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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI: 74Software: Sustained Momentum Reinforces Long-Term Objectives

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Paris, July 24, 2025

    74Software: Sustained Momentum Reinforces Long-Term Objectives

    • Group H1 2025 revenue of €344.0m, up 6.5% organically and 6.2% in total
    • Strong H1 across both brands – Axway up 8.9% to €160.8m and SBS up 5.0% to €184.2m
    • Marked improvement in margin on operating activities, up 585bps to 12.0% of revenue (€41.3m)
    • ARR increased year-on-year by 11.8% at Axway and 10.9% at SBS, further strengthening recurring revenues

    74Software’s Board of Directors, chaired by Pierre Pasquier, approved today the financial statements for the first half of 2025, which were subject to a limited review by the statutory auditors1. Consequently, 74Software announces:

    Half-Year Key Income Statement Items
                       
        Half-year 2025   Half-year 2024
    Proforma
    6M AXW + 6M SBS
      Half-year 2024
    Reported
    Axway Standalone
        €m % of Rev.   €m % of Rev.   €m % of Rev.
    TOTAL REVENUE   344.0     323.9     148.7  
    GROSS PROFIT   228.1 66.3%   206.8 63.9%   104.7 70.5%
    PROFIT ON OPERATING ACTIVITIES   41.3 12.0%   19.9 6.1%   17.1 11.5%
    OPERATING PROFIT   19.5 5.7%   2.6 0.8%   8.3 5.6%
    NET PROFIT   5.8 1.7%   -15.6 -4.8%   2.8 1.9%
    EARNINGS PER SHARE   0.20 €     -0.54 €     0.13 €  

    Patrick Donovan, Chief Executive Officer, stated:

    “Our H1 results confirm our strong start to the year and demonstrate both the strength of our strategic direction and our ability to execute in-line with our stated plans. As noted in our Q1 press release, the solid early execution front-loads part of the year’s commercial activity— especially in the Axway business. We remain fully committed to our full-year guidance and, more broadly, to our 2027 and 2028 ambitions. Axway is now firmly established as a subscription-first business, while SBS is rapidly scaling its modular banking platforms and expanding its SaaS footprint. With recurring revenue accelerating and capital deployment tightly managed, 74Software is becoming a more structured, resilient, and forward-looking group — built to deliver long-term value creation.”

    Comments on H1 2025 activity

    74Software delivered a strong first-half performance, confirming its ability to execute on its strategic roadmap and capitalize on the operational integration initiated following the transaction closing in September 2024. Revenue growth was solid in both brands, while profitability improved as planned — reflecting the strength of the Group’s model and the improved execution driven by Axway’s infrastructure software expertise and SBS’s leadership in banking software.

    Following a particularly dynamic Q1, the second quarter allowed the Group to consolidate its gains, maintain commercial selectivity, and further shift toward a recurring, scalable revenue model. Axway has now largely transitioned, while SBS continues to advance its own transformation, expanding SaaS deployments and rebalancing its revenue mix in favor of product revenue. Key highlights for the period include:

    • Axway recorded a strong first half, with consistent growth across all product lines. Nearly 60 new customers were signed during the period (+20% year-on-year), with new-name deals accounting for around one-third of Q2 bookings. Large-scale projects gained momentum, including six contracts exceeding €1 million signed in Q2 alone. Demand for cloud-based delivery continued to rise, with Axway-managed deployments representing 40% of Q2 bookings and 35% over the first half. This shift was broad-based, with steady adoption across all geographies and industry verticals.
    • SBS also reported strong results, with product revenue now accounting for 75% of total revenue, up from 67% in H1 2024 — marking significant progress in the company’s shift toward a software-led model. Growth was supported by all product lines, including solid license activity in integrated platforms, components, and financing solutions, as well as continued expansion of modular offerings. The company has now contracted more than 230 SaaS regulatory reporting services, reinforcing adoption across its client base. During the period, SBS welcomed several new clients and completed the first SaaS deployment of its digital engagement platform in Europe. Two additional implementations are scheduled for the third quarter in Africa, where demand is driven by microfinance and Islamic banking. The company’s progress was also recognized through multiple industry awards highlighting its leadership in compliance, payments, and digital banking.

    The Group enters H2 with improving visibility, disciplined execution, and a clear focus on delivering its full-year objectives. Integration of support functions between Axway and SBS is now largely complete, and joint commercial initiatives are steadily expanding across selected regions.

    Comments on H1 2025 operational performance

    Half-year Revenue Breakdown by Portfolio Brand
               
      H1 2025 H1 2024
    Proforma
    H1 2024
    Restated
    Total
    Growth
    Organic
    Growth
    €m / %
    Axway Scope 160.8 148.7 147.6 8.1% 8.9%
    SBS Scope 184.2 175.2 175.4 5.1% 5.0%
               
    Consolidation -1.0 0.0 0.0 – –
               
    74Software 344.0 323.9 323.0 6.2% 6.5%

    In the first half of 2025, the Group generated revenue of €344.0 million, reflecting total growth of 6.2% and organic growth of 6.5% year-on-year. This performance was supported by both brands, with Axway contributing €160.8 million in revenue and organic growth of 8.9%, and SBS contributing €184.2 million with 5.0% organic growth (compared to proforma H1 2024).

    Half-year Revenue Breakdown by Type
               
      H1 2025 H1 2024
    Proforma
    H1 2024
    Restated
    Total
    Growth
    Organic
    Growth
    €m / %
    Product revenue 280.0 248.7 248.1 12.6% 12.9%
    Recurring revenue 258.0 229.3 228.7 12.5% 12.8%
    o/w Maintenance & Support 91.5 96.2 96.0 -4.9% -4.7%
    o/w Customer-managed Subscription 98.7 76.6 76.5 28.8% 29.0%
    o/w Own-managed Subscription 67.8 56.5 56.2 20.0% 20.6%
    License revenue 22.1 19.4 19.4 13.5% 13.7%
               
    Services revenue 64.0 75.2 74.9 -14.9% -14.6%
               
    Total revenue 344.0 323.9 323.0 6.2% 6.5%

    In the first half of 2025, Product revenue reached €280.0 million, up 12.9% organically, reflecting strong execution across both Axway and SBS. The Group continued to benefit from rising demand for subscription-based offers, with both customer-managed and own-managed subscriptions posting growth above 20%. Maintenance revenue declined as anticipated, while license activity increased but remained low at 6.4% of total revenue. Product revenues accounted for 81% of total revenue (up from 77% in H1 2024) and recurring revenues were at 75% of total revenue (up from 71% in H1 2024), confirming 74Software’s successful transition toward a product- and subscription-led model.

    Axway generated €143.3 million in product revenue, up 10.5% organically. Recurring activities made nearly the entire contribution, driven by a 29.5% increase in customer-managed subscriptions and 6.8% growth in own-managed deployments, reflecting continued momentum in hybrid environments. License revenue decreased by 34.9% as the company continues to phase out new license sales. Maintenance and support dropped by 20.6% due to the continued shift of the customer base towards subscription models. Services revenue was slightly lower, down 2.2%, and represented 11% of Axway’s total.

    SBS recorded €137.7 million in product revenue, up 16.3% organically, with strong performance across all product categories. Own-managed subscriptions rose by 35.2%, customer-managed subscriptions by 25.5%, and maintenance and support increased by 4.2%, supported by a growing installed base. License revenue climbed 21.2%, reflecting continued expansion of integrated and lending solutions. Recurring revenue now represents 64% of SBS’s business (up from 58% in H1 2024), with services accounting for 25% and licenses for 11%. This illustrates SBS’s continued shift from a service-led to a product-led business model.

    Group-wide, Services generated €64.0 million in the first half, or 18.6% of total revenue, down 14.6% compared to last year. This decrease mainly reflects SBS’s repositioning, while Axway’s service contribution remained stable. The difference in service trends between the two businesses stems from their respective models. Axway relies on lighter implementation cycles, whereas SBS delivers more comprehensive banking transformation programs.

    At the end of June 2025, ARR for Axway stood at €255.9 million, reflecting an organic growth of 11.8% year-on-year. SBS also continued to expand its ARR to €233.3 million, up 10.9% organically year-on-year. These solid performances confirm the effectiveness of both companies’ strategic repositioning and reinforce the Group’s revenue predictability and resilience.

    Comments on H1 2025 product line performance

    Axway, a recognized leader in application infrastructure and middleware, delivered solid momentum in the first half of 2025. All product lines contributed to growth, supported by strong commercial execution and increasing demand for cloud-based solutions:

    • Managed File Transfer remained a key contributor despite a normalization of activity following an exceptional 2024. The gradual erosion of legacy maintenance was more than offset by strong momentum in managed deployments, confirming the sustained value of Axway’s hybrid approach.
    • B2B Integration delivered robust gains across the board, benefiting from growing demand for managed solutions and early signs of successful cross-sell with SBS. The product line also saw improvements in both subscription and service revenue.
    • API Management accelerated sharply, supported by strong commercial execution and increased adoption of its integration and engagement modules. The Fusion extension also contributed positively, confirming the platform’s potential.
    • Specialized Products, including the Financial Accounting Hub, maintained steady momentum through targeted compliance and finance use cases. Recent wins via ecosystem partnerships reinforced Axway’s positioning with key accounts.

    SBS, a trusted provider of banking and financing software, posted solid growth in all product lines, confirming the strength of its modular and targeted approach as it continues its shift toward a product-led model:

    • Financing Products maintained a steady trajectory, reflecting stable demand in wholesale auto finance and UK mortgage service. Activity remained resilient despite longer decision cycles in certain regions.
      • Modular Products continued to gain traction, primarily driven by momentum in instant payments and the regulatory reporting platform. Cross-sell into the integrated base gained pace, confirming the appeal of modular architectures.
      • Integrated Products delivered consistent performance, with solid customer retention and ongoing functional improvements. In some markets, modular alternatives are beginning to complement legacy platforms, paving the way for more composable setups. SBS’ market-leading product in Africa continues to perform strongly, adding new customers as well as increasing share of wallet in its installed base.
    • Banking Components continued to gain momentum, particularly in payments, lending, and cards. The strength of customer relationships across key accounts in France continues to drive upsells.

    Comments on H1 2025 profit on operating activities

    Profit on Operating Activities – Group
                       
        H1 2025   H1 2024
    Proforma
      Change
        €m % of Rev.   €m % of Rev.   €m Basis Points
    Product revenue   280.0 81.4%   248.7 76.8%   + 31.3 + 461
    Services revenue   64.0 18.6%   75.2 23.2%   – 11.2 – 461
    Total revenue   344.0     323.9     + 20.1  
    Total costs of revenue   115.9     117.1     – 1.2  
    GROSS PROFIT   228.1 66.3%   206.9 63.9%   + 21.2 + 243
    o/w product gross profit   217.9 77.8%   191.7 77.0%   + 26.2 + 75
    o/w services gross profit   10.2 15.9%   15.2 20.2%   – 5.0 – 422
    Operating expenses   186.8 54.3%   186.9 57.7%   – 0.1 – 341
    o/w research & development   93.2 27.1%   95.0 29.3%   – 1.8 – 224
    o/w sales & marketing   62.8 18.3%   62.3 19.2%   + 0.5 – 96
    o/w general & administrative   30.8 8.9%   29.6 9.1%   + 1.1 – 20
    PROFIT ON OPERATING ACTIVITIES   41.3 12.0%   19.9 6.1%   + 21.4 + 585
    Net Capitalisation of R&D   8.4 2.4%   9.1 2.8%   – 0.8 – 39
    in % of gross R&D   8.2%     8.8%     -0.5%  

    In H1 2025, profit on operating activities reached €41.3 million, representing a margin of 12.0% of revenue, compared with 6.1% in H1 2024. This sharp improvement reflects strong gross profit expansion, driven by a more favorable revenue mix and tight cost control across operating expenses with all lines showing year-on-year efficiencies. Gross margins increased—particularly at Axway—thanks to strong bookings in customer-managed subscriptions, which generated significant upfront revenue at high margins.

    Comments on H1 2025 net profit

    Net Profit – Group
                       
        Half-year 2025   Half-year 2024
    Proforma
    6M AXW + 6M SBS
      Half-year 2024
    Reported
    Axway Standalone
        €m % of Rev.   €m % of Rev.   €m % of Rev.
    PROFIT ON OPERATING ACTIVITIES   41.3 12.0%   19.9 6.1%   17.1 11.5%
    Share-based expenses   -6.7     -2.4     -2.9  
    Amortization of allocated intangibles   -6.2     -7.1     -1.7  
    PROFIT FROM RECURRING OPERATIONS   28.4 8.3%   10.5 3.2%   12.5 8.4%
    Other operating income and expenses   -8.9     -7.9     -4.1  
    OPERATING PROFIT   19.5 5.7%   2.6 0.8%   8.3 5.6%
    Cost of financial debt   -9.0     -8.9     -2.7  
    Other financial income and expenses   -2.2     -2.0     -0.9  
    Income tax expenses   -2.5     -7.2     -2.0  
    NET PROFIT   5.8 1.7%   -15.6 -4.8%   2.8 1.9%
    Earnings per share   0.20 €     -0.54 €     0.13 €  

    Profit from recurring operations reached €28.4 million, after accounting for the amortization of allocated intangibles and share-based expenses. This marks a substantial improvement from the H1 2024 proforma figure of €10.5 million.

    Share-based expenses increased, reflecting the inclusion of SBS in the new long-term incentive program, the Group’s strong share price performance, and higher employer social security rates in France. The purchase price allocation (PPA) related to the SBS acquisition has now been finalized. Amortization of allocated intangibles has been restated for 2024 on a pro forma basis and is expected to total €12–13 million for full-year 2025.

    After including other operating income and expenses, such as restructuring charges and non-recurring items totaling €8.9 million, operating profit amounted to €19.5 million, compared with €2.6 million on a proforma basis in H1 2024.

    Net profit for the half-year came to €5.8 million (1.7%), a significant turnaround from the €15.6 million loss recorded on a proforma basis in the prior year.

    Basic earnings per share stood at €0.20, compared with a loss of €0.54 per share in the first half of 2024 (proforma).

    Financial position on June 30, 2025

    74Software made strong progress in its deleveraging effort during H1 2025. Free cash flow was particularly robust, supported by seasonal inflows from maintenance and subscription renewals, as well as the first-time implementation of a factoring program on selected receivables. Unlevered free cash flow reached €76.4 million, enabling €42 million in debt repayments and boosting cash balances. As a result, net debt stood at €191.8 million (before IFRS 16), with a leverage ratio of 1.83x and a gearing ratio of 0.37x—achieving the full-year leverage target of below 2.0x well ahead of schedule. This deleveraging is expected to reduce interest expenses going forward. Due to seasonal patterns in cash collection, the leverage ratio is expected to remain below 2.0x through year-end, though without material further improvement.

    Shareholders’ equity stood at €512.8 million (72.8% of total capital) at June 30, 2025.

    Change in the workforce

    At June 30, 2025, the Group employed 4,679 full-time equivalents, compared with 4,787 at year-end 2024. This 2.6% reduction reflects continued disciplined workforce management across both Axway and SBS, aligned with the Group’s operational efficiency focus.

    Targets & Ambitions

    Following a strong first half, 74Software confirms its full-year 2025 guidance, underpinned by solid execution and front-loaded bookings. The Group continues to target revenue growth between 2% and 4%, reaching approximately €700 million, with an operating margin between 14% and 16%. Due to the first-time introduction of the factoring program, unlevered free cash flow is now expected to be at least 10% of revenue, and the leverage ratio is projected to remain below 2.0x.

    Looking ahead, 74Software reiterates its ambition to surpass €750 million in revenue by 2027 with an operating margin above 17%, and to reach around 20% by 2028 — in line with its trajectory toward a scalable, profitable, and product-led growth model.

    [ NEW TIME ] Today, Thursday, July 24, 2025, 6.00 p.m. (CEST):

    2025 HALF-YEAR RESULTS – VIRTUAL ANALYST CONFERENCE

    •  Register here or join by phone by dialing one of the numbers below:
      • France: +33 (0) 1 70 37 71 66 / USA: +1 786 697 3501 / International: +44 (0) 33 0551 0200

    Please note that the meeting will be held in English.

    Financial Calendar

    Thursday, October 30, 2025, before market opening: Publication of Q3 2025 Revenue

    Thursday, February 26, 2026, after market closing: Publication of 2025 Full-Year Results

    Glossary and Alternative Performance Measures

    Axway ARR: Annual Recurring Revenue – Expected annual billing amounts from all active maintenance and subscription agreements.

    SBS ARR: Annual Recurring Revenue – Monthly recurring revenue (MRR) for the last month of the reporting period multiplied by 12. Where contracts are affected by seasonality or contracted volume-based elements, the last 12 months of revenue are aggregated in determining ARR. Expected recurring revenue from contracts signed but not yet active are not included in ARR.

    NPS: Net Promoter Score – Customer satisfaction and recommendation indicator for a company.

    Organic growth: Growth in revenue between the period under review and the prior period, restated for consolidation scope and exchange rate impacts.

    Profit on operating activities: Profit from recurring operations adjusted for the non-cash share-based payment expense, as well as the amortization of allocated intangible assets.

    Proforma: Proforma measures assume the acquisition of SBS happened at the beginning of the respective reporting period.

    Restated revenue: Revenue for the prior year, adjusted for the consolidation scope and exchange rates of the current year.

    Unlevered free cash flow: Free cash flow before exceptional items and before net interest expense.

