Zilinskas scores 32 as IU Indianapolis downs Alabama A&M 88-83Yes, an Italian village is offering $1 homes to Americans following the electionLaunch event participants included Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore, FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez, and Sheppard Pratt CEO Dr. Harsh K. Trivedi Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore at MPT First Lady Dawn Moore speaks at the November 19 launch of MPT's Maryland Center for Media Literacy & Education. Photo Credit: Joe Andrucyk Interview during MPT's Maryland Center for Media Literacy & Education launch event Maryland Center for Media Literacy & Education launch event host Frank Sesno (left on stage) interviews FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez and Sheppard Pratt CEO Dr. Harsh Trivedi. Photo Credit: Richard Bodorff A major expansion of MPT's long-standing Education Division, the Center will address the challenges and impacts of today's media-saturated society and support the well-being of Maryland citizens. Its programs and resources on a variety of topics will empower individuals of all ages to navigate media in a complex digital world. The Center's website is MarylandMediaLiteracy.org . Major funding support for the Maryland Center for Media Literacy & Education is being provided by the Sherman Family Foundation. Media literacy at every age is vital, notes the Center's leadership. Social media is cited as a top source of news and information for adults and teenagers, with nearly half of teens ages 13-17 saying they are online "almost constantly.” In addition, research revealed that 55% of students are not confident in their ability to recognize false information online, 94% of teens say they want their schools to teach media literacy, and 69% of parents fear their children are sharing private information on social media without realizing it. On top of these findings, older adults reported losing more than $1.9 billion in online scams and digital fraud in 2023. "Over more than five decades, MPT's education team has been a trusted partner in learning and convener in Maryland, which is why we're well-positioned to spearhead this effort. We recognize media's power to influence our perceptions, beliefs, and actions, and it's more important than ever that everyone - from our youngest learners to our seniors - is equipped with healthy media habits,” explained Betsy Peisach, vice president, Maryland Center for Media Literacy & Education. "We're committing the resources, expertise, and leadership over the long term to advance media literacy.” Serving as hosts for the Center's November 19 launch event were Frank Sesno , former CNN anchor, correspondent, and Washington bureau chief, and current director of strategic initiatives and professor at the School of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University, and Kelsey Russell , a Gen Z national media literacy advocate and influencer with 100,000 TikTok followers. The program featured Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore , who spoke to the audience about the need for essential media literacy skills and the necessity for awareness of children's digital media use. "For the past 55 years, MPT has helped build strong citizens from childhood to adulthood, and the Maryland Center for Media Literacy & Education will build on that legacy. I'm proud this new Center will be a guiding light for our kids and adults,” said Moore. "As first lady, the wellbeing of our children is one of my top priorities - and that's why I will continue to work in partnership with MPT to uplift the future generations of Marylanders.” FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez and Sheppard Pratt President and CEO Dr. Harsh K. Trivedi took part in a conversation with Frank Sesno about the intersection of media literacy, technology, and mental health, and their impacts on individuals, families, and communities. "If you're on social media more than three hours a day, that's specifically correlated with higher rates of anxiety and depression. We're seeing unprecedented mental health issues and problems from too much social media,” said Dr. Trivedi. "It's really about making information accessible - like the wonderful things MPT does and this coalition can do - and coming out with tangible things that parents, kids, and educators can use to help to teach skills, change behavior, and impact mental health.” "What MPT is doing today to promote media literacy is important to make sure people can discern what is true and what is misinformation, disinformation, or mal-information,” said Gomez. "Remember, this is both a mental health issue and a public safety issue.” The one-hour program integrated videos about social media use and media literacy topics of importance to students at several grade levels. These videos were produced by students from Benjamin Tasker Middle School in Bowie, Maryland, the DC International School in Washington, D.C., and Stevenson University in Owings Mills. The Maryland Center for Media Literacy & Education's staff, advisors, and partners are developing and curating tools and resources to promote media literacy knowledge and best practices. This team will also create effective learning opportunities that teach media literacy and support informed choices. Among the Center's initial primary resources and continuing professional development assets are - (Statistic sources: Pew Research Center, 2022; News Literacy Project, 2022; C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll, 2021; News Literacy Project, May 2024; FTC Annual Report to Congress, 2024) # # # About Maryland Public Television Maryland Public Television (MPT) is a statewide, public-supported TV network and Public Broadcasting Service member offering entertaining, educational, and