What are the 10 biggest news stories from today?

As of today, Thursday, October 15, 2026, these are the 10 biggest news stories shaping the headlines around the world:

1. Phone Seized and Grand Jury Subpoenas Issued in Rep. Ilhan Omar Investigation

Following Monday's high-profile raid on her Washington, D.C. home, federal authorities investigating Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) have seized the congresswoman's cell phone. Additionally, federal prosecutors have issued more than a dozen grand jury subpoenas in Minnesota, targeting family members and focusing on potential immigration fraud dating back to her childhood. House Democrats have fiercely condemned the investigation, calling the raid a politically motivated "abuse of power" just weeks ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

2. Kimberly Guilfoyle Resigns as U.S. Ambassador to Greece Under Fire

Former Fox News personality Kimberly Guilfoyle has resigned from her position as U.S. Ambassador to Greece. Her sudden departure follows a Wall Street Journal investigation revealing that she had allegedly asked a Republican donor to pay off her $100,000 credit card bill in exchange for access to the Trump administration. The report also alleges she threatened Greece's energy minister by claiming the U.S. had the power to "topple" the Greek government. The resignation was officially announced by the new White House Press Secretary, Katie Zacharia, during her debut press briefing.

3. Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed with Lung Cancer After Successful Surgery

The Vatican has confirmed that 71-year-old Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma (lung cancer) following a thoracic surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. Surgeons successfully removed the lower lobe of his right lung using a video-assisted technique. According to the Holy See Press Office, the pontiff is recovering well, has resumed a regular diet, and has already begun walking and undergoing respiratory physiotherapy.

4. Video Reveals Texas GOP Senate Candidate Ken Paxton Partying in Dubai with Fugitives

Texas Attorney General and Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton is facing intense political blowback after The Wall Street Journal published a video of him celebrating New Year's Eve in Dubai alongside his girlfriend and two indicted U.S. fugitives. The fugitives, healthcare executives Anosh Ahmed and Sameer Suhail, were indicted in 2024 for a $15 million embezzlement scheme. Ahmed also reportedly donated $190,000 to Paxton's political efforts. Paxton's Democratic rival, James Talarico, has heavily criticized the gathering as early voting in the tight Senate race draws near.

5. Russian Missile and Drone Strikes Leave 600,000 in Ukraine Without Power

A devastating wave of Russian missile and drone attacks has targeted critical energy infrastructure across Ukraine, knocking out power for over 600,000 people, primarily in Kyiv and Kharkiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the strikes, which also resulted in at least three civilian deaths in the capital. The escalation directly contradicts recent political claims of an ongoing "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine.

6. Bank of America Hit with $1.2 Billion Fine Over Anti-Money Laundering Violations

The U.S. government has hit Bank of America with a massive $1.2 billion fine. The Treasury Department accused the bank of failing to report more than $5 billion in suspicious transactions, some of which may have involved Chinese money laundering syndicates. Authorities also accused the bank of failing to monitor and report transactions that violated U.S. sanctions against Russia and Iran. Bank of America has admitted to the compliance lapses but emphasized its ongoing multi-billion-dollar investments in financial security technology.

7. Houthis Target Saudi Aramco HQ Following Saudi Air Strikes in Yemen

Fighting has escalated drastically in Yemen after Saudi forces carried out airstrikes against Houthi-controlled oil facilities and fuel depots near Sana'a. In immediate retaliation, Houthi forces launched a large-scale missile and drone attack targeting the Dhahran headquarters of Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil giant, Saudi Aramco, sparking a localized fire. This military escalation comes amid warnings from the World Health Organization that cholera cases in Yemen have tripled in recent weeks.

8. Two Cargo Ships Sink Near Strait of Hormuz After Projectile Attacks

Global maritime security is on high alert after two major commercial vessels—a container ship and a dry bulk carrier—sank near the critical Strait of Hormuz transit corridor. Maritime officials confirmed both ships sank within a 24-hour period after being struck by unidentified projectiles. No group has claimed immediate responsibility, but the incidents have significantly heightened geopolitical tensions in the region's shipping lanes.

9. MI5 Chief Warns of Rising Right-Wing Extremist Terror Threats in the UK

The head of the UK’s MI5, Ken McCallum, issued a stark warning that right-wing extremists are increasingly plotting terrorist attacks against immigration centers and asylum seeker hotels. McCallum highlighted that the transition of radicalized anti-migrant sentiment from online rhetoric to physical violence is the most concerning trend in the agency’s domestic caseload over the past year, contributing to an overall rise in the UK's terror threat level.

10. Los Angeles Declares Red Flag Alert and Strict Parking Bans Due to Fire Weather

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has declared a city-wide "Red Flag Alert" starting this morning, Thursday, October 15, to last at least 48 hours. Forecasted weather conditions—including low humidity, warm temperatures, and winds exceeding 25 mph—have created extreme wildfire risks. Strict parking restrictions are being enforced on narrow streets in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones to keep lanes clear for emergency vehicles, with illegally parked cars subject to immediate towing.