What are the 10 biggest news stories from today?

I'll gather today's 10 biggest headlines for you.

Based on aggregated top headlines for today, Sunday October 18, 2026 - Google News Top Headlines and UK/US wire coverage - the 10 biggest stories trending as of this morning are:

1. Israeli Settlers Attack European Diplomats in West Bank
European diplomats attacked in West Bank a day after beating of Washington Post photographer. Related coverage notes European diplomats attacked by Israeli settlers in West Bank per BBC and Israeli Settlers Attack Palestinians and European Officials in West Bank per The New York Times.

2. Hurricane Trudy Strengthens to Category 2 Near Mexico - Plus Typhoon Champi Threatens Guam
Hurricane Trudy strengthens to Category 2 as it approaches Mexico coast with reports it strengthens to category 2 as it heads toward Mexico. At the same time, Typhoon Champi becomes a dangerous Category 4 storm as it approaches Guam.

3. Massive Anti-Government Protests Across France - Over 1,200 Arrested, Buildings Ablaze
Building set ablaze and more than 1,200 arrested as police clash with protesters across France. Separate UK headline: Shocking moment 143-yr-old spire collapses after town hall set on fire in French riots as shops looted & 1,200 arrested. Police fired teargas in Paris and Limoges town hall ‘largely lost’ to fire.

4. Albania's Anti-Government Protests Enter 5th Day - Police Fire Rubber Bullets
Albanian police fire rubber bullets as student protests rage with Anti government protesters battle with police in Albania per BBC and reports riots in Tirana enter a fifth day as Albania's anti-government protests escalate.

5. Pope Returns to Vatican After Lung Cancer Surgery
Pope returns to Vatican days after surgery surgeon says he should be fit for Latin America tour. Also reported as Pope Leo leaves hospital after lung cancer operation and Pope Leo returns to Vatican four days after cancer surgery.

6. Ukraine War - Russian-Held Town Described as "Death Trap" With Starving Residents
Ukrainian foreign minister says Russian held town is a death trap with starving residents with related reporting: With no food deliveries since May, starving residents flee Russian occupied territory.

7. Record Attacks on Shipping in Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran Tensions
Live Updates Reported attacks on ships in or near Strait of Hormuz reach record high, data shows with Iran war live and Hormuz ship attacks hit record high as Iran escalates strikes.

8. Flydubai Horror - Pilot Recounts Attempted Hijacking / Terror Attack
Will keep with me till I die Smit Machchhar recalls colleague s bravery amid flydubai horror with follow-up: Flydubai captain recalls struggle to open cockpit door during attempted terror attack.

9. TikTok Permanently Bans Elon Musk Documentary Ad Account, Sparking Censorship Debate
TikTok Permanently Suspends the Musk Film Ad Account, Raising Suppression Fears and TikTok permanently bans Musk documentary advertising account.

10. US Politics - Trump Holds Kentucky Rally as Midterm Outlook Darkens
Trump recycles Dumocrats attacks at Kentucky rally but is privately blaming aides for gloomy midterms outlook with related headline Trump faults aides as Republican midterm prospects dim.

Other notable headlines today: