and growing 40-year company, we are headquartered in Ottawa with offices and projects spanning North American, European and international markets. Visit calian.com to learn about innovative healthcare, communications, learning and cybersecurity solutions.

    Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

    Media inquiries:

    media@calian.com

    613-599-8600

    Investor Relations inquiries:

    ir@calian.com

    DISCLAIMER

    Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Such statements are generally accompanied by words such as “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” or similar statements. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: the impact of price competition; scarce number of qualified professionals; the impact of rapid technological and market change; loss of business or credit risk with major customers; technical risks on fixed price projects; general industry and market conditions and growth rates; international growth and global economic conditions, and including currency exchange rate fluctuations; and the impact of consolidations in the business services industry. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, please see the Company’s most recent annual report and other reports filed by Calian with the Ontario Securities Commission. Calian disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No assurance can be given that actual results, performance or achievement expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking statements within this disclosure will occur, or if they do, that any benefits may be derived from them.

    Calian · Head Office · 770 Palladium Drive · Ottawa · Ontario · Canada · K2V 1C8
    Tel: 613.599.8600 · Fax: 613-592-3664 · General info email: info@calian.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Willis launches $200m facility to tackle global geopolitical uncertainty for cargo owners

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Willis, a WTW business (NASDAQ: WTW), has launched ‘Undercover’, a new $200 million facility, combining coverage for a range of geopolitical exposures faced by cargo owners worldwide.

    Developed by Willis in a joint proposition with specialist insurer, Markel, Undercover offers a unique approach to the risk transfer of cargo, war on land, terrorism, political violence and confiscation coverage, with sections of coverage selected based on the individual needs of the client. This single-facility approach minimizes coverage gaps and reduces the likelihood of claims disputes, as well as removing the need to establish the motivation for a claim.

    In challenging times of political instability, Undercover offers certainty of cover to cargo owners. It also provides protection from fluctuating insurance costs when country risk ratings change, as cargo cover is frequently provided on a global basis.

    Ben Abraham, Global CEO, Willis Marine, said, “In a period of heightened geopolitical risk, cargo owners face enormous uncertainty in fast changing situations. This innovative solution is the first that offers a clear, comprehensive approach to cover, offering the maximum certainty exactly when it’s needed and when the worst happens.”

    Brook Styles, Head of Cargo, Markel International said: “The transportation of goods is highly sensitive to geopolitical uncertainty, which has the potential to disrupt trade routes, increase operating costs and put pressure on the resilience of global supply chains. We’re therefore pleased to have launched this new product, which provides support to cargo owners by helping them navigate today’s complex geopolitical risk environment with added confidence, clarity and simplicity.” 

    For more information on the risks covered: https://www.wtwco.com/en-gb/solutions/products/undercover

    About WTW

    At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.

    Willis is one of the oldest names in marine insurance having commenced as a marine broker in 1828. Our Global Marine team has 650+ marine risk and insurance specialists work together address the needs of the marine sector through innovative risk advice and customized solutions. Within Global Marine, our 200+ cargo insurance experts work within an industry practice framework to provide sector specific advice and a risk-centred solutions. Our teams collaborate to ensure our clients are getting the best of Willis across the geographies and sectors we serve.

    About Markel

    We are Markel Insurance, a leading global specialty insurer with a truly people-first approach. As the insurance operations within the Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), we leverage a broad array of capabilities and expertise to create intelligent solutions for the most complex specialty insurance needs. However, it is our people – and the deep, valued relationships they develop with colleagues, brokers and clients – that differentiates us worldwide. 

    Media Contacts

    Lauren David:
    Lauren.david@wtwco.com / +44 7385947619

    Candela Farroni:
    Candela.farroni@haggiepartners.com / +44 7795 155654

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: How to Stabilize Africa’s Debt

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    In the context of high global uncertainty, tighter global financial conditions, and rising borrowing costs, concerns about sub-Saharan Africa’s debt vulnerabilities are mounting. But the region is tackling this issue head-on and public debt ratios have stabilized on average. Our analytical note in the IMF’s latest Regional Economic Outlook for sub-Saharan Africa uses a new data set to highlight when, how often, to what extent, and how debt stabilization was achieved.

    Surprising frequency

    Contrary to perception, countries in the region have often been able to stabilize or reduce their debt ratios without debt restructuring. With more than 60 debt reduction episodes (defined as periods of two or more years during which the public debt-to-GDP ratio fell), the probability that a country will experience such an episode in any given year is one in four. And these episodes have occurred even amid an unfavorable external environment, including in the aftermath of the commodity super cycle and in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The debt decline in many cases was economically significant and persistent: most episodes involved a decrease of more than 10 percentage points of GDP, and almost half of those episodes lasted four or more years. For example, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s debt ratio fell by 15 percentage points of GDP during 2010–23, and Cabo Verde’s debt ratio decreased by more than 30 percentage points over 2021–23.

    Sustained debt reduction typically reflects both budgetary consolidation and real economic growth. Often these two drivers go together—budgetary consolidation (that is, an increase in primary balances) is itself more likely when growth is rapid. In fragile and conflict-affected states, however, as well as low-income countries, growth is the predominant driver of many successful reductions in debt.

