What are the 10 biggest news stories from today?

I'll search for the top news stories from today.To get more details and confirm the top stories, I'll check a couple of major news sites.Here are 10 of the biggest news stories from today (Thursday, October 29, 2026), based on prominence across major outlets like Google News, Reuters, BBC, NYT, AP, and others. Rankings reflect frequency in top headlines, global/US impact, and recency (midterms are days away on Nov. 3). Stories can evolve quickly.[1]

1. Deadly high-speed train crash in Spain (dozens killed; national mourning)

A Renfe high-speed train rear-ended a stationary Iryo train near Urda (Toledo province, south of Madrid) on the Madrid-Seville line on Wednesday. The death toll rose to at least 68–69, with dozens injured (many seriously); rescuers continued searching wreckage. Spain declared three days of mourning; protests erupted amid questions over safety (second major high-speed crash this year). Cause linked to a signaling/computer system (LZB) failure plus an “inexplicable” control-center decision allowing the second train to proceed at normal speed. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the site and pledged investigations and safety reinforcements.[2]

2. Alaska Senate race rocked by “spoiler” candidate probe

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) ordered a criminal/civil investigation into Democratic candidate Mary Peltola’s campaign after a New York Times report alleged it (and Democratic allies) helped recruit a retired teacher named Dan J. Sullivan (“Decoy Dan”) as a spoiler to confuse voters and siphon support from incumbent GOP Sen. Dan S. Sullivan. The DOJ issued subpoenas; House Republicans launched a probe; President Trump called for Peltola’s removal from the ballot and prosecution. Peltola’s side denied involvement, calling it a distraction. This is a pivotal race for Senate control amid ranked-choice voting.[3]

3. Actor Patrick Stewart dies at 86

Sir Patrick Stewart, iconic for Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation (and Picard) and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, died at his Los Angeles home. He had a brief battle with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia; he was with his wife Sunny Ozell. Tributes poured in from co-stars (e.g., William Shatner, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen) and fans. He was a Shakespearean stage veteran, knighted, and an activist. He was set to appear in Avengers: Doomsday.[4]

4. Trump DOJ expands election investigations in California (and beyond)

The Justice Department issued subpoenas to California election officials over alleged noncitizen voting claims and expanded voter fraud probes. A federal judge rejected a Trump admin bid to segregate/set aside thousands of ballots, warning it would “wreak havoc” on democracy/voting. This comes days before the midterms, alongside the Alaska actions, heightening tensions over election integrity.[1]

5. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fires top general over leak allegations

Hegseth ousted a senior general (reports name Brett Sylvia or similar top planner) accused of leaking classified information related to Iran and Ukraine operations to the media. The general was referred for possible criminal prosecution. This ties into ongoing “Iran War” updates and military tensions.[5]

6. Israel election results: Deadlock, no clear majority

With most votes counted, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc fell short of a Knesset majority. Results point to a stalemate, with potential difficult coalition talks (including involving Arab parties). Netanyahu’s side faced accusations of delegitimizing opponents; opponents and analysts discussed paths forward. Final tallies and negotiations continue.[6]

7. Flávio Bolsonaro arrives in the US after Brazil election loss

Flávio Bolsonaro (son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro) landed in Miami/Florida after his side’s election setback. Reports detailed his exit (involving private jet, etc.); he declared himself a leader. Some coverage alleged Trump aides assisted the flight. It raises questions about political exile and US-Brazil relations.[5]

8. Markets tumble on Alphabet/Google earnings miss

Nasdaq sank hundreds of points; Alphabet (Google) shares plunged sharply after disappointing earnings/guidance, contributing to a massive drop in market value (reports of hundreds of billions). Broader tech/AI jitters and other earnings (e.g., Intel weakness noted in some coverage) weighed on stocks. US GDP grew a solid 3.4% in Q3, providing some counterbalance as a pre-midterm economic readout.[7]

9. Milwaukee Brewers win first World Series title

The Brewers defeated the Rays in Game 5 to claim their first championship in the franchise’s 57-year history. (Sports stories often break into general news when historic.)

10. Other notable developments (clustered as they appeared widely)

These reflect a heavy focus on US midterms (Alaska/California election integrity angles), a major European disaster, a high-profile celebrity death, and international politics/economy. For the absolute latest, check live sources like Google News, Reuters, or AP, as situations (especially the Spain rescue, Alaska probe, and Israel counts) are developing.