Morning Buzz! President Obama’s Final Turkey Pardoning Was His Punniest Ever + More

Nicole Villeneuve
Nov 24, 2016

Happy Thanksgiving, y’all! From Obama’s classic turkey pundoning to the Kardashian West’s holiday plans, check out six of this morning’s top news items below.

1. Nothing like a good old fashioned Turkey pardoning to remind us just how much we’re going to miss President Obama in the White House! Every year at the traditional Thanksgiving turkey pardoning, Obama tries his hardest to fit in as many dad jokes about turkeys as possible, largely in the name of embarrassing his daughters Sasha and Malia (who couldn’t make it this year), and this year was no exception. Joined by his two adorable nephews, Obama was on FIRE. “I want to take a moment to recognize the brave turkeys who weren’t so lucky, who didn’t get to ride the gravy train to freedom. They met their fate with courage, sacrifice, and proved that they weren’t chicken.” CLASSIC. Watch all of his wonderful puns above.

2. Kanye will remain in the hospital for Thanksgiving and Kim will be right there with him. Kim rushed to be by Kanye’s side as soon as she learned he was hospitalized earlier in the week, and a source has told US that Kim “has barely left his side” since. Turns out that’s exactly where she’ll stay through the holiday, as Kanye is to remain there for the time being. It’s not clear whether their children or additional family has or will be joining them, but either way, it’s amazing to see this support system in place. (Photo via Bryan Bedder/Getty)

3. Holy crap, OK Go’s new video is stunning. No matter what else happens in this topsy turvy world, we know we can always count on OK Go to make mind-blowing new music videos, and the latest for “The One Moment” is no exception. What you see happen throughout the entire video actually only happened within 4.2 seconds, but is super slowed-down and looks unreal. Check it out over at their Facebook page.

4. Mariah Carey finally spoke about her split from James Packer, and it was sorta cagey and sorta salty. Mariah has remained pretty quiet about her split from fiancee James Packer, but on Ellen yesterday, the talk show host managed to get her to open up a little (nothing about the fate of that ring tho). When Ellen brought it up, she noted how Mariah was engaged and trying on wedding dresses on her E! docuseries, to which Mariah replied “Now it’s a whole friggin’ thing,” going on to tell Ellen that “Everything happens for a reason. Things are the way they are.” There have been rumors that the split was because Packer didn’t want to be in the show, and when Ellen asked this, Mariah said, “Allegedly,” before admitting that it was difficult to talk about and changing the topic to the festive decorations on set. Yikes!

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Me and my girl

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5. Hillary Clinton took the time to chat with supporters and gave them an uplifting message while out shopping for Thanksgiving. The Chappaqua Village market in Chappaqua, NY, was buzzing yesterday as Hillary, Bill, Chelsea and her adorable son were out grocery shopping for Thanksgiving, and store patrons couldn’t help but chat and get selfies. Isaiah Frankel, above, said that his convo with Hillary was short, but that “She said we just have to keep fighting.” Indeed. (h/t Popsugar)

6. Quote of the day: “I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.” Henry David Thoreau reminds us to give thanks today and every day.

What are you thankful for today? Let us know over @BritandCo.

(Featured photo via Chip Somodevilla/Getty)

Morning Buzz! Beyoncé Shared the First Photo of Twins Sir and Rumi and It’s EVERYTHING + More

Beyoncé and JAY-Z’s twins make their debut in this morning’s top news stories. Check that and more out below in the Friday Morning Buzz!

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Sir Carter and Rumi 1 month today. 🙏🏽❤️👨🏽👩🏽👧🏽👶🏾👶🏾

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1.Early Friday morning, Beyoncé posted the very first photo of Sir and Rumi Carter, which, in true Bey fashion, was no ordinary snap. With a serene coastal backdrop and a colorful ensemble of a breathtaking blue and mauve dress and veil, the shot is reminiscent of her epic pregnancy announcement. “Sir Carter and Rumi 1 month today,” the caption read, followed by a string of emojis which included the prayer hands, a heart, a man, a woman, a girl, and two babies. By our count, that would make the twins’ birthday June 14, several days before the internet got wind of the birth. Just look at those teeny little faces!

2.Spider-Man: Homecoming costars Zendaya and Tom Holland addressed dating rumors in a hilarious way. With reports (via unnamed sources) swirling that Zendaya and Holland sparked a love affair while filming for their new flick, Spider-Man: Homecoming, the duo has chimed in to offer up their two cents.While they didn’t actually confirm or deny the rumors, their reaction WAS rather amusing. “Wait wait…” Zendaya tweeted, along with a link to the rumors. “My favorite is when it says we go on vacations together. HA! I haven’t been on a vacation in years!,” she wrote, complete with crying-laughing emojis. Holland’s reply was equally perfect, with the star joking, “Does the press tour count?” (h/t Cosmo; photo via Robert Marquardt/Getty)

3. Barb from Stranger Things got an Emmy nomination and the internet has FEELINGS. Now that the 2017 Emmy nominations are out, Stranger Things‘ Barb is finally getting her vindication for (spoiler alert!) being killed off and forgotten on the show. The Netflix series was one of the most-nominated shows with 18 (!) nominations, one of which was an Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series nod for Barb, AKA Shannon Purser. While some people seemed confused that Purser was recognized when Winona Ryder was not, the cult of Barb celebrated the victory, claiming “justice.” The Emmys will take place on September 17, and Stranger Things season two drops on Netflix on October 27. (h/t Mashable)

4. Kid Rock hints that he may actually be running for US Senate. Earlier this week, musician Kid Rock launched the kidrockforsenate.com website, and people seemed confused as to whether it was a publicity stunt for upcoming music, a ploy to sell merchandise or, well, the real deal. Kid — whose real name is Robert James Ritchie — penned a blog post to say that he still had time to file paperwork with the Federal Elections Committee to make it official, and that he would be simultaneously releasing new tunes. “Like politicians write books during their campaigns, I’m planning on putting out music during mine,” he wrote (he released two new songs and announced a tour at midnight). “It’s not a hoax, it’s a strategy, and marketing 101!” With more celebrities’ names, like The Rock, being thrown in the political ring, nothing about this would surprise us. (h/t People)

5.Bridezillasis the latest TV show to get a revival and we can’t WAIT. TV reboots are all the rage — from Gilmore Girls to Fuller House and, most recently, Will and Grace, what’s old is definitely new again. It’s not often that a reality series is brought back from the dead (though we’re still holding out for a Jersey Shore reunion show), but WE tv has some seriously exciting news for fans in 2018: the return of Bridezillas! “Years after saying goodbye to our last Bridezilla, we have been asked consistently to bring this show back by viewers and fans,” We tv president Marc Juris said in a statement. E! reports that casting is currently underway for 10 new hour-long episodes of total wedding meltdown territory, and TBH, it can’t come fast enough. (h/t E!)

6. Quote of the day: “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” Albert Einstein knew what he was talking about.

Do you have any creative projects planned this weekend? Let us know @BritandCo!

(Featured photo via Christopher Polk/Getty)

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Hold Up, Did Rebecca Yarros' First 'Onxy Storm' Excerpt Just Tease Violet Sorrengail's True Identity?

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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Morning Buzz! Fans Think Jay-Z’s New Album Is a Direct Response to Beyoncé’s “Lemonade”

Jay-Z’s new album is here and Corinne Olympios’ BIP investigation is over in this morning’s top news stories. Check those and more out in the TGIF Morning Buzz!