inspiring content delivered by traditional broadcasting and streaming on TVs, computers, and mobile devices. A state agency, it operates under the auspices of the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission. MPT creates and distributes local, regional, and national content and is a frequent winner of regional Emmy® awards. MPT's commitment to educators, parents, caregivers, and learners of all ages is delivered through its Maryland Center for Media Literacy and Education and Thinkport.org . MPT's year-round community engagement activities connect viewers with resources on a wide range of topics. For more information visit mpt.org. Attachments Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore at MPT Interview during MPT's Maryland Center for Media Literacy & Education launch event CONTACT: Tom Williams Maryland Public Television 4105814031 [email protected]A voting machine firm suing Fox News now wants to probe Murdoch family trust fight
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The U.S. government makes a major travel advisory change for ChinaA curious moment during the Edmonton Oilers ’ recent game against the New York Rangers has fans buzzing, with Sportsnet analysts questioning what appeared to be a heated exchange between defenseman Mattias Ekholm and forward Kasperi Kapanen . It seemed clear there was an issue, but no one seemed to understand why. The incident occurred after Kapanen registered his first assist as an Oiler, contributing to a Connor McDavid goal alongside Evan Bouchard . Instead of joining in on the celebration, Ekholm seemed to pull Kapanen aside and deliver some stern words. EDM NYR G22. November 23, 2024. Connor McDavid goal. 5-1 EDM. ?: Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/UtSXJQHmpq The Sportsnet panel speculated that Ekholm might have been critiquing Kapanen for a risky play leading up to the goal. Specifically, they suggested the veteran defenseman might have seen Kapanen’s pass as a high-danger move that could have backfired. While Ekholm’s body language suggested frustration, others pointed out that the moment could easily have been misinterpreted. Was Ekholm upset, or was he offering a mix of constructive criticism and encouragement? What was clear is that Ekholm didn’t look happy. At the same time, Kapanen didn’t react with a shocked look on his face or one that suggested he was returning the sternness of the exchange. What Was The Ekholm and Kapanen Talk About? Fans on social media were split. Some believed Sportsnet was reading too much into a moment that means nothing on an otherwise great play. “It’s just as likely Ekholm was congratulating Kapanen in his own intense way,” one fan noted, adding that Ekholm’s leadership style often blends tough love with genuine support. The timing of Ekholm’s actions raised eyebrows, as it seemed odd to critique a player immediately following a successful goal. The pass itself was a beauty, one that McDavid acknowledged when he pointed to both Bouchard and Kapanen after the goal. If there was an issue, it’s logical to assume it was not on that particular offensive play. Ekholm does have a reputation as a trash-talker and a vocal leader. It’s possible he was simply ensuring that Kapanen understood that a great play doesn’t negate a questionable one from a different play or earlier in the series. If he was treating it as a coachable moment, that’s not a bad thing. Regardless of the context, the incident underscores the passion and high standards Ekholm brings to the team. We may never know what that interaction with Kapanen was really about, but the idea that these two might have a beef now feels like a stretch. Knoblauch told the media on Monday that he has been happy with Kapanen and this was a player the Oilers had an interest in before they claimed him on waivers. This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.
Among the most prevalent mental health conditions currently are anxiety disorders, affecting millions around the globe. Starting from mild unease to dreadful fear, anxiety manifests itself in different forms and penetrates into the personal, social, and professional spheres of an individual's life. While sometimes experiencing anxiety is a natural reaction to pressure, chronic anxiety calls for attention and care. Identifying Anxiety Symptoms Anxiety is usually associated with excessive worry, restlessness, fatigue, and troubles concentrating or irritability. Other physical symptoms include a rapid heart rate, sweating, shaking, gastrointestinal problems, among many others. Prolonged existence of these symptoms that interfere with daily functioning can be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Triggers and Causes It is multifactorial and hence might be caused due to some combination of factors: genetic, environmental, and psychological. Anxiety can sometimes result from stressful life events or trauma, even a family history of anxiety. Sometimes, factors such as a lack of sleep, poor diet, too much screen time, may worsen it. Controlling Anxiety: Easy Tips Deep breathing exercises calm the nervous system and thus reduces one's anxiety. Try practicing the 4-7-8 method: breathe in for four counts and hold for seven and exhale for eight seconds. Regular Physical Activity: Vigorous activities release endorphins, which are the natural "feel-good" mood elevators. Exercise for at least 30 minutes per day, such as by walking, doing yoga, or swimming. Healthy Sleep Patterns: Follow a routine and provide your body and mind with good rest. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness in helping you live in the moment, cut down on excessive thinking and worrying. Limit Stimulants: Caffeine and alcohol can all actually make the anxiety worse. Seeking Professional Help If the self-help techniques employed are inappropriate then, proper psychiatric help should be taken. There are, of course, therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) that in actual fact work well for anxiety disorders. Medication shall only be used in the most extreme of cases and absolutely never on its own with therapy. Breaking the Stigma Open discussions of mental health will remove the stigma attached to anxiety. Experience and treatment of it must be ordinary to encourage most people in taking care of their psychological condition. With the right tools and support, anxiety can be something lived with; the earlier treatment begins, the sooner, letting people fulfilling lives. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Mental Health, Health and around the world.
Greater Sudbury marks HIV Awareness Week, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against WomenPolice release new photos as they search for the gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO NEW YORK (AP) — Two law enforcement officials say a masked gunman who stalked and killed the leader of one of the largest U.S. health insurance companies on a Manhattan sidewalk used ammunition emblazoned with the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose." The official were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke Thursday to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Police also released photos of a person they say is wanted for questioning in the ambush the day before of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The words on the ammunition may have been a reference to tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying claims. Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are bringing Trump's DOGE to Capitol Hill WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s DOGE time at the U.S. Capitol. Billionaire Elon Musk and fellow business titan Vivek Ramaswamy arrived on Capitol Hill for meetings with lawmakers. The two are heading up President-elect Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, with its plans to “dismantle” the federal government. Trump tapped the duo to come up with ways for firing federal workers, cutting government programs and slashing federal regulations — all part of Trump's agenda for a second-term at the White House. House Speaker Mike Johnson said there's going to be “a lot of change” in Washington. Hegseth faces senators' concerns not only about his behavior but also his views on women in combat WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth has spent the week on Capitol Hill trying to reassure Republican senators that he is fit to lead President-elect Donald Trump’s Department of Defense in the wake of high-profile allegations about excessive drinking and sexual assault. But senators in both parties have also expressed concern about another issue — Hegseth’s frequent comments that women should not serve in frontline military combat jobs. As he meets with senators for a fourth day Thursday, his professional views on women troops are coming under deeper scrutiny. Hegseth said this week that “we have amazing women who serve our military.” Pressed if they should serve in combat, Hegseth said they already do. Hamas official says Gaza ceasefire talks have resumed after weekslong hiatus ISTANBUL (AP) — A Hamas official says that after a weekslong hiatus international mediators have resumed negotiating with the militant group and Israel over a ceasefire in Gaza, and that he was hopeful a deal to end the 14-month war was within reach. Ceasefire negotiations were halted last month when Qatar suspended its talks with mediators from Egypt and the United States over frustration with a lack of progress between Israel and Hamas. But Bassem Naim, an official in Hamas’ political wing, said Thursday in an interview with The Associated Press that there has been a “reactivation” of efforts to end the fighting, release hostages from Gaza and free Palestinian prisoners in Israel. Why the rebel capture of Syria's Hama, a city with a dark history, matters BEIRUT (AP) — One of the darkest moments in the modern history of the Arab world happened more than four decades ago, when then-Syrian President Hafez Assad launched what came to be known as the Hama Massacre. The slaughter was named for the Syrian city where 10,000 to 40,000 people were killed or disappeared in a government attack that began on Feb. 2, 1982, and lasted for nearly a month. Hama was turned into ruins. The memory of the assault and the monthlong siege on the city remains visceral in Syrian and Arab minds. Now Islamist insurgents have captured the city in a moment many Syrians have awaited for over 40 years. France's Macron vows to stay in office till end of term, says he'll name a new prime minister soon PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to stay in office until the end of his term in 2027 and announced that he will name a new prime minister within days. In his address to the nation on Thursday, Macron came out fighting, laying blame at the door of his opponents on the far right for bringing down the government of Michel Barnier. He said they chose “not to do but to undo” and that they “chose disorder.” The president also said the far right and the far left had united in what he called “an anti-Republican front.” He said he’ll name a new prime minister within days but gave no hints who that might be. 7.0 earthquake off Northern California prompts brief tsunami warning SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The National Weather Service has canceled its tsunami warning for the U.S. West Coast after there was a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. According to the U.S. Geological Survey on Thursday, at least 5.3 million people in California were under a tsunami warning after the earthquake