    Securing success

    Debt reduction is more likely, more significant, and more persistent if three conditions hold: the country has a solid domestic institutional framework and enjoys a supportive domestic business environment; global growth is buoyant; and global borrowing costs are low. A debt decline is also more likely when an IMF-supported arrangement is present, pointing to the importance of international financial and policy support. Relatedly, budget consolidation must be sustained over time to translate into debt consolidation. While exchange rate stability can support successful debt stabilization, maintaining an overvalued exchange rate can prove counterproductive since it is likely to lower growth and hamper overall macroeconomic stability.

    By way of example, in Mauritius, a favorable domestic and external environment, solid growth, and a stable currency saw a reduction in the debt ratio of almost 20 percentage points during 2003–08.

    The road ahead

    The key message for policymakers is that fiscal adjustment is likely to result in stronger, more durable reductions in debt when complemented by pro-growth structural reforms and by measures to strengthen institutional frameworks. Such measures should include well-designed fiscal rules to ensure that off-budget fiscal operations do not undermine debt reduction. Efforts to cut debt are also more likely to prove successful in a context of macroeconomic stability, including low and stable inflation.

    Countries aiming to sustainably reduce debt should seize the opportunity to tax and spend more efficiently. The focus should be on strengthening fiscal balances in a growth-friendly manner by broadening the tax base, removing inefficient tax exemptions, and ensuring that money is well spent.

    Support from the international community, including through technical support but also through concessional financing, is critical to helping the region succeed. Most countries—especially fragile states and low-income countries—face difficult trade-offs between short-term macroeconomic stabilization, longer-term development needs, and making reforms socially acceptable. External support can make these difficult trade-offs less daunting.

    – on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: 30% US Tariff Will Be a Blow to Economic Growth, Jobs and Trade Certainty

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade, Ms Sonja Boshoff, has expressed grave concern over the impending 30% tariff imposed by the United States government on key South African exports, as the tariffs will have far-reaching consequences for exporters and on the broader ailing South African economy.

    Ms Boshoff said the US tariff order, which was signed yesterday and is set to come into effect on 1 August 2025, undermines the historical US–SA trade cooperation and poses a serious threat to strategic sectors such as citrus, macadamia, automotive components, steel and aluminium. “These industries are not abstract economic indicators; they are lifelines for tens of thousands of workers, particularly in rural and small-town South Africa,” emphasised Ms Boshoff.

    She said South Africa’s citrus industry alone supports more than 35 000 jobs and contributes over R38 billion annually to the economy. “A tariff of this magnitude threatens not only the profitability of our exporters, but the livelihoods of workers and the economic stability of entire agricultural regions,” stressed Ms Boshoff.

    She said the tariff order also casts a dark shadow over the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has long facilitated preferential access to US markets. With the new duty effectively neutralising those preferences, there is growing uncertainty for producers who depend on predictable market access to plan, invest and grow.

    “It is critical that trade agreements are honoured in good faith. No country can plan its industrial or export strategy under a cloud of sudden and unilateral tariff hikes” said Ms Boshoff.

    The committee recognises that the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) is pursuing negotiations with its US counterparts, reportedly offering strategic Liquefied Natural Gas procurement in exchange for a more reasonable tariff ceiling. However, such engagements must be swift, transparent and rooted in the national interest.

    “We cannot afford diplomatic dithering. Every delay will deepen the uncertainty in our export industries. The government must urgently finalise a sustainable trade path with the United States and, simultaneously, accelerate diversification into new markets across the EU, Asia and Africa,” stressed Ms Boshoff.

    The committee calls on the DTIC and the Department of Agriculture to provide support packages and market reorientation strategies for the most affected industries. This must include logistics relief, export finance support, and new market facilitation, particularly for emerging farmers and SMEs.

    “At a time when South Africa is battling record unemployment and low growth, punitive tariffs by our biggest trading partners are not just economic risks, they are catalysts for deeper inequality. We must respond with urgency, precision and policy agility,” Ms Boshoff noted.

    This unprecedent development cannot be approached with a “let it go” attitude, Ms Boshoff said. She called on the South African government to urgently send a high-level delegation to Washington to undertake repair of diplomatic ties and to reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to constructive engagement.

    President Trump signed the tariff order on Monday, 7 July, after the withdrawal of US grant funding for critical programmes in South Africa. The tariff order, which will apply to all South African products entering the US market, will come into effect from 1 August 2025.

    – on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Protecting the Rule of Law Across the EU

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    Today, the European Commission publishes the 2025 Rule of Law Report. This report is a key instrument to protect and strengthen democracy across the EU.

    It highlights both progress and challenges in four essential areas: the justice system, anti-corruption frameworks, media pluralism, and institutional checks and balances. By shining a spotlight on these areas, the EU aims to foster transparency, accountability, and resilience within its democratic systems.

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/K9SvlbJGI-M

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Minister Ms Chikunga met with Minister Mr Rosero of Colombia as part of the workingvisit to Colombia

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzLn4KR8uQw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Minister in the Presidency Ms Chikunga in a bilateral meeting with Women Entrepreneurs of theProgram

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Minister in the Presidency for WYPD, Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga in a bilateral meeting with Women Entrepreneurs of the Program.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE5DVPM5N6A

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: The Minister Ms. Chikunga, conducted a wrap-up interview during her working visit to Colombia.

