News

Following Monday's historic tornado that devastated the Oklahoma City area, there has been an outpouring of support from public figures, celebrities, and everyday Americans. President Barack Obama addressed the nation from the White House Tuesday morning, expressing his severe concern and promising federal aid for the victims and families. As search and rescue teams scour the disaster grounds, celebrities have also been taking advantage of social media to share thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement. Oklahoma natives Olivia Munn and Carrie Underwood gave personal accounts and hopes for fellow Oklahomans, as did Kristen Chenoweth, who also asked her followers to donate to the American Red Cross and Humane Society relief efforts. Click through to see how public figures and celebrities are coming together to support tornado victims.

Yahoo is scooping up Tumblr for $1.1 billion, gaining 108 million microblogs in the process. Just like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, Tumblr is another way for celebrities to connect with fans. And since they have more creative control over the sites, the content is often a more authentic and sometimes edgier expression of the celebrity's image. Pop icons like Beyoncé and Britney Spears use the site, as do TV stars Zooey Deschanel and Aziz Ansari and fashion insiders Terry Richardson and Rachel Zoe. As Tumblr makes big news, check out the top celebrity Tumblrs you should have on your dashboard.

After a week of scandals for his administration, President Obama took a break from politics to get personal. On Sunday at Morehouse College's graduation, the president opened up about his role as dad-in-chief: "My whole life, I've tried to be for Michelle and my girls what my father wasn't for my mother and me." Speaking at the historically black and all-male college, Sasha and Malia's dad said, "I want to break that cycle — where a father's not at home, where a father's not helping to raise that son and daughter. I want to be a better father, a better husband, a better man." His message was also inclusive of different sexualities. He implored the all-male crowd to be the best partner "to your wife, or your boyfriend, or your partner."

The president even went so far as to imagine what he would be thinking about on his deathbed and admitted it would not be legislation he passed or the Nobel Prize he won. "I will be thinking about that walk I took with my daughters. I'll be thinking about a lazy afternoon with my wife. I'll be thinking about sitting around the dinner table and seeing them happy and healthy and knowing that they were loved." Obama, who followed up Michelle Obama's Friday speech at Bowie State University, also frankly touched on race, a topic he often avoids. "At some point in life as an African American you have to work twice as hard as anyone else if you want to get by." He encouraged the "Morehouse men" to be good role models for their communities. See photos, as well as a video, now.

Hollywood descended on the South of France this week, but that's not where all the action was. Wildlife bloomed everywhere from England to Iraq. Both Michelle and Barack Obama kept a steady stream of engagements. And royals from Queen Elizabeth II to Princess Letizia of Spain mingled with admirers, while Prince Harry wrapped up his US tour. Travel around the world with the best photographs of the week.

Just like an eager college freshman, Michelle Obama went back to school with a new hairdo today! The first lady showed off some freshly styled sideswept bangs during her commencement speech at Bowie State University. On a more serious note, Michelle offered some solid advice and perspective for the class of '13 at the historically black university in Maryland. "Just think about this for a moment — for generations, in many parts of this country, it was illegal for black people to get an education," the first lady said. And while she's pals with Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Michelle lamented that too many young people fantasize about "being a baller or a rapper."

"In short, be an example of excellence for the next generation," implored the first lady, who also received an honorary doctorate of laws. She's set to give one more commencement speech this graduation season, after already speaking at Eastern Kentucky University. Next up tomorrow is Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Magnet High School For Health Sciences and Engineering at Historic Pearl High. See pictures of the first lady's academic look from today.