National

Data: Box Office Mojo; Chart: Sara Wise/Axios

"Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is expected to top the box office through the Thanksgiving weekend, keeping it on pace to be one of the highest-earning films of the year.

Why it matters: Disney's latest Marvel movie is not only a box office juggernaut, but also represents the Marvel Cinematic Universe's shift toward reflecting the diversity of the real world. 

"Wakanda Forever" — the first MCU film with a Black woman as the main character — is already the third-highest earning MCU film led by a character from an underrepresented community, trailing only "Captain Marvel" and the original "Black Panther."

By the numbers: “Black Panther” is expected to top the Thanksgiving box office this holiday weekend with $40 million in earnings, per Deadline. 

The movie has already toppled 2022's other big hitters, "Spider-Man: No Way Home" (which came out in December 2021) and "Black Adam" (which dropped in October). 

“Wakanda Forever” has made about $550 million worldwide and is expected to eventually topple "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" ($955 million), to become the No. 3 movie worldwide

And don't forget that "Wakanda Forever" already holds the all-time record for the biggest opening weekend in November.

Yes, but: Another blockbuster, James Cameron’s “Avatar: The Way of Water,” is due out on December 16, which could disrupt the “Black Panther” reign.

What we're watching: The success of "Black Panther" is coming after a summer slowdown at the box office and is a welcome sign for Disney, which is dealing with its own turmoil.

How the MCU is addressing its messy history with diversity

"Wakanda Forever" reimagines an untold future

Black Panther sequel brings momentum back to the box office

Marvel promoted "Wakanda Forever" on its own

"Wakanda Forever" at the head of the table for Thanksgiving weekend

Disney's latest Marvel movie represents the Marvel Cinematic Universe's shift toward reflecting the diversity of the real world.

Movies

A scene from "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever." Photo courtesy of Marvel.

Media

&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/marvel-cinematic-universe-diversity?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosam&amp;stream=top" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/marvel-cinematic-universe-diversity?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosam&amp;stream=top" target="_self">Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”</a> is expected to top the box office through the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thanksgiving" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/22/thanksgiving-restaurants-dining-turkey-inflation-takeout" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/22/thanksgiving-restaurants-dining-turkey-inflation-takeout" target="_self">Thanksgiving</a> weekend, keeping it on pace to be one of the highest-earning films of the year.Why it matters: Disney&#x27;s latest Marvel movie is not only a box office juggernaut, but also represents the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Marvel Cinematic Universe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/marvel-cinematic-universe-diversity?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosam&amp;stream=top" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/marvel-cinematic-universe-diversity?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosam&amp;stream=top" target="_self">Marvel Cinematic Universe</a>&#x27;s shift toward reflecting the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="diversity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/marvel-cinematic-universe-diversity" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/marvel-cinematic-universe-diversity" target="_self">diversity</a> of the real world.

After a record economic expansion, the coronavirus pandemic sent the U.S. economy into a recession as unemployment soared to staggering heights. The country now faces urgent questions about how much stimulus is needed for reeling consumers and businesses, and what a recovery might look like.

Economy & Business

Manchester United said Tuesday its owners have started the process of exploring "strategic alternatives for the club," including a potential sale.

Why it matters: The announcement, which came on the same day the club said it had parted ways with soccer megastar Cristiano Ronaldo, follows years of disgruntled fans calling for new owners and months of rumors of a potential sale (even to Elon Musk).

Driving the news: Manchester United said in a statement the process is "designed to enhance the club's future growth" with the ultimate goal of "positioning the club to capitalize on opportunities both on the pitch and commercially."

It could include stadium redevelopments, expanding the club's global reach and creating new experiences for fans.

The team also said the board's new process may not lead to any transaction.

What they're saying: "We will evaluate all options to ensure that we best serve our fans and that Manchester United maximizes the significant growth opportunities available to the Club today and in the future," Manchester United c0-chairmen Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer said in a statement.

Context: The potential sale follows news of other English clubs hitting the market, including Fenway Sports Group announcing it is exploring bids for Liverpool a few weeks back, and Chelsea selling for £2.5 billion earlier this year.

Manchester United may cost somewhere between $2.45 billion and $5.3 billion if not more, according to the Wall Street Journal.

South American teams vie for first World Cup title in 20 years

Manchester United explores "strategic alternatives," including sale

The announcement comes on the same day the club said it had parted ways with soccer megastar Cristiano Ronaldo.

A general view of a GO Glazers Out protest poster in the stands after the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester

A Glazers Out protest poster with the Manchester United logo. Laurence Griffiths/PA Images via Getty Images