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Minister in the Presidency for WYPD, Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga conducting a wrap upinterview with GCIS Media at the conclusion of her engagements today.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_M4ut8kqiI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • Sensex gains 270 points; investors eye relief in India-US trade talks

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian stock markets closed higher on Tuesday, recovering from a flat opening after reports of a possible mini trade deal between India and the United States surfaced late last night.

    Markets opened under pressure as concerns over US President Donald Trump’s fresh tariff measures weighed on sentiment.

    At the end of the trading session, the Sensex gained 270.01 points or 0.32 per cent to close at 83,712.51, while the Nifty rose 61.20 points or 0.24 per cent to settle at 25,522.50.

    Financial heavyweights helped the Nifty and Nifty Bank end in the green. Kotak Bank led the gains, rising over 3 per cent after a strong first-quarter update.

    On the other hand, Titan was the top loser on the Nifty, slipping 6 per cent after reporting lower-than-expected growth in its jewellery segment.

    “Today marked the third consecutive session where the Nifty opened and closed within a narrow range of 25,400 to 25,500. This shows the market is waiting for a trigger before the next move at the index level,” said VLA Ambala, Co-Founder of Stock Market Today.

    “The market remains in an uptrend with no signs of reversal yet, but volatility is expected as crude oil, gold, and dollar prices may fluctuate depending on the outcome of Donald Trump’s trade deal,” she added.

    Sundar Kewat, Technical and Derivatives Analyst at Ashika Institutional Equity, Ashika Stock Broking, noted that despite global uncertainties triggered by Trump’s announcement of 25–40 per cent tariffs on 14 countries, Indian equity markets opened flat and traded largely sideways throughout the session.

    “Trump’s tariffs took centre stage on Monday as letters detailing the new duties were issued to 14 countries. Markets reacted moderately and did not panic like they did from April 2nd to 9th. Over the past 90 days, markets have become more resilient, looking past Trump’s policy ambiguity to actual measures,” Ajay Bagga, Banking and Market Expert, said.

    He further added, “The key takeaway on Monday was that the July 9th tariff imposition deadline has now been moved to August 1st, giving another 23 days for negotiations with the affected countries.”

    (ANI)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government response to the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Government response

    Government response to the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report

    The Business and Trade Secretary and the Post Office Minister have issued statements in response to the publication of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry’s report.

    Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, said:  

    The publication of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry’s report today by Sir Wyn and his team marks an important milestone for subpostmasters and their families.

    I welcome the publication today and am committed to ensuring wronged subpostmasters are given full, fair and prompt redress.

    The recommendations contained in Sir Wyn’s report require careful reflection, including on further action to complete the redress schemes. Government will promptly respond to the recommendations in full in Parliament.

    Post Office Minister, Gareth Thomas, said:

    I welcome the Inquiry’s publication today and pay tribute to Sir Wyn and his team for their comprehensive and penetrating work.

    We must never lose sight of the Horizon Scandal’s human impact on postmasters and their families, which the Inquiry has highlighted so well.

    Sir Wyn’s report highlights a series of failings by the Post Office and various governments. His recommendations are immensely helpful as a guide for what is needed to finish the job and we will respond in full to Parliament after carefully considering them.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Championing maritime excellence: MCA leads UK Flag Forum 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Championing maritime excellence: MCA leads UK Flag Forum 2025

    The Maritime and Coastguard Agency hosts this year’s UK Flag Forum event at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London.

    Autonomous vessels and alternative fuels are among the key maritime topics being discussed by ship owners, operators and regulators at this year’s UK Flag Forum.

    Hosted by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency at London’s Queen Elizabeth II Centre today (8 July), the event brings key figures from across the global shipping industry together to discuss the UK flag and strengthen its position as a world-leading flag state.

    The UK Flag Forum is a platform for shipowners, operators, regulators and policymakers to share insight and discuss issues and opportunities, including seafarer training, decarbonisation and navigational safety.

    The event was formally opened this morning by Virginia McVea, CEO of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

    Lord Simon Stevens, Chair of the MCA, provided a welcome address before a panel discussion on the Department for Transport’s Maritime Decarbonisations Strategy.

    Panellists include Deputy Director of UKSHORE Eamonn Beirne, Senior Sustainability Advisor at British Ports Association Rhona MacDonald and Philip Fullerton, Managing Director at Northern Marine Group Ltd.

    MCA Chief Examiner and Head of Seafarer Technical Delivery Ajit Jacob has been leading the day’s first seminar session on Seafarer Training, with MCA’s Maritime Autonomy Team Leader Katrina Kemp presenting on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS).

    MCA’s Acting Director of Technical Operations Prasad Panicker has been speaking on Approvals for Alternative Fuels,

    This afternoon MCA Director of Maritime Futures Keith Johnstone will focus on Decarbonisation, with Deputy Director of Regulations and Standards Gwilym Stone leading a Near Coastal Workshop.