struck. It was felt as far south as San Francisco, where residents felt a rolling motion for several seconds. It was followed by multiple smaller aftershocks. There were no immediate reports of major damage or injury. Yoon replaces the defense minister as South Korea's parliament moves to vote on their impeachments SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s president has replaced his defense minister as opposition parties moved to impeach both men over the stunning-but-brief imposition of martial law that brought armed troops into Seoul streets. Opposition parties are pushing for a vote on motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday evening. They hold 192 seats but need 200 votes for the motion to pass. Yoon’s office said he decided to replace Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun with Choi Byung Hyuk, a retired general who is South Korea’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Kim earlier apologized and said he ordered troops to carry out duties related to martial law. The Foreign Ministry also worked to mitigate the backlash and concern over South Korea's democracy. The US government is closing a women's prison and other facilities after years of abuse and decay WASHINGTON (AP) — The Associated Press has learned that the federal Bureau of Prisons is permanently closing its “rape club” women’s prison in California and will idle six facilities in a sweeping realignment after years of abuse, decay and mismanagement. The agency informed employees and Congress on Thursday that it plans to shutter the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California, and its deactivate minimum-security prison camps in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Colorado, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Florida. Staff and inmates are being moved to other facilities. The closures come amid an AP investigation that has uncovered deep, previously unreported flaws within the Bureau of Prisons. From outsider to the Oval Office, bitcoin surges as a new administration embraces crypto NEW YORK (AP) — Bitcoin burst on the scene after trust had withered in the financial system and Washington’s ability to protect people from it. Now, it’s Washington’s embrace of bitcoin that’s sending it to records. Bitcoin briefly surged above $103,000 after President-elect Donald Trump said he will nominate Paul Atkins, who's seen as friendly to crypto, to be the Securities and Exchange Commission's next chair. The crypto industry, meanwhile, did its part to bring politicians friendly to digital currencies into Washington. It's a twist from bitcoin's early days, when it was lauded as a kind of electronic cash that wouldn’t be beholden to any government or financial institution.
It’s social media decision time for state and local governments: follow the post-election masses to Bluesky or sit tight and see what happens. The Washington Metro — the district’s public transit system — . So does the , which had 743 followers and 12 posts as of Friday afternoon. That compares to more than 214,000 followers on X and a seemingly endless list of posts. And now New York City is getting into the Bluesky game. Mayor Eric Adams — dealing with , and on bribery and other charges — recently told agencies under his command to . Those accounts would join the more than 20 million Bluesky users, . More than 2.5 million people have joined since the election, reportedly annoyed at the politics of Trump-supporting Elon Musk, the owner of X, which was previously known as Twitter — along with what many new Bluesky users have described as the “toxic” feel at the Musk social media platform. Bluesky was born from Twitter in 2019, but these days, the two platforms are not only competitors but offer people a way to signal their political stance just via the decision about which one to use. Now state and local governments face their own choices about how to respond — and added risk from people bent on using the rising service for mischief or crime. In Minneapolis, officials are “establishing a city primary account and do not have immediate plans outside of that,” Allen Henry, the city’s media relations coordinator, told via email on Friday. As Bluesky grows and changes, the city will keep its eye on it, he said, and take a “larger approach” if that proves necessary. “Ultimately, our goal is to communicate to and inform the public,” Henry said. “For communications to be most effective, we need to communicate in the spaces our audience is and in ways that resonate with them.” In Austin, Texas, known for its tech-heavy economy and progressive culture, city officials are taking a slower approach, according to Memi Cárdenas, Austin’s media relations manager. “Bluesky is a relatively new social media platform, and we have not yet done a thorough review of how it could fit in our communications strategy as a city,” she said. Austin relies on X, especially during emergencies. The city has more than 213,000 followers on Musk’s social media platform, and reaching that mark via a new tool would require “notable resources to establish, which include staff capacity, developing internal usage policies, researching platform rules and regulations, ensuring accessibility and archiving,” Cárdenas said via email. Much like the case in Minneapolis, officials in Austin will monitor Bluesky, which stands as a communications option for the future. Making a change to the new platform — any new platform — would involve a review from the city’s social media committee and a recommendation to the city’s communications director for approval or denial, she said. Even so, the city’s lack of presence on Bluesky hasn’t stopped people bent on fraud from creating “a couple of profiles impersonating the official city of Austin, and we are working to remove those