📰 The Mid: Hailey’s Win, Trump’s Spin, and New York’s Fight Begins.
this week has drama, deception, and domination.
Welcome to the first edition of The Mid: a midweek news update on what’s going on in politics, entertainment and sports. It may be midweek, but the news cycle is anything but.
Make sure to subscribe to The Mid for some quick updates during your week.
From public apologies in pop culture to false political narratives and dominant playoff performances, this week’s headlines carry weight—and consequences. Here's what you need to know.
🎬 Entertainment: Hailey Bieber’s Vogue Feature and Justin’s Public Apology
Justin Bieber issued a now-deleted public apology to wife Hailey Bieber after she appeared solo on the cover of Vogue, discussing postpartum body struggles and online criticism. In the caption, Bieber reflected on a past disagreement in which he told Hailey she’d “never be on the cover of Vogue.”
“Yo this reminds me when Hailey and I got into a huge fight,” he wrote. “I told hails that she would never be on the cover of Vogue. Yikes I know, so mean… So baby u already know but forgive me for saying u wouldn’t get a vogue cover cuz clearly i was sadly mistaken.”
The post, which has since been removed, drew mixed reactions. While some praised his vulnerability, others criticized the tone and timing. Hailey’s interview emphasized the importance of staying grounded amid online scrutiny, quoting Ariana Grande: “Don’t mistake the internet for real life.”
🗳️Politics: Trump’s “White Genocide” Claim in South Africa—Still False
Former President Trump is reviving a debunked narrative: that white farmers in South Africa are victims of a “genocide.” This claim, circulating since 2018, lacks factual support. While white farmers have been murdered, these incidents constitute less than 1% of the country's annual homicides and are not racially targeted. Experts, including Gareth Newham of South Africa’s Institute for Security Studies, affirm there's no evidence of a white genocide.
Despite this, Trump has authorized expedited refugee status for 59 white Afrikaner farmers, a move criticized by the South African government. They highlight the irony of offering asylum to a privileged group while denying it to more vulnerable populations.
🏀 Sports: Thunder's Defensive Mastery in Game 1 Against Timberwolves
Thunder Turns Wolves Into Whispers
The Oklahoma City Thunder opened the Western Conference Finals with a commanding 114-88 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. With 19 forced turnovers leading to 31 points, OKC’s defense proved why it's ranked No. 1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander orchestrated both ends of the court, and the Thunder’s ability to shift gears midgame made them look like seasoned title contenders.
Knicks vs. Pacers: Game 1 Heats Up the East
Tonight at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks and Pacers reignite one of the NBA’s fiercest playoff rivalries in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Tipoff is at 8:00 PM ET on TNT.
Knicks Outlook: Jalen Brunson is averaging nearly 29 PPG this postseason, supported by a deep cast including Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby. New York's tighter rotation and physical play under Coach Tom Thibodeau contrast the Pacers' faster, high-volume pace.
Pacers Breakdown: Led by Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, Indiana thrives on transition offense and a deep bench. The key matchup? Haliburton’s speed vs. Brunson’s control, and Towns vs. Turner in the paint.
Vegas Line: Knicks favored by 4.5 | O/U: 221.5 | Moneyline: NYK -180, IND +150
The Garden is expected to be electric. If this series echoes their 1990s battles, buckle in—Game 1 is just the beginning of a glorious war.
Midweek. Maximum Impact.
While the week may only be halfway through, these developments in entertainment, politics, and sports demonstrate that the stakes—and the narratives—are anything but mid.
📝 Sources:
PEOPLE Magazine: Justin Bieber’s apology to Hailey Bieber
PBS NewsHour: Fact-checking Trump’s claims on South Africa
The Wall Street Journal: Knicks-Pacers playoff rivalry history
The New York Post: Knicks playoff strategy insights
ngl hailey ate that what's in bag right on uppp LOL