    MCA Assistant Director for UK Technical Services Navigation Richard Bell will be discussing Navigational Safety.

    Maritime Minister Mike Kane said: 

    I am thrilled to join the MCA at this year’s UK Flag Forum, which is so crucial in bringing key players in the sector together to discuss the issues facing the maritime industry.

    We are committed to the UK becoming a clean energy superpower, which is why earlier this year we set out a course to net zero shipping by 2050. Only by working together can we tackle the impact of shipping on our climate, create a greener sector, and deliver on our shared ambitions.

    MCA Director of UK Customer Maritime Services Lars Lippuner said: 

    The UK Flag Forum remains a vital platform for shaping the future of the UK maritime sector. By bringing together key stakeholders, we foster collaboration and drive meaningful progress during what is an exciting and pivotal time for our industry.

    Now more than ever, working together is essential, and we look forward to engaging with our customers; listening, discussing, and learning from them today.

    As both hosts and speakers, the MCA is proud to provide a platform for open discussion at the UK Flag Forum, with a strong emphasis on upholding the excellence of our world-class flag and the important work it represents.

    The event will be closed with a keynote speech by the Minister.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Certification Officer Annual Report 2024-2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Certification Officer Annual Report 2024-2025

    Annual Report to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade and the Chair of ACAS on the activities of the Certification Officer

    Certification Officer for Trade Unions and Employers’ Associations: press announcement

    The annual report of the Certification Officer, Sarah Bedwell, was laid before Parliament on 7 July 2025. The report describes the work of the Certification Officer in 2024/25 and includes statistical information relating to trade unions and employers’ associations for 2023 and 2024.

    Lists of trade unions and employers’ associations

    There were changes to the list of trade unions on the Certification Officer’s list with 4 trade unions being removed and 4 new organisations being added. Therefore, the total number of listed trade unions was 128, the same number as in the previous reporting year. The number of employers’ associations remained stable at 36 with no changes.

    Trade union membership and finances

    Reported trade union membership increased by 21.8% – from 5.5 million in 2022-2023 to 6.7 million in 2023-2024. However, this was mainly because of the inclusion of Unite the Union’s membership of 1.2 million which was not included last year.

    Total assets of trade unions saw a decrease of 1.3% from £2.30 billion to £2.27 billion.

    Political funds

    Twenty unions reported on their political funds. The total amount held in those political funds was £35.8 million, an increase of 7.8% compared to the previous year.

    Complaints

    The Certification Officer issued decisions on 13 complaints from members against their trade unions. Of these, 4 complaints were withdrawn by the applicants, 3 were struck out, 5 were dismissed following hearings and 1 was upheld with 1 enforcement order being made.

    Powers from the Trade Union Act 2016

    The amendments brought in by The Trade Union Act 2016 mean that trade unions and employers’ associations are required to pay a levy to fund the costs of the Certification Officer’s office. The second levy collection was completed in the reporting year.

    The total costs which need to be funded, for this year, through the third levy are £615,146, an increase on last year’s figure of £607,444 due to implementing the agreed public sector pay increase.

    The amendments also allow the Certification Officer to:

    • Consider whether an organisation has breached certain statutory responsibilities without having first received a complaint from a member of that organisation or another eligible party.
    • Impose a financial penalty order or conditional financial penalty order where she finds that an organisation has breached its statutory responsibilities and/or its rules.

    There was one breach of the statutory election requirements which was brought to the Certification Officer’s attention by the trade union concerned. The Certification Officer agreed that the breach had occurred and made an order to remedy the breach.

    The Certification Officer did not see cause to make any financial penalty or conditional financial penalty order in relation to any of the beaches that she found (either arising from members’ complaints or otherwise).

    Notes to editors:

    • The Certification Officer is the independent regulator for trade unions, appointed by the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. Sarah Bedwell was appointed to the post on 1 January 2018 and retired on 31 May 2025. Michael Kidd was appointed as Interim Certification Officer from 1 June 2025.

    • All figures are taken from the annual returns received from organisations during the reporting year.

    Please direct any press enquiries to:

    0330 109 3602, info@certoffice.org

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: York Talk Money fortnight to help residents save thousands

    Source: City of York

    York residents can access a wealth of information and support that could save them thousands of pounds during York Talk Money fortnight, running from 7 to 18 July.

    Run by City of York Council and partners across the city, including Citizens Advice, Peasholme Charity, Age UK, York Energy Advice and OCAY, the regular event aims to help people who are struggling financially by sharing information and advice, and signposting to local help and support.

    York Talk Money aims to help York residents:

    • Get all the help they are entitled to
    • Reduce their outgoings as much as possible
    • Get advice if they need assistance

    The support available includes a new weekly drop-in with the non-profit Community First Credit Union.

    Residents can find out about the range of services, including back to school and Christmas savings accounts, affordable and fair loans and budgeting accounts. Pop along to Clements Hall, Nunthorpe Road, from 9.15am to 10.45am, or Marjorie Waite Court, Clifton, from 1pm to 3pm every Tuesday throughout July to find out more.

