What are the 10 biggest news stories from today?
Here are 10 of the biggest global news stories making headlines on Thursday, October 29, 2026:
1. Spain Declares Three Days of Mourning After Deadly High-Speed Train Collision
At least 68 people were killed and over 100 injured when two high-speed trains collided near Urda in Spain's central Toledo province. The collision, which occurred on the line connecting Madrid to Andalusia, involved a state-owned Renfe train and a private Iryo train. Transportation officials stated that a computer system malfunction caused an automatic shutdown of the track, after which a central command operator erroneously gave manual clearance for the Renfe train to proceed past a red light, crashing into the rear of the stationary Iryo train. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has declared three days of national mourning.
2. Leaked Pentagon Data Reveals U.S. Iran War Costs Have Surpassed $47 Billion
According to confidential Pentagon data obtained by congressional watchdogs, the total cost of the U.S. military campaign in Iran—launched in February 2026—has reached $47.1 billion. This is more than 25% higher than the estimates provided to Congress in July. The majority of the spending ($29 billion) is dedicated to replacing depleted missile interceptors, smart bombs, and other munitions. The disclosure has triggered a massive political storm in Washington, coming just days before the critical November 3 midterm elections.
3. Israel's Elections End in Political Deadlock as Arab Parties Surge
Following Tuesday’s highly anticipated general election, early counts and revised exit polls show that neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc nor Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition coalition has secured the 61-seat majority required to govern. Voter turnout hit a decades-high 77.7%. Crucially, Arab-led parties are projected to win a historic 18 to 19 seats, positioning them as the potential kingmakers in what is expected to be weeks of intense coalition-building.
4. Severe Cyclone Arnab Batters Southeastern India
Cyclone Arnab, a very severe cyclonic storm, made landfall near Narsapur in Andhra Pradesh with winds reaching up to 135 km/h. The storm uprooted thousands of trees, destroyed standing crops across more than 80,000 hectares, and cut power to millions of residents. The disaster prompted the evacuation of up to 180,000 people across the states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, and at least five to eight deaths have been reported. Torrential rains have also triggered warnings as far away as Nepal, where high-altitude trekking permits have been suspended.
5. China’s Aging Crisis Reaches an Unprecedented Milestone
According to the latest China Statistical Yearbook 2026 published by the National Bureau of Statistics, China's old-age dependency ratio has officially surpassed its child dependency ratio for the first time in history. Data shows that those aged 65 and above now make up 15.9% of the population (223.65 million), whereas children aged 0-14 have fallen to 15.1% (212.76 million). Demographers warn that this historic demographic shift will heavily impact economic growth, labor availability, and the country's pension system.
6. Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro Flees Country Following Election Defeat
Following the defeat of his political faction in Brazil's runoff presidential elections over the weekend, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro has reportedly fled the country. Argentine migration officials confirmed that Bolsonaro crossed the land border from Brazil into Argentina before boarding a flight to Ecuador. The flight took place despite a Brazilian court order banning his exit. Reports suggest he is ultimately bound for the United States, where the Trump administration has indicated it will offer him and his family visas.
7. U.S. Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady Ahead of Midterms
At its latest monetary policy meeting, the U.S. Federal Reserve opted to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged. Financial analysts noted the decision was widely expected, as the Fed preferred to delay any borrowing cost adjustments until after next week's U.S. midterm elections, giving policymakers more time to evaluate incoming data on inflation and the economic ripple effects of the conflict in the Middle East.
8. Italy Braces for a Massive, 24-Hour Nationwide General Strike
Several prominent Italian labor unions have called for a nationwide general strike starting Thursday, October 29 at 9:00 p.m., lasting through Friday evening. The action is expected to cripple public services and cause massive disruptions to rail networks, domestic and international flights, highways, local transit, and public schools. Major demonstrations, including student-led protests, are scheduled to take place across major Italian cities, including Rome.
