The New Harry Potter Kids Problem, Macron Face Shove Scandal is Crazy to Deny, & Today’s News
PDS Published 05/27/2025
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People are afraid for the new generation of child actors that are taking on the Harry Potter reboot.
Right, if you were not aware, HBO is doing a Harry Potter TV series based on the books, and this morning we got a major casting announcement for the show: Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry, Arabella Stanton will play Hermione, and Alastair Stout will be Ron.
All three are pretty fresh faces to the industry, and you just immediately have people kind of feeling a bit of excitement and nerves for these kids.
Because it is a huge, life-changing accomplishment, right, over 30,000 actors have auditioned for these lead roles. []
But most of the public response has been things like:[]
Right, because it goes without saying that the Internet is just a mean place that will likely not spare these kids, that on top of the fact that being a child actor is already hard, and they are about to live under a microscope.
Daniel Radcliffe, the original Harry, has even opened up about this, saying one of the hardest parts about growing up in the spotlight was:
“trying to work out who you are while constantly coming up against a perception of yourself that everybody else already has.”[]
And also previously saying the panic of the movies ending contributed to him abusing alcohol.
So that is one side of the concern people have for these new kids.
Then you have others worried especially for the girl playing Hermoine, with some saying:
“i hope the actress who plays hermione never experiences what emma watson had to go through.”[]
Right, because Emma Watson has dealt with a ton of bullshit, including on her eighteenth birthday, when paparazzi lied down on the pavement outside of her party to take photos up her skirt.
Photos of her doing a wardrobe fitting were also stolen in a hack, and she has dealt with people threatening to leak nude images of her.
And she was one of the most impacted celebrities back when deepfake porn first started really becoming a thing, and if you look up her name on Twitter just right now, most of what you will find are AI sexual images.
So the amount of hypersexualization Emma has experienced as the result of a role she started playing as a kid is just bonkers.
Others are also worried for the new Hermoine because there is already speculation about her race, which could lead to a woke backlash.
Right, around 10 years ago, back when it was announced that a Black actress was playing Hermoine in the stage adaptation of “The Cursed Child,” there was a swift wave of backlash. ][[]
And JK Rowling defended the casting then, writing:
“Canon: brown eyes, frizzy hair and very clever. White skin was never specified. Rowling loves black Hermione.”[]
And even though, based on the photo we have of her, it looks like Arabella Stanton fits that canon, it is not hard to find people either speculating or mad about what her race might be.
With some writing things like:
And again, this is all speculation, right you have some online saying we have a Black Hermione, others saying she is not Black, and it’s not like the casting announcement came with her 23 & Me results. [][]
So you had outlets like Forbes saying:
“Not that anyone should speculate on people’s race, but this is the modern internet, and unfortunately Arabella Stanton is instantly being put under a microscope for…looking mildly not white? Maybe? We already see speculation based on her name (Arabella might be…Greek? Stanton is…English?), but again, this is why these kids are going to need to be protected from what is no doubt going to be an awful internet discourse.”[]
With that sentiment being echoed online by people saying things like:
“they gotta give the girl playing hermione a level of military protection only rivaled by our biggest world leaders.”[]
Especially since there has already been a metric fuck ton of controversy and discourse over the fact that the actor playing Snape in this TV reboot is Black.
So in the event that this young actress is not white or is mixed race or people just want to project whatever onto her, she could deal with all that discourse at an incredibly young age.
And so I would love to know your thoughts on this one, on all the different facets of concern people have for these kids, and then especially on the fact that it has only been a few hours since we found out who these actors are, and there is already endless speculation on a child’s race online.
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Playfighting, a potential domestic incident, or a Russian disinformation campaign?
That is the debate that has been sparked over a video of French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte (Brij-eet).
They had just landed in Vietnam and were about to get off the plane when video caught her pushing his face.
Right, you cannot see Brij-eet in the video, just her hands, Macron then sort of pauses and then waves it off once he sees the camera.
The two later walk off the plane, with Macron walking out first, his wife following.
And there has been a ton of responses to this video, with people using it to make jokes and memes about Macron.[][][]
Others arguing that it is serious, writing:
“People will get lots of jokes off about Macron getting slapped by his wife but real talk: If you’re in a relationship where someone puts hands on you, LEAVE. It’s not normal and there’s no excuse for it. People who love and respect you don’t hit you.”[]
“Imagine for one moment if Macron pushed his wife in the face like this? Imagine!! Domestic abuse against men is common and widely ignored. All violence is unacceptable.”[]
Right, with some noting that Macron’s wife is over 20 years older than him, and they met when he was 15 and she was a teacher at his school, apparently growing close while she oversaw a theater workshop.[]
And later marrying when he was 29 and she was 54.
So you had some saying:
“and if I say she’s probably been abusing him like this since she groomed and preyed on him as a child when she was his teacher then what.”[]
The video has also especially gone viral in right-wing circles, where it is being used to further spread conspiracies and rumors that Brij-eet is trans, [][]
Right, that is something that has spread for a long time, but notably, she did previously file a complaint against two people who spread that claim on YouTube and did win €8,000 in damages.
The Guardian noting it likewise went viral among far-right French accounts and was promoted by Russian state media, pointing to a Russian foreign ministry spokesperson who shared the footage and equated the push to a “right hook.”[]
But all this to say, the video got a ton of attention all over, prompting Macron to address the controversy and say it is essentially being blown out of proportion.
Right, telling reporters that they were just bickering and joking around, which is something they often do, adding:
“I’m surprised by it, it turns into some kind of global catastrophe where people are even coming up with theories to explain it. It’s nonsense.”
With him also suggesting that this is just the latest case of people trying to take clips of him out of context to spread conspiracies.
Because earlier this month, when he met with the German Chancellor and British Prime Minister, people saw a tissue on the table and started falsely claiming it was actually a bag of cocaine.
With his office putting out a statement condemning those rumors, saying:
“When European unity becomes inconvenient, disinformation goes so far as to make a simple tissue look like drugs. This fake news is being spread by France’s enemies, both abroad and at home. We must remain vigilant against manipulation.”[]
And because this cocaine rumor was at least partially traced to Pro-Russian accounts, a source from Macron’s office told CNN that those same accounts were simply ready to pounce on and spin narratives around this latest video of Macron and his wife. []
So I would love to know your thoughts on that one, whether it be that video itself and Macron’s explanation of it,
Or on what you think about the accusations regarding the way it went viral, on what circles promoted it most, on what it says about the current landscape of social media and news.
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The United Kingdom is scrambling for answers right now after a 53-year-old man drove his car through a crowd in Liverpool yesterday, injuring nearly 50.
If anything it’s a miracle that I only need to say “injured,” as it looks like no one was killed and the 11 people remaining in the hospital are in stable condition.[]
Police are still trying to work through the “whys” of this situation, but here’s what we do know.
Thousands of people were out on the streets to take part in Liverpool FC’s Premier League Victory Parade. [2]
At some point an ambulance had to get through the crowd to treat someone and a barrier was lifted to let them through.
The 53-year-old then followed the ambulance to get past the road block before plowing through the crowd.[]
While there is footage from the incident we obviously won’t be showing it or YouTube will kill us.
(The footage also makes it unclear whether this was an intentional attack or not.
Looks like the dude got into the crowd and people started hitting his car. He then drives off into the crowd. Unclear if he got into there on accident, meant to be there, or what).
First-hand accounts also make it clear that it’s a miracle no one died.
Right, one man told the BBC that "I saw a gentleman on the bonnet and the rest was just chaos.”[] [background image?]
He went on to add that "My partner went under the wheel and the car went over her leg.”
And it could've been a lot worse for him, as his baby’s stroller was thrown like 15 feet down the road.
The 53-year-old driver is now facing a ton of charges, including: attempted murder, dangerous driving offences, and driving while unfit through drugs.
(Those last two seem to be analogous to “reckless driving” and a “DUI.”)
As part of the investigation, investigators are scouring CCTV footage to track the driver’s movements to try and get a better idea of what led up to this.[]
They are also urging the public to not speculate about a motive and highlighted that they are NOT treating this as a terror attack… although an actual motive has yet to be revealed. (SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY THE TIME SHOW GOES OUT).[]
As you can imagine, a lot of people have reacted to this news, including the King of England who said in a statement:
“It is truly devastating to see that what should have been a joyous celebration for so many could end in such distressing circumstances. Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with all those who have been affected.”
The short statement is probably because he’s visiting Canada right now and delivering a rare speech to their parliament as the official head of state.
In his own short statement, Prime Minister Keir Starmer told reporters this morning:
“Scenes of joy turned into utter horror and devastation and my thoughts -- and the thoughts of the whole country -- are with all of those who are affected.” @0:00
And in a tweet he wrote:
“The scenes in Liverpool are appalling — my thoughts are with all those injured or affected.
I want to thank the police and emergency services for their swift and ongoing response to this shocking incident.” []
Liverpool FC also came out to address the attack, with CEO Billy Hogan saying:
“On behalf of all of us here at Liverpool Football Club, I would like to extend our heartfelt thoughts to all those who’ve been affected by this appalling incident on Water Street yesterday evening.
This weekend was one of celebration, emotion and joy spread across the city in our entire fan base, and it ended in unimaginable scenes of distress with this appalling incident.” @0:00
He went on to thank first responders and then ended with:
“I would also like to thank our supporters who witnessed this event and helped each other where they could.
We continue to work with the emergency services and the local authorities to support their ongoing investigation and once again we would ask if anyone has any further information about the incident, please contact Merseyside Police.” @0:47
Sadly, this has also been used to fuel a culture war in the UK.
Right, after things like knife attacks across the UK it’s common to see anti-Muslim posts on X.
And when this attack was first reported we started to see that, with things like:
“Inb4 they inevitably claim that there was ‘no clear motive’” with a meme clearly showing they think it was a Muslim man.
And another wrote: “This is the worst attack in England, Liverpool! Was the car driver from a specific community?”
That led to others pushing back and saying:
“Fucking hell man people have potentially died in Liverpool today and the worst cunts in the world are absolutely licking their lips hoping the guy in the car is Muslim
What a fucking grim world we live in.” []
But racists gonna racist, because after it was revealed that the driver was a white dude they moved the goal post.
Now they were outraged that the media highlighted that and said:
It’s INSANE that the media are RELENTLESSLY spouting the fact the Liverpool attacker is White within ONE HOUR. But when it’s a Muslim attacker, police wait DAYS. Britain is full of Islamic apologists.” []
Regardless, we’re glad that no one seems to have been killed in this tragedy.
And hopefully we get some more answers soon.
Just go to Zocdoc and download the Zocdoc app for FREE. Then find and book a top-rated doctor today!
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The Trump administration is taking steps to end ALL federal contracts with Harvard.
That is what was outlined in a letter from the General Services Administration, first obtained by The New York Times.
With sources also telling The Times that the directive was delivered to federal agencies this morning.
And specifically, the letter instructs all federal agencies to review all their contracts with Harvard in order to terminate them or reallocate them to other entities.
As well as encouraging the agencies “to seek alternative vendors for future services where you had previously considered Harvard.”
And as for the reasoning here, the GSA claims that Harvard, quote:
“continues to engage in race discrimination, including in its admissions process and in other areas of student life.”
Claiming that the university “has shown no indication of reforming their admissions process” following the 2023 Supreme Court decision that overturned affirmative action and prevented schools from using race as a factor in admissions.
Though, very notably here, the letter provided no statistical evidence for this claim, only citing the fact that Harvard now offers what it described as a “remedial math course.”
Which the administration says is proof that the school is “employing discriminatory factors, instead of merit, in admission decisions.”
With that seemingly in reference to the fact that Harvard recently started offering a new introductory math course that aims to cover pandemic-related learning gaps.