    National Energy Advice and Yorkshire Water will also be on hand at two welcoming and informative community events to support families and individuals with practical energy advice, resources, and free giveaways on Tuesday 8 July at The Gateway Centre, Front Street, from 10am to midday and Marjorie Waite Court Community Café from 1pm to 3pm.

    And people can find out more about using the council’s benefits calculator to find out what benefits they or residents they’re working with might be eligible for at an online teams webinar on Wednesday, July 16 from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. Booking is required, visit the webinar booking page to secure your place. 

    Cllr Katie Lomas, the council’s Executive Member with responsibility for Financial Inclusion, said:

    We know that the cost of living crisis is affecting many of us, but there is a lot of help, advice and support available locally to help you make the most of your money.

    “Getting the help you’re entitled to really can make a difference of thousands of pounds. Following our Pension Credit Take Up campaign, over 231 pensioners are now claiming over £1.7 million in Pension Credit, and passported support.

    “I’d urge anyone who’s facing financial hardship or worried about money to find out what help is available to them via our or local advice and support services, including York Talk Money Fortnight.”

    One York resident who received advice and support from Age UK York to claim Attendance Allowance, as part of the York Talk Money initiative, said:

    “A lot of pressure has now been taken off me. I was so cold this winter that I turned the heating on for the first time and felt an awful lot better. I don’t need to worry about turning the heating on anymore. Without your help I wouldn’t be in the position I am in today.”

    General advice on how to get the help you’re entitled to, reduce your outgoings and get further support is available at Live Well York or our Benefits Calculator.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City of York Council asked to adopt new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

    Source: City of York

    City of York Council’s Executive will be asked to approve a new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy for the council later this month [15 July].

    The strategy sets out the council’s approach to EDI, supporting the Council Plan priority on Equalities and Human Rights to provide equality of opportunity for all and ensure that residents and visitors can benefit from the city and its strengths.

    The development of the strategy is linked to other recent areas of action including the re-establishment of the Human Rights & Equalities Board, the council’s adoption of the Social Model of Disability and its Anti-Racism Action Plan and Gypsy and Traveller Action Plan.

    It also builds on the city’s designation and partnership working around York’s status as a City of Sanctuary, Human Rights City and pledge to be an Anti-Racist City, together with growing cross-partnership strengths in these areas.

    The strategy aims to help the council deliver services that are equally accessible to all customers; fulfil its obligations to consider how its work affects diverse communities and to reduce disadvantage for people with protected characteristics.

    The strategy also sets out the council’s approach to EDI in the workplace and will help guide staff in their day-to-day work.

    The draft strategy was updated in response to feedback from a public consultation earlier in the year, which received approximately 500 responses from residents and organisations.

    The consultation included dedicated focus groups with people with protected characteristics, including people with learning difficulties; older people; young adults; neurodivergent people; and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

    Of the responses received, one in five respondents reported having experienced or witnessed intolerance or discrimination from the council, with three out of four agreeing that the council’s services are accessible to all its communities.

    A draft action plan has been created on each of the key elements of the strategy to ensure timely and measurable progress is made.

    Councillor Katie Lomas, Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion, said:

    We want York to be a place that celebrates diversity and includes everybody in the life of the city by ensuring they have access to the same opportunities and experiences.

    “Equalities and Human Rights are a core commitment within our Council Plan. We’re committed to achieving continuous improvement and equity across all our services and functions.

    “While the results of the recent consultation show that we still have more work to do to ensure that all the members of York’s diverse communities feel seen and heard, we look forward to continuing to work with colleagues, partners, community groups and local people to tackle discrimination, harassment and victimisation in all its forms.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: COAST Sunderland launches environmental campaign encouraging local communities to ‘Explore with Care’

    Source: City of Sunderland

    With school holidays approaching and Summer weather on its way, COAST Sunderland is launching a new initiative to encourage residents to reconnect with the stunning coastline on their doorstep – but to do so with care.

    With school holidays approaching and Summer weather on its way, COAST Sunderland is launching a new initiative to encourage residents to reconnect with the stunning coastline on their doorstep – but to do so with care.

    Backed by Sunderland City Council, COAST Sunderland is a dedicated initiative protecting the iconic cliffs, beaches, and wildlife that make the area from Whitburn to Ryhope such an outstanding area of natural beauty to live and explore. The project hopes to raise new awareness by asking local communities to follow the Coast Code and to ‘Explore with Care’.

    Launched in 2017 and funded through developer contributions, COAST Sunderland works year-round to raise awareness of the area’s unique habitats, support local biodiversity and tackle key issues affecting the coastal zone — from litter and erosion to habitat and bird disturbance.

    The ‘Explore with Care’ campaign highlights everyday actions that can help preserve Sunderland’s unique coastal environment for generations to come. From avoiding dog fouling and sticking to marked paths, to keeping dogs under control near feeding and resting birds, the focus is on encouraging small behaviour changes that have a big impact.

    Cllr Lindsey Leonard, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Net Zero Portfolio Holder at Sunderland City Council, said: “Sunderland has a fantastic, natural coastline and it is crucial that we work together to protect it for years to come. The invaluable support and collaborative efforts of the COAST Sunderland team means visitors and residents can all appreciate our coastline with care – protecting the natural landscape whilst also having a great day out at the seaside – a win-win for everyone!”

