Top stories in Ottawa in 2024
BOULDER, Colo. — Travis Hunter is a throwback-type player — an elite receiver one moment, a lockdown cornerback the next — who rarely leaves the field and has a knack for making big plays all over it. The Colorado Buffaloes' two-way standout (see: unicorn) even celebrates at an elite level, unveiling imaginative dance moves following touchdowns and interceptions, some of which include the Heisman Trophy pose. It's one of the many awards he's in line to win. Hunter is the The Associated Press college football player of the year, receiving 26 of 43 votes Thursday from a panel of AP Top 25 voters. Boise State tailback Ashton Jeanty finished second with 16 votes and Arizona State running back Cameron Skattebo received one vote. "Couldn't do what I do without my team," Hunter said in an email on a trip to Las Vegas for an awards ceremony. "So I view being up for these awards as team awards." A player with his particular set of skills doesn't come around that often. He's a flashback to the days of Charles Woodson at Michigan or Champ Bailey at Georgia. Or even his coach, Deion Sanders, a two-way star in the NFL. The prospect of significant playing time on both sides of the ball is what led Hunter to join Sanders at Jackson State and why he followed Sanders to Boulder. "Coach Prime was the only coach who would consider allowing me to do what I'm doing," said Hunter, who's expected to be a top-five pick next spring in the NFL draft, possibly even the No. 1 overall selection. "He did it and knows what it takes — how much you have to be ready on both sides of the ball." Want to fuel Hunter? Simply tell him he can't. "I'm motivated when people tell me I can't do something," Hunter said. "That I can't dominate on both sides of the ball. I want to be an example for others that anything is possible. Keep pursuing your dreams." Hunter helped the 20th-ranked Buffaloes to a 9-3 record this season and a berth in the Alamo Bowl against No. 17 BYU (10-2) on Dec. 28. He played 688 defensive snaps and 672 more on offense — the lone Power Four conference player with 30-plus snaps on both sides of the ball, according to Colorado research. Hunter has already won a second straight Paul Hornung award as the game's most versatile player. He's up for the Walter Camp (player of the year), Maxwell (most outstanding player), the Biletnikoff (best receiver) and Bednarik (top defensive player) awards. And, of course, the Heisman, where he's the odds-on favorite to win over Jeanty this weekend. Hunter can join the late Rashaan Salaam as the only Colorado players to capture the Heisman. Salaam won it in 1994 after rushing for 2,055 yards. Hunter wasn't a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which goes to the nation's top defensive back. That drew the wrath of Sanders, who earned the award with Florida State in 1988 and vowed to give his trophy to Hunter. Hunter's high school coach, Lenny Gregory, knew he had a special player the summer of Hunter's freshman year. Gregory, then the coach at Collins Hill in Georgia, had a conditioning test for his players — run six 200-yard dashes with a minute rest in between. Defensive backs had to complete each in under 32 seconds. Hunter never even got winded. He played safety/cornerback and receiver as a freshman and helped Collins Hill to a state title his senior season. "I remember just talking to colleges the spring of his ninth-grade year and telling coaches that this kid's going to be the No. 1 player in the country," recounted Gregory, who's now the coach at Gordon Central High in Calhoun, Georgia. "They'd look at him and laugh at me, 'What are you talking about? This scrawny kid? He's not big enough.' I was like, 'Just watch. Just watch.'" Hunter finished the regular season with 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns as a receiver. On defense, he had four interceptions, broke up 11 passes and forced one crucial fumble, which secured an OT win over Baylor. Overall, Hunter had 92 receptions and allowed 22. He hauled in 14 receiving TDs and allowed just one. He was responsible for 53 first downs and gave up just six. He was targeted 119 times by Shedeur Sanders & Co. but only 39 times by opposing QBs. Hunter's likely final game in Boulder, a rout of Oklahoma State, was a three-touchdown, one-interception performance. "I'm used to seeing him do all this spectacular stuff," Shedeur Sanders said. "I'm used to all this stuff — you all are just now seeing it on national stage." Get local news delivered to your inbox!Ed Kelce reveals he is trying to find Taylor Swift a birthday present 'that tweaks the strings of her heart'
Tweet Facebook Mail Almost 500 Qantas workers will walk off the job today, sparking fears of airport chaos on one of the busiest travel days of the year. Today marks the start of the summer travel holiday period on the east coast, with 13.5 million people expected to move through capital city airports in the next six weeks. Line maintenance workers will carry out a stoppage from 3.30am today to 7.30am tomorrow at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide airports. READ MORE: US man found in Syria prison months after going missing Hundreds of Qantas workers will walk off the job today. (Getty) The workers are repsonsible for towing and marshalling aircraft. The strike was organised by the Qantas Engineers' Alliance, a coalition of members from the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union, the Australian Workers' Union, and the Electrical Trades Union. The Alliance has called for a wage claim of 5 per cent per year, with a 15 per cent first-year increase. They say this is in response to a 3.5-year wage freeze and will bring their pay in line with industry standards. READ MORE: Trump named Time's Person of the Year again The strike will affect multiple airports. (Getty) AMWU national secretary Steve Murphy said workers had "in good faith" agreed to no industrial action for the