    About 74Software

    74Software is an enterprise software group founded through the combination of Axway and SBS – independently operated leaders with unique experience and capabilities to deliver mission-critical software for a data driven world. A pioneer in enterprise integration solutions for 25 years, Axway supports major brands and government agencies around the globe with its core line of MFT, B2B, API, and Financial Accounting Hub products. SBS empowers banks and financial institutions to reimagine tomorrow’s digital experiences with a composable cloud-based architecture that enables deposits, lending, compliance, payments, consumer, and asset finance services and operations to be deployed worldwide. 74Software serves more than 11,000 companies, including over 1,500 financial service customers. To learn more, visit 74Software.com

    Contacts – Investor Relations:

    Arthur Carli – +33 (0)1 47 17 24 65 – acarli@74software.com

    Chloé Chouard – +33 (0)1 47 17 21 78 – cchouard@74software.com

    Appendices (1/5)

    Income Statement – Group
                       
        Half-year 2025   Half-year 2024
    Proforma
    6M AXW + 6M SBS
      Half-year 2024
    Reported
    Axway Standalone
        €m % of Rev.   €m % of Rev.   €m % of Rev.
    TOTAL REVENUE   344.0     323.9     148.7  
    Total costs of revenue   -115.9     -117.1     -44.0  
    GROSS PROFIT   228.1 66.3%   206.9 63.9%   104.7 70.5%
    Operating expenses   -186.8     -186.9     -87.6  
    PROFIT ON OPERATING ACTIVITIES   41.3 12.0%   19.9 6.1%   17.1 11.5%
    Share-based expenses   -6.7     -2.4     -2.9  
    Amortization of allocated intangibles   -6.2     -7.1     -1.7  
    PROFIT FROM RECURRING OPERATIONS   28.4 8.3%   10.5 3.2%   12.5 8.4%
    Other operating income and expenses   -8.9     -7.9     -4.1  
    OPERATING PROFIT   19.5 5.7%   2.6 0.8%   8.3 5.6%
    Cost of financial debt   -9.0     -8.9     -2.7  
    Other financial income and expenses   -2.2     -2.0     -0.9  
    Income tax expenses   -2.5     -7.2     -2.0  
    NET PROFIT   5.8 1.7%   -15.6 -4.8%   2.8 1.9%
    Earnings per share   0.20 €     -0.54 €     0.13 €  
    Simplified Balance Sheet                    
                         
    in €m   H1 2025
    IFRS
    Consolidated
    FY 2024
    IFRS Consolidated
    Change   in €m   H1 2025
    IFRS
    Consolidated
    FY 2024
    IFRS Consolidated
    Change
    Accounts receivables   246.7 293.5 – 46.8   Cash & cash equivalents   -57.8 -41.4 – 16.4
    Other current assets   123.3 101.9 + 21.4   Financial debt   249.6 291.8 – 42.2
    Accounts payables   -34.1 -28.7 – 5.4   Net debt   191.8 250.4 – 58.6
    Deferred revenue   -138.2 -88.6 – 49.6   Equity   512.8 532.4 – 19.6
    Other current liabilities   -137.2 -158.0 + 20.8   CAPITAL EMPLOYED   704.6 782.8 – 78.2
    Net working capital   60.5 120.1 – 59.7            
    Tangible fixed assets   20.9 25.0 – 4.1            
    Goodwill   523.1 497.4 + 25.7       H1 2025
    IFRS
    Consolidated
    FY 2024
    IFRS Consolidated
    Change
    Other intangibles   132.1 192.3 – 60.2      
    Fixed assets   676.1 714.7 – 38.6   Ratios  
    Other assets   100.2 78.1 + 22.1   DSO (days)   121 145 -24
    Other liabilities   -132.1 -130.1 – 2.0   Net debt / total capital   27.2% 32.0% – 4.8%
    Other assets – liabilities   -31.9 -52.0 + 20.1   Equity / total capital   72.8% 68.0% + 4.8%
    INVESTED ASSETS   704.5 782.8 – 78.4            
    Cash Flow Statement              
                   
      H1 2025   H1 2024   Change Axway
    H1 25 vs. H1 24
    in €m 74Software SBS Axway   Axway Standalone  
    Operating cashflow 89.6 35.8 53.9   15.0   + 38.8
    o/w change in NWC 55.0 29.4 25.6   2.6   + 23.1
    o/w other operating cashflow 34.6 6.4 28.2   12.5   + 15.7
    Investing cashflow -14.2 -9.8 -4.4   -2.7   – 1.6
    o/w PP&E & others -5.0 -0.6 -4.4   -2.7   – 1.7
    o/w capitalized R&D -9.2 -9.2 0.0   0.0   0.0
    Financing cashflow -58.1 -14.6 -43.4   -12.6   – 30.8
    o/w debt repayment -42.0 0.0 -42.0   0.0   – 42.0
    o/w other financing cashflow -16.1 -14.6 -1.4   -12.6   + 11.2
    NET CHANGE IN CASH 16.2 11.1 5.1   -0.2   + 5.3
                   
    Unlevered free cashflow 76.4 29.0 47.4   13.9   + 33.5
    as a % of revenue 22.2% 15.7% 29.5%   9.4%   + 20.1%

    Appendices (2/5)

    Profit on Operating Activities – Axway
                       
        H1 2025
    Axway
      H1 2024
    Reported
    Axway
      Change
        €m % of Rev.   €m % of Rev.   €m Basis Points
    Product revenue   143.3 89.1%   130.5 87.8%   + 12.8 + 134
    Services revenue   17.5 10.9%   18.2 12.2%   – 0.7 – 134
    Total revenue   160.8     148.7     + 12.1  
    Total costs of revenue   40.3     44.0     – 3.7  
    GROSS PROFIT   120.5 74.9%   104.7 70.4%   + 15.8 + 451
    o/w product gross profit   119.3 83.2%   104.6 80.2%   + 14.7 + 308
    o/w services gross profit   1.2 7.0%   0.1 0.6%   + 1.1 + 644
    Operating expenses   93.8 58.4%   87.6 58.9%   + 6.2 – 58
    o/w research & development   32.6 20.3%   31.2 21.0%   + 1.4 – 69
    o/w sales & marketing   43.0 26.8%   41.8 28.1%   + 1.2 – 137
    o/w general & administrative   18.2 11.3%   14.6 9.8%   + 3.6 + 148
    PROFIT ON OPERATING ACTIVITIES   26.7 16.6%   17.1 11.5%   + 9.6 + 508
    Profit on Operating Activities – SBS
                       
        H1 2025
    SBS
      H1 2024
    Proforma
    SBS
      Change
        €m % of Rev.   €m % of Rev.   €m Basis Points
    Product revenue   137.7 74.8%   118.2 67.5%   + 19.5 + 729
    Services revenue   46.5 25.2%   57.0 32.5%   – 10.5 – 729
    Total revenue   184.2     175.2     + 8.9  
    Total costs of revenue   76.6     73.1     + 3.5  
    GROSS PROFIT   107.6 58.4%   102.1 58.3%   + 5.5 + 14
    o/w product gross profit   98.6 71.6%   87.1 73.6%   + 11.5 – 202
    o/w services gross profit   9.0 19.3%   15.1 26.4%   – 6.1 – 710
    Operating expenses   93.0 50.5%   99.3 56.7%   – 6.3 – 619
    o/w research & development   60.6 32.9%   63.8 36.4%   – 3.3 – 354
    o/w sales & marketing   19.8 10.7%   20.5 11.7%   – 0.7 – 93
    o/w general & administrative   12.6 6.8%   15.0 8.6%   – 2.4 – 173
    PROFIT ON OPERATING ACTIVITIES   14.6 7.9%   2.8 1.6%   + 11.8 + 633
    Quarterly Revenue Breakdown by Portfolio Brand
                 
        Q1 2025   Q2 2025   H1 2025
    €m      
    Axway Scope   82.5   78.3   160.8
    SBS Scope   88.3   95.8   184.2
                 
    Consolidation   -0.4   -0.6   -1.0
                 
    74Software   170.4   173.5   344.0

    Appendices (3/5)

    Quarterly Revenue Breakdown by Type
                 
        Q1 2025   Q2 2025   H1 2025
    €m / %      
    Product revenue   139.1   141.0   280.0
    Recurring revenue   129.5   128.4   258.0
    o/w Maintenance & Support   47.0   44.5   91.5
    o/w Customer-managed Subscription   48.6   50.1   98.7
    o/w Own-managed Subscription   34.0   33.8   67.8
    License revenue   9.5   12.5   22.1
                 
    Services revenue   31.3   32.6   64.0
                 
    Total revenue   170.4   173.6   344.0
    Quarterly Revenue Breakdown by Type – Axway
                 
        Q1 2025   Q2 2025   H1 2025
    €m / %      
    Product revenue   73.4   69.8   143.3
    Recurring revenue   72.1   69.5   141.6
    o/w Maintenance & Support   14.4   12.8   27.2
    o/w Customer-managed Subscription   43.7   43.2   87.0
    o/w Own-managed Subscription   13.9   13.4   27.4
    License revenue   1.3   0.4   1.7
                 
    Services revenue   9.0   8.5   17.5
                 
    Total revenue – Axway   82.5   78.3   160.8
    Quarterly Revenue Breakdown by Type – SBS
                 
        Q1 2025   Q2 2025   H1 2025
    €m / %      
    Product revenue   66.0   71.7   137.7
    Recurring revenue   57.9   59.5   117.3
    o/w Maintenance & Support   32.5   31.7   64.2
    o/w Customer-managed Subscription   4.9   6.9   11.7
    o/w Own-managed Subscription   20.5   20.9   41.4
    License revenue   8.2   12.2   20.4
                 
    Services revenue   22.3   24.2   46.5
                 
    Total revenue SBS   88.3   95.8   184.2

    Appendices (4/5)

    Half-year Revenue Breakdown by Portfolio Brand & Type      
                     
        H1 2025
    Axway
      H1 2025
    SBS
      H1 2025
    Consolidation
      H1 2025
    74Software
    €m / %        
    Product revenue   143.3   137.7   -1.0   280.0
    Recurring revenue   141.6   117.3   -1.0   258.0
    o/w Maintenance & Support   27.2   64.2   0.0   91.5
    o/w Customer-managed Subscription   87.0   11.7   0.0   98.7
    o/w Own-managed Subscription   27.4   41.4   -1.0   67.8
    License revenue   1.7   20.4   0.0   22.1
                     
    Services revenue   17.5   46.5   0.0   64.0
                     
    Total revenue   160.8   184.2   -1.0   344.0
    Half-year Revenue Breakdown by Portfolio Brand & Type      
                     
        H1 2024
    Axway
      H1 2024 Proforma
    SBS
      H1 2024 Proforma Consolidation   H1 2024 Proforma 74Software
    €m / %        
    Product revenue   130.5   118.2   0.0   248.7
    Recurring revenue   127.9   101.4   0.0   229.3
    o/w Maintenance & Support   34.6   61.6   0.0   96.2
    o/w Customer-managed Subscription   67.3   9.3   0.0   76.6
    o/w Own-managed Subscription   25.9   30.5   0.0   56.5
    License revenue   2.6   16.8   0.0   19.4
                     
    Services revenue   18.2   57.0   0.0   75.2
                     
    Total revenue   148.7   175.2   0.0   323.9
    Half-year Revenue Breakdown by Region
                 
      H1 2025 H1 2024
    Proforma
    H1 2024
    Restated
    Total
    Growth
    Organic
    Growth
     
      €m % of Rev.
    Europe 208.1 60.5% 203.0 203.2 2.5% 2.4%
    o/w France 99.5 28.9% 99.7 99.7 -0.2% -0.2%
    o/w UK 46.7 13.6% 44.8 45.0 4.3% 3.7%
    Americas 73.3 21.3% 65.6 64.6 11.7% 13.5%
    Middle East & Africa 43.1 12.5% 39.3 39.3 9.7% 9.7%
    Asia & Pacific 19.4 5.7% 15.9 15.8 22.0% 22.7%
                 
    74Software 344.0   323.9 323.0 6.2% 6.5%

    Appendices (5/5)

    Headcount
           
      30/06/2025 31/12/2024 Change
    Europe 3.001 3.090 -89
    Americas 370 378 -8
    Asia – Pacific 869 882 -13
    Middle East – Africa 439 437 2
           
    TOTAL 4.679 4.787 -108
    Impact on Half-year Revenue of Changes in Scope and Exchange Rates
           
    €m / % H1 2025 H1 2024 Growth
    Revenue 344.0 148.7 + 131.4%
    Changes in exchange rates   -0.9  
    Revenue at constant exchange rates 344.0 147.7 + 132.8%
    Changes in scope   +175.2  
    Revenue at constant scope and exchange rates 344.0 323.0 + 6.5%
    Changes in Main Exchange Rates
           
    For 1€ Average Rate
    H1 2025
    Average rate
    H1 2024
    Change
    US Dollar 1.093 1.081 – 1.1%
    Great Britain Pound 0.842 0.855 + 1.5%

    1 The interim consolidated financial statements were subject to limited review procedures.

    Attachment

    • 24072025_74Software_PR_H1 Results 2025_English_VFinal

    The MIL Network –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: 74Software: Sustained Momentum Reinforces Long-Term Objectives

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Paris, July 24, 2025

    74Software: Sustained Momentum Reinforces Long-Term Objectives

    • Group H1 2025 revenue of €344.0m, up 6.5% organically and 6.2% in total
    • Strong H1 across both brands – Axway up 8.9% to €160.8m and SBS up 5.0% to €184.2m
    • Marked improvement in margin on operating activities, up 585bps to 12.0% of revenue (€41.3m)
    • ARR increased year-on-year by 11.8% at Axway and 10.9% at SBS, further strengthening recurring revenues

    74Software’s Board of Directors, chaired by Pierre Pasquier, approved today the financial statements for the first half of 2025, which were subject to a limited review by the statutory auditors1. Consequently, 74Software announces:

    Half-Year Key Income Statement Items
                       
        Half-year 2025   Half-year 2024
    Proforma
    6M AXW + 6M SBS
      Half-year 2024
    Reported
    Axway Standalone
        €m % of Rev.   €m % of Rev.   €m % of Rev.
    TOTAL REVENUE   344.0     323.9     148.7  
    GROSS PROFIT   228.1 66.3%   206.8 63.9%   104.7 70.5%
    PROFIT ON OPERATING ACTIVITIES   41.3 12.0%   19.9 6.1%   17.1 11.5%
    OPERATING PROFIT   19.5 5.7%   2.6 0.8%   8.3 5.6%
    NET PROFIT   5.8 1.7%   -15.6 -4.8%   2.8 1.9%
    EARNINGS PER SHARE   0.20 €     -0.54 €     0.13 €  

    Patrick Donovan, Chief Executive Officer, stated:

    “Our H1 results confirm our strong start to the year and demonstrate both the strength of our strategic direction and our ability to execute in-line with our stated plans. As noted in our Q1 press release, the solid early execution front-loads part of the year’s commercial activity— especially in the Axway business. We remain fully committed to our full-year guidance and, more broadly, to our 2027 and 2028 ambitions. Axway is now firmly established as a subscription-first business, while SBS is rapidly scaling its modular banking platforms and expanding its SaaS footprint. With recurring revenue accelerating and capital deployment tightly managed, 74Software is becoming a more structured, resilient, and forward-looking group — built to deliver long-term value creation.”

    Comments on H1 2025 activity

    74Software delivered a strong first-half performance, confirming its ability to execute on its strategic roadmap and capitalize on the operational integration initiated following the transaction closing in September 2024. Revenue growth was solid in both brands, while profitability improved as planned — reflecting the strength of the Group’s model and the improved execution driven by Axway’s infrastructure software expertise and SBS’s leadership in banking software.

    Following a particularly dynamic Q1, the second quarter allowed the Group to consolidate its gains, maintain commercial selectivity, and further shift toward a recurring, scalable revenue model. Axway has now largely transitioned, while SBS continues to advance its own transformation, expanding SaaS deployments and rebalancing its revenue mix in favor of product revenue. Key highlights for the period include:

    • Axway recorded a strong first half, with consistent growth across all product lines. Nearly 60 new customers were signed during the period (+20% year-on-year), with new-name deals accounting for around one-third of Q2 bookings. Large-scale projects gained momentum, including six contracts exceeding €1 million signed in Q2 alone. Demand for cloud-based delivery continued to rise, with Axway-managed deployments representing 40% of Q2 bookings and 35% over the first half. This shift was broad-based, with steady adoption across all geographies and industry verticals.
    • SBS also reported strong results, with product revenue now accounting for 75% of total revenue, up from 67% in H1 2024 — marking significant progress in the company’s shift toward a software-led model. Growth was supported by all product lines, including solid license activity in integrated platforms, components, and financing solutions, as well as continued expansion of modular offerings. The company has now contracted more than 230 SaaS regulatory reporting services, reinforcing adoption across its client base. During the period, SBS welcomed several new clients and completed the first SaaS deployment of its digital engagement platform in Europe. Two additional implementations are scheduled for the third quarter in Africa, where demand is driven by microfinance and Islamic banking. The company’s progress was also recognized through multiple industry awards highlighting its leadership in compliance, payments, and digital banking.

    The Group enters H2 with improving visibility, disciplined execution, and a clear focus on delivering its full-year objectives. Integration of support functions between Axway and SBS is now largely complete, and joint commercial initiatives are steadily expanding across selected regions.

    Comments on H1 2025 operational performance

    Half-year Revenue Breakdown by Portfolio Brand
               
      H1 2025 H1 2024
    Proforma
    H1 2024
    Restated
    Total
    Growth
    Organic
    Growth
    €m / %
    Axway Scope 160.8 148.7 147.6 8.1% 8.9%
    SBS Scope 184.2 175.2 175.4 5.1% 5.0%
               
    Consolidation -1.0 0.0 0.0 – –
               
    74Software 344.0 323.9 323.0 6.2% 6.5%

    In the first half of 2025, the Group generated revenue of €344.0 million, reflecting total growth of 6.2% and organic growth of 6.5% year-on-year. This performance was supported by both brands, with Axway contributing €160.8 million in revenue and organic growth of 8.9%, and SBS contributing €184.2 million with 5.0% organic growth (compared to proforma H1 2024).

    Half-year Revenue Breakdown by Type
               
      H1 2025 H1 2024
    Proforma
    H1 2024
    Restated
    Total
    Growth
    Organic
    Growth
    €m / %
    Product revenue 280.0 248.7 248.1 12.6% 12.9%
    Recurring revenue 258.0 229.3 228.7 12.5% 12.8%
    o/w Maintenance & Support 91.5 96.2 96.0 -4.9% -4.7%
    o/w Customer-managed Subscription 98.7 76.6 76.5 28.8% 29.0%
    o/w Own-managed Subscription 67.8 56.5 56.2 20.0% 20.6%
    License revenue 22.1 19.4 19.4 13.5% 13.7%
               
    Services revenue 64.0 75.2 74.9 -14.9% -14.6%
               
    Total revenue 344.0 323.9 323.0 6.2% 6.5%

    In the first half of 2025, Product revenue reached €280.0 million, up 12.9% organically, reflecting strong execution across both Axway and SBS. The Group continued to benefit from rising demand for subscription-based offers, with both customer-managed and own-managed subscriptions posting growth above 20%. Maintenance revenue declined as anticipated, while license activity increased but remained low at 6.4% of total revenue. Product revenues accounted for 81% of total revenue (up from 77% in H1 2024) and recurring revenues were at 75% of total revenue (up from 71% in H1 2024), confirming 74Software’s successful transition toward a product- and subscription-led model.

    Axway generated €143.3 million in product revenue, up 10.5% organically. Recurring activities made nearly the entire contribution, driven by a 29.5% increase in customer-managed subscriptions and 6.8% growth in own-managed deployments, reflecting continued momentum in hybrid environments. License revenue decreased by 34.9% as the company continues to phase out new license sales. Maintenance and support dropped by 20.6% due to the continued shift of the customer base towards subscription models. Services revenue was slightly lower, down 2.2%, and represented 11% of Axway’s total.

    SBS recorded €137.7 million in product revenue, up 16.3% organically, with strong performance across all product categories. Own-managed subscriptions rose by 35.2%, customer-managed subscriptions by 25.5%, and maintenance and support increased by 4.2%, supported by a growing installed base. License revenue climbed 21.2%, reflecting continued expansion of integrated and lending solutions. Recurring revenue now represents 64% of SBS’s business (up from 58% in H1 2024), with services accounting for 25% and licenses for 11%. This illustrates SBS’s continued shift from a service-led to a product-led business model.

    Group-wide, Services generated €64.0 million in the first half, or 18.6% of total revenue, down 14.6% compared to last year. This decrease mainly reflects SBS’s repositioning, while Axway’s service contribution remained stable. The difference in service trends between the two businesses stems from their respective models. Axway relies on lighter implementation cycles, whereas SBS delivers more comprehensive banking transformation programs.

    At the end of June 2025, ARR for Axway stood at €255.9 million, reflecting an organic growth of 11.8% year-on-year. SBS also continued to expand its ARR to €233.3 million, up 10.9% organically year-on-year. These solid performances confirm the effectiveness of both companies’ strategic repositioning and reinforce the Group’s revenue predictability and resilience.

    Comments on H1 2025 product line performance

    Axway, a recognized leader in application infrastructure and middleware, delivered solid momentum in the first half of 2025. All product lines contributed to growth, supported by strong commercial execution and increasing demand for cloud-based solutions:

    • Managed File Transfer remained a key contributor despite a normalization of activity following an exceptional 2024. The gradual erosion of legacy maintenance was more than offset by strong momentum in managed deployments, confirming the sustained value of Axway’s hybrid approach.
    • B2B Integration delivered robust gains across the board, benefiting from growing demand for managed solutions and early signs of successful cross-sell with SBS. The product line also saw improvements in both subscription and service revenue.
    • API Management accelerated sharply, supported by strong commercial execution and increased adoption of its integration and engagement modules. The Fusion extension also contributed positively, confirming the platform’s potential.
    • Specialized Products, including the Financial Accounting Hub, maintained steady momentum through targeted compliance and finance use cases. Recent wins via ecosystem partnerships reinforced Axway’s positioning with key accounts.