But, beyond that, the GSA also alleges that:
“troubling revelations have come to light regarding Harvard and its affiliates' potential discriminatory hiring practices and possible violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.”
Claiming that the university is “suspected of engaging in a pattern or practice of disparate treatment in hiring, promotion, compensation, and other personnel related actions.”
And that the Harvard Law Review has engaged in “pervasive and explicit racial discrimination in the publication's article selection and editor appointment process.”
Though, again, it’s important to note here that those accusations appear to be in reference to two separate investigations the Trump administration has launched against Harvard that are still ongoing.
And finally, the GSA additionally claimed that it had become aware of, quote:
“recent events at Harvard University involving anti-Semitic action that suggest the institution has a disturbing lack of concern for the safety and wellbeing of Jewish students.”
Specifically noting that a pro-Palestine protester who was accused of assaulting a Jewish student had been given a $65,000 fellowship by the Harvard Law Review.
And a second demonstrator who faced similar charges was chosen by the Harvard Divinity School to be the Class Marshal.
But, very significantly here, it’s been reported that a judge dismissed the charges against both of those students, instead ordering them to attend anger management courses and perform community service.
Okay, so those are the allegations laid out in this letter.
And as far as the practical impact this could have on Harvard, Trump administration officials have told numerous outlets that the review will include around 30 contracts worth about $100 million.
Though, notably, contracts with Harvard-affiliated hospitals will not be included.
But, of course, this also comes as part of Trump’s much broader crackdown on Harvard, which has become the primary target in his war on universities.
Right, as we’ve talked about before, the administration has frozen a total of around $3.2 billion in grants and contracts with Harvard, which, in turn, has filed a series of lawsuits against.
And last week, the Department of Homeland Security revoked Harvard’s ability to enroll international students, who make up nearly a third of the school’s student body.
Although that move was quickly challenged by Harvard and temporarily blocked by a judge.
And just yesterday, Trump made a Memorial Day post on Truth Social where he wrote:
“I am considering taking Three Billion Dollars of Grant Money away from a very antisemitic Harvard, and giving it to TRADE SCHOOLS all across our land.”
Though, with that, it’s unclear if he’s talking about pulling an ADDITIONAL $3 billion or redistributing the $3 billion he already pulled.
Right, we’ve seen varying reports on the question, with more liberal outlets like The New York Times writing that the post “did not appear to refer to any new cut in funding, but rather to a redistribution.”
But meanwhile, you have the conservative New York Post seemingly indicating that this could be an additional $3 billion.
Noting that Trump was “pulling $3 billion in federal grants” and adding that the administration “has already frozen roughly $3.2 billion in grants and contracts with the elite school.”
Though, with that, it’s unclear if the school even has an additional $3 billion in federal grants that could be frozen in the first place.
Now, as far as how Harvard has responded to this, as of recording, they have not made any public comments.
But in an interview aired this morning with NPR, Harvard President Alan Garber reiterated many of his past comments about the ongoing battle, particularly as it pertains to the allegations of anti-Semitism.
With Garber — who notably is Jewish — once again acknowledging that the school has problems it needs to address, but arguing that he doesn’t understand how the Trump administration’s actions will actually combat anti-Semitism, saying:
“What is perplexing is the measures that they have taken to address these that don't even hit the same people that they believe are causing the problems. Why cut off research funding? Sure, it hurts Harvard, but it hurts the country because after all, the research funding is not a gift.”
And adding that the funding “is work that they want done. They are paying to have that work conducted. Shutting off that work does not help the country, even as it punishes Harvard, and it is hard to see the link between that and, say, antisemitism.”
But that’s where we are with this one, and for now, we’ll just have to wait and see how this all plays out.
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An end to the war in Ukraine seems to be getting further and further away.
But Donald Trump may at least be finally realizing that Vladimir Putin isn’t actually his friend – MAYBE.
Right, see, between Friday and Sunday, Russia launched around 900 drones in Ukraine – killing at least twelve people. []
With Zelensky responding by saying there was no "military sense" to Russia's aerial attacks and that they were "an obvious political choice… to continue the war and destroy lives." []
And also notably calling out the US – writing on Telegram:
“The world may go on vacation, but the war continues, despite weekends and weekdays. This cannot be ignored. America’s silence, and the silence of others in the world, only encourages Putin.” []
But with that, you soon had Trump speaking to reporters, claiming he wasn’t “happy” with Putin, and even saying he’d be considering new sanctions against Russia:
“He’s killing a lot of people, and I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin. I’ve known him a long time, I've always gotten along with him, but he’s sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don’t like it at all.” (5:40-5:51)
And with that, he actually kept on criticizing Putin hours later, writing on social media that he “has gone absolutely CRAZY” and was shooting missiles and drones into Ukraine’s cities “for no reason whatsoever.”
Though, notably, he also couldn’t help getting in a shot at Zelensky, as well as Joe Biden for good measure, writing:
“....Zelenskyy is doing his Country no favors by talking the way he does. Everything out of his mouth causes problems.”
“This is a War that would never have started if I were President. This is Zelenskyy’s, Putin’s, and Biden’s War, not Trump’s.” []
But whatever the case may be, Trump’s words obviously meant nothing to Putin, with Russia launching its largest-ever drone and missile attack of the war just a few hours later – actually breaking its record for the THIRD time this month.
And notably, this after Russia killed at least 209 civilians across Ukraine last month – making it the deadliest month since September.
With Russian forces now also seizing villages along the country’s northeastern border to create a “buffer zone” there ordered by Putin.
And all this happening even as we’ve had the first face-to-face negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in nearly three years.
And notably, those talks have resulted in the largest prisoner swap since the invasion began.
But other than that, they’ve yielded nothing.
Right, after a call with Trump last week, Putin said a memorandum could soon be drafted as a first step to working on a peace deal.
But the Kremlin said yesterday that even this initial document—essentially an agreement to keep talking—hadn’t even been finalized by the Russian side, let alone sent to Ukraine. []
Plus, Russia has shot down Trump’s suggestion that the Vatican host future peace talks.
With the Russian foreign minister saying it would be "inelegant" for the Catholic Church to mediate discussions between two principally Orthodox Christian countries. []
And so now you have people like the new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Freed-rich Merts – the “er” like “air”) saying:
"After the last three weeks, no one can seriously accuse us of not having exhausted all available diplomatic means.”
"If even an offer to meet at the Vatican does not get (Putin's) approval, then we must be prepared for this war to last longer than we all wish or can imagine." []
And notably, with that, you also had him saying that Germany – as well as the UK, France, and the US – are all lifting range restrictions on weapons delivered to Ukraine, saying:
"Russia attacks civilian targets completely ruthlessly, bombing cities, kindergartens, hospitals and old people's homes - Ukraine doesn't do that." []
"This means that Ukraine can now defend itself, for example, by attacking military positions in Russia... With very few exceptions, it didn't do that until recently. It can now do that." []
Now with that, you may remember, the US gave Ukraine permission to use long-range missiles against certain targets inside Russia way back in November – as did the UK and France.
But Merz is suggesting the number of eligible targets has increased.
And notably, in doing so, he’s signalling an absolutely massive shift from his predecessor.
And that’s a big deal because Germany is the second biggest supplier of weapons to Ukraine after the US.
And now, with this announcement, there is speculation that it may soon be ready to supply Ukraine with its Taurus cruise missile system –
Which has an advanced navigation system and 310-mile range allowing it to accurately strike far deeper inside Russia than other missiles currently in Ukraine’s arsenal – including those provided by the US. []
And so in response, of course, you’ve had a Kremlin spokesperson describing the decision as “dangerous” – adding:
“If these decisions have indeed been made, they are completely at odds with our aspirations for a political settlement.”
But with Russia seemingly uninterested in a political settlement regardless, we’ll have to wait and see if and how this actually changes anything.
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