In Other Brews…

Russia appears to be behind a foiled plot to start fires on North-America-bound planes. Two “incendiary devices”––electric massagers rigged to catch on fire––were ignited at DHL logistics hubs in Germany and England, sparking a multinational investigation. Lithuanian and Polish authorities, who collectively made five arrests this week, say the devices were a test of a larger Russian “sabotage campaign.”

Israel’s Prime Minister has fired his Defense Minister over a “crisis of trust.” Netanyahu said Yoav Gallant’s disagreements over military strategy in Gaza and Lebanon have led to “statements and actions that contradict” cabinet decisions. Foreign Minister Israel Katz will replace Gallant, who said his “life’s mission” will always be Israel’s security.

Meta’s plans for a new AI data center were halted––by rare bees. The tech giant’s deal with a nuclear plant for carbon-free energy was delayed due to environmental concerns over endangered bees found on-site. The new data center was intended to support Meta’s energy-hungry AI projects, which require far more power than traditional forms of computing. 

“Our house is getting too small for our TV.” Manufacturers are rolling out more supersized 97-inch TVs (that’s over 8 feet, wider than a king-size bed) in time for the holidays. Sales of the XXL TVs are up tenfold so far this year as prices fall. Five years ago, Samsung’s 97-incher cost $99k; today, the price tag is $4K.

First-time homebuyers in 2024 are older and wiser wealthier than ever. Real-estate rookies had a median age of 38—up from 35 last year—and a household income of $97K, according to a new survey. A record number are using inheritances for down payments as rising housing prices and high mortgage rates price younger buyers out of the market.