A senior official in Iran suggests the morality police have been disbanded, but local media say his remarks have been "misinterpreted." / BBC News

Supposedly, a decision will be made in December on whether to abolish the mandatory hijab altogether. / The Economist

France bans short haul domestic flights in favor of train travel. Private jets (like Steven Spielberg's) may be next. / Euronews

See also: "Uncertainty, if not grief, is now part of the Alaska traveler's experience." / The New York Times

Covid hospitalizations reach their highest level in three months, with more than 35,000 patients being treated. / The Washington Post

Why are streetlights in major cities across the country turning purple? LED delamination. / Business Insider

A veterinary tranquilizer, xylazine, or "tranq," is showing up in more than 90% of heroin and fentanyl samples, causing "gnarly" wounds. / STAT 

Experts describe living conditions in the prison where basketball star Britney Griner is jailed. / The Los Angeles Times

"Lionel Messi doesn't so much trap the ball or kill it but lets it come and nestle, falling asleep on his toe like a fond old cat." Even if you don't like soccer, some of the writing's pretty good. / The Guardian

A brief history of the casserole, from ancient Greek preparations to today's tater tots. / Men Yell at Me

Scientists determine the most acceptable coffee drinking temperature is 140-147°F. / Sprudge 

Three women explain what it was like when their partners became obsessed with NFTs. "I feel like their mom." / Nylon