    Sunderland’s coastline is home to specially conserved animal and plant species under threat from human disturbance, including a range of wading bird species (also known as ‘waders’) during the autumn and winter months. Bird species include Oystercatchers, Purple Sandpipers, Turnstones and Europe’s largest wading bird, the Curlew. The COAST Code has been developed locally for residents and visitors alike to reduce the amount of bird disturbance on the coast. The steps are:

    1. Look out for birds
    2. Give them space
    3. Are they reacting to you or your dog?
    4. If yes, please give more space

    Becky Lakin, Coast Project Officer at COAST Sunderland said: “We want people to get out and enjoy the coast this Summer – it’s one of Sunderland’s greatest assets. However, many residents and visitors don’t realise that things like straying from marked paths or disturbing feeding birds can seriously damage our rare plant life and put coastal wildlife under stress. That’s where the ‘Explore with Care’ campaign and COAST Code come in. They help reinforce small, sustainable habits that will protect our beautiful coastline for many more years to come.”

    COAST is leading several free educational activities throughout the Summer holidays, to highlight how people can enjoy Sunderland’s coastline with care. Upcoming events include a marine mammal ID session on World Conservation Day (Monday 28 July) at Roker Pier. The COAST team are also hosting interactive sessions throughout the Summer at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, starting on Wednesday 30 July from 1pm – 3pm, concluding with a Guided Rock Pooling Session on Wednesday 27 August.

    Future plans for the project include working with schools, local groups and volunteers to run guided coastal walks, beach cleans, and conservation workshops to deepen community understanding and stewardship of this precious landscape.

    COAST Sunderland’s ‘Explore with Care’ campaign will appear across outdoor billboards, social media, local radio, and in community spaces throughout the summer. Leaflets with tips and facts are also being distributed, supported by detailed guidance on the COAST Sunderland website.

    For more information on the campaign, or to find out more about the Coast Code and upcoming events visit: https://sunderland.coastproject.org

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Anti-discrimination campaign brings city together

    Source: City of Leeds

    The campaign, which takes a stand against all forms of discrimination, has been running for the past month with the unifying message of “What makes us different makes us Leeds”.

    With posters across the city and social media activity the Leeds City Council campaign has communicated non-tolerance for misogyny, racism, anti-Muslim prejudice, antisemitism, ageism, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, and disability discrimination.

    Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, and Councillor Fiona Venner, executive member for equality, health and wellbeing, said: “It’s been wonderful to finally see this campaign come to life across the city, making sure that everyone knows Leeds does not tolerate discrimination in any form. We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from communities and residents, and any negative comments we receive only highlight the importance of continuing this work. 

    “Working towards strengthening social cohesion in our city is vital to ensure everyone feels like they belong and that they are and feel safe. Our ambition is for Leeds to be the best city in the UK and at the heart of this is our mission to tackle inequality. 

    “We will continue to work with all our communities to tackle discrimination and build a safer and stronger Leeds.” 

    The Leeds Anchor Network which brings together 14 of the city’s largest employers – including the council, NHS trusts, higher and further education, culture, and utilities, has also supported the campaign.

    Professor Peter Slee, chair of the Leeds Anchor Network and Vice Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, said: “The Leeds Anchor Network welcomes this campaign. Leeds is a city built on communities, partnership and collaboration, and this strength is reflected in our network. We are committed to inclusion, to listening to our communities, and to working with everyone in the city for a united approach to inclusive growth.”

    Speaking up in support is also Leeds Older People’s Forum, a network of third sector organisations working with and for older people.

    Jo Volpe, chief executive of Leeds Older People’s Forum, said: “Leeds Older People’s Forum is proud to support this important campaign from Leeds City Council. Ageism can lead to real harm—excluding older people from opportunities, reinforcing damaging stereotypes, and increasing loneliness and isolation. Our communities need this kind of support to challenge discrimination and promote respect across all ages. We all have a role to play in making Leeds a city where everyone feels valued.”

    Read more about the campaign at leeds.gov.uk/strongerleeds. 

    ENDS

    The campaign has sourced funding from the community recovery fund: Community Recovery Fund: Guidance – GOV.UK. This is a pot made available to areas who experienced unrest in 2024, and can be used for a range of things, including “To reduce the risk of further disorder in the future” and “To rebuild social trust and promote cohesion between communities”.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Curiosity Blog, Sols 4589 – 4592: Setting up to explore Volcán Peña Blanca

