European Flights, California Death Row, and a Shower Bear

Good morning. It's Friday, Nov. 6. Bomb threats have diverted over 20 European flights. First time reading? Join millions of insatiably curious readers. Sign up here.

Also in today's Digest: Russell Brand convicted of rape and sexual assault (Sports, Ent., & Cult.), all of California's death sentences to be commuted (Pol. & World Affairs), the adult kids limiting screen time for their iPad parents (In-Depth), Alaskan bear embraces a "shower beer" life (Etc.), and much more. 

Don’t keep us a secret: Share the email with friends or share via SMS/social.

 Need To Know 

European Bomb Threats

At least 21 European flights were targeted by hoax bomb threats yesterday, prompting emergency landings and military escorts (scroll for map). Seven other flights faced similar threats Tuesday.

The threats are the latest in a slew of mysterious disruptions to European infrastructure, including cyberattacks on supermarket and blood bank refrigeration systems and false notifications on Ukrainian and Russian emergency alert mobile apps. It is unclear whether any of these attacks are linked, who is responsible, or what motivated them. Airport officials said at least two bomb threats came from self-described antifeminist groups with possible Russian ties. Meanwhile, the pro-Russia hacking group Hitcore reportedly claimed responsibility for the Ukrainian app breach. European officials previously warned Russia could be intensifying sabotage operations to undermine security in NATO countries.

Each flight disruption could cost airlines up to $250K due to staff reshuffling, cascading delays, and missed connections. Learn how airlines assess bomb threats.

Iran War Limbo

Russia warned its citizens yesterday not to visit Iran. It remained publicly unclear whether President Donald Trump planned to follow through on threats to expand military action against Iran after the US midterm elections, amid Vice President JD Vance’s retrospective that the war cost Republicans their congressional majority.

Trump had previously floated striking Pickaxe Mountain, a site linked to Iran’s nuclear program that is estimated to be buried more than 300 feet underground. Trump ruled out using a nuclear weapon, instead suggesting he could deploy the GBU-43/B—the US’ most powerful conventional bomb. However, experts warn the so-called “mother of all bombs” cannot penetrate a target so deep underground. Meanwhile, the US has engaged in limited strikes in recent weeks, including targeting Qeshm Island.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D, NY-8) has meanwhile urged Trump to end the war. Once Democrats control Congress in January, they can withhold additional military spending and launch impeachment proceedings against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth or other Pentagon leaders.

Cristiano Ronaldo Retires

Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international competition yesterday. The 41-year-old is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, having won five Ballon d'Or awards over his 23-year career.

Ronaldo made his senior international debut at age 18 and went on to score 146 goals across 234 games, both of which are men’s soccer records. He captained Portugal to the European Championship in 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles (2019, 2025). Over six FIFA World Cup appearances, his best result was a fourth-place finish in 2006. Watch a compilation of his 11 World Cup goals here. Ronaldo’s retirement follows a 30-day suspension for leaving Portugal’s training camp after a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus over playing time. He has not yet shared plans to retire from Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr FC. 

Lionel Messi, who capped his international career in October, was Ronaldo’s longtime contemporary and rival. Compare their careers by stats here.

 In The Know 

Science & Technology

> Google, Meta, and TikTok sue to block California's youth social media law, arguing it violates First Amendment and Section 230, which shields platforms from liability for third-party content (More) | How Section 230 shaped the internet (More)

> Anthrax outbreak in Africa's oldest national park kills at least 30 hippos; drought likely forced hippos to graze closer to the ground and ingest contaminated soil (More) | Why anthrax is used as a bioweapon, including in 2001 US attacks (More)

> Self-powered toothbrush converts flexing of bristles into electrical charge that helps kill bacteria linked to cavities and gum disease in early lab studies (More) | When did humans start using toothbrushes? Earlier than you might think (More)

Business & Markets

> US stock markets close down (S&P 500 -4.4%, Dow -3.4%, Nasdaq -5.5%), with Nasdaq entering correction territory over tech investors' concerns newly elected Democratic legislators could slow data center expansion (More) 

> IRS announces 2027 income tax brackets will rise by approximately 3.2%; standard deduction will increase to $16.6K for individuals and $33.2K for married couples (More) | How do tax brackets work? (More, w/video)

> Bank of England raises interest rates from 3.75% to 4%, the first increase since August 2023 (More) | China blocks Japanese tech giant SoftBank's $5.4B acquisition of ABB’s robotics unit over fears sensitive data could leak to foreign rivals (More) 

Politics & World Affairs

> Democrats win largest House majority since the 2008 election, with at least 253 seats secured as of this writing; see live Election Day updates (More) | California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) moves to commute all death sentences for state's 548 death row inmates, wiping out roughly one-quarter of nation's death sentences (More)

> Paraguayan President Santiago Peña offers resignation; decision comes amid impeachment push after the country's fifth-largest bank by assets collapses, freezing accounts of about 3 million clients and around $850M in public funds (More)

> German conservative politician Hubert Aiwanger, leader of the Free Voters party, is found dead in his hotel room at age 55; autopsy reveals no evidence of foul play (More)

In-Depth

> iPad Parents

NY Magazine | Jessica Lucas. Americans over 60 spend more than half their leisure time online, consulting AI doctors and falling for fraud schemes. Now, their adult children face the awkward challenge of limiting Mom and Dad’s screen time. (Read)

> Route 66 Ghost Towns

Business Insider | Staff. Dubbed the "Main Street of America," Route 66 boosted small-town economies. But interstates and chain stores have left mom-and-pop shops struggling. An eye-opening watch before your next road trip. (Watch) 

Record 10% of first-time home purchases were all-cash deals.

See this year's ranking of the world's top 50 restaurants.

Gen Z's latest remedy for doomscrolling is brain stacking.

Pineapple pizza refusal ends in Italian chef getting fired.

Toy Hall of Fame inducts Bingo, Care Bears, and Pokémon cards.

People above age 80 say the key to happiness is not thinking about it.

Why is Earth's core so hot? (w/video)

Pink potato robot takes over Philadelphia.

One winner from the Elizabeth Holmes movie: turkey jerky.

Clickbait: Meet "Shower Beer" bear.

Historybook: Abraham Lincoln elected 16th president of the US (1860); Basketball inventor Dr. James Naismith born (1861); The UN formally condemns apartheid in South Africa (1962); Hollywood great Gene Tierney dies (1991).