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Sustainable Marine Fuel Confidence Index 2024 – the results are in
In 2024, we highlighted trends expected to shape the future of freight forwarding. As we enter 2025, many of these issues remain relevant, underscoring the enduring yet evolving dynamics of global logistics. While advancements have been made, the fundamental complexities around digitalisation, decarbonisation, and supply chain resilience persist, further amplified by upcoming regulations entering into force in 2025. Looking ahead to 2025, there is one trend everyone can agree on: disruption has become the new normal. Those in the industry who strive to adopt an antifragile system will not only withstand the stress of disruption but will thrive and become more effective from it. As we navigate these disruptions, the freight forwarding industry continues to grapple with similar challenges identified in previous years. While progress has been made in the industry, the need for innovation, collaboration, and strategic adaptation remains paramount. Freight forwarders embracing change, investing in technology, and prioritising antifragility will be better positioned to thrive in this dynamic landscape. Source: Maersk
Grandmother shut out of Christmas celebrationsHaiti’s online media association said two reporters were killed and several others were wounded in a gang attack on Tuesday on the reopening of Port-au-Prince’s biggest public hospital. Street gangs have taken over an estimated 85% of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, and they forced the closure of the General Hospital early this year. Authorities had pledged to reopen the facility Tuesday but as journalists gathered to cover the event , suspected gang members opened fire in a vicious Christmas Eve attack. Robert Dimanche, a spokesman for the Online Media Collective, identified the dead journalists as Markenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean. Dimanche said an unspecified number of reporters had also been wounded in the attack, which he blamed on the Viv Ansanm coalition of gangs. Haiti’s interim president, Leslie Voltaire, said in an address to the nation that journalists and police were among the victims of the attack. He did not specify how many casualties there were, or give a breakdown for the dead or wounded. “I send my sympathies to the people who were victims, the national police and the journalists,” Voltaire said while pledging that “this crime is not going to go unpunished.” A video obtained by the Associated Press which was posted online by the reporters trapped inside the hospital seemingly showed what appeared to be two lifeless bodies of men on stretchers, their clothes bloodied. One of the men had a lanyard with a press credential around his neck. Radio Télé Métronome initially reported that seven journalists and two police officers were wounded. Police and officials did not immediately respond to calls for information on the attack. As previously stated, nearly 90 percent of the city has been overrun by the gang who in addition to the hospital attack, also went after the country's largest prisons. Johnson “Izo” André, considered Haiti’s most powerful gang leader and part of a gang known as Viv Ansanm, which that has taken control of much of Port-au-Prince, posted a video on social media claiming responsibility for the attack. The video said the gang coalition had not authorized the hospital’s reopening. This is not the first time that Haitian journalists have been targeted. In 2023, two local journalists were killed in the space of a couple of weeks — radio reporter Dumesky Kersaint was fatally shot in mid-April that year, while journalist Ricot Jean was found dead later that month. In July, former Prime Minister Garry Conille visited the Hospital of the State University of Haiti, more widely known as the General Hospital, after authorities regained control of it from gangs. The Associated Press reported that the walls of the building had been left ravaged and strewn with debris. Walls and nearby buildings were riddled with bullet holes, signaling fights between police and gangs. The hospital is across the street from the National Palace, the scene of several battles in recent months. DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter.