accounts from the platform,” Cárdenas added. More such instances for other agencies seems probable, . In fact, it attracted an onslaught of impersonators after the service in 2022. New targets and updated features always attract criminals, vandals and other such people. Neither Bluesky nor press officials in the New York Mayor’s Office responded immediately to request for comment. Nor did X — since taking over the platform, Musk has . While a count of public agencies so far on Bluesky was not available, at least one social media expert has noticed changes when it comes to government activity there. “I have noticed government agencies and quasi-governments adding Bluesky accounts, especially ones that often need to get updated info to audiences quickly such as transportation authorities,” said Megan Duncan, an associate professor at Virginia Tech who researches digital media and associated topics. She anticipates that as audiences become ever more fragmented, governments might use Bluesky to make sure they are reaching as many people as possible, especially when it comes to information deemed urgent. “But if these [agencies] already had an X account, the good news is that the formatting of information and text is similar enough that it lowers the burden on social media managers,” she told . For those agencies that join Bluesky now, their “early-adopter presence” could bring more engagement and growth than will be the case for latter users. That’s not the only potential benefit of joining now. “It’s also the optimal time to get the prime handles, which simultaneously can signal credibility and prevent bad-faith actors from snagging them and impersonating government agencies and politicians,” Duncan said via email. Bluesky, after all, offers no verified badges as other social media platforms do. Governments that act early enough, though, can set up domains and handles that signal credibility to their audiences, she said. Those audiences, of course, will at the same time be developing their own “literacy skills” for Bluesky, learning its rhythms and players, and figuring out who deserves their trust. Smaller public agencies will probably face the biggest challenges. “The technical skills to set up and host your own government domain may be a barrier for entry for smaller government agencies,” she said. “I’ve noticed even larger agencies like New York City’s MTA is on the common server. Alternatively, Washington’s Metro has established its own domain.” So will Bluesky endure, or will enthusiasm fade as the election recedes? That’s one of the uncertainties that will occupy social media managers and communications professionals at public agencies in the coming months. Some governments have already made up their mind against Bluesky, at least for now: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer that departments under his supervision will stick with X because that’s where people are. Government technology suppliers face the same issue. A spokesperson for industry giant Tyler Technologies said Friday that while the company uses X and not Bluesky, that all depends on where public agency clients and other audiences are. Finances, moderation and having an ample and capable workforce still stand as question marks for Bluesky, Duncan said. “As more opinion leaders and authorities join, Bluesky feels like it’s going to establish itself as the place for microblogging,” Duncan said. “But, I’m not yet ready to call Bluesky the marketplace winner alternative to X because of the revenue piece.”SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) — As bitcoin reached historic highs, surpassing $100,000 for the first tim e, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele was triumphant on Thursday about his big bet on the cryptocurrency. The adoption of bitcoin — which has been legal tender in the Central American nation since 2021 — never quite matched the president’s enthusiasm, but the value of the government’s reported investment now stands at more than $600 million. Bitcoin has rallied mightily since Donald Trump’s election victory last month, exceeding the $100,000 mark on Wednesday night, just hours after the president-elect said he intends to nominate cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins to be the next chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Just two years ago, bitcoin’s volatile value fell below $17,000. Bitcoin fell back below the $100,000 by Thursday afternoon, sitting just above $99,000 by 3 p.m. E.T. Bukele on Thursday blamed his beleaguered political opposition for causing many Salvadorans to miss out on the bonanza. There were street protests when the Congress made bitcoin legal tender in June 2021, though that move was not the only motivation for the protesters. RELATED COVERAGE Catholic church calls on president of El Salvador not to lift ban on gold mining El Salvador president proposes ending country’s metals mining ban Costa Rica bestows highest diplomatic honor on El Salvador President Bukele for security gains The tiny Central American country has long used the dollar as currency, but Bukele promised bitcoin would provide new opportunities for El Salvador’s unbanked and cut out money transfer services from the remittances Salvadorans abroad send home. The government offered $30 in bitcoin to those who signed up for digital wallets. Many did so, but quickly cashed out the cryptocurrency. “It’s important to emphasize that not only did the opposition err resoundingly with bitcoin, but rather, differently from other issues (where they have also been wrong), this time their opposition affected many,” Bukele wrote on Facebook. Bukele drew an “impressive” comment from Elon Musk on the social media platform X Thursday. El Salvador’s former Central Bank President Carlos Acevedo pointed out on