How to Avoid Thanksgiving Traffic, Trump Finalizes Cabinet Picks, and Glen Powell FaceTimes in a Lookalike Contest

Good morning everyone. Need to stock up on groceries for Thanksgiving? Today is the best day to do it. Now about the news.

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NEED TO KNOW

A Chaotic Week of Thanksgiving Travel

Multiple storm systems are expected to dump rain and snow on the U.S. this week as millions of Americans prepare to travel for Thanksgiving. Here’s what you need to know.

Forecast: Rain and heavy mountain snow are forecast for parts of the West early this week. Another wintry system is expected to move northeast from the Midwest shortly before a stronger winter storm hits the Northeast on Thursday. (Fox Weather)

Record trip: The forecast could complicate plans as more than 80 million Americans are expected to travel between tomorrow and next Monday. The TSA said it is preparing for “the busiest Thanksgiving yet in terms of air travel.” (AP)

When to leave: Experts say the worst time to travel will be tomorrow and Wednesday afternoon, and that Thanksgiving is the best time to go to avoid crowds. Here are the best days and times to travel and return. (Travel+Vacation)

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IF YOU MISSED THIS

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Seeing double

Yesterday’s Glen Powell look-alike contest had it all: the real Powell on FaceTime, his mom as a judge, and a free question. “My face hasn’t hurt this much since I was 10 years old and performing at Disney World,” said winner Max Braunstein. (CNN/Fox 7 Austin)

✅ Trump’s office is ready

President-elect Donald Trump completed his Cabinet picks over the weekend. They included hedge fund manager Scott Bessent for Treasury Secretary and GOP Rep. Laurie Chavez DeRemer for Labor Secretary. (Politician)

➡️ War between Israel and Hezbollah

Lebanon-based Hezbollah fired some 250 rockets at Israel yesterday – its heaviest attack in months – as Israel’s ambassador to the US said a ceasefire between the two groups could be reached “within days”. (AP)

🧙‍♀️ A gravity-defying debut

This huge advertising budget paid off: Wicked grossed a record $114 million at the North American box office this weekend, becoming the biggest opening ever for a Broadway adaptation. (Diversity)

🏈 Run, Sakuon, run

Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley dominated last night, rushing for 255 yards and helping his team to its seventh straight win, defeating the Los Angeles Rams 37-20. Watch the highlights. (Yahoo Sports)

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WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY

🎅 If you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit, Jack Black is “devilish but hilarious” as Satan rather than Santa Claus in the Christmas comedy. Dear Santa. (Entertainment Weekly)

🏒 At the rink, the Blues will test the Rangers’ “defensive shortcomings” at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN+. (Hockey News)

🏈 No brotherly love here: The Harbaugh siblings will meet in their first coaching game since 2013 when the Ravens take on the Chargers. Monday night football at 8:15 pm ET on ABC. (Los Angeles Times)

🏀 On the court, the Warriors try to keep their five-game winning streak alive against the Nets at 10:00 PM ET on NBA League Pass. (AP)

☀️ And don’t forget: Read your daily horoscope. Solve the crossword puzzle. Check the forecast in your area.

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TODAY IN HISTORY

In 1979, Pat Summerall and John Madden broadcast their first game together. This marked the beginning of a legendary partnership that lasted over 20 years. In honor of them—and the upcoming holiday—enjoy a fun “Turducken” gathering from 1997. Now we’re talking. (Wrapper)

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3 QUESTIONS

…about the “rush” at work

On the eve of Thanksgiving, Yahoo creator Sean Kernan gave my hard-working editor Anthony permission to relax at work. Here’s why.

Anthony: Why do so many people feel like work gets busiest just before vacation?

Sean: This is the so-called rush to deadlines. Many people think that clearing their deck will prevent work from interfering with their vacation. It’s really about control and the desire to work fully while he’s gone. In fact, your work won’t disappear while you’re gone.

Anthony: What’s your argument for taking it a little easier before then?

Sean: I would argue that being overworked before a vacation reinforces the idea that work is more important than life. It’s been proven that even if you have to put off some tasks, it won’t necessarily have a negative impact on your performance rating—as long as you show that you’re a dedicated and attentive worker.

Anthony: What can people do to avoid the hustle and bustle while still relaxing during their break?

Sean: If you’re going on vacation next month, don’t let it become a mad rush. Get things done early, and when you’re on vacation, give yourself at least a 48-hour window when you’re not checking email or thinking about work. I call it Operation Zero.

One more thing: Try paying it forward for an extra boost of happiness this week. And sign up for Sean’s newsletter.

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PLEASANT MOMENT

A Chicago man who goes by Big Money D (and looks a lot like Danny Trejo) decided to play the lottery using numbers in honor of his late wife and was shocked when he won a $650,000 prize. “When I won, I felt like it was a message from her,” he said. (People)

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Remember that banana art? The guy who spent $6.2 million on it plans to eat it. With that, have a nice day!

💡 PS Before you go, your daily advice: Making apple pie for Thanksgiving? Take it up a notch with miso. That’s why it improves the taste. (Just recipes)

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