New York, New York–(Newsfile Corp. – December 24, 2024) – Building Homes for Heroes marked a transformative milestone on December 7 th , 2024, with the gifting of its 400th home to U.S. Army Specialist Joshua Sager and his family in Argyle, Texas, a suburb north of Dallas. This achievement represents nearly two decades of providing veterans and first responders with the foundation they need to build their next chapter. Social media post celebrating the gifting of Building Homes for Heroes 400th home to U.S. Army Specialist Joshua Sager and his family in Argyle, Texas. Building Homes for Heroes emerged from the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, when founder Andy Pujol volunteered in the search-and-rescue efforts at ground zero alongside first responders. The organization has since grown into one of the nation’s fastest-growing veteran-focused organizations, evolving from gifting a single home to now averaging more than one home constructed, gifted or modified every 10 days. The 400 th gifted home milestone, made possible through collaboration with Hillwood Properties and Highland Homes , goes to Army Specialist Joshua Sager, who served with the Scout Surveillance and Reconnaissance platoon for 3/509th Infantry. Despite suffering catastrophic injuries from a parachute training accident that doctors said might prevent him from ever walking again, Specialist Sager demonstrated remarkable resilience through 18 months of rehabilitation. Josh and Melanie Sager beaming with joy as they step into their new home. “Our 400th home marks a milestone that seemed almost unimaginable when we started this journey,” said Andy Pujol, founder and CEO of Building Homes for Heroes. “Each home represents a new beginning for these heroic servicemen and women and their families, and we’re just getting started. We encourage all to join us as we set our sights on our milestone 500 th home. “It seems like such a small thing for us to do, but we know supporting organizations like Building Homes for Heroes has an outsized and real impact for Veterans like Josh and his family,” said Fred Balda, President, Hillwood Communities. “We are thrilled to help Building Homes for Heroes make this dream come true for someone who sacrificed so much to protect the freedom we often take for granted.” The stability of a mortgage-free home creates a vital foundation for veterans and first responders transitioning to civilian life. This secure environment enables physical recovery, strengthens mental health, and provides the bedrock for family stability. Building Homes for Heroes expands on this foundation with emergency funding, financial guidance, wellness programs, and community integration support. Josh and Melanie Sager share an embrace in front of their new residence. Large F500s, investment groups, and other corporate partners have joined forces with Building Homes for Heroes to expand this mission, creating a nationwide network of support for those who have served our nation. In 2024 alone, Building Homes for Heroes is gifting more than 40 homes-nearly one per week-while expanding its support services to help more than 2,500 veterans and first responders. The organization is now setting its sights on an even more ambitious goal: gifting its 500th home by 2026. Army veteran Josh Sager delivers a heartfelt speech from the porch of his new residence, celebrating the significant 400th home milestone with Building Homes for Heroes. The celebration in Argyle featured hundreds of community members, local veterans, first responders, and supporters with a Christmas theme, plus a procession with school marching bands, cheerleaders, motorcycle groups and local officials, honoring both the Sager family and marking a milestone in the organization’s mission to support America’s heroes. Josh and Melanie Sager step over the threshold of their new home, their faces alight with excitement, as they open the door to this new chapter of their lives. ### About Building Homes for Heroes Building Homes for Heroes builds and gifts mortgage-free homes, and completes home modifications, for veterans, emergency first responders and their families, and provides further services along their road to recovery to help them live a promising and fulfilling life ahead. Learn more at buildinghomesforheroes.org . About Hillwood Properties Hillwood Properties, based in Fort Worth, is a premier real estate developer specializing in industrial-logistics, corporate office, and retail mixed-use development, as well as airport and property management. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Hillwood has established a reputation for quality development that drives economic growth for communities throughout North Texas. Learn more at alliancetexas.com . About Highland Homes Founded in 1985, Highland Homes is an employee-owned company that builds nearly 4,000 homes across Texas each year and is among the largest and most trusted single-family new home builders in the country. A commitment to excellence has earned the company many industry awards, including consistent high rankings by J.D. Power and Associates, nine People’s Choice Builder of the Year and multiple home of the Year awards, as well as the Dallas Morning News People’s Choice winner for Best Builder and Best Luxury Builder. Highland was ranked among the Best Small Workplaces in Texas by Fortune Magazine in 2023 and has ranked sixth by Texas Monthly’s 50 Best Companies to work for in Texas. Learn more at highlandhomes.com . About Brothers Golnick Brothers Golnick is a veteran owned full-service production, marketing and advertising agency. Co-founders Eric Golnick, a former Naval officer and veterans’ behavioral health leader, and BJ Golnick, an award-winning filmmaker, offer a comprehensive suite of services that authentically connect with veterans, first responders, and hardworking Americans, inspiring action and driving meaningful results. Their unwavering commitment to uplifting the American spirit is highlighted by their work for clients such as the US Department of Veterans Affairs and Building Homes for Heroes. Learn more at brothersgolnick.com . To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234980 #distro