1. When Beyoncé released the amazing Lemonade, many presumed it to insinuate that husband, Jay-Z, was being unfaithful. The album even launched the now infamous Beckygate witch hunt, which had fans clamoring to find out the identity of his would-be extra-marital partner. The two, now parents to twin newborns, are obviously still going strong, but on Jay-Z’s new album 4:44, it sounds like he’s finally addressing everything from his suspected cheating on Bey (who also appears on the album), to that infamous fight with Solange in an elevator. The album’s title track is particularly telling, with lyrics such as, “And if my children knew, I don’t even know what I would do. If they ain’t look at me the same, I would probably die with all the shame. You did what with who? What good is a ménage à trois when you have a soulmate? You risked that for Blue?” Jay himself was vague about song meanings in an interview with iHeartRadio, but its streaming the album for free all day today before being hidden behind a Tidal paywall, so you’ve got lots of time to dig in and listen for yourself. (h/t USA Today; photo via Mike Coppola/Getty)

2. Corinne Olympios’ Bachelor in Paradise investigation has concluded.BIP recently resumed filming after Warner Brothers closed their investigation and found no misconduct, but Corinne Olympios and her lawyer moved forward with their own investigation into the matter. Now, she has issued a statement saying the investigation has been completed to her satisfaction. She also clarified that she “never filed complaints or accusations against anyone associated with Bachelor in Paradise,” but based on the fact that she had no recollection of what transpired and that she felt “victimized by the fact that others were judging me through conflicting and unsubstantiated reports,” she wanted to see the investigation through. Olympios said that while she was invited back to BIP when production resumed, she respectfully declined. (h/t E!; photo via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty)

3. Venus Williams was involved in a fatal car crash. Days before she is set to start in Wimbledon, it has been revealed that Venus Williams was involved in a car crash that resulted in a death earlier this month. The NYT reports that a 78-year-old man being driven by his wife was injured in the accident, and that he died two weeks later. The Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, incident is under investigation, and police said in a report on the crash that Williams was at fault. Her lawyer, Malcolm Cunningham, maintains that she has not been cited or charged. “Ms. Williams entered the intersection on a green light,” Cunningham said in a statement. “The police report estimates that Ms. Williams was traveling at 5mph when Mrs. Barson crashed into her. Authorities did not issue Ms. Williams with any citations or traffic violations. This is an unfortunate accident, and Venus expresses her deepest condolences to the family who lost a loved one.” (h/t New York Times; photo via Al Bello/Getty)

4. Jared Padalecki’s sweet letter to his kids is the feel-good read of the weekend. Supernatural and Gilmore Girls star Jared Padalecki penned a post-Father’s Day note thanking his three children for turning his world upside down — in the best way possible. In fact, his wife Genevieve Cortese was so taken with the letter, she posted it on her blog for all of us to share in. “I realize Father’s Day was supposed to be about…. well… ‘fathers,'” he wrote, “but I wanted to take this opportunity, after my FIFTH fathers day (and counting), not to say ‘you’re welcome,’ but to say ‘thank you.'” Padalecki listed things that by all means could be awful (“You’ve peed on me, pooped on me, and vomited on me”), before offering up more special, meaningful moments. “You’ve taught me more than any mentor or teacher ever could,” he says. “I have your back. Now and always.” SNIFF. Grab your tissues and dive into the whole thing right here.

5. The Jumanji remake trailer is here and Jack Black plays a teenage girl. In the first official trailer for Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, we see Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan become avatars for the high school kids playing the weird old Jumanji video game. Frankly, just hearing Jack Black say “I can’t even with this place,” already has us sold. It’s not out until December 22, but check the trailer out above!

6. Quote of the day: “I too look forward to the day when the numbers are different.” Gillian Anderson calls out the fact that the X-Files writer’s room is made entirely of men, finishing with a timely #TheFutureIsFemale.

Do you have any weekend projects planned? Let us know @BritandCo!

(Photo via Mike Coppola/Getty)

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WHICH Movie Had Kate Winslet "Sh—ing" Herself?!

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

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Here's A New Look At Florence Pugh's Return As Yelena Belova

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.

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