past six weeks. "Workers have no other choice now, that during the holiday period, they will be taking industrial action to bring Qantas back to the bargaining table," he said. "Qantas is to blame if there's any disruption to commuters over the holiday period." Workers have also voted in favour of another stoppage next Friday, December 20, along with dozens of partial work bans. READ MORE: Queensland's first TV star Hugh Cornish dies, aged 90 Australia's most trusted and distrusted brands View Gallery Qantas said a number of contingencies were in place to ensure smooth travel for customers despite the strike. "Passengers should head to the airport as they normally would," the statement read. "As always, unplanned maintenance issues, weather, or other events may impact operations on the day." A spokesperson did urge people to allow for extra time at security due to the busy holiday period. "We're offering our engineers a competitive package including pay rises, upskilling and career progression that will enable them to earn significantly more over the next few years," the spokesperson said. DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP : Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play .The insurance industry is projected to grow by 1.5-2.5% next year to achieve total premiums of around 291-294 billion baht, supported by economic and tourism recovery, said the Thai General Insurance Association (TGIA). In the first nine months of 2024, the non-life insurance sector recorded total premiums of 209 billion baht, edging 0.5% lower from the corresponding period of 2023. For the whole of 2024, the industry is projected to grow by 1% with premiums reaching 285-288 billion baht. This modest growth is attributed to several factors, including a sluggish economy, high household debt, structural changes within the industry, the impact of climate change and the country's transition to an aged society. TGIA president Somporn Suebthawilkul said the estimated performance for 2024 reflects ongoing economic challenges and uncertainties. However, the growth of health insurance and increased public awareness of natural disaster risks remain key drivers that underpin the future expansion of the industry. Most insurance categories showed minimal growth during the first nine months of the year compared with the same period last year. The exception was fire insurance, which grew 7.3%, with total premiums reaching 8.3 billion baht. On the other hand, motor insurance was down 1.3% with premiums of approximately 117 billion baht, driven by a 26% drop in new car sales and a decline in average premiums. Marine and transportation insurance saw premiums decrease 2.1% to 5.2 billion baht due to lower export volumes. By the end of the third quarter, the non-life insurance industry reported an overall loss ratio (LR) of 56.9% across all types, which was particularly notable in the categories of motor insurance, health insurance and all-risk insurance. By category, specific LR stood at 61.7% for motor insurance, 23.7% for fire insurance, 30% for marine insurance, 50.9% for miscellaneous insurance, 44% for all-risk insurance, 32% for legal liability, 48.8% for personal accident insurance, 65.5% for health insurance, 32.8% for travel insurance and 40.9% for other forms of insurance. "2025 represents new hope for the recovery of the non-life insurance industry, on the back of the global economic rebound, particularly in developing countries, and the adoption of digital technology or InsurTech, which helps reduce costs, improves efficiency and makes it easier to reach customers," said Mr Somporn. Moreover, there is increasing awareness of emerging risks, such as worsening natural disasters caused by climate change, the growing importance of cyber risk management for organisations at all levels and the intensifying competition within industry. These factors necessitate the continuous development of products to meet evolving customer needs, he added. Fire insurance is expected to attract greater attention next year, along with travel insurance, buoyed by positive factors such as the appreciation of the baht and government initiatives to stimulate the tourism sector. Mr Somporn noted that non-life insurance plays a vital role in helping individuals and businesses manage risks. It provides both financial protection and long-term stability by adapting to evolving circumstances and introducing new products tailored to customer needs. "Our industry's role is not merely a risk management tool but a key pillar that fosters economic stability and paves the way to a sustainable future."QU concludes 5th M-E Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Camp
Qatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha Qatar University (QU), in partnership with the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS), successfully concluded the fifth Middle East Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Camp. Hosted for the first time in Qatar, the event brought together 175 specialists from 27 countries. The camp’s two-day programme was divided into two specialised tracks: the Medical Track, focusing on motor and non-motor symptom management, advanced therapies, and hands-on workshops, including the use of Botulinum Toxin; and the Rehabilitation Track, designed to enhance the clinical capacity of healthcare professionals through interactive workshops and the application of evidence-based rehabilitation techniques. Both tracks aimed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators in the field of movement disorders. Prof Hanan Khalil, a faculty member at QU, led the organising committee, the majority of whom were also members of QU. The camp highlights QU’s pivotal role in advancing health education and research in Qatar and the region. The event was also supported by the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) office of QU, ensuring participants benefit from high-quality, accredited