The two faces of violenceStock market today: Wall Street rallies ahead of Christmas
The Atlanta Falcons re-signed linebacker Rashaan Evans to the practice squad on Tuesday. Evans played in two games for the Falcons earlier this season and received one defensive snap and five on special teams. He was on the roster Weeks 9-15 before being released Dec. 21. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Stacker examined Census of Agriculture data from the Department of Agriculture to see which states produce the most Christmas trees. Click for more. States that produce the most Christmas trees
In a major decision, the house of Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) on Tuesday decided to impose penalty equal to 7.5% of their total water bill, on city residents living in houses/institutions having an area of one kanal and above, for not taking tertiary treated (TT) water connection despite repeated notices. As per the Chandigarh water supply bylaws, 2015, the use of TT water is compulsory in all houses/institutions having an area of one kanal and above. The bylaws made TT water connections compulsory for consumers within three months from the date of issuance of notification, but the civic body has found that only 2,906 of the total 7,385 one kanal houses in Chandigarh have complied with the bylaws. Similarly, out of the total 414 institutions, only 150 have the connections. The penalty will be imposed on 4479 houses and 264 institutions in the city. The house also decided to sell the TT water for commercial use at ₹ 7 per kilolitre on the lines of Delhi Jal Board. At present, the MC charges ₹ 2.50 per kilolitre for commercial TT water connection. However, no change in rates has been made for residential houses or institutions, who have already taken the TT water, and the flat rate stands same at ₹ 50 per kanal area per month. During the general House meeting, the agenda was tabled, saying, “The MC is now proposing to sell the TT water at ₹ 7 per kilolitre on the lines of Delhi Jal Board. At present, the MC charges ₹ 2.50 per kilolitre for TT water. To ensure compliance, the MC is proposing to levy a penalty equal to 7.5% of the total water bill on one kanal house owners who have not taken TT water connections despite availability. The MC is also proposing to make TT water available for other purposes of fulfilling norms, such as construction purposes, chilling plants, AC cooling units after softening and other industrial purposes for washing, etc.” The agenda was approved after city councillors across party lines raised multiple complaints about TT water’s availability and quality. BJP councillor Mahesh Inder Singh Sidhu, representing city’s sectors from 1 to 10 having most of the entire city’s one kanal and above houses, said, “Though the quality of TT water has improved, residents still complain about smelly water and erratic supply. The MC does not act for months to repair the pipes of TT water in case of breakage and if penalty and rates have been increased, the MC must ensure proper supply.” BJP councillor Harpreet Kaur Babla said, “TT water supply is very erratic in summers, especially in May and June, when plants require a good amount of water. The MC must ensure timely supply.” More services set to get dearer now With its fiscal crisis worsening, the Chandigarh MC revised the rates for various services to boost its revenue, impacting services such as the issuance of birth and death certificates, charges for using mobile toilet vans for private events, rent for telecom infrastructure, monthly rent of Verka milk booths among others. The registrar birth and death department of the Chandigarh MC covers 29 private hospitals and nursing homes, and registration units are working on the online software by the Centre. MC approved revision of the fee/charges related to issuance of certificates. The MC will now rent out mobile toilet vans for private events in the city. For a private event up to 5 km, the MC will charge ₹ 6,500, which will include ₹ 2,000 as refundable security and the rent will increase to ₹ 7,000 if event is scheduled beyond 5 km. Scuffle breaks out in MC House Tensions ran high during the Chandigarh MC’s general House meeting on Tuesday as nominated councillor Anil Masih, involved in the vote rigging case in the controversial mayoral election this year, and who got SC rap for the same, stormed into the well of the House and accused senior political leaders of Congress and AAP of corruption. Masih said, “Rahul Gandhi and Sanjay Singh are involved in corruption and are presently out on bail. If they can come out and speak, why can’t I speak when the case against me is still pending for a decision in the Supreme Court.” The remarks triggered a heated response from the INDIA bloc councillors, who retaliated by highlighting Masih’s vote rigging incident earlier this year. Congress councillor Gurpreet Singh Gabi displayed posters depicting Masih’s vote-tampering scandal, prompting an uproar in the House. Senior deputy mayor and BJP councillor Kuljeet Singh Sandhu, along with leader of Opposition Kanwarjeet Singh Rana, attempted to seize the posters from Gabi, leading to a physical scuffle between members of the House. The chaotic scenes forced a brief adjournment of the House proceedings.