    Source: NASA

    Written by Abigail Fraeman, Deputy Project Scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory
    Earth planning date: Thursday, July 3, 2025
    The team was delighted this morning to learn that Wednesday’s drive had completed flawlessly, placing us in a stable position facing a ~3 foot high ridge located ~35 feet away.  This ridge is the eastern edge of a feature the team has informally named “Volcán Peña Blanca.” This feature certainly looked intriguing in orbital images, but once we saw Curiosity’s pictures of it from the ground, we decided it was cool enough to spend the time to investigate it closer.  The images from the ground show a lot more detail than is visible in orbit, including clear sedimentary structures exposed along the ridge face which could provide important clues about how the rocks in the boxwork-bearing terrain were initially deposited – dunes? Rivers? Lakes? The team picked their favorite spot to approach the ridge and take a closer look during Wednesday’s planning, so Curiosity made a sharp right turn to take us in that direction.  Using today’s images, we refined our plan for the exact location to approach and planned a drive to take us there, setting us up for contact science on Monday.
    We had the opportunity to plan four sols today, to cover the U.S. 4th of July holiday weekend, so there was lots of time for activities besides the drive.  Curiosity is currently sitting right in front of some light toned rocks, including one we gave the evocative name “Huellas de Dinosaurios.” It’s extremely unlikely we’ll see dinosaur footprints in the rock, but we will get the chance to investigate it with APXS, MAHLI, and ChemCam.  We also have a pair of ChemCam only targets on a more typical bedrock target named “Amboro” and some pebbles named “Tunari.”  Mastcam will take a high resolution of mosaic covering Volcán Peña Blanca, some nearby rocks named “Laguna Verde,” a small light colored rock named “Suruto,” and various patterns in the ground. Two ChemCam RMI mosaics of features in the distant Mishe Mokwa face and environment monitoring activities round out the plan.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Curiosity Blog, Sol 4588: Ridges and troughs

    Source: NASA

    Written by Lucy Thompson, APXS Collaborator and Senior Research Scientist at the University of New Brunswick, CanadaEarth planning date: Wednesday, July 2, 2025As we traverse the boxwork terrain, we are encountering a series of more resistant ridges/bedrock patches, and areas that are more rubbly and tend to form lower relief polygonal or trough-like features. We came into planning this morning in one of the trough-like features after another successful drive. The science team is interested in determining why we see these different geomorphological and erosional expressions. Is the rock that comprises the more resistant ridges and patches a different composition to the rock in the troughs and low relief areas? How do the rocks vary texturally? Might the resistant bedrock be an indicator of what we will encounter when we reach the large boxworks that we are driving towards?We managed to find a large enough area of rock to safely brush (target – “Guapay”), after which we will place APXS and MAHLI to determine the composition and texture. ChemCam will also analyze a different rock target, “Taltal” for chemistry and texture, and we will also acquire an accompanying Mastcam documentation image. The resistant ridge that we are planning to drive towards (“Volcan Pena Blanca”) and eventually investigate will be captured in a Mastcam mosaic. ChemCam will utilize their long-distance imaging capabilities to image the “Mishe Mokwa” butte off to the southeast of our current location, which likely contains bedrock layers that we will eventually pass through as we continue our climb up Mount Sharp.After a planned drive, taking us closer to the “Volcan Pena Blanca” ridge, MARDI will image the new terrain beneath the wheels, before we execute some atmospheric observations. Mastcam will make a tau observation to monitor dust in the atmosphere and Navcam will acquire a zenith movie. Standard DAN, RAD and REMS activities round out the plan.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Towering Plume From Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki

    Source: NASA

    Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a volcano on the Indonesian island of Flores, erupted on July 7, 2025, propelling a column of ash 18 kilometers (11 miles) into the air. The eruption deposited ash on villages and generated pyroclastic flows that traveled 5 kilometers (3 miles) down its slopes, according to news reports. Authorities advised nearby communities to remain on alert for potential lahars triggered by heavy rains.
    Mount Lewotobi is composed of two adjacent stratovolcanoes: Laki-Laki and Perempuan, which lie less than 2 kilometers apart. Laki-Laki, the more active of the two, began erupting around 11 a.m. local time on July 7, according to Indonesia’s volcano monitoring agency. At about 2 p.m., the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the Suomi NPP satellite acquired this image of its volcanic plume drifting westward. The eruption was still ongoing as of that evening, the agency reported.
    Several weeks prior, officials had raised the volcano’s alert status to the highest level when it showed an increase in earthquake activity, inflation of the ground surface, and other signs of an imminent eruption. Volcanic emissions from eruptions in both June and July caused dozens of flight cancellations to and from Bali and other airports in the region, according to news reports.
    This latest event is a continuation of eruptive activity occurring at Laki-Laki since late 2023. During an especially intense period of activity in November 2024, several explosive eruptions generated deadly volcanic debris flows and darkened the landscape with ash. The conical Laki-Laki has been frequently active since the 19th century, while the taller and broader Perempuan erupted most recently in 1921 and 1935.
    NASA Earth Observatory image by Wanmei Liang, using VIIRS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE, GIBS/Worldview, and the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership. Story by Lindsey Doermann.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Nenana Ridge Complex in Alaska

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Nenana Ridge Complex in Alaska

    FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Nenana Ridge Complex in Alaska

    BOTHELL, Wash

     –  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Nenana Ridge Complex burning in the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area and Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska

     The state of Alaska’s request for a declaration under FEMA’s Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) program was approved by FEMA Region 10 Acting Administrator Vincent J

    Maykovich on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 10:11 p

    m

    PT

    He determined that the Nenana Ridge Complex threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster

     This is the third FMAG declaration in 2025 to help fight Alaska wildfires

     At the time of the state’s request, the wildfires threatened homes near the communities of Nenana and Fairbanks