9. U.S. Sanctions Rwandan Ministry of Defense Over Congo Conflict Support
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced sweeping sanctions against the Rwandan Ministry of Defence and the Zigama Credit and Savings Society. The Treasury accused Rwanda of failing to honor its peace commitments and continuing to fund and deploy troops in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in support of the M23 armed rebel group. Under the sanctions, all U.S. assets tied to the targeted institutions have been frozen.
10. Heated Shouting Match Erupts Between U.S. and Cuban Delegations at the UN
Tensions boiled over on the floor of the UN General Assembly in New York during a debate over the annual resolution condemning the decades-long U.S. economic embargo on Cuba. U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz accused the Cuban government of systemic corruption, which prompted members of the Cuban delegation, including Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, to aggressively slam their tables and yell for a point of order. The exchange highlights the increasingly hostile diplomatic relationship between Washington and Havana.
Citations (20)
- cnn.com
Backs: “At least 68 people were killed and over 100 injured when two high-speed trains collided near Urda in Spain's central Toledo province.”
statistic, article. Claim: At least 68 killed and over 100 injured in a high-speed train collision near Urda, Toledo, Spain.
- newindianexpress.com
Backs: “At least 68 people were killed and over 100 injured when two high-speed trains collided near Urda in Spain's central Toledo province.”
statistic, article. Claim: At least 68 killed and over 100 injured in a high-speed train collision near Urda, Toledo, Spain.
- cgtn.com
Backs: “The collision, which occurred on the line connecting Madrid to Andalusia, involved a state-owned Renfe train and a private Iryo train.”
evidence, article. Claim: The collision on the Madrid-Andalusia line involved a state-owned Renfe train and a private Iryo train.
- theguardian.com
Backs: “The collision, which occurred on the line connecting Madrid to Andalusia, involved a state-owned Renfe train and a private Iryo train.”
evidence, article. Claim: The collision on the Madrid-Andalusia line involved a state-owned Renfe train and a private Iryo train.
- patrika.com
Backs: “According to confidential Pentagon data obtained by congressional watchdogs, the total cost of the U.S. military campaign in Iran—launched in February 2026—has reached $47.1 billion. This is more than 25% higher than the estimates provided to Congress in July.”
statistic, article. Claim: Confidential Pentagon data shows the U.S. Iran campaign cost has reached $47.1 billion.
- pbs.org
Backs: “According to confidential Pentagon data obtained by congressional watchdogs, the total cost of the U.S. military campaign in Iran—launched in February 2026—has reached $47.1 billion. This is more than 25% higher than the estimates provided to Congress in July.”
statistic, article. Claim: Confidential Pentagon data shows the U.S. Iran campaign cost has reached $47.1 billion.
- militarytimes.com
Backs: “This is more than 25% higher than the estimates provided to Congress in July. The majority of the spending ($29 billion) is dedicated to replacing depleted missile interceptors, smart bombs, and other munitions.”
statistic, article. Claim: The cost is more than 25% higher than estimates given to Congress in July.
- cnn.com
Backs: “Following Tuesday’s highly anticipated general election, early counts and revised exit polls show that neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc nor Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition coalition has secured the 61-seat majority required to govern. Voter turnout hit a decades-high 77.7%.”
evidence, article. Claim: Israel's election left neither Netanyahu's bloc nor Eisenkot's coalition with the 61-seat majority, with high turnout.
- washingtonpost.com
Backs: “Following Tuesday’s highly anticipated general election, early counts and revised exit polls show that neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc nor Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition coalition has secured the 61-seat majority required to govern. Voter turnout hit a decades-high 77.7%.”
evidence, article. Claim: Israel's election left neither Netanyahu's bloc nor Eisenkot's coalition with the 61-seat majority, with high turnout.
- thehindu.com
Backs: “Cyclone Arnab, a very severe cyclonic storm, made landfall near Narsapur in Andhra Pradesh with winds reaching up to 135 km/h. The storm uprooted thousands of trees, destroyed standing crops across more than 80,000 hectares, and cut power to millions of residents.”
evidence, article. Claim: Cyclone Arnab made landfall near Narsapur in Andhra Pradesh with winds up to 135 km/h.