    SBS, a trusted provider of banking and financing software, posted solid growth in all product lines, confirming the strength of its modular and targeted approach as it continues its shift toward a product-led model:

    • Financing Products maintained a steady trajectory, reflecting stable demand in wholesale auto finance and UK mortgage service. Activity remained resilient despite longer decision cycles in certain regions.
      • Modular Products continued to gain traction, primarily driven by momentum in instant payments and the regulatory reporting platform. Cross-sell into the integrated base gained pace, confirming the appeal of modular architectures.
      • Integrated Products delivered consistent performance, with solid customer retention and ongoing functional improvements. In some markets, modular alternatives are beginning to complement legacy platforms, paving the way for more composable setups. SBS’ market-leading product in Africa continues to perform strongly, adding new customers as well as increasing share of wallet in its installed base.
    • Banking Components continued to gain momentum, particularly in payments, lending, and cards. The strength of customer relationships across key accounts in France continues to drive upsells.

    Comments on H1 2025 profit on operating activities

    Profit on Operating Activities – Group
                       
        H1 2025   H1 2024
    Proforma
      Change
        €m % of Rev.   €m % of Rev.   €m Basis Points
    Product revenue   280.0 81.4%   248.7 76.8%   + 31.3 + 461
    Services revenue   64.0 18.6%   75.2 23.2%   – 11.2 – 461
    Total revenue   344.0     323.9     + 20.1  
    Total costs of revenue   115.9     117.1     – 1.2  
    GROSS PROFIT   228.1 66.3%   206.9 63.9%   + 21.2 + 243
    o/w product gross profit   217.9 77.8%   191.7 77.0%   + 26.2 + 75
    o/w services gross profit   10.2 15.9%   15.2 20.2%   – 5.0 – 422
    Operating expenses   186.8 54.3%   186.9 57.7%   – 0.1 – 341
    o/w research & development   93.2 27.1%   95.0 29.3%   – 1.8 – 224
    o/w sales & marketing   62.8 18.3%   62.3 19.2%   + 0.5 – 96
    o/w general & administrative   30.8 8.9%   29.6 9.1%   + 1.1 – 20
    PROFIT ON OPERATING ACTIVITIES   41.3 12.0%   19.9 6.1%   + 21.4 + 585
    Net Capitalisation of R&D   8.4 2.4%   9.1 2.8%   – 0.8 – 39
    in % of gross R&D   8.2%     8.8%     -0.5%  

    In H1 2025, profit on operating activities reached €41.3 million, representing a margin of 12.0% of revenue, compared with 6.1% in H1 2024. This sharp improvement reflects strong gross profit expansion, driven by a more favorable revenue mix and tight cost control across operating expenses with all lines showing year-on-year efficiencies. Gross margins increased—particularly at Axway—thanks to strong bookings in customer-managed subscriptions, which generated significant upfront revenue at high margins.

    Comments on H1 2025 net profit

    Net Profit – Group
                       
        Half-year 2025   Half-year 2024
    Proforma
    6M AXW + 6M SBS
      Half-year 2024
    Reported
    Axway Standalone
        €m % of Rev.   €m % of Rev.   €m % of Rev.
    PROFIT ON OPERATING ACTIVITIES   41.3 12.0%   19.9 6.1%   17.1 11.5%
    Share-based expenses   -6.7     -2.4     -2.9  
    Amortization of allocated intangibles   -6.2     -7.1     -1.7  
    PROFIT FROM RECURRING OPERATIONS   28.4 8.3%   10.5 3.2%   12.5 8.4%
    Other operating income and expenses   -8.9     -7.9     -4.1  
    OPERATING PROFIT   19.5 5.7%   2.6 0.8%   8.3 5.6%
    Cost of financial debt   -9.0     -8.9     -2.7  
    Other financial income and expenses   -2.2     -2.0     -0.9  
    Income tax expenses   -2.5     -7.2     -2.0  
    NET PROFIT   5.8 1.7%   -15.6 -4.8%   2.8 1.9%
    Earnings per share   0.20 €     -0.54 €     0.13 €  

    Profit from recurring operations reached €28.4 million, after accounting for the amortization of allocated intangibles and share-based expenses. This marks a substantial improvement from the H1 2024 proforma figure of €10.5 million.

    Share-based expenses increased, reflecting the inclusion of SBS in the new long-term incentive program, the Group’s strong share price performance, and higher employer social security rates in France. The purchase price allocation (PPA) related to the SBS acquisition has now been finalized. Amortization of allocated intangibles has been restated for 2024 on a pro forma basis and is expected to total €12–13 million for full-year 2025.

    After including other operating income and expenses, such as restructuring charges and non-recurring items totaling €8.9 million, operating profit amounted to €19.5 million, compared with €2.6 million on a proforma basis in H1 2024.

    Net profit for the half-year came to €5.8 million (1.7%), a significant turnaround from the €15.6 million loss recorded on a proforma basis in the prior year.

    Basic earnings per share stood at €0.20, compared with a loss of €0.54 per share in the first half of 2024 (proforma).

    Financial position on June 30, 2025

    74Software made strong progress in its deleveraging effort during H1 2025. Free cash flow was particularly robust, supported by seasonal inflows from maintenance and subscription renewals, as well as the first-time implementation of a factoring program on selected receivables. Unlevered free cash flow reached €76.4 million, enabling €42 million in debt repayments and boosting cash balances. As a result, net debt stood at €191.8 million (before IFRS 16), with a leverage ratio of 1.83x and a gearing ratio of 0.37x—achieving the full-year leverage target of below 2.0x well ahead of schedule. This deleveraging is expected to reduce interest expenses going forward. Due to seasonal patterns in cash collection, the leverage ratio is expected to remain below 2.0x through year-end, though without material further improvement.

    Shareholders’ equity stood at €512.8 million (72.8% of total capital) at June 30, 2025.

    Change in the workforce

    At June 30, 2025, the Group employed 4,679 full-time equivalents, compared with 4,787 at year-end 2024. This 2.6% reduction reflects continued disciplined workforce management across both Axway and SBS, aligned with the Group’s operational efficiency focus.

    Targets & Ambitions

    Following a strong first half, 74Software confirms its full-year 2025 guidance, underpinned by solid execution and front-loaded bookings. The Group continues to target revenue growth between 2% and 4%, reaching approximately €700 million, with an operating margin between 14% and 16%. Due to the first-time introduction of the factoring program, unlevered free cash flow is now expected to be at least 10% of revenue, and the leverage ratio is projected to remain below 2.0x.

    Looking ahead, 74Software reiterates its ambition to surpass €750 million in revenue by 2027 with an operating margin above 17%, and to reach around 20% by 2028 — in line with its trajectory toward a scalable, profitable, and product-led growth model.

    [ NEW TIME ] Today, Thursday, July 24, 2025, 6.00 p.m. (CEST):

    2025 HALF-YEAR RESULTS – VIRTUAL ANALYST CONFERENCE

    •  Register here or join by phone by dialing one of the numbers below:
      • France: +33 (0) 1 70 37 71 66 / USA: +1 786 697 3501 / International: +44 (0) 33 0551 0200

    Please note that the meeting will be held in English.

    Financial Calendar

    Thursday, October 30, 2025, before market opening: Publication of Q3 2025 Revenue

    Thursday, February 26, 2026, after market closing: Publication of 2025 Full-Year Results

    Glossary and Alternative Performance Measures

    Axway ARR: Annual Recurring Revenue – Expected annual billing amounts from all active maintenance and subscription agreements.

    SBS ARR: Annual Recurring Revenue – Monthly recurring revenue (MRR) for the last month of the reporting period multiplied by 12. Where contracts are affected by seasonality or contracted volume-based elements, the last 12 months of revenue are aggregated in determining ARR. Expected recurring revenue from contracts signed but not yet active are not included in ARR.

    NPS: Net Promoter Score – Customer satisfaction and recommendation indicator for a company.

    Organic growth: Growth in revenue between the period under review and the prior period, restated for consolidation scope and exchange rate impacts.

    Profit on operating activities: Profit from recurring operations adjusted for the non-cash share-based payment expense, as well as the amortization of allocated intangible assets.

    Proforma: Proforma measures assume the acquisition of SBS happened at the beginning of the respective reporting period.

    Restated revenue: Revenue for the prior year, adjusted for the consolidation scope and exchange rates of the current year.

    Unlevered free cash flow: Free cash flow before exceptional items and before net interest expense.

    About 74Software

    74Software is an enterprise software group founded through the combination of Axway and SBS – independently operated leaders with unique experience and capabilities to deliver mission-critical software for a data driven world. A pioneer in enterprise integration solutions for 25 years, Axway supports major brands and government agencies around the globe with its core line of MFT, B2B, API, and Financial Accounting Hub products. SBS empowers banks and financial institutions to reimagine tomorrow’s digital experiences with a composable cloud-based architecture that enables deposits, lending, compliance, payments, consumer, and asset finance services and operations to be deployed worldwide. 74Software serves more than 11,000 companies, including over 1,500 financial service customers. To learn more, visit 74Software.com

    Contacts – Investor Relations:

    Arthur Carli – +33 (0)1 47 17 24 65 – acarli@74software.com

    Chloé Chouard – +33 (0)1 47 17 21 78 – cchouard@74software.com

    Appendices (1/5)

    Income Statement – Group
                       
        Half-year 2025   Half-year 2024
    Proforma
    6M AXW + 6M SBS
      Half-year 2024
    Reported
    Axway Standalone
        €m % of Rev.   €m % of Rev.   €m % of Rev.
    TOTAL REVENUE   344.0     323.9     148.7  
    Total costs of revenue   -115.9     -117.1     -44.0  
    GROSS PROFIT   228.1 66.3%   206.9 63.9%   104.7 70.5%
    Operating expenses   -186.8     -186.9     -87.6  
    PROFIT ON OPERATING ACTIVITIES   41.3 12.0%   19.9 6.1%   17.1 11.5%
    Share-based expenses   -6.7     -2.4     -2.9  
    Amortization of allocated intangibles   -6.2     -7.1     -1.7  
    PROFIT FROM RECURRING OPERATIONS   28.4 8.3%   10.5 3.2%   12.5 8.4%
    Other operating income and expenses   -8.9     -7.9     -4.1  
    OPERATING PROFIT   19.5 5.7%   2.6 0.8%   8.3 5.6%
    Cost of financial debt   -9.0     -8.9     -2.7  
    Other financial income and expenses   -2.2     -2.0     -0.9  
    Income tax expenses   -2.5     -7.2     -2.0  
    NET PROFIT   5.8 1.7%   -15.6 -4.8%   2.8 1.9%
    Earnings per share   0.20 €     -0.54 €     0.13 €  
    Simplified Balance Sheet                    
                         
    in €m   H1 2025
    IFRS
    Consolidated
    FY 2024
    IFRS Consolidated
    Change   in €m   H1 2025
    IFRS
    Consolidated
    FY 2024
    IFRS Consolidated
    Change
    Accounts receivables   246.7 293.5 – 46.8   Cash & cash equivalents   -57.8 -41.4 – 16.4
    Other current assets   123.3 101.9 + 21.4   Financial debt   249.6 291.8 – 42.2
    Accounts payables   -34.1 -28.7 – 5.4   Net debt   191.8 250.4 – 58.6
    Deferred revenue   -138.2 -88.6 – 49.6   Equity   512.8 532.4 – 19.6
    Other current liabilities   -137.2 -158.0 + 20.8   CAPITAL EMPLOYED   704.6 782.8 – 78.2
    Net working capital   60.5 120.1 – 59.7            
    Tangible fixed assets   20.9 25.0 – 4.1            
    Goodwill   523.1 497.4 + 25.7       H1 2025
    IFRS
    Consolidated
    FY 2024
    IFRS Consolidated
    Change
    Other intangibles   132.1 192.3 – 60.2      
    Fixed assets   676.1 714.7 – 38.6   Ratios  
    Other assets   100.2 78.1 + 22.1   DSO (days)   121 145 -24
    Other liabilities   -132.1 -130.1 – 2.0   Net debt / total capital   27.2% 32.0% – 4.8%
    Other assets – liabilities   -31.9 -52.0 + 20.1   Equity / total capital   72.8% 68.0% + 4.8%
    INVESTED ASSETS   704.5 782.8 – 78.4            
    Cash Flow Statement              
                   
      H1 2025   H1 2024   Change Axway
    H1 25 vs. H1 24
    in €m 74Software SBS Axway   Axway Standalone  
    Operating cashflow 89.6 35.8 53.9   15.0   + 38.8
    o/w change in NWC 55.0 29.4 25.6   2.6   + 23.1
    o/w other operating cashflow 34.6 6.4 28.2   12.5   + 15.7
    Investing cashflow -14.2 -9.8 -4.4   -2.7   – 1.6
    o/w PP&E & others -5.0 -0.6 -4.4   -2.7   – 1.7
    o/w capitalized R&D -9.2 -9.2 0.0   0.0   0.0
    Financing cashflow -58.1 -14.6 -43.4   -12.6   – 30.8
    o/w debt repayment -42.0 0.0 -42.0   0.0   – 42.0
    o/w other financing cashflow -16.1 -14.6 -1.4   -12.6   + 11.2
    NET CHANGE IN CASH 16.2 11.1 5.1   -0.2   + 5.3
                   
    Unlevered free cashflow 76.4 29.0 47.4   13.9   + 33.5
    as a % of revenue 22.2% 15.7% 29.5%   9.4%   + 20.1%

    Appendices (2/5)

    Profit on Operating Activities – Axway
                       
        H1 2025
    Axway
      H1 2024
    Reported
    Axway
      Change
        €m % of Rev.   €m % of Rev.   €m Basis Points
    Product revenue   143.3 89.1%   130.5 87.8%   + 12.8 + 134
    Services revenue   17.5 10.9%   18.2 12.2%   – 0.7 – 134
    Total revenue   160.8     148.7     + 12.1  
    Total costs of revenue   40.3     44.0     – 3.7  
    GROSS PROFIT   120.5 74.9%   104.7 70.4%   + 15.8 + 451
    o/w product gross profit   119.3 83.2%   104.6 80.2%   + 14.7 + 308
    o/w services gross profit   1.2 7.0%   0.1 0.6%   + 1.1 + 644
    Operating expenses   93.8 58.4%   87.6 58.9%   + 6.2 – 58
    o/w research & development   32.6 20.3%   31.2 21.0%   + 1.4 – 69
    o/w sales & marketing   43.0 26.8%   41.8 28.1%   + 1.2 – 137
    o/w general & administrative   18.2 11.3%   14.6 9.8%   + 3.6 + 148
    PROFIT ON OPERATING ACTIVITIES   26.7 16.6%   17.1 11.5%   + 9.6 + 508
    Profit on Operating Activities – SBS
                       
        H1 2025
    SBS
      H1 2024
    Proforma
    SBS
      Change
        €m % of Rev.   €m % of Rev.   €m Basis Points
    Product revenue   137.7 74.8%   118.2 67.5%   + 19.5 + 729
    Services revenue   46.5 25.2%   57.0 32.5%   – 10.5 – 729
    Total revenue   184.2     175.2     + 8.9  
    Total costs of revenue   76.6     73.1     + 3.5  
    GROSS PROFIT   107.6 58.4%   102.1 58.3%   + 5.5 + 14
    o/w product gross profit   98.6 71.6%   87.1 73.6%   + 11.5 – 202
    o/w services gross profit   9.0 19.3%   15.1 26.4%   – 6.1 – 710
    Operating expenses   93.0 50.5%   99.3 56.7%   – 6.3 – 619
    o/w research & development   60.6 32.9%   63.8 36.4%   – 3.3 – 354
    o/w sales & marketing   19.8 10.7%   20.5 11.7%   – 0.7 – 93
    o/w general & administrative   12.6 6.8%   15.0 8.6%   – 2.4 – 173
    PROFIT ON OPERATING ACTIVITIES   14.6 7.9%   2.8 1.6%   + 11.8 + 633
    Quarterly Revenue Breakdown by Portfolio Brand
                 
        Q1 2025   Q2 2025   H1 2025
    €m      
    Axway Scope   82.5   78.3   160.8
    SBS Scope   88.3   95.8   184.2
                 
    Consolidation   -0.4   -0.6   -1.0
                 
    74Software   170.4   173.5   344.0

    Appendices (3/5)

    Quarterly Revenue Breakdown by Type
                 
        Q1 2025   Q2 2025   H1 2025
    €m / %      
    Product revenue   139.1   141.0   280.0
    Recurring revenue   129.5   128.4   258.0
    o/w Maintenance & Support   47.0   44.5   91.5
    o/w Customer-managed Subscription   48.6   50.1   98.7
    o/w Own-managed Subscription   34.0   33.8   67.8
    License revenue   9.5   12.5   22.1
                 
    Services revenue   31.3   32.6   64.0
                 
    Total revenue   170.4   173.6   344.0
    Quarterly Revenue Breakdown by Type – Axway
                 
        Q1 2025   Q2 2025   H1 2025
    €m / %      
    Product revenue   73.4   69.8   143.3
    Recurring revenue   72.1   69.5   141.6
    o/w Maintenance & Support   14.4   12.8   27.2
    o/w Customer-managed Subscription   43.7   43.2   87.0
    o/w Own-managed Subscription   13.9   13.4   27.4
    License revenue   1.3   0.4   1.7
                 
    Services revenue   9.0   8.5   17.5
                 
    Total revenue – Axway   82.5   78.3   160.8
    Quarterly Revenue Breakdown by Type – SBS
                 
        Q1 2025   Q2 2025   H1 2025
    €m / %      
    Product revenue   66.0   71.7   137.7
    Recurring revenue   57.9   59.5   117.3
    o/w Maintenance & Support   32.5   31.7   64.2
    o/w Customer-managed Subscription   4.9   6.9   11.7
    o/w Own-managed Subscription   20.5   20.9   41.4
    License revenue   8.2   12.2   20.4
                 
    Services revenue   22.3   24.2   46.5
                 
    Total revenue SBS   88.3   95.8   184.2

    Appendices (4/5)

    Half-year Revenue Breakdown by Portfolio Brand & Type      
                     
        H1 2025
    Axway
      H1 2025
    SBS
      H1 2025
    Consolidation
      H1 2025
    74Software
    €m / %        
    Product revenue   143.3   137.7   -1.0   280.0
    Recurring revenue   141.6   117.3   -1.0   258.0
    o/w Maintenance & Support   27.2   64.2   0.0   91.5
    o/w Customer-managed Subscription   87.0   11.7   0.0   98.7
    o/w Own-managed Subscription   27.4   41.4   -1.0   67.8
    License revenue   1.7   20.4   0.0   22.1
                     
    Services revenue   17.5   46.5   0.0   64.0
                     
    Total revenue   160.8   184.2   -1.0   344.0
    Half-year Revenue Breakdown by Portfolio Brand & Type      
                     
        H1 2024
    Axway
      H1 2024 Proforma
    SBS
      H1 2024 Proforma Consolidation   H1 2024 Proforma 74Software
    €m / %        
    Product revenue   130.5   118.2   0.0   248.7
    Recurring revenue   127.9   101.4   0.0   229.3
    o/w Maintenance & Support   34.6   61.6   0.0   96.2
    o/w Customer-managed Subscription   67.3   9.3   0.0   76.6
    o/w Own-managed Subscription   25.9   30.5   0.0   56.5
    License revenue   2.6   16.8   0.0   19.4
                     
    Services revenue   18.2   57.0   0.0   75.2
                     
    Total revenue   148.7   175.2   0.0   323.9
    Half-year Revenue Breakdown by Region
                 
      H1 2025 H1 2024
    Proforma
    H1 2024
    Restated
    Total
    Growth
    Organic
    Growth
     
      €m % of Rev.
    Europe 208.1 60.5% 203.0 203.2 2.5% 2.4%
    o/w France 99.5 28.9% 99.7 99.7 -0.2% -0.2%
    o/w UK 46.7 13.6% 44.8 45.0 4.3% 3.7%
    Americas 73.3 21.3% 65.6 64.6 11.7% 13.5%
    Middle East & Africa 43.1 12.5% 39.3 39.3 9.7% 9.7%
    Asia & Pacific 19.4 5.7% 15.9 15.8 22.0% 22.7%
                 
    74Software 344.0   323.9 323.0 6.2% 6.5%

    Appendices (5/5)

    Headcount
           
      30/06/2025 31/12/2024 Change
    Europe 3.001 3.090 -89
    Americas 370 378 -8
    Asia – Pacific 869 882 -13
    Middle East – Africa 439 437 2
           
    TOTAL 4.679 4.787 -108
    Impact on Half-year Revenue of Changes in Scope and Exchange Rates
           
    €m / % H1 2025 H1 2024 Growth
    Revenue 344.0 148.7 + 131.4%
    Changes in exchange rates   -0.9  
    Revenue at constant exchange rates 344.0 147.7 + 132.8%
    Changes in scope   +175.2  
    Revenue at constant scope and exchange rates 344.0 323.0 + 6.5%
    Changes in Main Exchange Rates
           
    For 1€ Average Rate
    H1 2025
    Average rate
    H1 2024
    Change
    US Dollar 1.093 1.081 – 1.1%
    Great Britain Pound 0.842 0.855 + 1.5%

    1 The interim consolidated financial statements were subject to limited review procedures.

    Attachment

    • 24072025_74Software_PR_H1 Results 2025_English_VFinal

    The MIL Network –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: Who Will Bury You? Short stories from Zimbabwe about women who refuse to be easily defined

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Gibson Ncube, Senior Lecturer, Stellenbosch University

    Zimbabwe-born, Canada-based Chido Muchemwa’s debut short story collection, Who Will Bury You?, was published late in 2024 and immediately attracted the right kind of attention.

