The United States attributed the longest nationwide FAA ground stop since 9/11 to a recent system upgrade, prompting widespread disruption across the country. During the halt, passengers on grounded flights were entertained by performances from bands such as Hoobastank and Simple Plan. In sports, Norway faced Wales in a Nations League match that attracted considerable coverage. Italy levied an $880 million fine against Meta over alleged photo‑privacy violations. Meanwhile, James Gunn responded to rumors following his exit from DC Studios, Carmelle of the Philippines became the first Asian winner of the Eurovision contest, and Azerbaijan’s Leyla Aliyeva chaired a series of COP31 meetings on innovative technologies for climate resilience.