learning opportunities. The event also recognised the significant contributions of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). HMC’s role was exemplified through the participation of its distinguished speakers and members of the organising committee, who brought invaluable expertise and insights to the programme. Notably, Dr Hanadi Al Hamad, deputy chief for Long Term Care, Rehabilitation, Home care Services, Geriatric Care and Lead of Corporate Rehabilitation Services, Special Education and Social Services, was prominently featured, underscoring her leadership and dedication to advancing care for patients with long term conditions. The collaboration with HMC reinforced the event’s comprehensive approach to fostering interdisciplinary knowledge exchange and improving patient outcomes. Dr Hanadi Al Hamad expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, “I am honoured to serve as Guest of Honour for this important event that highlights the critical advancements in movement disorder care. Events like these not only enhance professional knowledge but also strengthen collaborative efforts to improve the quality of life for patients across the region.” This year’s camp featured a distinguished roster of international, regional, and local experts who presented the latest developments in Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. Attendees received the unique opportunity to engage with these thought-leaders and gain insights into innovative approaches that can transform patient care in the Middle East. Prof Hanan Abdul Rahim, dean of the College of Health Sciences at QU, emphasised the importance of this collaboration: “This collaboration between MDS and the College of Health Sciences at QU presents a unique opportunity to advance our understanding of Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders, particularly within the context of the Middle East. By joining forces, we can leverage our respective expertise, resources, and networks to create a meaningful impact in the field of movement disorders and improve patient care in our region.” Dr Linzette Morris, head of the Rehabilitation Sciences Department at QU, added: “Hosting the MDS Middle East Camp underscores QU’s commitment to leading health education and research initiatives in the region. This event serves as a critical platform for interdisciplinary learning, enabling healthcare professionals to apply cutting-edge rehabilitation practices that can greatly enhance patient outcomes.” Prof Hanan Khalil highlighted the camp’s significance, stating, “The MDS Middle East Camp is more than an educational event; it is a cornerstone for fostering international collaboration and building clinical expertise in the region. By hosting this camp in Qatar for the first time, we aim to inspire meaningful advancements in movement disorder care and empower healthcare professionals with the tools they need to make a difference.” The 5th MDS Middle East Camp not only underscored QU’s leadership in general and the College of Health Sciences in particular in health education but also its commitment to advancing research and clinical practice in collaboration with global organisations. This event marked a significant milestone in Qatar’s efforts to improve the lives of patients with movement disorders across the region. Copy 30/12/2024 10From Godwin Tsa , Abuja To strengthen border management, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reinvigorated its 2025 Enforcement Strategy. A statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, on behalf of Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the strategy is aimed at removing bottlenecks associated with trade, strengthening border security, combating smuggling, and facilitating legitimate trade. Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has approved the reduction of Customs checkpoints across the country to streamline operations and ease the movement of goods and persons. “Moving forward, customs operations will rely more on actionable intelligence and strategic risk management frameworks to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. “Also, the Service is deploying geospatial tools and advanced technologies to ensure the effectiveness of NCS enforcement strategies. “This development underscores the Service’s commitment to leveraging innovative, intelligence-driven approaches for effective border enforcement and anti-smuggling operations,” the statement reads in part. Drawing from the above strategies, the Service also announces the dissolution of the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) after due consultation with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). “This operation, which commenced in 2019 with the code name ‘Ex-Swift Response’ and later evolved into JBPT, was initially designed to enforce the partial border closure policy. Since its inception, the JBPT has played a pivotal role in curbing the influx of dangerous goods and ensuring compliance with Nigeria’s trade and security regulations,” the statement said. However, NCS acknowledges and deeply appreciates the cooperation and dedication of other government agencies that partnered in this endeavour. Their invaluable contributions have been instrumental in safeguarding Nigeria’s land borders. The Service assures the general public and stakeholders that these measures will not compromise border security or trade facilitation. Rather, they represent a significant step towards modernising customs operations, improving trade compliance, and strengthening national security. While soliciting the support of all stakeholders in the good fight against economic saboteurs, the CGC reassured his commitment and that of his officers and men to secure the nation’s borders effectively, facilitate legitimate trade, and ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.OpenAI Announces Reason For Transition to For-Profit Organization, Lays Out Plans