What are the 10 biggest news stories from today?

I'll pull together today's 10 biggest headlines for you — starting with a scan of the latest news.

Based on aggregated wire and broadcast summaries for today, Saturday October 31, 2026 - Halloween - the 10 biggest stories are:

1. Federal Judges Order Trump Administration to Fund SNAP During Shutdown

At the eleventh hour on Friday, October 31, two New England federal judges ruled that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) must use billions of dollars in emergency funds to partially cover Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for 42 million Americans.

Two federal judges ruled nearly simultaneously on Friday that President Donald Trump's administration must continue to pay for SNAP, the nation's biggest food aid program, using emergency reserve funds during the government shutdown. The judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island gave the administration leeway on whether to fund the program partially or in full for November.

The government shutdown began October 1, and is now in its 31st day, threatening SNAP/WIC and military pay.

2. FBI Foils Halloween Terror Attack in Michigan

FBI: Halloween terror attack foiled — The FBI has thwarted a potential terrorist attack in #Michigan, according to Director Kash Patel, who wrote that the plot was originally set to take place during Halloween weekend and that multiple subjects have been arrested. The story led NBC Nightly News for Oct. 31 alongside the SNAP ruling.

3. Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica and Caribbean

Residents plea for help after Hurricane Melissa is hard-hit town of Black River and Jamaica dealing with massive devastation from Hurricane Melissa remained a top international story, with NBC Nightly News noting Hurricane Melissa devastates the Caribbean.

4. JetBlue Flight Sudden Drop Hospitalizes Passengers

Also leading NBC Nightly News: Passengers hospitalized after JetBlue flight dramatically drops. The episode listing notes FBI foils Halloween terror attack in Michigan, families in limbo over food assistance amid government shutdown, and JetBlue passengers hurt after sudden altitude drop.

5. Government Shutdown Pushes Air Traffic System to Brink

A federal government shutdown has pushed America's air traffic system to the brink, and one official is threatening to shut down the entire national airspace before Thanksgiving unless Congress acts. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy publicly warned that all U.S. commercial flights could be grounded before Thanksgiving due to the ongoing federal shutdown that began October 1.

6. Trump Administration Accelerates Criminal Probe Into Alaska Senate Race

President Donald Trump's administration stepped up criminal and civil investigations into allegations that Democrats conspired to recruit a spoiler candidate in a critical Senate race in Alaska, US officials said on Friday, injecting fresh uncertainty into Tuesday's congressional midterm election. The Justice Department has asked a federal judge to block certification if Republican Senator Dan Sullivan loses narrowly.

7. U.S. Military Threatens Blockade of Iranian Ports

U.S. military says it will blockade Iranian ports after ceasefire talks ended without agreement. CAIRO (AP) — The U.S. military has vowed to blockade all Iranian ports starting Monday, while separate reports said Admiral Brad Cooper has briefed President Trump on options for possible military action against Iran.

8. Record $6.3 Billion Crypto Heist at Binance Linked to North Korea

Hackers stole $6.3 billion from Binance, the world's biggest cryptocurrency exchange, in a record digital asset theft. Blockchain firms attribute the heist to North Korean hacking group "TraderTraitor."

9. Mass Protests Sweep Italy During Nationwide General Strike

Tens of thousands of people, mostly students and workers, took to the streets across Italy on Friday to demand higher wages and stronger public services. Grassroots union Unione Sindacale di Base called a 24-hour general strike with protests planned in more than 40 cities.

10. World Series Halloween Showdown + Other Headlines

Game 7 of the World Series, if necessary, is scheduled for Halloween Night, Saturday, Oct. 31 — The 2026 World Series is scheduled to begin on October 23, with Game 7 poised for October 31, featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers — two-time defending champions — against the Toronto Blue Jays. Game 6 was played on Halloween night at Rogers Centre in Toronto.

Other major headlines today included: