What are the 10 biggest news stories from today?

Seeking out today's 10 biggest headlines for you — I'll pull the latest top stories now.

Based on headlines and wire summaries for Friday, September 18, 2026 (UTC), the 10 biggest stories trending today are:

1. Iranian commercial vessel struck in Strait of Hormuz
State-run media in Iran say an Iranian commercial vessel has been struck off Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, with one person killed and four wounded. The UK Maritime Trade Operations monitor separately reported a vessel hit by a projectile while transiting the strait. There was no immediate statement from the U.S. military, which has previously struck Iranian-flagged vessels as part of its blockade of Iranian ports.

2. Uncertainty over tentative U.S.-Iran ceasefire deal
Uncertainty is swirling around what the U.S. has called a tentative deal to extend the ceasefire in its war with Iran. U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Thursday the adversaries had reached a tentative agreement but continued to debate "a couple of language points", while Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf says his country wins concessions “through missiles," not talks. Separately, President Donald Trump says that he’s “not satisfied” with Iran’s latest proposal in negotiations.

The U.S. is also warning shipping companies that they could face sanctions if they pay Iran to safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

3. U.S. jobs report surprises to the upside
The U.S. job market rebounded in August as employers added a surprising 162,000 jobs. The unemployment stayed at 4.1%, far exceeding the 65,000 forecasters had expected, with revisions adding 55,000 jobs to June and July payrolls. The report was seen as potentially good news for President Donald Trump two months before midterm elections.

4. Federal Reserve raises interest rates
The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate on September 16, 2026, lifting the federal funds target range a quarter point to 3.75 to 4 percent on a 12-0 vote. It is the first increase since July 2023. The current US federal funds target range is 3.75%–4.00%, effective 17 September 2026, after a quarter-point raise from 3.50%–3.75%.

5. Federal judge blocks Kennedy Center demolition without notice
A federal judge has ordered the Kennedy Center to provide 30 days’ notice before making any major physical changes to the building, including demolishing it as President Donald Trump has threatened. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper said his ruling would “avoid any confusion” given recent events.

6. EPA moves to repeal power plant greenhouse gas rules
The Environmental Protection Agency is repealing rules that limit planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from power plants fueled by coal and natural gas, an action the agency said would save industry more than $300 billion.

7. Canada to announce retaliatory tariffs on U.S.
Canada will announce retaliatory tariffs against the United States on Tuesday after relations deteriorated sharply Monday.

8. Israel suspends humanitarian groups in Gaza
Israel on Tuesday said it had suspended more than two dozen humanitarian organizations from operating in the Gaza Strip for failing to comply with new registration, including Doctors Without Borders and CARE. Aid groups said the decision means offices in Israel and East Jerusalem will close and they won't be able to send international staff or aid into Gaza.

9. Australian Prime Minister heads to UN General Assembly
Albanese heads to UN General Assembly | Morning News Bulletin 18 September 2026. The bulletin notes controversy as Australia's Prime Minister heads to the US for the United Nations general assembly. The General Debate, the centrepiece of High-Level Week, begins on 22 September.

10. Russia's advance in Ukraine slows sharply
Russia’s advance into Ukraine slowed by almost half in September with Moscow capturing its smallest amount of territory since May. Monitoring group DeepState said “The Russians managed to capture 259 square kilometers (100 square miles)” in September.

Other stories being watched today:

News is developing throughout the day — check AP, Reuters, BBC and major U.S. networks for live updates.