The Oxford Mail reports that film crews for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix were in the vicinity of Blenheim Palace preparing for shooting there this week. Although Warner Bros. has not discussed details of the filming, the Mail reveals that “a location near the park’s lake will feature in the much-anticipated [film].” …read more!

Jessica Rowling becomes an official teenager today! Happy birthday, Jessica — and cheers to the entire Rowling-Murray family!

Warner Bros. Consumer Products will transfer Harry Potter master toy merchandising rights, which include gift and specialty product rights, to National Entertainment Collectibles Association, beginning in 2007. Those rights are currently held by Mattel, who will continue to produce the Harry Potter version of its Scene It? game after its contract expires, but will no …read more!

As you heard on this week’s PotterCast, we’re proud (and late, but still proud) to welcome Emily Bytheway and Susan Faust to Leaky as the new organizers of Scribbulus, our essay section. These two have been writing essays – mostly on Harry Potter – for years and having them here to guide the essay project …read more!

American publishers of the Harry Potter books, Scholastic, has published results of a study today that shows that the Harry Potter series has a positive impact on kids’ reading and their school work, particularly among boys. “While the overwhelming success of Harry Potter is undeniable, this study quantifies for the first time the impact children …read more!

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was released in paperback today in the United States; you can order your copy here from Barnes & Noble or here from Amazon if you like! And if you’re in the Las Vegas area, remember to come celebrate with the “Harry Potter Experts” tonight at 7 p.m. at the …read more!

The Tempo section of today’s Chicago Tribune features a short piece on the official Harry Potter tour event that took place in Naperville last Thursday, calling it the “best book club discussion ever.” You can see a scan here in our gallery – thanks Lilah! The piece reads: Potter Panel Event: Potter Panel Podcast at …read more!

Dan Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and the Goblet of Fire film are up for several titles in the SyFy Awards, which are now open for your voting. Enjoy!

PotterCast 49 is available online; to listen, just hit the “Play” button on the right side of the page (—>), or use iTunes, or direct download.) In this show: -Some guests join us for the intro, urging you to vote for PotterCast at Podcast Alley. Really. -New Scribbulus leaders Emily and Susan join Melissa, John …read more!