What are the 10 biggest news stories from today?

I'll search for the top news stories from today.Gathering more details on the top stories.Here are 10 of the biggest news stories from Sunday, October 18, 2026 (based on major headlines from Google News, Reuters, AP, BBC, NYT, and others). Rankings reflect prominence and coverage volume; details draw from contemporaneous reporting.[1]

Nationwide demonstrations against rising living costs, public services cuts, and related issues (involving students, unions, and others; estimates of 550,000–800,000 participants) turned violent in multiple cities. There was widespread looting, arson (including the historic Limoges town hall, with its spire collapsing), clashes with police using tear gas and water cannons, and damage to buildings/shops. Arrests reached ~1,800–2,400 (record 855 in Paris alone); hundreds of officers injured; at least one protester and one officer died. President Macron called for calm, condemned violence, vowed accountability, and planned to address the nation; clean-up ongoing amid political tensions ahead of 2027 elections.[2]

A fast-moving grass fire (whipped by high winds up to ~60 mph) broke out Saturday afternoon during live-fire training exercises (Exercise APOLLO SHOOTER involving Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry) at the Alberta base. It overtook personnel on ranges; cause under investigation (not terrorism or gas infrastructure explosion). Confirmed dead: Sgt. Morgan Wong, Ptes. Shaun Farrell, Aidan Goulding, and Hayden Lykkemark. 39 injured/hospitalized (at least 19 critical, many severe burns); PM Mark Carney called it one of the worst peacetime tragedies for Canadian forces on home soil. Fire contained but hotspots remain.[3]

President Trump signed an executive order waiving key provisions of the recently passed “Graham Act” (named after the late Sen. Lindsey Graham) sanctions/tariffs on Russia (targeting officials, banks, oil/gas buyers like China/India, shadow fleet, etc.), set to take effect around now, citing U.S. “national interests.” Linked to efforts to lower energy prices, pursue peace talks with Putin, and a prior diesel import deal. Zelenskyy criticized it as wrong and helpful only to Russia; bipartisan congressional outrage (including some Republicans); Russia welcomed it. Trump defended it Sunday, hinting at hostage/peace angles; energy secretary called it not an “economic lifeline.” Oil prices reacted.[4]

One of Ukraine’s largest aerial assaults: over 1,000 drones (Russia claimed ~1,015 downed overnight across regions). Strikes set ablaze St. Petersburg oil terminal (major export facility), Ruchyi oil depot, industrial warehouses, an Ozon logistics hub, and a VK (VKontakte) data center; also affected power (thousands without electricity), a bridge/substation, and disrupted airport flights. 1 killed, ~5–15 injured; residential damage from debris. Comes amid U.S.-Ukraine tensions over energy strikes and sanctions. Russia vowed response; Zelenskyy noted Russian strikes on Ukraine.[5]

The 71-year-old pontiff (discharged Saturday from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after Tuesday surgery removing the lower lobe of his right lung for adenocarcinoma, discovered early) appeared at the Apostolic Palace window Sunday. He led the Angelus prayer, thanked well-wishers and medical staff, said he felt close to the sick, and pledged to “gradually resume” duties (full recovery expected in ~10+ days; some work already resumed). Voice strong; crowd cheered. Trip plans (e.g., South America) under review but initially unchanged.[6]

A 34-year-old woman drove a pickup from a parking area onto a field at Scheels Stryker Sports Complex during a youth game Saturday afternoon, striking people on the sideline. Killed: 6-year-old Cole Adrian (or Adrian Cole) and 35-year-old Nicholas Schafer (both of McPherson, unrelated). 10 others injured (including 5 children ages 5–9; injuries minor to severe, none life-threatening at last report) + 1 medical issue. Driver (who had a child playing elsewhere; two juveniles in vehicle) was cooperative, released Sunday without charges pending toxicology and mechanical exams. Complex events canceled; investigation ongoing (motive unclear).[7]

Despite an ongoing court fight (federal judge previously halted tree removals as “inexcusable” and required notice of plans; preservation lawsuit), Trump posted that Interior Dept. + architect Tom Fazio finalized a redesign into a “world-class championship” public course (able to host majors/Ryder Cup etc.). Close ~Nov. 15 for ~15 months of work (cites poor condition, dangerous trees, seawall). Rendering shows major changes (e.g., single 18-hole layout). Judge ordered update on administration’s position; trees already cut earlier. Part of broader D.C. landscape changes.[8]

With elections around Nov. 3, focus on House control, voter concerns (economy, energy prices, “wrong track” polls ~71% in one NBC survey). House Dem leader Hakeem Jeffries optimistic while campaigning in Ohio; Trump rallies (e.g., Kentucky touting power/achievements); VP Vance in town halls facing questions on policy/rhetoric. “No Kings” rallies promote early voting. Related tensions over Russia policy, immigration (e.g., comments on Rep. Ilhan Omar), and more.[9]

Beyond the sanctions waiver and drone strike: Zelenskyy warns U.S. siding with Russia would be a “historic mistake”; Trump criticizes Ukrainian oil infrastructure strikes (blamed for high prices) while pursuing Putin talks/diesel deals and European gas resumption ideas. Related bipartisan letters urging full sanctions implementation.