- euronews.com
Backs: “Cyclone Arnab, a very severe cyclonic storm, made landfall near Narsapur in Andhra Pradesh with winds reaching up to 135 km/h. The storm uprooted thousands of trees, destroyed standing crops across more than 80,000 hectares, and cut power to millions of residents.”
evidence, article. Claim: Cyclone Arnab made landfall near Narsapur in Andhra Pradesh with winds up to 135 km/h.
- wikipedia.org
Backs: “The storm uprooted thousands of trees, destroyed standing crops across more than 80,000 hectares, and cut power to millions of residents. The disaster prompted the evacuation of up to 180,000 people across the states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, and at least five to eight deaths have been reported.”
evidence, reference entry. Claim: The cyclone uprooted thousands of trees, destroyed crops over 80,000 hectares, and cut power to millions.
- aljazeera.com
Backs: “The disaster prompted the evacuation of up to 180,000 people across the states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, and at least five to eight deaths have been reported.”
statistic, article. Claim: Up to 180,000 people were evacuated across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, with several deaths reported.
- globaltimes.cn
Backs: “According to the latest China Statistical Yearbook 2026 published by the National Bureau of Statistics, China's old-age dependency ratio has officially surpassed its child dependency ratio for the first time in history. Data shows that those aged 65 and above now make up 15.9% of the population (223.65 million),…”
statistic, article. Claim: China Statistical Yearbook 2026 shows the old-age dependency ratio surpassed the child dependency ratio, with 65+ at 15.9%.
- ibtimes.co.uk
Backs: “Demographers warn that this historic demographic shift will heavily impact economic growth, labor availability, and the country's pension system. 6. Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro Flees Country Following Election Defeat”
attribution, article. Claim: Demographers warn the demographic shift will affect economic growth, labor availability, and pensions.
- taipeitimes.com
Backs: “Following the defeat of his political faction in Brazil's runoff presidential elections over the weekend, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro has reportedly fled the country. Argentine migration officials confirmed that Bolsonaro crossed the land border from Brazil into Argentina before boarding a flight to Ecuador.”
evidence, article. Claim: Flavio Bolsonaro reportedly fled Brazil after his faction's election defeat, crossing into Argentina.
- thestandard.com.hk
Backs: “At its latest monetary policy meeting, the U.S. Federal Reserve opted to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged. Financial analysts noted the decision was widely expected, as the Fed preferred to delay any borrowing cost adjustments until after next week's U.S.”
evidence, article. Claim: The U.S. Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at its latest meeting.
- usembassy.gov
Backs: “Several prominent Italian labor unions have called for a nationwide general strike starting Thursday, October 29 at 9:00 p.m., lasting through Friday evening. The action is expected to cripple public services and cause massive disruptions to rail networks, domestic and international flights, highways, local transit,…”
evidence, official document. Claim: Italian unions called a nationwide general strike starting Thursday, October 29 at 9 p.m., lasting through Friday evening.
- treasury.gov
Backs: “Department of the Treasury announced sweeping sanctions against the Rwandan Ministry of Defence and the Zigama Credit and Savings Society. The Treasury accused Rwanda of failing to honor its peace commitments and continuing to fund and deploy troops in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in support of the…”
evidence, official document. Claim: The U.S. Treasury announced sanctions against the Rwandan Ministry of Defence and Zigama Credit and Savings Society.
- taipeitimes.com
Backs: “Tensions boiled over on the floor of the UN General Assembly in New York during a debate over the annual resolution condemning the decades-long U.S. economic embargo on Cuba. U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz accused the Cuban government of systemic corruption, which prompted members of the Cuban delegation,…”
evidence, article. Claim: U.S. and Cuban delegations clashed at the UN General Assembly during the debate on the Cuba embargo resolution.