What are the 10 biggest news stories from today?

I'll gather today's biggest headlines for you — searching the latest news from November 4th.

10 Biggest News Stories - Wednesday, November 4, 2026:

Based on headlines and briefings published for today:

1. U.S. Government Shutdown Ties Record Length
As US Eastern Time entered November 4, the US federal government "shutdown" entered its 35th day, tying the record for the longest "shutdown" in US history. Over the past 30 days, the Democratic and Republican parties have remained deadlocked, and they have failed to pass a temporary funding bill proposed by the Republican Party in 13 votes in the Senate. According to reports, the Senate will also hold the 14th round of voting today local time. The Congressional Budget Office said the shutdown could cut 1-2 percentage points from Q4 real GDP growth and cost $7-14 billion depending on duration.

2. U.S. Midterm Elections Underway
U.S. midterm elections: polling under way for all 435 House seats, 35 Senate seats and 36 governorships; first results expected late at night. Other briefings put the Senate number at 37 seats at stake, described as a referendum on President Donald Trump's agenda amid economic pressures, war and political divisions.

3. U.S. - Iran Tensions - Possible Strikes on November 4
The Trump administration has briefed Gulf Arab allies to brace for a "short, intense" round of military strikes against Iran as early as November 4, 2026—the day after the U.S. midterm elections. Related coverage notes: ‘The only military option’: Tucker Carlson warns Trump may be days away from NUKING Iran. Iran rejects claims of nuclear threat behind Israeli, U.S. strikes, with Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi calling the claim a "heinous lie".

4. China Extends Visa-Free Policy
China to extend unilateral visa-free policy for over 40 countries, with Sweden newly added. China will extend its unilateral visa-exemption arrangements for more than 40 countries to Dec. 31, 2026, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday.

5. Cyclone Murasu Hits India
Cyclone Murasu crosses the Andhra Pradesh coast near Ongole, weakens into a cyclonic storm by afternoon. Torrential rain batters coastal Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana; flight schedules disrupted. Delhi air quality slips into the ‘very poor’ category ahead of Diwali; anti-pollution curbs return.

6. Gaza Ceasefire Standoff
Israel rejects mediators' request to let militants leave Gaza tunnel. Israel has rejected a request by mediators to allow about 200 militants to safely exit an underground tunnel in southern Gaza and return to an area not controlled by the Israeli military.

7. Deadly Earthquake in Northern Afghanistan
Earthquake in northern Afghanistan kills 24. An earthquake in northern Afghanistan has left 24 people dead and more than 630 injured. The quake had a magnitude of 6.3 and occurred at a depth of 28 kilometers.

8. Vietnam Flooding Death Toll Rises
Death toll rises to 37 in central Vietnam floods. The death toll from heavy rains and flooding in Vietnam's central region has risen to 37, with five people missing and 78 others injured. More than 12,600 houses remain inundated.

9. South Africa Declares Public Holiday for Elections
South Africa declares November 4 a public holiday for local elections. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Wednesday that November 4, 2026, will be a national public holiday to facilitate participation in local elections.

10. Markets and Business
Sensex jumps 1,225 points to close at 76,917.85; Nifty gains 370 points in a broad rally. Brent crude slips to $78.92 a barrel on hopes of a US-Iran peace deal and easier sanctions. Microsoft raises $25 billion in its biggest bond sale, drawing orders nearly 4.6 times the offer to fund AI expansion.

Other headlines today include: