What are the 10 biggest news stories from today?

I'll gather today's biggest headlines for you — pulling the latest top stories.

Here are the 10 biggest news stories dominating headlines today — Wednesday, September 24, 2026:

1. Trump-Xi Summit in Washington
Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on September 24, 2026. China's foreign ministry announced the visit on September 21. The White House has set the summit for September 24 with Xi expected to arrive on September 23. President Trump has said he will discuss artificial intelligence with Xi when he visits. Trade truce, not breakthroughs, topped the agenda, with the current pause set to end in November.

2. War Returns to Northern Ethiopia - Tigray Offensive
Ethiopia's Tigray regional government said its fighters have entered a defensive war against federal troops hours after Tigrayan forces seized the main airport in the northern region. Leaders of the northern region said they had entered a new war with the federal government as fighting broke out in Tigray and two neighbouring regions, shattering a four-year-old peace deal. On the morning of 23 September 2026, the TDF launched an offensive and seized the airports of Mekelle, Axum, and Shire, causing Ethiopian Airlines to cancel all flights to the region.

3. Russia Pounds Kyiv With Drone Strikes After Zelensky-Trump Talks
On Wednesday, Sept. 23, a renewed Russian drone wave struck Kyiv, hitting rail hubs, warehouses and fuel stations. Russia pounded Kyiv with drone strikes on Wednesday, hitting railway infrastructure, warehouses and fuel stations, just hours after President Volodymyr Zelensky met US President Donald Trump to discuss peace efforts. At least two people were killed and 22 were injured in the morning attack.

4. U.S.-Iran Tensions Escalate After Strikes on Oil Tankers
One of the biggest international stories today is the renewed escalation between the United States and Iran. The U.S. military has confirmed strikes against three Iranian oil tankers after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched ballistic missiles toward two U.S. Navy ships.

5. Oil Prices Surge on Strait of Hormuz Fears
Brent crude ended the week at around $96.28 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate closed near $91.48. The Strait of Hormuz remains particularly important because it is one of the world's most critical energy shipping routes.

6. Mass Shooting at South African House Party Kills 11
Three armed men opened fire on guests at a house party in a township south of the South African city of Durban on Tuesday night, killing at least 11 and injuring three in what police said could be a gang-related incident. A woman believed to be pregnant and 13 men were among those attending the party in the township of KwaMakhutha.

7. Federal Reserve Raises Rates For First Time Since 2023
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. Federal Reserve officials voted unanimously on Wednesday to raise the bank's benchmark interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point, to a range between 3.75% and 4.0%, the first rate hike since 2023.

8. Gaza Building Collapse Kills 12
A multistory building in Gaza City that had been heavily damaged during the Israel-Hamas war collapsed on Wednesday, killing at least 12 people, including four children. Fifteen people were also reported injured while rescue workers continued searching for people who could still be trapped.

9. Deadly News Helicopter Crash in Los Angeles
In the United States, a news helicopter covering a traffic accident in Los Angeles crashed in the Chatsworth area, killing three people. The victims included a pilot and a photojournalist working for helicopter operator Angel City Air, as well as a person on the ground.

10. Europe & Humanitarian Crises in Headlines