    Here was an unexpected range of themes: queer identity, dislocation in the diaspora, the lingering complexities of family and cultural belonging. The 12 stories, set between Zimbabwe and Canada, trace moments of rupture and reconnection across time and geography. And they’re mostly about women. Women, selfhood, loss and love.

    Gibson Ncube, who researches queer African fiction, unpacks why it’s such a good read.


    What are some of the stories about?

    The recurring questions in Who Will Bury You? are: who will remain when we are gone – who will understand us, who will grieve for us, and who will honour the truths we live by? These questions are animated through emotionally layered stories that centre the lives of Zimbabwean women and queer characters.

    Written with subtlety and care, some of the stories draw on Zimbabwean folklore, allowing Muchemwa to bridge the mythical and the present-day. She demonstrates how ancestral narratives continue to shape how people experience love, loss and belonging.

    House of Anansi Press

    The title story introduces a Zimbabwean “church going woman” and her daughter, who is living in Canada and has embraced a lesbian identity. In Zimbabwe, same-sex relationships remain criminalised under laws inherited from colonial rule and reinforced by state-sponsored homophobia. Political leaders often frame queerness as un-African or morally deviant.

    The story is told through alternating perspectives and offers a portrait of intergenerational estrangement, cultural friction, and love strained by silence. What one of the characters calls “things that might never feel sayable”. The theme of queerness recurs in several other stories like This Will Break My Mother’s Heart and If It Wasn’t for the Nights.

    Muchemwa allows these stories to gather meaning through multiple vantage points. She seems to resist resolution in favour of complexity. The collection is a significant contribution to the small but growing body of Zimbabwean literature that openly addresses queerness.

    What’s Muchemwa saying about queer African life?

    One of Muchemwa’s most powerful acts in the book is to treat queer life not as peripheral, but as central to the cultural, emotional and political worlds her characters inhabit. Queer desire, intimacy and estrangement are not exceptional disruptions. They are ordinary realities that are woven into everyday life. In these stories, queerness is at once a site of tenderness, conflict and hope. The effects of religion and colonial morality continue to shape how love is expressed and denied.


    Read more: 7 queer African works of art: new directions in books, films and fashion


    The stories challenge the erasure of queer voices by positioning them at the heart of families and communities. Queer characters are neither idealised nor victimised. They are allowed to simply be joyful, ambivalent, flawed, and resilient.

    Aside from identity, what are some of the other themes?

    The book also grapples with questions of memory, history and myth. In Finding Mermaids, Muchemwa blends contemporary reportage with folklore. A journalist and her grieving mother investigate the disappearance of young girls in a rural Zimbabwean town who are suspected to have been captured by njuzu, water spirits.

    Other stories, like Kariba Heights and The Captive River, explore the legacies of colonialism and the spiritual power of the Zambezi River. In these stories, Muchemwa is attentive to how land, history and belief have an impact on personal experiences.

    Living away from home, in the diaspora, is also a theme. Zimbabwe’s collapsing economy and ongoing political instability have driven many to seek better lives abroad, looking for jobs or educational opportunities.

    Characters in Toronto grapple with cultural dislocation. They long for home as they tackle the challenges of forging new forms of kinship abroad. The Toronto that Muchemwa renders is richly textured. It’s far from a generic western backdrop. It is portrayed as a space of possibility and tension in which characters remake themselves in the face of displacement.

    Why is it a special book to you as a scholar?

    Muchemwa’s prose is precise, controlled, and emotionally resonant. She writes with confidence, trusting the power of implication and delicate shifts in tone. The plots of the stories are simple. They are not driven by dramatic revelations. Rather, by accumulative emotional insight. Her characters often seem to border on the edge of decision or reconciliation. In fact, their silences are as revealing as their speech.

    Throughout the collection, there’s a sense of hushed intensity. The question of who will be there – at the end, in crisis, in love – lingers and ties the stories together. Even as her characters move between countries, generations and identities, they remain tied by their desire for recognition and care.


    Read more: Books: folklore and fantasy combine in Langabi, a supernatural historical epic from Zimbabwe


    Muchemwa’s debut contributes to a growing body of contemporary African writing that focuses on intimacy, friendship and queerness as legitimate and urgent narrative concerns. Who Will Bury You? offers a fresh take that avoids the clichés and stereotypes often associated with African literature – what Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has famously called the single story.

    Rather than dwelling on recurrent tropes of suffering or political crisis, Muchemwa’s stories place a spotlight on private lives and emotional entanglements. They compel us to be attentive to the quiet yet consequential turmoil that takes place within families and intimate relationships.

    The collection does not avoid the cultural and religious violences that have an impact on everyday life. But Muchemwa faces them through the perspective of those who survive, and remake, these constraints on their own terms.

    Who Will Bury You? is a carefully crafted collection that demands close attention. It’s a book about women who refuse to be easily defined. With this collection, Muchemwa asserts herself as a compelling new voice in Zimbabwean and African literature. Her debut represents new African storytelling which continues to expand the narratives of African writers. It dares to centre the personal, the queer, and the emotionally complex.

    – Who Will Bury You? Short stories from Zimbabwe about women who refuse to be easily defined
    – https://theconversation.com/who-will-bury-you-short-stories-from-zimbabwe-about-women-who-refuse-to-be-easily-defined-261291

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Gov. Hochul’s Op-Ed in the USA Today Network

    Source: US State of New York

    oday, the USA Today Network published an op-ed by Governor Kathy Hochul outlining her commitment to securing New York’s clean energy future, including her bold new directive to the New York Power Authority to take the next step towards building an advanced nuclear power plant in Upstate New York. From leading the nation in community solar to delivering major offshore wind projects, Governor Hochul lays out her vision for an energy strategy to power the next generation of jobs, technology, and economic growth and explains why advanced nuclear must be part of that future. Text of the op-ed can be viewed online and is available below:

    Affordability starts with energy.

    Whether it’s powering a home, a business, or a factory floor, reliable and reasonably priced electricity makes New York’s high quality of life possible. That’s why I’ve made it a cornerstone of our strategy to grow jobs, attract investment, and give families a reason to stay and build their lives here.

    It’s why I’ve worked to attract transformational economic development projects, like Micron’s $100 billion semiconductor campus outside of Syracuse and our nation-leading effort to create the country’s largest super computer dedicated to responsible AI in Buffalo. These investments bring jobs, opportunity, and long-overdue momentum to upstate communities.

    I grew up in Western New York. I remember when the region thrived — when energy from the Niagara River powered steel plants, car factories, and a middle class strong enough to support entire towns. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy stood at the opening of the Niagara hydropower plant and called it “an example to the world of North American efficiency and determination.”

    But when the economic tides shifted and innovation stalled, upstate cities were left behind. What followed was decades of disinvestment and job loss.

    Now, New York has a chance to reverse that trend — but we need to ensure we have the sufficient power to do it. I believe our state can lead the next energy revolution and, in doing so, bring a new era of prosperity to the regions that once powered America.

    NYPA must embrace advance nuclear power upstate

    That’s why I recently directed the New York Power Authority to take the next step in building an advanced nuclear power plant upstate. It’s a bold move, but one grounded in reality. If we want to power the economy of the future, we need a clean, reliable, around-the-clock source of electricity. Advanced nuclear power can deliver that.

    New York is already a national leader in renewable energy. We’ve topped the charts two years running as the number one community solar market in the country and beat our 2025 distributed solar goal a year ahead of schedule. We built South Fork Wind, the nation’s first utility-scale offshore wind farm, and put two more major projects — Sunrise Wind and Empire Wind — back on track after I raised their importance directly with the White House.

    These aren’t just policy wins. They represent real jobs, clean power, and progress.

    But solar only works when the sun shines, and wind turbines only spin when the weather is right. The industries of tomorrow need a fully dependable electric grid. They need certainty, which means renewables and clean baseload.

    The next chapter of New York’s economy depends on our ability to power it. Without enough clean and affordable energy, we won’t be able to support the jobs, homes and innovations we’re fighting to bring here.

    Imagine this: Microchips manufactured outside Syracuse are shipped to the University at Buffalo, where they power AI research. Those breakthroughs spark new startups in Rochester, create supply chain opportunities in Binghamton, and support robotics labs in Schenectady. That’s the future we want for upstate New York — one where our communities are connected, our workforce is empowered and our economy is firing on all cylinders.

    But that vision doesn’t run on hope. It runs on electricity, and a lot of it.

    That’s why I’ve committed to an all-of-the-above energy strategy. In just the last five years, we’ve built more than two gigawatts of renewable energy, making New York’s electric grid the second cleanest per capita in the country. But we can’t stop there.

    Advanced nuclear power can fuel New York’s future

    Advanced nuclear power offers baseload electricity without burning fossil fuels. One gigawatt can power one million homes. It’s reliable, carbon-free, and scalable. And it’s not untested — New York already has three nuclear plants that have operated safely and efficiently for decades. These next-generation reactors will be even more advanced and secure.

    I understand concerns about cost. Some projects, like the plant in Georgia, came in late and over budget. We are learning from those experiences, applying best practices and ensuring tight oversight. We can show the country that New York still knows how to build with ambition, discipline and results.

    We’re not just imagining the future. We’re constructing it. When we pair New York’s world-class workforce with forward-looking energy investments, we unlock a new era of innovation and inclusive economic growth.

    Energy helped write the story of the Rust Belt’s rise and fall. Now, it can power the comeback. Let’s seize that opportunity — and build the future that every New Yorker deserves.

    Kathy Hochul is Governor of New York.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Capito Participates in EPW T&I Subcommittee Hearing on Surface Transportation Improvements

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    [embedded content]

    To watch Chairman Capito’s questions, click here or the image above.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, participated in an EPW Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee hearing on proposals to improve America’s transportation infrastructure.

    During the subcommittee hearing, Chairman Capito opened with remarks outlining the need for the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill to provide states with needed flexibility, and how projects could be done more efficiently with permitting reform. Additionally, Chairman Capito asked for an update on efforts to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland.

    HIGHLIGHTS:

    FLEXIBILITY FOR STATES:

    “My history here on Capitol Hill has been that transportation and infrastructure is something that we all have. We have our different needs, but we all have need for. So, I think flexibility, Senator Lummis, I think, asked the first question I was going to ask of Mr. Orn on the flexibilities that you get by having the formula funding. We’re not going to build highways in West Virginia the same way that you build them in North Dakota, or Maryland, or other places. There’s just different needs.”

    PERMITTING REFORM:

    “I think one of the things that is important as well, is permitting reform. I think if we can get bipartisan permitting reform, all of these dollars will go a lot faster, and a lot more efficiently than they have in the past.”

    UPDATE ON FRANCIS SCOTT KEY BRIDGE:

    Chairman Capito:

    “Could you update me on the status of the reconstruction of the bridge and tell us the current cost estimate for that bridge?”

    Samantha Biddle, Deputy Secretary, Maryland Department of Transportation:

    “Of course, and thank you as well for your support and partnership as we navigated what was truly a catastrophic event that we are still working through. So, we’re so immensely grateful for the federal support. This is a critical national freight and supply chain asset, and we pledge to remain transparent with this committee and providing updates, as well as in our efforts to seek reimbursement to the responsible party for that bridge collision. To date, the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild has been environmentally cleared, and we have a progressive design-build contractor in place, and pre-construction and demolition activities are currently underway. We appreciate the strong continued partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, as well as our progressive design-build contractor, Kiewit, and we do remain on track to deliver a new bridge as quickly and cost effectively as possible. However, due to the progressive design-build process that we’re working through, we are currently still tracking the initial cost estimate from earlier on in the bridge rebuild process.”

    Click HERE to watch Chairman Capito’s questions.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Capito Participates in EPW T&I Subcommittee Hearing on Surface Transportation Improvements

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    [embedded content]

    To watch Chairman Capito’s questions, click here or the image above.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, participated in an EPW Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee hearing on proposals to improve America’s transportation infrastructure.

    During the subcommittee hearing, Chairman Capito opened with remarks outlining the need for the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill to provide states with needed flexibility, and how projects could be done more efficiently with permitting reform. Additionally, Chairman Capito asked for an update on efforts to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland.

    HIGHLIGHTS:

    FLEXIBILITY FOR STATES:

    “My history here on Capitol Hill has been that transportation and infrastructure is something that we all have. We have our different needs, but we all have need for. So, I think flexibility, Senator Lummis, I think, asked the first question I was going to ask of Mr. Orn on the flexibilities that you get by having the formula funding. We’re not going to build highways in West Virginia the same way that you build them in North Dakota, or Maryland, or other places. There’s just different needs.”

    PERMITTING REFORM:

    “I think one of the things that is important as well, is permitting reform. I think if we can get bipartisan permitting reform, all of these dollars will go a lot faster, and a lot more efficiently than they have in the past.”

    UPDATE ON FRANCIS SCOTT KEY BRIDGE:

    Chairman Capito:

    “Could you update me on the status of the reconstruction of the bridge and tell us the current cost estimate for that bridge?”

    Samantha Biddle, Deputy Secretary, Maryland Department of Transportation:

    “Of course, and thank you as well for your support and partnership as we navigated what was truly a catastrophic event that we are still working through. So, we’re so immensely grateful for the federal support. This is a critical national freight and supply chain asset, and we pledge to remain transparent with this committee and providing updates, as well as in our efforts to seek reimbursement to the responsible party for that bridge collision. To date, the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild has been environmentally cleared, and we have a progressive design-build contractor in place, and pre-construction and demolition activities are currently underway. We appreciate the strong continued partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, as well as our progressive design-build contractor, Kiewit, and we do remain on track to deliver a new bridge as quickly and cost effectively as possible. However, due to the progressive design-build process that we’re working through, we are currently still tracking the initial cost estimate from earlier on in the bridge rebuild process.”

    Click HERE to watch Chairman Capito’s questions.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Capito Participates in EPW T&I Subcommittee Hearing on Surface Transportation Improvements

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    [embedded content]
    To watch Chairman Capito’s questions, click here or the image above.
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, participated in an EPW Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee hearing on proposals to improve America’s transportation infrastructure.
    During the subcommittee hearing, Chairman Capito opened with remarks outlining the need for the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill to provide states with needed flexibility, and how projects could be done more efficiently with permitting reform. Additionally, Chairman Capito asked for an update on efforts to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland.
    HIGHLIGHTS:
    FLEXIBILITY FOR STATES:
    “My history here on Capitol Hill has been that transportation and infrastructure is something that we all have. We have our different needs, but we all have need for. So, I think flexibility, Senator Lummis, I think, asked the first question I was going to ask of Mr. Orn on the flexibilities that you get by having the formula funding. We’re not going to build highways in West Virginia the same way that you build them in North Dakota, or Maryland, or other places. There’s just different needs.”
    PERMITTING REFORM:
    “I think one of the things that is important as well, is permitting reform. I think if we can get bipartisan permitting reform, all of these dollars will go a lot faster, and a lot more efficiently than they have in the past.”
    UPDATE ON FRANCIS SCOTT KEY BRIDGE:
    Chairman Capito:
    “Could you update me on the status of the reconstruction of the bridge and tell us the current cost estimate for that bridge?”
    Samantha Biddle, Deputy Secretary, Maryland Department of Transportation:
    “Of course, and thank you as well for your support and partnership as we navigated what was truly a catastrophic event that we are still working through. So, we’re so immensely grateful for the federal support. This is a critical national freight and supply chain asset, and we pledge to remain transparent with this committee and providing updates, as well as in our efforts to seek reimbursement to the responsible party for that bridge collision. To date, the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild has been environmentally cleared, and we have a progressive design-build contractor in place, and pre-construction and demolition activities are currently underway. We appreciate the strong continued partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, as well as our progressive design-build contractor, Kiewit, and we do remain on track to deliver a new bridge as quickly and cost effectively as possible. However, due to the progressive design-build process that we’re working through, we are currently still tracking the initial cost estimate from earlier on in the bridge rebuild process.”
    Click HERE to watch Chairman Capito’s questions.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Capito Participates in EPW T&I Subcommittee Hearing on Surface Transportation Improvements

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    [embedded content]

    To watch Chairman Capito’s questions, click here or the image above.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, participated in an EPW Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee hearing on proposals to improve America’s transportation infrastructure.

    During the subcommittee hearing, Chairman Capito opened with remarks outlining the need for the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill to provide states with needed flexibility, and how projects could be done more efficiently with permitting reform. Additionally, Chairman Capito asked for an update on efforts to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland.

    HIGHLIGHTS:

    FLEXIBILITY FOR STATES:

    “My history here on Capitol Hill has been that transportation and infrastructure is something that we all have. We have our different needs, but we all have need for. So, I think flexibility, Senator Lummis, I think, asked the first question I was going to ask of Mr. Orn on the flexibilities that you get by having the formula funding. We’re not going to build highways in West Virginia the same way that you build them in North Dakota, or Maryland, or other places. There’s just different needs.”

    PERMITTING REFORM:

    “I think one of the things that is important as well, is permitting reform. I think if we can get bipartisan permitting reform, all of these dollars will go a lot faster, and a lot more efficiently than they have in the past.”

    UPDATE ON FRANCIS SCOTT KEY BRIDGE:

    Chairman Capito:

    “Could you update me on the status of the reconstruction of the bridge and tell us the current cost estimate for that bridge?”