Thursday that while there has been a gain, it remains an unrealized one until the government’s bitcoin is sold. That said, he credited Bukele’s administration with doing well on the bitcoin move, especially in light of Trump’s election. Acevedo said “the markets’ optimism that a Trump administration will be friendly with the markets and particularly with bitcoin” explained its sustained rally over the past month. But the cryptocurrency’s volatility was a persistent risk, he said. “The average Salvadoran doesn’t use bitcoin, but obviously there are Salvadorans with economic resources who even before had already invested in bitcoin, but it is a small group,” Acevedo said. Esteban Escamilla, a worker in a clothing store in Santa Tecla, outside the capital San Salvador, said he had cashed out the original $30 of bitcoin offered in 2021. “I don’t use bitcoin because I don’t have (money) to invest and speculate with, but I know it has gone up a lot,” he said, recognizing that he would have more money now if he had kept it in bitcoin. Josefa Torres, 45, said as she was doing her grocery shopping that she didn’t have any bitcoin either. “I took out the money and used it for household expenses,” she said. At the conclusion of meetings between the International Monetary Fund and El Salvador’s government in August, the IMF issued a statement that mentioned the country’s bitcoin holdings. “While many of the risks have not yet materialized, there is joint recognition that further efforts are needed to enhance transparency and mitigate potential fiscal and financial stability risks from the Bitcoin project,” the IMf said.None
News Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News. Inner-city suburbs outperformed market expectations in 2024 as Cairns property prices climbed, but there are still bargains to be found heading into the new year, if you know where to look. Skyrocketing rents and low vacancy rates have pushed many buyers to enter the real estate market for the first time, according to agents, which has contributed to steady growth across the Far North. CoreLogic data shows the median house price in the Cairns local government area grew by 6.25 per cent in the year leading up to the end of the March quarter, with a median annual sales price of $595,000. Regional Queensland has also experienced the biggest net change in million-dollar suburbs across regional markets, according to the latest CoreLogic Million-Dollar Markets report, with Goldsborough ($1,067,791) and Palm Cove ($1,022,096) both making the list. But real estate agents say whether you’re renting, buying or selling there is still value to be found in the Far North. SELLERS Champions in Real Estate sales adviser and negotiator David Galloway-Penney said apartments in the previously overlooked inner-city suburbs had experienced a boom year. “If you’re a seller of an apartment, you’ve done very well in the last 12 months,” Mr Galloway-Penney said. “Some of the inner-city and surrounds such as Parramatta Park, Cairns North, Westcourt and Bungalow have seen over 30 per cent growth in their values in the last 12 months. “We’ve got such a constrained rental market that it’s just pushing people into buying as opposed to being able to rent.” House prices followed a similar trajectory with inner-city suburbs like Manunda, Mooroobool, and Westcourt all performing well. Mr Galloway-Penney said he would have his eyes set on these suburbs leading into 2025. “I would really be looking out for Bungalow and Westcourt next year, those really inner-city suburbs ... I think they are going to go nuts.” “I’ve got one property that I sold recently in Bungalow, which sold only 12 months ago for 605,000 and it’s back under contract for 699,000 in less than 12 months.” “They’ve done nothing to the property, but there’s such a strong demand.” Champions in Real Estate sales agent David Galloway-Penney, pictured at his Earlville home with his West Highland Terrier Cross Rev. Picture: Brendan Radke BUYERS For the past few years Cairns has been dealing with the hangover of a Covid property boom, during which high numbers of southern buyers looking for a sea change put pressure on supply and drove up prices. But the tide has turned somewhat and in 2024 agents say there was a larger proportion of locally-based buyers snapping up both family homes and investment properties. Twomey Schriber Property Group sales adviser Daniel Roser estimated four times as many clients were looking for an investment property compared to 2023. “A lot of people in Covid were looking to upgrade their lifestyle and move into bigger, nicer homes,” Mr Roser said. “This year, our big focus was a lot of investment properties ... I’d have to say about 40 per cent of my sales were to investors, which was a pretty large portion of the market.” South Cairns suburbs like Gordonvale are tipped to provide the best value for buyers heading into 2025. The pictured property is 29 Moller Street, Gordonvale available through Cairns Property Office. Despite competition from investors, Mr Roser said there was still great value on offer for families in the south of Cairns. “Bentley Park, Edmonton, Gordonvale, all went very well, just due to good entry and price points,” Mr Roser said. “You can still get brand new homes at around $500,000, which is just really good value for money.” Mr Galloway-Penney said those looking for an investment property should also consider broadening their scope. “Innisfail has been touted as one of the fastest-growing regional economies in Queensland from agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a big boom suburb for investors. “Next year I would be looking at potentially investing into Innisfail.” RENTERS For renters, 2024 was a grim year, with the region’s vacancy rates staying at less than 1 per cent and prices rising. But Mr Galloway-Penney was optimistic a shift away from holiday rentals could free up supply. “I feel the Airbnb market is starting to drop off a bit ... the owners that are currently owning Airbnb’s are transferring a lot of stock into permanent rentals,” Mr Galloway-Penney said. “I still think there’s good value from rents in the inner-city areas like Cairns North, even Cairns CBD, value for money-wise, you’re getting some beautiful units in the city that are renting out quite well. “Even Edge Hill and Whitfield are still quite affordable suburbs to rent in, you can still pick up a two-bedroom apartment in Edge Hill for $500 a week.” The Cairns rental market has become increasingly tight in recent years as low vacancy rates and increased Airbnb numbers have limited options. Despite the market some high end suburbs like Edge Hill still have affordable options for renters. The pictured property is 318 Pease Street, Edge Hill and is available to rent through Twomey Schriber Property Group. Despite the value in some suburbs Mr Galloway-Penney admitted the market was still tough and suggested renters be as organised as they could be to get ahead. “Look, it’s slim pickings ... we’re still under 1 per cent for vacancy rates at the moment,” Mr Galloway-Penney said. “Come ready to go with pre-written reference letters from previous landlords or property managers and come in with all your documentation .... and make sure you’re available to attend inspections. “It is really tough for a property manager to get a gauge on a viable tenant without being able to meet them.” Originally published as A year in review: Real estate agents share their thoughts on 2024 and top tips for next year More related stories News ‘Like coming to a friend’s house’: Hundreds enjoy community lunch More than 500 people from all walks of life gathered on to share a meal and a chat at the annual Cairns Community Christmas Lunch. 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SAY the name JK Rowling and be ready to take cover as sanctimonious snowflakes screech hate about her views on transgender people. But attempts by leftie woke warriors to cancel the Harry Potter author have failed, with news she will definitely play a key role in a £1.6billion, ten-year TV adaptation of her books about the boy wizard. Furious trans activists had complained about Rowling being an executive producer on the show, which is being made in Britain for American TV channel HBO’s streaming service Max. Rowling has previously come under fire for claiming the “trans women are women” mantra is “idiotic”, and for campaigning to preserve safe spaces and women’s toilets for biological females only. JK Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement. But she denies being transphobic — and now excitement about the new TV project has drowned out calls for a boycott of her participation. At the weekend, HBO said: “We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter — the heartwarming books that speak to the power of friendship, resolve and acceptance. “JK Rowling has a right to express her personal views. “We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.” The announcement has quietened those who have lined up to deny the 59-year-old her views on transgender questions. Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, stars of the Harry Potter movie franchise, have previously slammed her comments on transgender rights. But Daniel, who played Harry, and Rupert, famed as Potter’s pal Ron Weasley at wizard school Hogwarts, have now both said they are looking forward to HBO bringing back the characters they played in eight films. And well they might — the TV series, which promises to “dive deep into each one of the iconic books” is a seriously big deal. Thousands of children have auditioned to play Harry, Ron and their friend Hermione Granger — portrayed in the films by Emma Watson — ahead of the expected start of filming in the spring . Meanwhile, Gary Oldman , who played wizard Sirius Black in the movies, has put his hat in the ring for future projects, saying, “Maybe in a few years I can play [Hogwarts headmaster] Dumbledore”. His former fellow cast members, including Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes and Jim Broadbent , have all defended Rowling’s right to express her opinions. If there’s a better hill to die on than the rights and safety of women and children, I’ve never found it. These public displays of support for the writer reflect a shift in Holly-wood, which appears to be tiring of political correctness, which has proven to be a turn-off at the box office. Four years ago when Rowling mocked “people who menstruate” as a term to describe “women”, she faced a huge backlash from stars including Emma Watson. But rather than be cowed by the criticism, JK has continued to stand up for her beliefs. Last week she posted defiantly: “If there’s a better hill to die on than the rights and safety of women and children, I’ve never found it.” The appeal of the story of orphan schoolboy Harry who discovers he has magical powers appears to be just as strong as ever. Since the first novel was published in 1997, and followed by six sequels, more than 600million books have been sold across the world. Shops selling merchandise, such as scarves and wands, continue to open and next month streaming platform Amazon Prime Video launches a Great British Bake Off-style TV show titled Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. When anti-Rowling campaigners called for a boycott of the Hogwarts Legacy video game last year, their protest had little or no effect as sales soared past 12million in just a couple of months. Meanwhile, stage play Harry Potter And The Cursed Child is still going strong in London’s West End after eight years. It is no surprise, then, that HBO