     The fires also threatened communication towers, watershed, fishing streams, spawning sites, wildlife, environmental and cultural resources, commercial sites, and parts of the George Parks Highway, the Alaska Railroad, and the Alaska Energy Authority’s Alaska Intertie transmission line

     FMAGs make funding available to pay up to 75 percent of a state’s eligible firefighting costs for fires that threaten to become major disasters

    Eligible items can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fires

    These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fires

      
    joy

    li
    Mon, 07/07/2025 – 19:24

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Working in Space

    Source: NASA

    In this May 23, 2025, image, NASA astronaut Jonny Kim works inside the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft completing cargo operations before it undocked from the International Space Station’s Harmony module several hours later. Kim launched to the International Space Station on April 8, 2025; this is his first mission.
    See what Kim and other space station crew do aboard the orbital lab.
    Image credit: NASA; JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)/Takuya Onishi

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces deployment of urban search and rescue task force teams to Texas

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 7, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of skilled Urban Search and Rescue Team members to Texas to assist with ongoing response efforts related to severe flooding impacts.

    “California stands with all those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods in the devastating aftermath of these summer floods in Texas. California is sending these specialized resources to support critical emergency response and recovery efforts.” 

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    In close coordination with FEMA, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is deploying these crews.

    “Cal OES is proud to deploy these experienced teams to help those in need in Texas,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. “These search and rescue professionals have the training needed to navigate extreme conditions.”

    Potential exists for additional flood impacts in the area.

    These teams are highly experienced in major disaster rescue operations, including the September 11, 2001 attacks, the World Trade Center, Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, Hurricane Ian, the Camp Fire in Paradise, the Oklahoma City Bombing, and the Montecito Mudslides.

    This deployment does not impact California’s emergency response and firefighting capabilities.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jul 7, 2025

    News What you need to know: California added area the equivalent of Glacier National Park to its conserved lands and coastal waters in just the last year – marking significant progress toward its goal of 30% conservation by 2030. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom…

    Jul 7, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments: Thanne Berg, of Albany, has been appointed Deputy Director of Site Mitigation and Restoration Program at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Berg has been Acting…

    Jul 7, 2025

    News Recovery moves into next phase with focused plan to fast-track reconstruction and support impacted communities What you need to know: Governor Newsom has announced that debris removal for the Los Angeles firestorm is now substantially complete just six months…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Biosecurity Legislation Enacted

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Biosecurity Legislation Enacted

    Posted on Jul 7, 2025 in Main

    Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture becomes Department of Agriculture & Biosecurity                             

    July 7, 2025
    NR25-17

    HONOLULU – Governor Josh Green, M.D., has signed several bills that will strengthen the state’s resilience against biosecurity threats and protect against invasive species, pests and diseases, and that support Hawai‘i agriculture.

    The Governor signed into law Act 236 on June 27, which among other provisions, renames the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture to the Department of Agriculture & Biosecurity (DAB) and the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture to the Board of Agriculture & Biosecurity (BAB). The name changes became effective July 1 and the transition to the printing and utilization of the new moniker will be an ongoing process for various department operations.

    Governor Green also approved the State Budget (Act 250) on June 30, which includes an unprecedented $26.6 million appropriation and 44 new positions to DAB for biosecurity.

    “I cannot express how appreciative we are for the support that the department has received from legislators and the Governor,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of BAB. “Our main focus now is to transform this funding and legislative support into comprehensive and effective programs to protect Hawai‘i from invasive species and grow our agricultural industry.”

    Under Act 236, DAB will establish a Deputy to the Chairperson for Biosecurity, effective January 1, 2027, who will oversee the department’s biosecurity program, including animal and plant quarantine inspections and other invasive species interdiction, mitigation and control programs. The law also authorizes DAB and the Governor to declare a biosecurity emergency in order to take certain actions to prevent the establishment and spread of pests and prohibited or restricted organisms.

    Other provisions include:

    • requiring inspection of various items deemed high-risk for invasive pests that are transported interisland;
    • authorizing a transitional facilities program, where the government licenses private individuals to inspect goods for disease, infection, infestation and other matters of concern, and includes defining standards, uses, licensing, as well as imposing fees for the use and registration of a transitional facility;
    • requiring the department to certify and train biosecurity compliance auditors to inspect imported plants and animals;
    • increasing penalties for illegally transported plants, animals and microorganisms;
    • authorizing DAB to establish and enforce the Plant Care Component Program to certify wood chips or compost that is used in the propagation of plants or in a filter sock and other actions to conduct plant care component treatments before shipment;
    • requiring DAB to establish a pest dashboard to report and track biosecurity activities; and
    • transferring the Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council from the Department of Land and Natural Resources to DAB on January 1, 2030.

    Other significant agriculture-related items in the state budget include:

    • $2 million to supplement the funds for the operation of state irrigation systems;
    • $5 million for the Dam and Appurtenance Program – for improvements for dam safety; and
    • $7 million – improvements to the Animal Industry Division facility in Hālawa.

    # # #

    Attachments: Act 236 (Relating to Biosecurity), Act 250 (State Budget)

    MIL OSI USA News –