    Samantha Biddle, Deputy Secretary, Maryland Department of Transportation:

    “Of course, and thank you as well for your support and partnership as we navigated what was truly a catastrophic event that we are still working through. So, we’re so immensely grateful for the federal support. This is a critical national freight and supply chain asset, and we pledge to remain transparent with this committee and providing updates, as well as in our efforts to seek reimbursement to the responsible party for that bridge collision. To date, the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild has been environmentally cleared, and we have a progressive design-build contractor in place, and pre-construction and demolition activities are currently underway. We appreciate the strong continued partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, as well as our progressive design-build contractor, Kiewit, and we do remain on track to deliver a new bridge as quickly and cost effectively as possible. However, due to the progressive design-build process that we’re working through, we are currently still tracking the initial cost estimate from earlier on in the bridge rebuild process.”

    Click HERE to watch Chairman Capito’s questions.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint Statement on the Invocation of the OSCE Moscow Mechanism

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Joint Statement on the Invocation of the OSCE Moscow Mechanism

    UK and 40 other countries invoke the Moscow Mechanism to address ill treatment of prisoners of war by the Russian Federation

    Thank you, Chair.   I will deliver an abridged version of this statement this afternoon. The full statement will be circulated in writing and I request that it be attached to the Journal of the Day.  

    I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following participating States: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,  Georgia, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,  Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,  San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.   

    Today, our delegations will send the following letter to ODIHR Director Maria Telalian, invoking the Moscow Mechanism, with the support of Ukraine, as we continue to have concerns regarding violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law following Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, including with regard to ill treatment of Ukrainian Prisoners of War (POW).   

    Director Telalian, 

    With Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in its fourth year and as Russia’s illegal occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol and certain areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine has entered its eleventh year, we continue to witness large scale human suffering and alarming reports of violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and of international human rights law (IHRL), many of which may amount to the most serious international crimes.  

    Against the backdrop of the full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, launched by the Russian Federation on February 24, 2022, a number of credible sources, including the Moscow Mechanism expert missions, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry, as well as civil society organizations, have reported that the Russian Federation has consistently violated the rights of prisoners of war (POWs) throughout their detention and at multiple detention facilities within the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and the Russian Federation. There have been credible reports that the extensive and routine torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian POWs throughout their detention constitutes a continued systematic pattern of state policy and practice by the Russian Federation. Torture follows common patterns across different locations, indicating it is a coordinated, deliberate, and systematic practice.  

    In 2022, 2023 and 2024, 45 OSCE Delegations, following bilateral consultations with Ukraine under the Vienna (Human Dimension) Mechanism, invoked Paragraph 8 of the Moscow (Human Dimension) Mechanism. The reports of the independent missions of experts, received by OSCE participating States, confirmed our shared concerns about the impact of the Russian Federation’s invasion and acts of war, its violations and abuses of IHRL, and violations of IHL in Ukraine.  

    We remain particularly alarmed by the findings of the expert missions that some of the violations may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity as well as the identification of patterns of reported violations of IHL and IHRL regarding the treatment of prisoners of war.  

    The prohibition against torture in international law is absolute.  Parties to an armed conflict are obliged to ensure the rights of POWs as set out in the Third Geneva Convention of 1949 relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War and Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions. Prisoners of war must at all times be protected, particularly against acts of violence or intimidation and against insults and public curiosity. No physical or mental torture, nor any other form of coercion, may be inflicted on prisoners of war to secure from them information of any kind whatever. Prisoners of war who refuse to answer may not be threatened, insulted or exposed to unpleasant or disadvantageous treatment of any kin Torture and inhuman treatment of POWs are grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions, and likewise war crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. 

    ODIHR’s Ukraine Monitoring Initiative has continued to identify patterns of reported IHL and IHRL violations related to the treatment of Ukrainian POWs including in their Sixth Interim Report of 13 December 2024 and their Seventh Interim Report of 15 July 2025. Interviews with survivors and witnesses attested to a continued practice of systematic torture and other IHL and IHRL violations perpetrated against Ukrainian POWs  prompting serious concerns about the Russian Federation’s failure to comply with the fundamental principles that govern the treatment of POWs.  

    In equal measure, the OHCHR and the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) have reported on the systematic and widespread use of torture of Ukrainian POWs by Russian authorities. In its March 2023 report, the HRMMU documented violations of IHRL and IHL in 32 of 48 detention facilities in Russia and Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, related to torture and other ill-treatment,  dire conditions of internment  including inadequate quarters, food, hygiene, and medical care, along with restricted communication, forced labor, and a lack of access of independent monitors. .  Many were held incommunicado deprived of the possibility to communicate with family or the outside world. Russian authorities subjected Ukrainian POWs to unlawful prosecutions for mere participation in hostilities; using torture to extract confessions; and denying fair trials.   

    According to witness testimonies, there were numerous incidents whereby POWs died in captivity due to execution, torture, ill-treatment and/or inadequate medical attention as well as inhumane conditions during their captivity.   

    The OHCHR’s October 2024 Report on the Treatment of Prisoners of War further documented detailed and consistent accounts of torture or ill treatment in Russian Federation custody.   

    Survivors have described the wide-ranging methods of torture or ill-treatment of Ukrainian POWs including: severe physical beatings; electrocution (including the targeting of genitalia); excessively intense physical exercise; stress positions; dog attacks; mock executions (including simulated hangings); threats of physical violence and death; sexual violence, including rape; threats of rape and castration; threats of coerced sexual acts; and other forms of humiliation.   

    Since the end of August 2024, OHCHR also has recorded a significant increase in credible allegations of executions of Ukrainian servicepersons captured by Russian armed forces, involving at least 97 individuals.   

    The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine (UN COI) stated on 23 September 2024 that it has evidence of widespread and systematic torture by Russian authorities against Ukrainian civilians and POWs in the temporarily occupied territories and in Russia. They concluded that torture follows common patterns across different locations, indicating it is a coordinated practice.  In their March 2025 report, the UN COI again called on the Russian Federation to immediately end the widespread and systematic use of torture and other forms of ill-treatment committed against civilian detainees and prisoners of war  

    The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine is investigating the reported execution of 273 Ukrainian POWs, including 208 who were reportedly executed on the battlefield and 59 in the ‘‘Olenivka’’ colony. However, the real number of those executed is likely much higher. 

    We are deeply concerned about the severity and frequency of these violations and abuses. We are particularly appalled by reported executions of Ukrainian POWs and Ukrainian soldiers rendered hors de combat upon their surrender and by the desecration/mutilation of bodies.  We are also deeply concerned with the practice of filming and distributing images of these abhorrent incidents.  

    Following grave concerns over the ill-treatment of Ukrainian POWs, highlighted, inter alia, by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the OSCE, we call on all parties to the armed conflict ensure that POWs are treated in full compliance with IHL.  

    We recall that OSCE participating States have committed themselves to respect IHL, including the Third Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War of 1949, bearing in mind that the willful killing, torture, inhuman treatment, causing great suffering, or serious injury to body or health of persons protected under the Geneva Conventions, including prisoners of war, constitutes a war crime. No prisoner of war may be subjected to physical mutilation or to medical or scientific experiments of any kind which are not justified by the medical, dental or hospital treatment of the prisoner concerned and carried out in his interest. Likewise, prisoners of war must at all times be protected, particularly against acts of violence or intimidation and against insults and public curiosity. 

    We also recall that the prohibition of torture is a peremptory norm of international law without territorial limitation, which applies at all times and in all places.   Measures of reprisal against POWs are prohibited. 

    We call on the Russia Federation to end the torture and ill-treatment of all detainees and ensure adequate conditions of detention including the provision of basic needs such as food, water, clothing, and medical care. We further call for providing timely and accurate information on detainees’ whereabouts and legal status, and for granting international humanitarian organizations, like the International Committee of the Red Cross, unfettered access to such persons. 

    Gravely concerned by the continuing impacts of Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, and gravely concerned by credible allegations of the torture, ill-treatment and executions of Ukrainian POWs, and soldiers hors de combat, the delegations of Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,  Georgia, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,  Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,  San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, following bilateral consultations with Ukraine under the Vienna Mechanism, invoke the Moscow (Human Dimension) Mechanism under Paragraph 8 of that document.  

    We request that ODIHR inquire of Ukraine whether it would invite a mission of experts to build upon previous findings, and:  

    To establish the facts and circumstances surrounding possible contraventions of relevant OSCE commitments; violations and abuses of human rights; and violations of IHL, including possible cases of war crimes and crimes against humanity, related to the treatment of Ukrainian POWs by the Russian Federation ; 

    To collect, consolidate, and analyse this information including to determine if there is a pattern of widespread and systematic torture, ill-treatment and execution of Ukrainian POWs and soldiers hors de combat and/or at detention facilities by the Russian Federation in the temporarily occupied territories and in Russia and 

    To offer recommendations on relevant accountability mechanisms. 

    We also invite ODIHR to provide any relevant information or documentation derived from any new expert mission to other appropriate accountability mechanisms, including the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine or the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, as well as national, regional, or international courts or tribunals that have, or may in future have, jurisdiction.  

    Thank you for your attention.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 July 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    • UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals
    • Move to the UK if you’re coming from Ukraine
    • Homes for Ukraine: record your interest
    • Find out about the UK’s response

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province strengthens local evacuation routes, public notification planning

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The public notification and evacuation route planning funding stream of the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) supports projects that develop or update evacuation route plans and/or public notification plans. This funding is provided by the Province and is administered through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM).

    Local governments and First Nations throughout B.C. will receive nearly $2 million from the public notification and evacuation route planning (PNERP) funding stream as follows:

    Alert Bay – Review hazard and vulnerability assessment, develop evacuation route plan and develop a public information process.
    Amount: $46,844
    Sub-applicant: ‘Na̲mg̲is First Nation

    Capital Regional District – Review and update evacuation planning guides and develop evacuation maps for Salt Spring Island, Southern Gulf Islands, Pacheedaht First Nation and Juan de Fuca.
    Amount: $40,000

    Central Coast Regional District – Develop a comprehensive emergency and disaster communications plan, conduct a gap analysis, identify multi-channel notification tools and provide staff training to enhance public alerting and responder co-ordination.
    Amount: $40,000

    Coldstream – Develop evacuation route and public notification plans for people, livestock and movement of property to a safe location.
    Amount: $40,000

    Columbia Shuswap Regional District – Update the Salmon Arm evacuation route plan within the Shuswap Emergency Program and enhance evacuation guidance for high-risk communities.
    Amount: $39,816
    Sub-applicant: Salmon Arm

    Cook’s Ferry Indian Band – Develop evacuation route and notification plans, identifying routes and transport modes and outlining emergency alert strategies.
    Amount: $40,000

    Cowichan Valley Regional District – Develop evacuation route plans to address high-risk communities.
    Amount: $160,000
    Sub-applicants: Duncan; North Cowichan; Ladysmith

    Delta – Create a public notification strategy, establish multi-channel alerts, partner with neighbouring First Nations and run a readiness exercise.
    Amount: $40,000

    Dzawada’enuxw First Nation – Create comprehensive evacuation route and public notification plans for Kingcome Inlet, including route mapping, multi-modal evacuation strategies, stakeholder co-ordination and community education.
    Amount: $40,000

    Fort St. James – Update the evacuation route plan, assess routes for alternative highway access and develop a multi-channel public notification plan integrated with an emergency alert system.
    Amount: $40,000

    Fraser Valley Regional District – New evacuation route plan for Boston Bar Electoral Area A.
    Amount: $40,000

    Gitxaala Nation – Ladm gyina sguuyu Gyinasguu sumsxsit Leave Something Good Behind: Update evacuation route and public notification plans using technologies and cultural knowledge, including identifying a new route to higher ground and planning for air and water evacuations.
    Amount: $40,000

    Granisle – Update evacuation route and public notification plans by mapping routes and transport options, integrating early warning tools, engaging the community and testing the plan with a tabletop exercise.
    Amount: $40,000

    Huu-ay-aht First Nations – Develop a clear evacuation route plan including identifying, mapping and capacity of available routes for residents and visitors.
    Amount: $36,193

    Kimberley – Develop an evacuation route plan, outlining route capacity, timelines, control points and best practices.
    Amount: $40,000

    Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation – Develop new evacuation route and public notification plans.
    Amount: $40,000

    Kootenay-Boundary Regional District – Develop water-based evacuation route plans for boat-only residents on Christina Lake using best practices from the 2023 North Shuswap evacuations.
    Amount: $40,000

    Lake Country – Align the municipal evacuation route and notification plan with the regional plan by collaborating with neighbours and Indigenous partners and adding geographic information system (GIS) mapping support.
    Amount: $40,000

    Langley Township – Update evacuation route plan, integrating BC Alerting technology, and update the public notification plan and tabletop exercises.
    Amount: $40,000

    Lheidli-T’enneh First Nation – Develop and implement a new evacuation route plan, including community consultations.
    Amount: $29,320

    Lions Bay – Develop a comprehensive new evacuation route plan, targeted public notification plan, community education, and evacuation drills.
    Amount: $40,000

    McLeod Lake Indian Band – Update evacuation route plan and evacuation communications strategy.
    Amount: $35,000

    Merritt – Develop new evacuation route and public notification plans based on lived experiences of residents.
    Amount: $40,000

    Metchosin – Develop a public notification plan that integrates the Earthquake Early Warning system, multi-channel alerts, stakeholder co-ordination and exercise testing.
    Amount: $40,000

    Nelson – Update evacuation route and public notification plans, including GIS mapping enhancements and a multi-agency tabletop exercise.
    Amount: $40,000

    North Okanagan Regional District – Update the evacuation route plan and the public notification plan for Electoral Areas B and C to reflect growth and integrate Indigenous and neighbouring communities with consistent messaging.
    Amount: $40,000

    Northern Rockies Regional Municipality – Develop a crisis communication plan with staff training resources, mapping and communications.
    Amount: $31,900

    Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen – Update evacuation route and public notification plans with improved GIS mapping, updated hazard data and stakeholder engagement to ensure plans meet community evacuation needs.
    Amount: $160,000
    Sub-applicants: Osoyoos; Keremeos; Summerland

    Peace River Regional District – Develop new evacuation route plan and update the public notification plan.
    Amount: $40,000

    Pemberton – Update the Pemberton Valley evacuation route plan with current census data and expand its scope to include social and broader emergency management factors.
    Amount: $41,000
    Sub-applicant: Squamish-Lillooet Regional District

    Penticton – Create a public notification and communications plan with workshops and a tabletop exercise, and update the evacuation route plan with mapping, traffic data and alternative transport options.
    Amount: $40,000

    Port McNeill – Create new evacuation route and public notification plans for low-lying, sea-level-rise and tsunami-vulnerable areas, including detailed route mapping, regional connectivity and stakeholder engagement.
    Amount: $38,400

    Pouce Coupe – Develop new evacuation route and public notification plans, mapping safe corridors and co-ordinating alert strategies with community partners.
    Amount: $39,750

    qathet Regional District – Updating evacuation route plans and the community’s public notification plan.
    Amount: $40,000

    shíshálh Nation – Update the evacuation route plan, including running a tabletop exercise with Chief, council and administration.
    Amount: $40,000

    Sts’ailes – Develop a new evacuation route master plan.
    Amount: $40,000

    Tla’amin Nation – Update the evacuation route plan, which includes identification and capacity of available routes, collaboration, modes of transportation and methods of evacuation.
    Amount: $36,000

    Tsawwassen First Nation – Develop new evacuation route and public notification plans, collaborating with neighbouring jurisdictions and revising relevant local plans and policies.
    Amount: $40,000

    Tseshaht First Nation – Develop a new public notification and evacuation route plan tailored to Tseshaht First Nation’s evacuation needs, cultural context, infrastructure and communication preferences.
    Amount: $40,000

    Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN) – Develop a new evacuation route plan with mapping, workshops and resources, engaging with community knowledge keeper and across TWN departments.
    Amount: $40,000

    West Kelowna – Developing a new evacuation route plan by evaluating the evacuation capacity of the Glenrosa area, includes reviewing alternate roads and exit routes to ensure residents can leave quickly and safely.
    Amount: $39,620

    Witset First Nation – Update the evacuation route and public notification plans to ensure timely evacuations and clear information sharing during emergencies.
    Amount: $40,000

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Tonko, Fitzpatrick, Bacon, and Markey Introduce Community Mental Wellness & Resilience Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

    WASHINGTON, DC — Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) today reintroduced H.R. 4744, the Community Mental Wellness & Resilience Act, a bipartisan bill that tackles the nation’s mental health crisis by addressing the extensive community trauma caused by natural disasters. This innovative legislation will empower communities through a new federal grant program to craft their own locally specific responses to the mental health problems caused by disasters and toxic stresses.

    “Extreme weather disasters don’t just wreak havoc on our homes, economies, and infrastructure — they inflict lasting trauma and mental harm for those both directly impacted and far beyond the affected area,” Congressman Tonko said. “We need to provide compassionate, evidence-informed solutions to support our communities. That’s why I’m leading this bipartisan legislation in partnership with my colleagues. We’ll continue working to further mental wellness and equip our communities with the resources they need to meet and overcome these traumas.”

    “Communities are struggling to meet the current need for mental health services, and as the climate crisis worsens, unprecedented disasters will only cause more unprecedented harm to our physical and mental health,” said Senator Markey. “Heat waves, flash floods, wildfires, and droughts leave devastation and trauma in their wake. My Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act would give communities the help they need to protect residents’ mental health, especially those in rural and underserved communities that are getting hit first and worst by disasters and have the fewest resources to deal with them.”

    “For too long, our disaster response has focused solely on physical recovery, while the mental and emotional toll has gone unaddressed. This bipartisan legislation corrects that imbalance by treating mental health as a core component of our public health and emergency preparedness strategy. By investing in evidence-based, community-driven solutions, we’re not just helping communities rebuild—we’re helping them heal,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick.  

    “The mental health crisis affecting our communities is one of the most serious challenges of our time. We need comprehensive, community-driven solutions that empower local leaders to develop and implement programs that work for their specific needs,” said Congressman Don Bacon. “The bipartisan Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act puts the power back in the hands of our communities to create meaningful, lasting change in mental health care.” 

    In 2024, Mental Health America reported that nearly 23 percent of U.S. adults (~60 million people) experienced a diagnosed mental illness, with more than 5 percent facing severe conditions. Natural disasters only exacerbate the problem. Consequently, the number of people who experience a mental health problem as a result of a natural disaster often outweigh those with physical injuries by 40 to 1.

    The Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act will:

    • Establish a competitive grant program at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create, operate, or expand community-based programs that use a public health approach to build mental wellness and resilience
    • These programs will work to enhance the capacity of all residents for mental wellness and resilience to prevent and heal mental health problems generated by disasters and toxic stresses
      • Incorporates a set-aside to help address rural mental health disparities
    • Community initiatives will build their own strategies to enhance and sustain population-level mental wellness and resilience, with specific attention to high-risk individuals

    More than 110 organizations support Rep. Tonko’s legislation, including: Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Lung Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Public Health Association, International Transformational Resilience Coalition,  Mental Health America, Moms Clean Air Force, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National Association of Social Workers, National League for Nursing, Rural Opportunity Institute, The Kennedy Forum, and YMCA of the USA.

    A full list of supporting organizations and their quotes can be found HERE.

    A fact sheet on the legislation can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: USGS and state partners to test bait platforms to catch invasive carp in Upper Mississippi River

    Source: US Geological Survey

    LA CROSSE, Wis. — Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with the Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Natural Resources, will install floating bait platforms and monitoring equipment to test a new method for capturing invasive carp. The equipment will be in place from July 28 to Oct 3, 2025 in Pool 8 of the Mississippi River, near La Crosse, WI.