Soccer

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Manchester United" data-vars-click-url="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-utd-announces-process-to-explore-strategic-alternatives-to-enhance-club-growth" data-vars-content-id="4ab11c94-ced7-48d3-9f12-6df78649f795" data-vars-headline="Manchester United explores &quot;strategic alternatives,&quot; including sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-utd-announces-process-to-explore-strategic-alternatives-to-enhance-club-growth" target="_blank">Manchester United</a> said Tuesday its owners have started the process of exploring &quot;strategic alternatives for the club,&quot; including a potential sale.Why it matters: The announcement, which came on the same day the club said it had parted ways with soccer megastar <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cristiano Ronaldo," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/17/elon-musk-tweet-manchester-united-value" data-vars-content-id="4ab11c94-ced7-48d3-9f12-6df78649f795" data-vars-headline="Manchester United explores &quot;strategic alternatives,&quot; including sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/17/elon-musk-tweet-manchester-united-value" target="_self">Cristiano Ronaldo,</a> follows years of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="disgruntled fans" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/sports-soccer-manchester-england-8ae8d79b54a03c8460b7c8ffb7b78724" data-vars-content-id="4ab11c94-ced7-48d3-9f12-6df78649f795" data-vars-headline="Manchester United explores &quot;strategic alternatives,&quot; including sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-soccer-manchester-england-8ae8d79b54a03c8460b7c8ffb7b78724" target="_blank">disgruntled fans</a> calling for new owners and months of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rumors of a potential sale" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/17/elon-musk-tweet-manchester-united-value" data-vars-content-id="4ab11c94-ced7-48d3-9f12-6df78649f795" data-vars-headline="Manchester United explores &quot;strategic alternatives,&quot; including sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/17/elon-musk-tweet-manchester-united-value" target="_self">rumors of a potential sale</a> (even to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Elon Musk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/17/elon-musk-tweet-manchester-united-value" data-vars-content-id="4ab11c94-ced7-48d3-9f12-6df78649f795" data-vars-headline="Manchester United explores &quot;strategic alternatives,&quot; including sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/17/elon-musk-tweet-manchester-united-value" target="_self">Elon Musk</a>).

Shifts in technology and media are changing the way we play, watch and understand sports. Business models are adapting and social change is forcing those in charge of teams and leagues to reconsider decades-old practices.

Sports

Note: Farmed turkeys only; Data: USDA; Map: Erin Davis/Axios Visuals 

Some pockets of the U.S. have more turkeys than people.

Details: Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show that at least five counties have more than 100 turkeys per person:

Swift County, Minn. (148 turkeys per human)

Zoom in: According to 2017 USDA data, turkey populations are mostly concentrated in the Midwest and eastern United States, with small pockets in Utah and California.

The big picture: The U.S. government has been warning this Thanksgiving season about a shortage of turkey, Axios' Kelly Tyko and Emily Peck write. In fact, avian flu outbreaks this year have made it hard to find 20-pound turkeys in parts of the country.

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These counties have more turkeys than people

At least five counties in the U.S. have more turkeys than people.

Thanksgiving

FIFA investigates chants by Mexico fans at World Cup

FIFA did not identify the specific chants from Mexican fans.

Fans of Team Mexico with flags during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 group C match between Mexico and Poland

Fans of Mexico with flags during the World Cup. Photo: Florencia Tan Jun/PxImages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

FIFA on Wednesday said it has opened an official investigation into the Mexican Football Association over chants made by Mexico fans toward Poland players during their 0-0 draw in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/23/world-cup-qatar-2022-stadiums-capacity" data-vars-content-id="8c648730-729e-4c63-aae7-b7048a545b3c" data-vars-headline="FIFA investigates chants by Mexico fans at World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/23/world-cup-qatar-2022-stadiums-capacity" target="_self">World Cup</a> on Tuesday, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Reuters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/fifa-opens-proceedings-against-mexican-fa-over-fan-chants-poland-draw-2022-11-23/" data-vars-content-id="8c648730-729e-4c63-aae7-b7048a545b3c" data-vars-headline="FIFA investigates chants by Mexico fans at World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/fifa-opens-proceedings-against-mexican-fa-over-fan-chants-poland-draw-2022-11-23/" target="_blank">Reuters</a>.Why it matters: Mexico has been sanctioned in the past over &quot;a recurring anti-gay goalkeeper chant&quot; that has been heard from fans during their games, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ESPN" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/soccer/mexico-mex/story/4811887/mexico-fan-chant-at-world-cup-subject-of-fifa-investigation" data-vars-content-id="8c648730-729e-4c63-aae7-b7048a545b3c" data-vars-headline="FIFA investigates chants by Mexico fans at World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/mexico-mex/story/4811887/mexico-fan-chant-at-world-cup-subject-of-fifa-investigation" target="_blank">ESPN</a>.

Data: Instacart; Chart: Sara Wise/Axios; Illustrations: Aïda Amer/Axios

West Virginians were on a roll last year when it came time to butter up their meals, compared to the rest of the country.

Why it matters: It's Thanksgiving. Butter is everywhere and on everything.

Details: Data from Instacart show that West Virginians bought the most butter in November 2021, compared to the rest of the country, with 10.7 ounces per customer on average.

The state ranked ahead of Vermont (10.2 ounces), Iowa (10.1), Wisconsin (9.6) and Ohio (9.4) to round out the top five last year.

The rub: Not all states favor butter equally. Texas, for example, lagged behind the rest of the country.

Backstory: The "butter divide" stems from regional history, Elaine Khosrova, author of "Butter: A Rich History," tells Axios.

"The butter 'divide' is not surprising considering that much of the Midwest and East Coast was settled by Europeans who brought with them a long tradition of dairying and buttery cuisine," Khosrova said. 

"In the West and Southwest, of course, you have more settlers from Hispanic cultures, where butter was not a prominent ingredient in their dishes."

Texas' butter consumption lags behind other states

Iowa is one of the country's biggest butter buyers

Butter sales rise amid viral butter board trend on TikTok

Spreading the word: the top butter-buying states

West Virginia may be the top butter buying state, but only marginally so.

Food

West Virginians were on a roll last year when it came time to butter up their meals, compared to the rest of the country.Why it matters: It&#x27;s Thanksgiving. Butter is everywhere and on everything.

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Stories

"Wakanda Forever" at the head of the table for Thanksgiving weekend

Spreading the word: the top butter-buying states

These counties have more turkeys than people

FIFA investigates chants by Mexico fans at World Cup

Manchester United explores "strategic alternatives," including sale