parent company Warner Bros, whose eight Harry Potter films made around £ 7 billion combined, was keen to return to the Hogwarts school of Witch-craft and Wizardry. The movie giant’s streaming channel Max, previously known as HBO Max, will air the TV series in 2026. Succession and Killing Eve producer Francesca Gardiner will lead the project with British director Mark Mylod, whose CV includes Game Of Thrones. There are rumours Brit actor Mark Rylance, star of BBC period drama Wolf Hall, is in line to play Hogwarts Professor Albus Dumbledore . In September it was announced that the casting process for all the young Hogwarts characters — from Harry to his nemesis and fellow wizarding student Draco Malfoy — would be open to the public. They are looking for talented kids aged nine to 11 who live in the UK or Ireland. No acting experience is necessary, although show bosses have also been scouting stage schools. The website taking applications has now closed due to the huge response. It is a massive boost for the British TV industry, with the bulk of the series set to be made at Warner Bros’ studios in Leavesden, near Watford. The budget for each of the ten seasons is reckoned to be around £159million and the plan is to film each series back to back because bosses do not want the cast to age too much on screen. But it will be tricky because there are strict regulations about the hours school-age actors and actresses are allowed to work. Daniel Radcliffe, now aged 35, who had the most scenes in the Potter movies, had to be taught on set between shoots. He earned a reported £86million from the films but it is unlikely any of the wannabe Harrys eyeing up the TV gig would enjoy the same sort of payday. Daniel has backed the remake, saying: “It’ll be cool to see the torch get passed on.” Rupert Grint agrees, telling GQ magazine: “I’d love to see Harry Potter be adapted into a TV show. “It would really work.” Rowling, who is worth an estimated £945million, retains the rights to her books and she has always insisted strongly on having her say about any Potter-related projects. It was thanks to the Gloucestershire-born author, who now lives in Scotland , that the movies were not Americanised. HBO and Max chairman and CEO Casey Bloys says Rowling has been “very, very involved in the process of selecting the writer and director” for the telly series. Bloys also denied that her comments about trans issues had “affected the casting or hiring of writers or production staff”. Indeed, Warner Bros are not the only ones who wish to work with the hugely imaginative writer. Even though the BBC twice apologised last year after Rowling was described during its programmes as “anti-trans”, the corporation keep adapting her Cormoran Strike crime novels into TV shows. Activists are trying to organise yet another boycott of my work, this time of the Harry Potter TV show. As forewarned is forearmed, I’ve taken the precaution of laying in a large stock of champagne. This December, her fictional detective played by Tom Burke will return for a BBC One four-part dramatisation of her 2022 novel The Ink Black Heart. Meanwhile, plenty of actors are backing JK. Broadbent, who played Hogwarts’ Professor Horace Slug-horn in two Potter films, said, “JK Rowling is amazing”, and Bonham Carter, who portrayed evil Bellatrix Lestrange, commented: “She has been hounded.” Fiennes, who played Lord Voldemort, described the attacks on the author as “appalling”, and Evanna Lynch, witch Luna Love-good in the films, said: “I do wish people would just give her more grace and listen to her.” But this type of comment is at odds with much of Gen Z. Not that JK is too worried about being cancelled, as she just shrugs if all off. Last April she said: “Activists are trying to organise yet another boycott of my work, this time of the Harry Potter TV show. “As forewarned is forearmed, I’ve taken the precaution of laying in a large stock of champagne.” By Julie Bindel, feminist and friend of JK Rowling JK ROWLING’S pinned tweet, in response to a trans activist claiming he burns her books and toasts marshmallows over the flame, reads: “I get the same royalties whether you read them or burn them. Enjoy your marshmallows!” Having bullied the majority into submission for so long, these activists are now losing ground. Increasingly, they are ignored and sidelined. Rowling is a feminist hero. Since first speaking out against the crazed gender ideology that has swept much of the world, including treasured institutions, she has made an immeasurable difference to women and girls everywhere. As one of the most famous authors ever, Rowling had no need to take a stand on this contentious, toxic issue – she did it because she could not remain silent. Having spent millions supporting orphaned children and other disadvantaged groups through her charitable work, she decided that adding her voice to the fight against those determined to see an end to female-only spaces and facilities would be worth the inevitable backlash. And what a backlash: in addition to innumerable rape and death threats, she has been publicly maligned by those whose fame and fortune she helped create. The actors who played Harry, Ron and Hermione have all stuck the knife in. As a lesbian, and as someone lucky enough to be able to call Rowling a personal friend, I know their claims are utter fabrication. Calls to boycott the new HBO Harry Potter TV series is nothing but bullying and posturing. I don’t know how those responsible sleep at night, when the ideology Rowling speaks out against leads to children being unnecessarily medicalised for life. Asked by a trans activist why she wanted to “die on this hill”, Rowling replied in her usual forthright manner: “If there’s a better hill to die on than the rights and safety of women and children, I’ve never found it.”