    Installed bait delivery platform on the Sandusky River, Ohio used in a prior study for applying grass carp bait.

    Invasive carp, including silver and bighead carp are found throughout much of the Mississippi River basin. These fish pose a threat to native aquatic ecosystems by outcompeting native fish for food and habitat, disrupting food webs and altering water quality. Silver carp, which can jump 10 feet out of the water, can also pose a risk to boaters. Invasive carp are wide-ranging and difficult to capture with traditional fishing gear.

    Late summer is a particularly difficult time of year to capture invasive carp in Minnesota-Wisconsin border waters because the fish tend to disperse widely throughout the river. Past trials have shown that baits made from algae attract silver and bighead carps. Floating bait platforms could draw invasive carp into favorable locations to make them easier to capture.

    The floating platforms will be equipped with automatic feeders that dispense bait at scheduled intervals. The bait, previously tested in laboratory and field trials, is made from chlorella and spirulina, nutrient-rich algae commonly used in aquaculture. Feeding platforms will be monitored for fish abundance and movement in response to the bait. Commercial fishers contracted by the Minnesota DNR will capture fish before and after baiting periods. The data will help researchers to evaluate bait effectiveness and capture methods.

    An invasive silver carp jumps out of the water. Silver carp can sometimes reach heights of ten feet in the air.

    Precautionary measures are in place to ensure project success and public safety. Community cooperation is appreciated. If you observe damaged property or suspicious activity near the platforms, please contact the Minnesota DNR at 651-587-2781 or invasivecarp.dnr@state.mn.us. Hunting, fishing, and recreation will not be restricted near platforms, but the public is asked not to moor to or stand on them. Boaters are also asked to stay clear of commercial fishing operations that will be taking place around the platforms during the weeks of Aug 4 – 8, Sept 2 -5, and Sept 30 -3.

    This project is supported by a 2023 Minnesota state legislative appropriation for invasive carp prevention and management, Upper Mississippi River Invasive Carp Grants administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats & Invasive Species Research Program.

    # # #

    The USGS provides science for a changing world. Learn more at www.usgs.gov or follow us on Facebook @USGeologicalSurvey, YouTube @USGS, Instagram @USGS, or X at @USGS.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: BexBack Launches 100x Leverage, Double Deposit Bonus, and No KYC – Empowering Everyday Traders to Achieve Financial Freedom

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the cryptocurrency market continues its upward trajectory, BexBack Exchange is setting a new standard in accessible trading with an unprecedented offer designed to empower both new and experienced traders. In the wake of Bitcoin’s remarkable surge, BexBack introduces an enticing promotional package featuring 100x leverage, a 100% deposit bonus, and the best part – NO KYC required.

    Breaking Down Barriers for Ordinary People

    BexBack has always been committed to providing opportunities that allow anyone, regardless of experience, to access the world of cryptocurrency trading. Now, with the introduction of 100x leverage, traders can control significantly larger positions while using minimal capital, enhancing their potential profits without needing substantial upfront investment. This high leverage option makes it possible for traders to capitalize on even the smallest price fluctuations, offering greater returns in a volatile market.

    Moreover, BexBack’s 100% deposit bonus gives users the opportunity to double their initial deposits, allowing them to increase their trading capital without having to deposit additional funds. Whether you are a newcomer or a seasoned investor, this bonus is designed to maximize trading potential and enhance the ability to leverage market volatility.

    NO KYC – Fast, Secure, and Anonymous Trading

    In a significant move to improve user experience, BexBack is also eliminating the KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements, ensuring fast, secure, and anonymous trading. This means that new users can register and begin trading within minutes, without the need to undergo lengthy verification processes. This commitment to privacy ensures that BexBack users can focus entirely on maximizing their trading potential without additional administrative hurdles.

    The Power of Leverage and Bonus to Achieve Financial Freedom

    For many people, achieving financial freedom may seem like an impossible dream, but with BexBack’s tools, it’s now within reach. With the added advantage of up to 100x leverage and double deposit bonuses, ordinary traders can amplify their earnings and increase their potential returns with little initial capital. This makes high-stakes crypto futures trading more accessible than ever before, allowing anyone to turn market volatility into wealth-building opportunities.

    Why Choose BexBack?

    1. 100x Leverage – Maximize your returns with up to 100x leverage on crypto futures.
    2. 100% Deposit Bonus – Double your trading capital immediately with every deposit.
    3. NO KYC – Trade anonymously without the need for extensive verification.
    4. Diverse Asset Support – Trade over 50 digital assets with ease.
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    The MIL Network –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Submissions: What makes a person cool? Global study has some answers

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Todd Pezzuti, Associate Professor, Business School, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez

    From Lagos to Cape Town, Santiago to Seoul, people want to be cool. “Cool” is a word we hear everywhere – in music, in fashion, on social media. We use it to describe certain types of people.

    But what exactly makes someone cool? Is it just about being popular or trendy? Or is there something deeper going on?

    In a recent study I conducted with other marketing professors, we set out to answer a simple but surprisingly unexplored question. What are the personality traits and values that make someone seem cool – and do they differ across cultures?

    We asked nearly 6,000 people from 12 countries to think of someone they personally knew who was “cool”, “not cool”, “good”, or “not good”. Then we asked them to describe that person’s traits and values using validated psychological measures. We used this data to examine how coolness differs from general likeability or morality.




    Read more:
    What makes a person seem wise? Global study finds that cultures do differ – but not as much as you’d think


    The countries ranged from Australia to Turkey, the US to Germany, India to China, Nigeria to South Africa.

    Our data showed that coolness is uniquely associated with the same six traits around the world: cool people tend to be extroverted, hedonistic, adventurous, open, powerful, and autonomous.

    These findings help settle a long debate about what it means to be cool today.

    A brief history of cool

    Early writing on coolness described it as emotional restraint: being calm, composed and unbothered. This view, rooted in the metaphor of temperature and emotion, saw coolness as a sign of self-control and mastery.

    Some of these scholars trace this form of cool to slavery and segregation, where emotional restraint was a survival strategy among enslaved Africans and their descendants, symbolising autonomy and dignity in the face of oppression. Others propose “cool” restraint existed long before slavery.

    Regardless, jazz musicians in the 1940s first helped popularise this cool persona – relaxed, emotionally contained, and stylish – an image later embraced by youth and various countercultures. Corporations like Nike, Apple and MTV commercialised cool, turning a countercultural attitude into a more commercially friendly global aesthetic.

    This is what makes someone cool

    Our findings suggest that the meaning of cool has changed. It’s a way to identify and label people with a specific psychological profile.

    Cool people are outgoing and social (extroverted). They seek pleasure and enjoyment (hedonistic). They take risks and try new things (adventurous). They are curious and open to new experiences (open). They have influence or charisma (powerful). And perhaps most of all, they do things their own way (autonomous).

    This finding held remarkably steady across countries. Whether you’re in the US, South Korea, Spain or South Africa, people tend to think that cool individuals have this same “cool profile”.

    We also found that even though coolness overlaps with being good or favourable, being cool and being good are not the same. Being kind, calm, traditional, secure and conscientious were more associated with being good than cool. Some “cool” traits were not necessarily good at all, like extroversion and hedonism.

    What about South Africa and Nigeria?

    One of the most fascinating aspects of our study was seeing how consistent the meaning of coolness was across cultures – even in countries with very different traditions and values.

    In South Africa, participants viewed cool people as extroverted, hedonistic, powerful, adventurous, open and autonomous – just like participants from Europe to Asia. In South Africa, however, coolness is especially distinct from being good. South Africa is one of the countries in which being hedonistic, powerful, adventurous and autonomous was much more cool than good.




    Read more:
    Which African countries are flourishing? Scientists have a new way of measuring well-being


    Nigeria was the only country in which cool and uncool people were equally autonomous. So basically, individuality wasn’t seen as cool. That difference might reflect cultural values that place a greater emphasis on community, respect for elders, or collective identity. In places where tradition and hierarchy matter, doing your own thing might not be cool.

    Social sciences, like all science, however, are not perfect. So, it’s reasonable to speculate that autonomy might still be cool in Nigeria, with the discrepancy resulting from methodological issues such as how the Nigerian participants interpreted and responded to the survey.

    Nigeria was also unique because the distinction between cool and good wasn’t as notable as in other countries. So coolness was seen more as goodness than in the other countries.

    Why does this matter?

    The fact that so many cultures agree on what makes someone cool suggests that “coolness” may serve a shared social function. The traits that make people cool may make them more likely to try new things, innovate new styles and fashions, and influence others. These individuals often push boundaries and introduce new ideas – in fashion, art, politics, or technology. They inspire others and help shape what’s seen as modern, desirable, or forward-thinking.

    Coolness, in this sense, might function as a kind of cultural status marker – a reward for being bold, open-minded and innovative. It’s not just about surface style. It’s about signalling that you’re ahead of the curve, and that others should pay attention.

    So what can we learn from this?

    For one, young people in South Africa, Nigeria, and around the world may have more in common than we often think. Despite vast cultural differences, they tend to admire the same traits. That opens up interesting possibilities for cross-cultural communication, collaboration and influence.

    Second, if we want to connect with or inspire others – whether through education, branding, or leadership – it helps to understand what people see as cool. Coolness may not be a universal virtue, but it is a universal currency.

    And finally, there’s something reassuring in all this: coolness is not about being famous or rich. It’s about how you live. Are you curious? Courageous? True to yourself? If so, chances are someone out there thinks you’re cool – no matter where you’re from.

    Todd Pezzuti received funding from ANID Chile to conduct this research.

    – ref. What makes a person cool? Global study has some answers – https://theconversation.com/what-makes-a-person-cool-global-study-has-some-answers-261266

    MIL OSI –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Submissions: What makes a person cool? Global study has some answers

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Todd Pezzuti, Associate Professor, Business School, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez

    From Lagos to Cape Town, Santiago to Seoul, people want to be cool. “Cool” is a word we hear everywhere – in music, in fashion, on social media. We use it to describe certain types of people.

    But what exactly makes someone cool? Is it just about being popular or trendy? Or is there something deeper going on?

    In a recent study I conducted with other marketing professors, we set out to answer a simple but surprisingly unexplored question. What are the personality traits and values that make someone seem cool – and do they differ across cultures?

    We asked nearly 6,000 people from 12 countries to think of someone they personally knew who was “cool”, “not cool”, “good”, or “not good”. Then we asked them to describe that person’s traits and values using validated psychological measures. We used this data to examine how coolness differs from general likeability or morality.




    Read more:
    What makes a person seem wise? Global study finds that cultures do differ – but not as much as you’d think


    The countries ranged from Australia to Turkey, the US to Germany, India to China, Nigeria to South Africa.

    Our data showed that coolness is uniquely associated with the same six traits around the world: cool people tend to be extroverted, hedonistic, adventurous, open, powerful, and autonomous.

    These findings help settle a long debate about what it means to be cool today.

    A brief history of cool

    Early writing on coolness described it as emotional restraint: being calm, composed and unbothered. This view, rooted in the metaphor of temperature and emotion, saw coolness as a sign of self-control and mastery.

    Some of these scholars trace this form of cool to slavery and segregation, where emotional restraint was a survival strategy among enslaved Africans and their descendants, symbolising autonomy and dignity in the face of oppression. Others propose “cool” restraint existed long before slavery.

    Regardless, jazz musicians in the 1940s first helped popularise this cool persona – relaxed, emotionally contained, and stylish – an image later embraced by youth and various countercultures. Corporations like Nike, Apple and MTV commercialised cool, turning a countercultural attitude into a more commercially friendly global aesthetic.

    This is what makes someone cool

    Our findings suggest that the meaning of cool has changed. It’s a way to identify and label people with a specific psychological profile.

    Cool people are outgoing and social (extroverted). They seek pleasure and enjoyment (hedonistic). They take risks and try new things (adventurous). They are curious and open to new experiences (open). They have influence or charisma (powerful). And perhaps most of all, they do things their own way (autonomous).

    This finding held remarkably steady across countries. Whether you’re in the US, South Korea, Spain or South Africa, people tend to think that cool individuals have this same “cool profile”.

    We also found that even though coolness overlaps with being good or favourable, being cool and being good are not the same. Being kind, calm, traditional, secure and conscientious were more associated with being good than cool. Some “cool” traits were not necessarily good at all, like extroversion and hedonism.

    What about South Africa and Nigeria?

    One of the most fascinating aspects of our study was seeing how consistent the meaning of coolness was across cultures – even in countries with very different traditions and values.

    In South Africa, participants viewed cool people as extroverted, hedonistic, powerful, adventurous, open and autonomous – just like participants from Europe to Asia. In South Africa, however, coolness is especially distinct from being good. South Africa is one of the countries in which being hedonistic, powerful, adventurous and autonomous was much more cool than good.




    Read more:
    Which African countries are flourishing? Scientists have a new way of measuring well-being


    Nigeria was the only country in which cool and uncool people were equally autonomous. So basically, individuality wasn’t seen as cool. That difference might reflect cultural values that place a greater emphasis on community, respect for elders, or collective identity. In places where tradition and hierarchy matter, doing your own thing might not be cool.

    Social sciences, like all science, however, are not perfect. So, it’s reasonable to speculate that autonomy might still be cool in Nigeria, with the discrepancy resulting from methodological issues such as how the Nigerian participants interpreted and responded to the survey.

    Nigeria was also unique because the distinction between cool and good wasn’t as notable as in other countries. So coolness was seen more as goodness than in the other countries.

    Why does this matter?

    The fact that so many cultures agree on what makes someone cool suggests that “coolness” may serve a shared social function. The traits that make people cool may make them more likely to try new things, innovate new styles and fashions, and influence others. These individuals often push boundaries and introduce new ideas – in fashion, art, politics, or technology. They inspire others and help shape what’s seen as modern, desirable, or forward-thinking.

    Coolness, in this sense, might function as a kind of cultural status marker – a reward for being bold, open-minded and innovative. It’s not just about surface style. It’s about signalling that you’re ahead of the curve, and that others should pay attention.

    So what can we learn from this?

    For one, young people in South Africa, Nigeria, and around the world may have more in common than we often think. Despite vast cultural differences, they tend to admire the same traits. That opens up interesting possibilities for cross-cultural communication, collaboration and influence.

    Second, if we want to connect with or inspire others – whether through education, branding, or leadership – it helps to understand what people see as cool. Coolness may not be a universal virtue, but it is a universal currency.

    And finally, there’s something reassuring in all this: coolness is not about being famous or rich. It’s about how you live. Are you curious? Courageous? True to yourself? If so, chances are someone out there thinks you’re cool – no matter where you’re from.

    Todd Pezzuti received funding from ANID Chile to conduct this research.

    – ref. What makes a person cool? Global study has some answers – https://theconversation.com/what-makes-a-person-cool-global-study-has-some-answers-261266

    MIL OSI –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Who Will Bury You? Short stories from Zimbabwe about women who refuse to be easily defined

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Gibson Ncube, Senior Lecturer, Stellenbosch University

    Zimbabwe-born, Canada-based Chido Muchemwa’s debut short story collection, Who Will Bury You?, was published late in 2024 and immediately attracted the right kind of attention.

    Here was an unexpected range of themes: queer identity, dislocation in the diaspora, the lingering complexities of family and cultural belonging. The 12 stories, set between Zimbabwe and Canada, trace moments of rupture and reconnection across time and geography. And they’re mostly about women. Women, selfhood, loss and love.

    Gibson Ncube, who researches queer African fiction, unpacks why it’s such a good read.


    What are some of the stories about?

    The recurring questions in Who Will Bury You? are: who will remain when we are gone – who will understand us, who will grieve for us, and who will honour the truths we live by? These questions are animated through emotionally layered stories that centre the lives of Zimbabwean women and queer characters.

    Written with subtlety and care, some of the stories draw on Zimbabwean folklore, allowing Muchemwa to bridge the mythical and the present-day. She demonstrates how ancestral narratives continue to shape how people experience love, loss and belonging.

    The title story introduces a Zimbabwean “church going woman” and her daughter, who is living in Canada and has embraced a lesbian identity. In Zimbabwe, same-sex relationships remain criminalised under laws inherited from colonial rule and reinforced by state-sponsored homophobia. Political leaders often frame queerness as un-African or morally deviant.

    The story is told through alternating perspectives and offers a portrait of intergenerational estrangement, cultural friction, and love strained by silence. What one of the characters calls “things that might never feel sayable”. The theme of queerness recurs in several other stories like This Will Break My Mother’s Heart and If It Wasn’t for the Nights.

    Muchemwa allows these stories to gather meaning through multiple vantage points. She seems to resist resolution in favour of complexity. The collection is a significant contribution to the small but growing body of Zimbabwean literature that openly addresses queerness.

    What’s Muchemwa saying about queer African life?

    One of Muchemwa’s most powerful acts in the book is to treat queer life not as peripheral, but as central to the cultural, emotional and political worlds her characters inhabit. Queer desire, intimacy and estrangement are not exceptional disruptions. They are ordinary realities that are woven into everyday life. In these stories, queerness is at once a site of tenderness, conflict and hope. The effects of religion and colonial morality continue to shape how love is expressed and denied.




    Read more:
    7 queer African works of art: new directions in books, films and fashion


    The stories challenge the erasure of queer voices by positioning them at the heart of families and communities. Queer characters are neither idealised nor victimised. They are allowed to simply be joyful, ambivalent, flawed, and resilient.

    Aside from identity, what are some of the other themes?

    The book also grapples with questions of memory, history and myth. In Finding Mermaids, Muchemwa blends contemporary reportage with folklore. A journalist and her grieving mother investigate the disappearance of young girls in a rural Zimbabwean town who are suspected to have been captured by njuzu, water spirits.

    Other stories, like Kariba Heights and The Captive River, explore the legacies of colonialism and the spiritual power of the Zambezi River. In these stories, Muchemwa is attentive to how land, history and belief have an impact on personal experiences.

    Living away from home, in the diaspora, is also a theme. Zimbabwe’s collapsing economy and ongoing political instability have driven many to seek better lives abroad, looking for jobs or educational opportunities.

    Characters in Toronto grapple with cultural dislocation. They long for home as they tackle the challenges of forging new forms of kinship abroad. The Toronto that Muchemwa renders is richly textured. It’s far from a generic western backdrop. It is portrayed as a space of possibility and tension in which characters remake themselves in the face of displacement.

    Why is it a special book to you as a scholar?

    Muchemwa’s prose is precise, controlled, and emotionally resonant. She writes with confidence, trusting the power of implication and delicate shifts in tone. The plots of the stories are simple. They are not driven by dramatic revelations. Rather, by accumulative emotional insight. Her characters often seem to border on the edge of decision or reconciliation. In fact, their silences are as revealing as their speech.

    Throughout the collection, there’s a sense of hushed intensity. The question of who will be there – at the end, in crisis, in love – lingers and ties the stories together. Even as her characters move between countries, generations and identities, they remain tied by their desire for recognition and care.




    Read more:
    Books: folklore and fantasy combine in Langabi, a supernatural historical epic from Zimbabwe


    Muchemwa’s debut contributes to a growing body of contemporary African writing that focuses on intimacy, friendship and queerness as legitimate and urgent narrative concerns. Who Will Bury You? offers a fresh take that avoids the clichés and stereotypes often associated with African literature – what Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has famously called the single story.

    Rather than dwelling on recurrent tropes of suffering or political crisis, Muchemwa’s stories place a spotlight on private lives and emotional entanglements. They compel us to be attentive to the quiet yet consequential turmoil that takes place within families and intimate relationships.

