What are the 10 biggest news stories from today?

I have the main headlines. Let me get more details on the top stories by opening some key pages.Here are 10 of the biggest news stories from today (Thursday, October 22, 2026), based on prominence across major outlets like Google News, AP, NYT, CNN, BBC, Reuters, and others. Rankings reflect recurrence in top headlines, with a mix of U.S. politics (midterms looming), international conflicts, disasters, markets, and other major developments. Stories are summarized factually from reports.[1]

1. Vivek Ramaswamy’s Controversial Attack Ad Featuring Amy Acton’s Estranged Mother

Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign is airing (and spending millions on) an ad featuring Democrat Amy Acton’s long-estranged mother, who calls her daughter a “liar” about her childhood experiences of abuse and homelessness. Acton has publicly discussed sexual abuse by her stepfather. The ad drew strong bipartisan backlash, including from Ohio GOP Gov. Mike DeWine (who urged it be taken down) and others calling it “despicable” or “deeply troubling.” President Trump and VP JD Vance defended it; Trump reportedly told Ramaswamy not to pull it. Acton and her brother condemned it. This is dominating U.S. political coverage amid tight midterm races.[2]

2. Judge Orders Trump to Sit for Deposition in $10B BBC Defamation Lawsuit

A U.S. federal magistrate judge ordered President Donald Trump to sit for a deposition by December 11 in his $10 billion defamation suit against the BBC. The case centers on a documentary that edited portions of his January 6, 2021, speech. BBC lawyers argued Trump delayed (canceling a prior date while campaigning); the judge warned of possible sanctions, including dismissal, and raised issues over document production. Discovery ends around mid-December.[3]

3. Russian Missile Strikes on Kyiv; Starlink/Starshield Issues and Diplomatic Moves

Russia launched missile attacks (including reported cluster-warhead ballistic missiles) on Kyiv and other Ukrainian regions, causing casualties, while claiming to have downed over 800 Ukrainian drones. This followed reports of a U.S. envoy (Witkoff) meeting Putin (calling him a “humanitarian” after a prisoner release) and tensions with Zelenskyy. Separately, Elon Musk reportedly ordered a Starlink/Starshield slowdown affecting Ukrainian drones; Trump called Musk to restore access, with mixed administration messages. Peace talk discussions continue amid winter concerns over Ukraine’s power grid.[4]

4. Magnitude 7.0 Earthquake Strikes China’s Tibet Region

A powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit Tibet (epicenter near Nagqu), killing at least 16 people and injuring dozens (reports of 32+ injured). It was described as the strongest in the region in years. Rescue and damage assessments are ongoing.[5]

5. Nasdaq Tumbles Over 2% on AI Concerns and Oil Price Jump

U.S. stocks slid, with the Nasdaq falling more than 2% (worst day in months) amid worries over heavy AI spending (linked to earnings from companies like Meta and Tesla) and a jump in oil prices driven by Middle East tensions. Live market updates highlighted the sell-off.[1]

6. Supreme Court Allows New Hampshire Ban on Student IDs for Voting

The U.S. Supreme Court sided with a blanket ban on using student IDs to vote in New Hampshire for the upcoming midterms, a win for GOP-backed voting restrictions. Multiple outlets covered the ruling as significant for election access.[5]

7. Actor Tom Skerritt Dies at 93

Tom Skerritt, known for roles in Top Gun (as Viper), Alien (as the captain), Picket Fences, M*A*S*H, and Steel Magnolias, died at 93. Obituaries highlighted his long career and Emmy win.[6]

8. Global Race to Patch Critical PHP Cybersecurity Flaws

Organizations worldwide scrambled to update computer systems after AI-assisted discovery of critical vulnerabilities in the widely used PHP programming language. Reports noted hackers appear to be struggling so far to fully exploit them, but it sparked a major defensive effort.[7]

9. Nigeria Reports First Ebola Case in Over a Decade; Outbreak Expands

Nigeria confirmed its first Ebola case in more than 10 years, matching a strain from the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is part of a wider African outbreak (killing thousands), prompting an Africa CDC crisis meeting as the virus reaches its broadest expansion.[8]

10. France’s Macron Tightens Protest Curbs Amid Unrest

French President Emmanuel Macron imposed tighter restrictions on protests (blaming the hard left for unrest/riots), with cities like Paris extending curfews and others banning demonstrations. This followed recent violence, looting, and international comments (including from Trump) that Macron criticized as “stupid.”[7]

Other notable stories included rising Iran/Middle East tensions (attacks on oil tankers/vessels in the Strait of Hormuz/Persian Gulf, Houthi strikes on Saudi targets, and reports of U.S./Israeli post-midterm strike plans); a Virginia Democratic state senator (L. Louise Lucas) indicted in a marijuana-related case; Moderna/Merck cancer vaccine data leading to stock drops; and various midterm election developments (debates, polls, DOJ monitoring plans).

News evolves quickly—check major outlets for the latest updates, as some stories (especially markets, Ukraine, and elections) have live components. These reflect major U.S.-centric and global coverage as of reports from today.