    The collection does not avoid the cultural and religious violences that have an impact on everyday life. But Muchemwa faces them through the perspective of those who survive, and remake, these constraints on their own terms.

    Who Will Bury You? is a carefully crafted collection that demands close attention. It’s a book about women who refuse to be easily defined. With this collection, Muchemwa asserts herself as a compelling new voice in Zimbabwean and African literature. Her debut represents new African storytelling which continues to expand the narratives of African writers. It dares to centre the personal, the queer, and the emotionally complex.

    Gibson Ncube receives funding from the National Research Foundation.

    – ref. Who Will Bury You? Short stories from Zimbabwe about women who refuse to be easily defined – https://theconversation.com/who-will-bury-you-short-stories-from-zimbabwe-about-women-who-refuse-to-be-easily-defined-261291

    MIL OSI –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Historic tribute to enslaved Africans restored in Lancaster A memorial to enslaved Africans transported on Lancaster-owned ships as part of the Transatlantic slave trade has been restored.

    Source: City of Lancaster

    A memorial to enslaved Africans transported on Lancaster-owned ships as part of the Transatlantic slave trade has been restored.

    The Captured African sculpture, a poignant piece of Lancaster’s history on St George’s Quay, has been disassembled, cleaned and parts such as mosaics fixed and renewed to ensure its preservation for future generations.

    It was commissioned and installed in 2005 as part of the Slave Trade Art Memorial project (STAMP) and remains the only public sculpture to memorialise involvement in the slave trade at a quayside.

    Designed to encourage people to pause and reflect on the human cost of transatlantic slavery and its legacies, it was created by artist Kevin Dalton-Johnson with input from local young people, who made the iron figures of the captured Africans.

    Councillor Martin Bottoms, Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture and Festivals, said: “The sculpture represents many of the enslaved individuals transported through the port of Lancaster during the 18th century and stands as a sombre and powerful reminder of the city’s involvement in the slave trade.

    “This restoration is not just about preserving a historical artefact — it’s about ensuring that the lives affected by slavery are not forgotten, and that we continue to educate ourselves and future generations about this chapter in our history.”

    Artist Kevin Dalton-Johnson, who is of Jamaican descent, moved away from traditional depictions of slaves in chains and chose to create a sculpture reflecting a cross-section of a ship carrying enslaved Africans at the bottom, with layers of commodities, such as sugar and cotton they produced, stacked above them.

    Mr Dalton-Johnson, said: “The Captured African sculpture is a vital reminder of our shared history and the importance of confronting difficult truths. As the only memorial outside of London, it serves as an educational landmark, inviting reflection rather than simply assigning guilt.

    “I’m grateful to see this work preserved for future generations to engage with this critical chapter of our past.”

    Restoring the sculpture presented unique challenges for local artist and restorer Shane Johnstone.

    Mr Johnstone, who led the restoration project, said: “It was a pleasure to learn how Kevin’s “Windrush” British upbringing, Jamaican roots and African ancestry informed his insights as an artist and led to a design which ingeniously blends the rigorous research of local historian’s, their stories of greed, cruelty, survival and heroism and wraps them around a sculpture, made the process a unique and rewarding experience.

    “A special mention also to the Lancastrians; established and newly adopted who passed by as we laboured on the quayside. Young and old told stories of their relationship with the artwork whether it be a primary school project, familial connection or curious anecdote.

    “All were inspired to engage in conversation and that is the sign of a good piece of art doing its job.”

    The Transatlantic slave trade lasted for more than 300 years until British involvement was banned in 1807. Slavery was eventually abolished in most Britain colonies in 1833.

    In the 1700s around 200 ships sailed out of Lancaster bound for Africa and it is thought that Lancaster merchants were responsible for the forced transportation of around 29,000  African men, women and children across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas.

    A sail on the side of the sculpture incorporates the numbers of enslaved Africans aboard the ships which docked at Lancaster’s port.

    Last updated: 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Regina Urgent Care Centre Celebrates One Year of Patient Successes

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 24, 2025

    Patients are seeing great benefits as the Regina Urgent Care Centre (UCC) marks one year of operations. More than 41,000 patients have received care in this first year. This is more than double the anticipated volume that was based on a 24-hour operating model. 

    “I strongly believe the Urgent Care Centre was very much needed in Regina, and it is such an elegant way to bridge the gap between issues that cannot wait for a doctor’s office but probably are not considered an emergency,” Regina resident Murray B. said. “The laboratory, x-ray and ultrasound capability on site only add to its effectiveness.”

    The Regina UCC is staffed with a blended model of family physicians and emergency department physicians, registered nurses and psychiatric nurses, laboratory and x-ray technicians and other health care workers. Nurse practitioners were included to help support the management of lower acuity patients.

    “As a Family Physician, the Regina UCC has provided me with a unique opportunity to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and contribute to the community in ways not possible within my own practice,” Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) Regina UCC Family Medicine Physician Dr. Mary Andraws Mishriki said. “This amazing team of dedicated health care providers worked very hard over the last year to usher in a new standard for urgent care in this province. It has been rewarding to see how this new model has helped patients access same day urgent care, without a trip to an emergency department.”

    The success of the Regina UCC highlights the value of this new model of care. Patients are getting timely access to the right care in the right setting and frontline providers are seeing the positive impact firsthand. This initiative reflects the strength of collaboration between health care workers and government.

    “The Regina Urgent Care Centre has made a big difference in the care available in Regina and greatly exceeded expectations,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “By having that Urgent Care Centre in place, people have more options to receive the care they need when they need it, while offering an important alternative to emergency departments. I want to thank all of the physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners and health care workers for their hard work to make this facility a success.”

    The UCC provides non-life-threatening emergency services such as:  

    • Treatment for non-emergent moderate illness such as infections;  
    • Intravenous therapy for infections; onsite point of care testing and satellite lab services; 
    • Treatment for minor injuries, burns, broken bones, stitches;  
    • Assessment of eye injuries;  
    • Assessment of abdominal pain and shortness of breath;  
    • Heart telemetry assessment via electrocardiogram; and  
    • Illnesses or injuries that require diagnostic imaging (x-ray and ultrasound) or laboratory testing.

    “We were pleased to fund the technology and equipment for our brand new Urgent Care Centre in Regina,” Hospitals of Regina Foundation President and CEO Dino Sophocleous said. “This investment is part of our mission to improve health care for the people of Regina and southern Saskatchewan. This incredible project was only possible thanks to the generous support of our donors and our amazing community. Nothing we do happens without them, and we are forever grateful.”

    Services for Mental Health and Addictions (MHA) are available through the UCC, which include screening/assessment, counselling, prescriptions, connection to resources and referrals. By diverting low acuity MHA patients from the Emergency Department, patients will receive timely care to manage their mental health and addictions needs. This includes cases of:  

    • Depression or anxiety, thought of suicide or self-harm;  
    • Overwhelming stress or an inability to cope with life;  
    • Urgent prescriptions for addiction management;  
    • Inability to fall asleep or stay asleep;  
    • Escalation in mental health symptoms;  
    • Overwhelming feelings of grief or loss; and  
    • New mental health symptoms.

    When appropriate, the Regina UCC has stabilized and treated addiction patients and referred them to treatment, adding to the capacity of care options available.

    “I am incredibly proud of the care delivered at the Regina Urgent Care Centre in its first year,” SHA Chief Operating Officer Derek Miller said. “The SHA thanks our health care professionals and physicians for their commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care in this first-of-its-kind facility. Their efforts in response to higher-than-anticipated public demand have made a meaningful difference for thousands of patients and families. This milestone highlights the critical role urgent care plays in strengthening the broader health system and improving timely access to care for Regina residents.”

    Construction is underway for an UCC in Saskatoon and planning is underway to add UCC’s in additional locations including Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, North Battleford and a second UCC in Regina and Saskatoon.  

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Nadler Statement on Columbia University Settlement

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

    Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) issued the following statement on Columbia University’s $200 million settlement with the Trump Administration: 

    “I am deeply disappointed by reports of Columbia University’s outrageous and embarrassing $200 million capitulation to the Trump Administration’s repugnant extortion campaign.

    Let’s be clear: no investigation was ever conducted by the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights— the single body charged under federal law with investigating antisemitism on campus. Rather, unlike Harvard, my alma mater has allowed a once highly-respected institution to succumb to the Trump Administration’s coercive and exploitative tactics. Columbia has effectively waived the white flag of surrender in its battle at the heart of the Trump Administration’s war on higher education and academic freedom.

    While Columbia needs to do a better job at protecting its students against antisemitism on campus, this disgraceful and humiliating action will not, in anyway, improve the situation on campus for Jewish students.

    Columbia’s students, faculty, staff, and larger community deserve better than this cowardly decision.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Frankel Opening Remarks at Full Committee Markup of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Funding Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

    Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m going to start by recognizing the collegiality of our Chairman Mr. Diaz-Balart and the thoughtful members on both sides of the aisle. And of course, I want to thank our hardworking staff for their tireless efforts. But most of all, I want to recognize the brave and committed Americans—our diplomats, USAID workers, humanitarian teams, and public health experts and our partners around the world—who bring our country’s values to the world’s toughest places. They’re the ones who delivered vaccines to remote villages in Congo, who help girls in Ethiopia escape forced marriage and find education and safety. 

    I’ve seen their work up close–I know many of us have—and the impact of the programs we funded. Children who escaped the brutality of Assad’s Syria thriving in classrooms in Jordan. Mothers in Malawi learning skills to support their families. Pregnant women in Kenya staying healthy with support from HIV clinics. To all of these workers —past and present: You are the patriots. You represent the best of America. And those who are still serving deserve more than our thanks. They deserve the tools to get the job done.

    Mr. Chairman, I wish we had a bipartisan bill in front of us that I could support that honored that service and reflected America’s leadership. If we had a responsible allocation and a White House that understood diplomacy, development, and humanitarian aid, we could have gotten there. But instead, here we are, questioning whether any of this matters when the President just ignores the will of Congress and the laws we pass.

    So today, I strongly oppose the FY 2026 Republican bill. It’s not just a funding cut—it’s a reckless blueprint for American retreat. Our President seems to think relying on threats and bullying alone is a smart strategy. But chaotic tariffs, cruel immigration crackdowns, and this tepid foreign aid plan before us today is not going to make us more safe, secure, or more prosperous. And attention: we are ceding the world to China. And let me be clear: This bill does not lower costs for hard working families and retirees on day one as promised by President Trump—instead it puts hard earned finances at risk by hurting global stability.

    And tax breaks for billionaires is not a trade-off for millions of starving children and let me just say that this bill does not make one bit of difference in making up the $4 trillion addition to our debt when the Republicans pass what they call their Big Bill their Big Beautiful Bill I call it the Big Ugly Bill   And this bill is just adds to the list of  troubling actions by the Administration.

    Here’s what’s happened leading up: Foreign aid has been held up illegally, then justified by an inane clawback known as recission; USAID—an agency backed by Congress that fights poverty and prevents conflict—gutted; Over 10,000 development and humanitarian professionals dismissed by Elon Musk; 5,000 life-saving aid programs abruptly terminated; 1,300 State Department staff laid off; Offices shuttered. Decades of progress wiped out. How disgusting , the richest man in the world was allowed to pull the plug on programs that save the world’s poorest children.

    The infrastructure and staffing is no longer present to carry out the few programs that remain. Let me say this again with emphasis: The infrastructure and staffing is no longer present to carry out the few programs that remain.

    All while the world faces crisis after crisis: Wars and armed conflict, Extreme weather, Hunger and famine, Disease outbreaks, Mass migration, and Rising authoritarian regimes

    These aren’t distant problems. They land right at our door: Fragile states collapse and migration surges; Trade stops and U.S. farmers and businesses lose buyers ;Climate disasters destroy crops and homes; Broken health systems allow deadly viruses to spread; And when we step back, China and Russia step in—not to help, but to expand their grip.

    We’re leaving behind a gap they fill with money, weapons, and propaganda taking over the airwaves – reaching listeners who used to rely on Voice of America and our international broadcasting. They want to remake the world to fit their playbook.

    Meanwhile, sadly our allies are also slashing foreign aid —pushed to spend more on weapons by Mr. Trump. As global needs explode, democracy’s soft power is vanishing. This bill fails to meet this moment.

    Here’s what it really does:

    Cuts 22% from the international affairs budget – that’s $13 billion, diminishing funding for development and economic assistance:

    • Kids kicked out of the classroom and cut off from clean water
    • Farmers losing seeds and tools to make a living
    • Violence prevention programs vanishing
    • Local nonprofits shut down

    The bill slashes humanitarian aid by 42%:

    • In Nigeria, malnourished infants are dying without food
    • In Myanmar, hospitals are going dark
    • In The Gambia, support for survivors of female genital mutilation has ended—as the country debates making it legal again
    • In Ukraine, wounded soldiers go without care
    • In Ecuador, women entrepreneurs are losing lifelines and heading for our border

    This is a blow to our credibility, our moral standing, and our global influence. Soft power – interestingly enough – development and diplomacy – have been secret weapons abroad. Without them, we’re losing Americans on the ground who know the terrain, see trouble coming, and keep us one step ahead.

    And as always, my, my, my. Here we go again–Republicans couldn’t resist one more swipe at women: Slashing family planning programs that save hundreds of thousands of lives each year and prevent millions of unplanned pregnancies, Reinstating the Global Gag Rule—which blocks funding to foreign groups that even talk about abortion; you can’t even say the word “abortion”, not do abortion, say the word “abortion”– you lose your funding, Gutting the UNFPA—which provides basic reproductive and maternal care in over 150 countries

    And while this bill guts humanitarian programs and walks away from the world’s most vulnerable, the administration is also on the road to destroying one of the smartest, most effective tools of U.S. foreign policy: the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. WPS is not some fringe idea. It’s the law, signed by guess who, Donald Trump. It passed with strong bipartisan support. And here’s why: Women experience conflict differently than men—often bearing the brunt of sexual violence, displacement, and the burden of caring for families amid chaos—yet they are too often excluded from life changing decisions. The WPS agenda has helped train diplomats, strengthen alliances, and put more women at the center of peace and security.

    When women are at the table for peace talks, recovery, and crisis response, the results are better. Period. Peace lasts longer. Communities recover faster. And Missions succeed. And yet, this administration shut down the State Department’s office that leads that work—right when we need women’s leadership the most. That’s not just shortsighted. It makes the world less safe and works directly against our own interests.

    The bill also abandons multilateral institutions and organizations—UNICEF, the UN Development Program, the African and Asian Development Banks, the World Bank, the World Health Organization—undermining our ability to shape the global agenda and ceding ground to autocrats. Guess who? Attention: China is going to take over this world.

    So why should Americans care that these cuts are going to cost more than they save? Because these cuts hurt American families, too.  When we walk away from the world: Chaos spreads; Troops are put in harm’s way; Our adversaries gain ground; And we pay the price—in dollars, and in lives.

    And look, I say this not just as a lawmaker, but as a mother. My son served in the Marines. He was sent to two wars–Iraq and Afghanistan– I know what it means when diplomacy fails. The cost isn’t hypothetical—it hits our soldiers and their families the hardest.

    Let me remind you: the international affairs budget was already less than 1% of our federal spending. But it delivered huge returns: Markets for American goods; Stability abroad; Protection from pandemics; Fewer troops sent into harm’s way.

    Last week, we passed an $832 billion defense bill—that’s hard power. But even our top generals warn: without soft power alongside it, that number will only keep rising. So, Mr. Chairman, This bill is a lost opportunity. It’s a failure to lead. It hurts American families because when health systems collapse, people get sick.  When trade stalls, jobs vanish. When diplomacy fails, our loved ones go to war.  So let me close with this: Democrats aren’t giving up. We’re ready to work together with Republicans to reach a bill that reflects our values, keeps our promises, and protects American lives. Because we can’t bomb and drone our way to peace and prosperity.  A strong America doesn’t hide. And it doesn’t bully. A strong America leads—with vision, with courage, and compassion. And That’s the bill we should be fighting for. Thank you. I yield back.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Ranking Member Frankel Passes Amendment to Strengthen U.S.-Africa Partnership, Introduces Amendment to Improve Foreign Assistance Staffing at State Dept

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

    Today, during the full committee markup of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations funding bill, Ranking Member Frankel introduced two amendments to safeguard American leadership on the world stage.

    The first ensures that no less than 15% of economic development funds in the bill be directed toward programs in Africa. The amendment passed with unanimous bipartisan support. From Rep. Frankel’s remarks: “By 2050, Africa will be home to a quarter of the world’s population—and nearly half of all global youth. Some cities are booming. Startups are thriving. And across the continent, countries are leapfrogging traditional development paths through mobile banking, financial technology, and energy innovation. By 2030, Africa’s consumer market is expected to top $2.5 trillion. The question is: will the United States be at the table, or will we let others, like China, steer the ship?

    At the same time, we must be clear-eyed. Diseases still ravage vulnerable communities. Young people need access to quality education, job training, and opportunity—so that success is not reserved for elites alone. And while we weigh our options, China is not waiting. It is investing billions in African infrastructure, digital networks, mining operations, and military influence. China is writing the rules of the road—and we’re at real risk of being left behind. We cannot afford to cede this ground. Because this is about more than development assistance—it’s about protecting our shared future.”

    The second amendment aimed to ensure proper staffing at the State Department to effectively take on what remains of USAID programs after they were dismantled by the Trump Administration. The amendment directed the State Department to prioritize rehiring USAID experts who the Administration previously fired. The amendment did not pass. 

    From Rep. Frankel’s remarks: “Babies are dying—not because we lack the science or the resources—but because the Trump Administration chose to dismantle the very programs that could have saved them. The systems that once monitored health outcomes are shutting down, and the true scope of the harm—and the risk to our own national security—is becoming harder to measure.

    We may never be able to fully undo the catastrophic damage caused by the Trump Administration and its DOGE acolytes. But we can start to put things right. That’s what this amendment does. It ensures that the State Department isn’t set up to fail. It brings back the experts. It restores some measure of accountability and gives us the eyes and ears on the ground we need to ensure our humanitarian investments are effective, transparent, and actually reaching the people who need help most. This isn’t just a bureaucratic fix—it’s a moral imperative.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Republicans Threaten National Security, Abdicate United States World Leadership, and Slash Humanitarian Assistance

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

    Today, House Appropriations Committee Republicans pushed ahead with their fiscal year 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs funding bill that weakens our national security and puts the American people and public health preparedness at risk.

    House Republicans are proposing a 22 percent cut to the bill’s overall funding level.

     
    This bill:

    • Threatens national security, abdicates United States world leadership and guts development and humanitarian programs by underfunding the operations and staffing of the State Department and completing the demise of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), as well as other tools of America’s soft power and global leadership. 
    • Cedes world leadership to China by abandoning our allies and eliminating funding for the United Nations (UN) and other multilateral and international financial institutions, including any funding for the UN Regular budget, the UN Development Program, UN Women, and UNICEF.
    • Threatens women’s health globally by prohibiting the United States from contributing to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), substantially underfunding bilateral family planning, and reinstating the expanded Global Gag Rule on non-governmental organizations that receive U.S. assistance.
    • Hampers the United States’ response to the climate crisis by eliminating support for communities’ ability to adapt to weather changes, sustainably manage their land and natural resources, and expand access to clean energy.

    “The Republicans’ proposed FY26 Appropriations bill for National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs charts a dangerous course of recklessness and retreat—leaving a vacuum for adversaries like China to fill,” State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Ranking Member Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) said. “Slashing investments in diplomacy, development, and humanitarian aid is not just shortsighted—it’s a grave mistake. These cuts may look like savings on paper, but they come at a steep cost that every American family will feel. When global health systems collapse, people get sick. When markets dry up, paychecks shrink. When diplomacy fails, our loved ones are sent to war. I look forward to working toward a budget that meets the moment—one that strengthens our security, grows our economy, and reaffirms America’s leadership on the world stage.”

    Congresswoman Lois Frankel’s full remarks are here.

    “President Trump is aggressively pursuing an America-last agenda that will only see America become weaker, more isolated, and more ostracized. Snubbing our allies and turning our back on the world does not make us strong. It makes us weak. It makes us an unreliable ally and an untrustworthy partner,” Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) said. “Republicans are slashing humanitarian assistance by more than a third, and foreign assistance by over 20 percent – causing tragic and preventable death around the world and creating a power vacuum that China is eager to exploit. Their bill dismisses our international partners – U.N. agencies and NGOs that deliver lifesaving aid to the most vulnerable people around the globe. And their bill surrenders our efforts to combat the climate crisis – eliminating support for climate adaptability and clean energy, ignoring the nexus between climate, conflict, and migration, and jeopardizing the safety and security of our children, and our grandchildren. I will not stop fighting to protect America’s interests, and against the Trump Administration’s and Republicans’ dangerous dismantling of our diplomatic and humanitarian efforts across the world.”

    Congresswoman DeLauro’s full remarks are here.

    This funding bill was considered amidst the looming threat of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) sending a proposal to, in effect, unilaterally and unlawfully cancel expiring appropriations (a misnomer OMB Director Vought erroneously calls a “pocket rescission,” which is just another term for unlawful impoundment). Instead of rising to the occasion to combat those threats, Republicans capitulated to the demands of Director Vought. They continued their go-it-alone approach to government funding instead of working with Democrats to enact bipartisan laws that serve American interests.

    During today’s markup, Democrats also fought to:

    • Restore humanitarian assistance after Republicans decimated efforts to address crises and save lives around the world.
    • Produce a report on the impact President Trump’s cuts, mass firings, and chaotic foreign policy changes have had on the expansion of China’s global influence.
    • Require adequate staffing to implement oversight of foreign assistance following the firing of thousands of employees at the U.S. Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development.
    • Reverse Republican cuts and eliminate policies that threaten women’s health globally.

    House Republicans rejected these efforts.

    A summary of the bill is here. A fact sheet is here.

    The text of the bill, before the adoption of amendments in full committee, is here. The bill report, before the adoption of amendments in full Committee, is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: DOE Announces Site Selection for AI Data Center and Energy Infrastructure Development on Federal Lands

    Source: US Department of Energy

    The forthcoming solicitations will drive innovation in reliable energy technologies, contribute to lower energy costs, and strengthen American leadership in artificial intelligence

    WASHINGTON– The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the next steps in the Trump administration’s plan to accelerate the development of AI infrastructure through siting on DOE lands.  DOE has selected four sites—Idaho National Laboratory, Oak Ridge Reservation, Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant and Savannah River Site—to move forward with plans to invite private sector partners to develop cutting edge AI data center and energy generation projects.  

    Today’s announcement supports the Trump administration’s goals of utilizing Federal lands to lower energy costs and help power the global AI race, as outlined in President Trump’s Executive Orders on Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure, Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security, and Unleashing American Energy.  

    “By leveraging DOE land assets for the deployment of AI and energy infrastructure, we are taking a bold step to accelerate the next Manhattan Project—ensuring U.S. AI and energy leadership,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright. “These sites are uniquely positioned to host data centers as well as power generation to bolster grid reliability, strengthen our national security, and reduce energy costs.”

    DOE received enormous interest in response to its April request for information (RFI) that helped inform the selection of these sites. The chosen locations are well-situated for large-scale data centers, new power generation, and other necessary infrastructure. 

    DOE looks forward to working with data center developers, energy companies, and the broader public in consultation with states, local governments, and federally recognized tribes that these projects will serve to further advance this important initiative. More details regarding project scope, eligibility requirements, and submission guidelines at each site will be available with the site-specific releases. These solicitations are expected to be released in the coming months and partners could be selected by the end of the year. DOE is also evaluating additional sites that could issue solicitations in the future.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: 2025 Spirit of the Midwest ‘Ride for Guides’ Supporters Cruise Scenic Iowa for Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    IAM Midwest Territory members and motorcycle enthusiasts gathered at Eagle Point Park in Dubuque, Iowa, for the annual Spirit of the Midwest Ride for Guides. The ride featured a scenic route, camaraderie, and a shared mission: supporting Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines (GDA | TLC), the IAM’s favorite charity.

    The event kicked off after waiting out an early morning rainstorm. Participants assembled for a safety briefing before rolling out with IAM Midwest Territory International Representative Ronnie Gonzalez as “lead bike.” Riders cruised through scenic Iowa roads, interspersed with poker-run stops and rest breaks to recharge and reconnect.

    This year’s ride continued the Midwest Territory’s strong fundraising tradition. “Ride for Guides” is one of several “Spirit of the Midwest” annual events—alongside car shows, clay shoots, and golf tournaments— all aimed at broadening awareness and proving funding for GDA | TLC.

    The $7,826 raised from the ride and raffles will bolster GDA | TLC’s mission of providing free guide and service dogs to those with visual impairments, veterans, children with autism, and others in need.

    IAM Midwest Territory International Representative Chris Tucker organized the event with Gonzalez’s help, and all available Midwest Territory staff assisted with set up, selling raffle tickets, and running the program. 

    The day concluded at its starting point with food, refreshments, raffle drawings, awards, and heartfelt thanks to all participants. 

    “These events are the IAM Midwest Territory’s pride and joy,” said IAM Midwest Territory’s General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Members come together in the spirit of charity and generosity. I want to thank the proud union members who continue to show up every year in support of these events and the hardworking Midwest Territory Staff who organized this ride to make it safe and enjoyable for everyone.”

    IAM Union is the largest financial contributor to Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines.

    The post 2025 Spirit of the Midwest ‘Ride for Guides’ Supporters Cruise Scenic Iowa for Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines appeared first on IAM Union.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM District 776 Dedicates Union Hall to Fort Worth Native, Retired International President Robert Martinez Jr.

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    Most get a fond send off when retirement rolls around to their career, but in Texas they do everything big, including honors for legendary members of IAM District 776.

    The District had been working for months on a special tribute to International President Robert Martinez Jr., who retired in January 2024 after 43 years of service to the IAM and its members. Starting in 1980 as a member of Local 776A and an aircraft assembler, the U.S. Naval Air veteran rose to the highest position within the IAM, leading the organization for eight years and serving on the IAM Executive Council for 20 years of his storied career.

    District 776 took the steps to turn the atrium of the district’s meeting hall into a gallery of memorabilia from Martinez’s career. The space is filled with photographs, mementos, and awards to achievements of the IAM’s 14th International President. As the first Latino to join the IAM Executive Council, Martinez set standards and achieved milestones that moved the IAM forward in the labor movement. 

    “This hall, this district, and this union has meant the world to me and my family,” said Martinez. “This union gave me a purpose when I was 20 years old. It gave me a shot at the American dream, to make a living and support my family. Together, we have improved the lives of countless IAM members.”

    Martinez’s historic tenure steered the IAM through the COVID-19 crisis by championing airline and aerospace worker relief that saved hundreds of thousands of jobs. Martinez helped the IAM grow into new industries, including healthcare, and made the IAM the leading AFL-CIO affiliate in National Labor Relations Board union election victories from 2018 through 2022.

    At Martinez’s direction, the IAM also created groundbreaking membership programs that assist members and their families, as well as expanded opportunities for underrepresented groups to advance in the IAM. Martinez commissioned a new department to provide IAM members and their families who are military veterans with VA claims assistance free of charge, as well as an addiction services program and a women’s leadership initiative known as the Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters, or IAM LEADS.

    The ceremony also honored District 776 President Directing Business Representative Paul Black and Business Representative Earnest Boone, both of have retired after 45 years of IAM membership. 

    International President Martinez extended a special note of gratitude to IAM Business Representative Joe Alviar and his wife, Linda, who were the primary architects of the atrium and the displays of the Martinez collection. 

    “Again I say thank you. It’s been a great honor,” said Martinez. “Our leadership, headed by our great International President Brian Bryant, has the IAM going in the right direction. I can’t wait to see where we’re going next, and I’m cheering all of you and our union on from retirement.”

    The post IAM District 776 Dedicates Union Hall to Fort Worth Native, Retired International President Robert Martinez Jr. appeared first on IAM Union.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ivey Launches Veterans Resource Center Board to Strengthen Support for Alabama’s Veteran Community

    Source: US State of Alabama

    MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday announced the appointment of 11 distinguished leaders to the Alabama Veterans Resource Center (AVRC) Board, a new initiative designed to develop a statewide, sustainable hub dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. A component of Governor Ivey’s 2025 legislative agenda, this center will provide job training and workforce assistance, aid in benefits navigation, support with family and legal needs and build peer and social connections in the veteran community.

    “During this past legislative session, I made it a top priority to strengthen our support for Alabama’s veterans and establishing the Veterans Resource Center was a key part of that effort,” said Governor Ivey. “Our servicemen and women deserve accessible, reliable support as they navigate civilian life. With this board now in place, we’re taking a major step forward in making sure Alabama remains the most military- and veteran-friendly state in the nation.”

    The AVRC Board members include:

    • Greg Reed, Chairman, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Workforce
    • Jeff Newton, Vice Chairman, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs
    • Kimberly Boswell, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health
    • Bobby Singleton, Senator for Senate District 24 and Minority Leader, Alabama Senate
    • Anthony Daniels, Representative for House District 53 and Minority Leader, Alabama House of Representatives
    • Stacia Robinson, Director of the Alabama Office of Minority Affairs
    • Ronald Brown, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Jim Wilson & Associates
    • Carter Wells, Government Relations Advisor at Maynard Nexsen
    • George Talbot, Senior Vice President for External Affairs at Volkert (Lieutenant Governor Appointee)
    • Andrew Jones, Senator for Senate District 10 and Chairman of the Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Safety Committee (Senate President Pro Tempore Appointee)
    • Tracy Doughty, President and Chief Operations Officer at Huntsville Hospital (Speaker of the House Appointee)

    Alabama Department of Workforce Secretary Greg Reed acknowledged the AVRC will be a huge benefit to former servicemen and women across Alabama.

    “Alabama veterans deserve more than just gratitude – they deserve resources to help them navigate the systems that meet their needs,” said Secretary Reed. “By creating an entity that will help streamline access to services and collaborate with stakeholders, we hope to do our part to help the veteran community in Alabama. Our goal is to increase partnerships, eliminate fragmentation, increase trust and improve long-term outcomes for those and their families who have sacrificed so much for our country.”

    Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Jeff Newton underscored the importance of the new center’s mission and the lasting impact it can have on veterans across the state.

    “The Alabama Veterans Resource Center has the potential to change lives, but it’s just the beginning,” said Commissioner Newton. “This facility will provide an added resource for veterans to thrive after service — to build a future, start a career and make an impact right here in Alabama. It’s critical that we get this transition right, and this center is where transition becomes opportunity.”

    The Alabama Veterans Resource Center Board will meet in the coming weeks to begin their work.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Travel Advisory Reminder: Weekend Lane and Ramp Closures Needed at I-295/Route 37 Interchange in Cranston for Opening of New Flyover Bridge

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is reminding motorists that starting on Friday night, July 25, it will have lane and ramp closures lasting through the weekend at the I-295/Route 37 interchange in Cranston. During this time, RIDOT will complete construction on a new flyover ramp that will carry drivers from Route 37 East to I-295 North.

    The closures begin at 8 p.m. Friday and remain in place through 5 a.m. Monday, July 28. Motorists should plan additional time for travel. The affected lanes and ramps include:

    I-295 North & South: The high-speed lane will be closed along I-295 North for the weekend, reducing the number of travel lanes from two to one. On I-295 South, the lane closures will only take place Friday-Sunday nights from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night.

    Route 37 East to I-295 North: The ramp will be closed. Drivers should remain on Route 37 East and use the Route 2 interchange to reverse direction onto Route 37 West, then use the I-295 North ramp.

    The new ramp was built as part of RIDOT’s Cranston Canyon project, and will take traffic over I-295 North so drivers will enter the highway on the right-hand side instead of the left-hand side. This more conventional design will improve safety and reduce crashes.

    When the new flyover bridge opens, RIDOT also will open a new service road alongside I-295 North at the ramps for Route 37. This will provide more room for traffic entering and exiting the highway in a separate lane from I-295 through traffic.

    All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings and weather.

    The construction of the new flyover bridge is made possible by RhodeWorks. RIDOT is committed to bringing Rhode Island’s infrastructure into a state of good repair while respecting the environment and striving to improve it. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cliff Bentz Works with White House and Oregon’s Governor to Secure Federal Relief for Oregon Following March Storms

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.– On May 22, 2025, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02), following a meeting with community leaders, and calls with County Commissioners and community leaders of the affected counties, sent a letter to the Acting Region 10 Administrator of FEMA, Vincent Maykovich, urging a federal emergency declaration in response to the severe weather damage in Coos, Curry, and Douglas Counties. 
     
    On March 12, 2025, a state of emergency was declared by Governor Kotek, triggering the necessary process of measuring damage resulting from the storms. Congressman Bentz stayed in close contact with the Oregon Emergency Management Agency (OEM), which determined that the storms and resulting flood events had caused approximately $9.5 million in damage. On May 19, 2025, Governor Kotek made the required formal request of a presidential declaration. This step by the Governor’s office cleared the way for Congressman Bentz to request that the Executive branch provide assistance to the affected communities. On July 22nd, 2025, in response to these requests, President Trump issued a major disaster declaration for Public Assistance for the counties of Coos, Curry, and Douglas, marking a critical first step in helping these communities repair and rebuild following the storms.

    Congressman Bentz issued the following statement:
     
    “In March of this year, severe storms caused significant damage to people and property in Coos, Douglas, and Curry Counties. Landslides, mudslides, flooding, and weather-related events lead to severe destruction. A Preliminary Damage Assessment by Oregon Emergency Management Agency (OEM) found that the damage caused by the storms totaled approximately $9.5 million across 25 impacted public entities. This far exceeds what these the people of these counties can bear, making the need for federal assistance essential. During the flood event, I held a round table discussion regarding the steps that would need to be taken to obtain federal assistance. The OEM, the Governor, and Commissioner Tim Freeman of Douglas County, are all to be commended for their work in gathering the facts and taking the actions necessary to support the request for this assistance. I also want to thank President Trump, his staff, and FEMA, for their essential help and support.”

    Text of letter sent to the White House available, here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Van Orden Introduces Bill to Restore Integrity in Agriculture Immigrant Workforce System

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (Wisconsin 3rd)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) introduced a bill to establish a legal process for undocumented agricultural workers to transition to legal employment status. The Agriculture Reform Act of 2025 will allow certain agricultural workers who are currently inadmissible or removable under immigration law to voluntarily deport, pay a fine, and reenter the U.S. as a temporary agricultural worker after specific requirements are satisfied.

    The Agriculture Reform Act of 2025 is not a pathway to citizenship or amnesty. Rather, the bill creates a structured and enforceable opportunity for undocumented agricultural workers to secure legal employment through voluntary departure and lawful reentry.

    “This bill is a real solution to addressing the mass influx of illegal aliens created by the Biden administration’s open border policies, while also addressing the critical workforce needs of our agricultural industry,” said Rep. Van Orden. “For those willing to follow the law and return to the U.S. the right way, it offers a legal pathway to a legal job. Our farmers cannot function without a stable workforce, and my bill will help stabilize the agricultural workforce without granting amnesty or citizenship.”

    The process for outlined in Rep. Van Orden’s bill is as follows:

    1. Self-Report

    A “covered alien”—an individual who previously worked in agricultural labor in the U.S. since January 1, 2020—must voluntarily depart from the United States or have already been removed prior to the bill’s enactment.

    2. Worker Pays Fine

    To participate in the program, the worker must pay a fee of an amount determined appropriate by the Secretary of Labor.

    3. Employer Pays Fine

    The employer petitioning on behalf of the alien must also pay a fee as set by regulation.

    4. Employer May Stagger Self-Deportation

    The bill contemplates employer flexibility in staggering the departure of undocumented workers to prevent labor shortages.

    5. Worker Must Remain in Home Country for 30 Days

    After self-deportation or removal, the worker must remain outside the U.S. for at least 30 days before returning to the United States.

    6. Worker Can Return as a temporary agricultural worker

    Following the 30-day waiting period, the worker may re-enter the U.S. legally as a temporary agricultural worker, provided:

    • The individual has not unlawfully received public benefits.
    • The proper fees are paid.
    • They meet eligibility as a “covered alien.”

    Additional Provisions

    • Immunity from Prosecution:
      • Employers are protected from legal liability under INA §274A for employing covered aliens.
      • Covered aliens are immune from prosecution under INA §§275 and 276 for prior unlawful entry/removal actions.
    • Waiver of Inadmissibility/Removability:
      • Grounds under INA §§212(a)(6), (7), and (9), and §237(a)(1)(A–C) and (3) are waived during the “covered period.”

    Read the full bill text here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Pingree, Massie Introduce Bipartisan PRIME Act to Empower Local Livestock Farmers, Meet Consumer Demand

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

    Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) reintroduced the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption (PRIME) Act, bipartisan legislation to make it easier for small farms and ranches to serve consumers. The PRIME Act (H.R. 4700) would give individual states freedom to permit intrastate distribution of custom-slaughtered meat such as beef, pork, or lamb to consumers, restaurants, hotels, boarding houses, and grocery stores. 

    “Consumers at the grocery store increasingly want quality, locally-grown food, but existing regulations and supply chain vulnerabilities don’t make it easy for them to access. In rural states like Maine, farmers often have to drive hundreds of miles just to get their livestock processed. We can and must do more to bolster our local food systems,” said Pingree, a longtime farmer and member of the House Agriculture Committee. “The PRIME Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that strengthens infrastructure for local meat processing, supports family farms, and gives consumers easier access to locally raised food—along with greater transparency about where that food comes from.”

    “Consumers want to know where their food comes from, what it contains, and how it’s processed. Yet federal inspection requirements make it difficult to purchase food from trusted, local farmers,” said Massie. “It is time to open our markets to give producers the freedom to succeed and consumers the freedom to choose.”

    Current law exempts custom slaughter of animals from federal inspection regulations, but only if the meat is slaughtered for personal, household, guest, and employee use (21 U.S.C. § 623(a)). This means that in order to sell individual cuts of locally raised meats to consumers, farmers and ranchers must first send their animals to one of a limited number of USDA-inspected slaughterhouses. These USDA-inspected slaughterhouses are sometimes hundreds of miles away from farms and ranches, adding substantial transportation costs and increasing the chances of locally raised meat co-mingling with industrially produced meat. The PRIME Act would expand the current custom exemption and allow small farms, ranches, and slaughterhouses to thrive.

    Original co-sponsors of the PRIME Act include: Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-Wash.), Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-Okla.), Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.), Rep. John Carter (R-Texas), Rep. Ben Cline (R-Va.), Rep. Michael Cloud (R-Texas), Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.), Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio), Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas), Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Wisc.), Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.), Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Rep. Laurel Lee (R-Fla.), Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.), Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-Utah), Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.), Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.), Rep. Blake Moore (R-Utah), Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas), Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), Rep. Burgess Owens (R-Utah), Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.), Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), Rep. Maria Salazar (R-Fla.), Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas), Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.), Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.), Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wisc.), Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), and Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.). 

    Companion legislation, S.2409, has been introduced in the United States Senate by Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.).

    Massie raises cattle on his off-the-grid farm in northeast Kentucky. Pingree raises grass-fed beef and chickens on her island farm in North Haven, Maine.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 25, 2025
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