Afternoon Premium Edition · Thu, Oct 29 · 1:08 p.m.

The Essential 10 · about 4 minutes

1. A Russian jet-powered drone killed at least 14 people at Dnipro railway station

   A Russian jet-powered drone struck a platform at Dnipro’s main railway station Thursday, killing at least 14 and injuring 14, Ukrainian officials said. The state railway operator said a commuter train for Zaporizhzhia was preparing to depart. Five more civilians died in Chernihiv and Kremenchuk, Ukrainian officials said, as Ukraine’s Prime Minister Sergiy Koretskyi accused Russia of targeting civilians.

   Reporting: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, New York Post, CBS News, theins.press

   Updated since this edition · Read the latest

2. A Renfe AVE train struck a stationary Iryo train in Spain, killing dozens

   At least 69 people have been confirmed dead after two high-speed trains collided near Urda in Toledo province, Spain, renewing scrutiny of the rail network. Transport Minister Óscar Puente called the control center’s decision to authorize a train to proceed despite a red signal “inexplicable”; opposition People’s Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo called for investigations and an independent review.

   Reporting: Arise News, Mathrubhumi, The Hindu, zetaluiss.it, news.cn, thesun.my

   Updated since this edition · Read the latest

3. Distributed Denial of Secrets published records on over 40,000 Homeland Security employees

   Distributed Denial of Secrets said Wednesday it released data on more than 40,000 Department of Homeland Security employees. Straight Arrow News reported the dataset contains information on almost 42,000 workers—about one-fifth of the department’s workforce—including ICE and CBP employees; some work in undercover operations. Names, phone numbers, email addresses and job assignments are searchable online.

   Reporting: Straight Arrow News, Reuters

   Updated since this edition · Read the latest

4. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia over alleged classified leaks

   Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, the Pentagon’s top planner, amid allegations of leaking classified information to reporters. Officials cited by CBS News and Fox News said Sylvia failed three polygraph tests and that the case was referred to the Justice Department. They said the disclosures concerned the Iran war and Russia’s war in Ukraine.

   Reporting: Military.com, Türkiye Today, Fox News, CBS News, The Independent, notus.org

5. The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported U.S. economic output grew 3.4% in third quarter

   The Bureau of Economic Analysis said Thursday that U.S. real GDP increased at a 3.4% annual rate in the third quarter, up from 2.2% in the second. The New York Times described it as the fastest growth in a year. CNBC reported that it exceeded a 3.1% estimate. Investment, consumer and government spending rose, while exports fell.

   Reporting: The New York Times, The Hill, CNBC, bea.gov

   Updated since this edition · Read the latest

6. The Pentagon estimated the Iran war cost to U.S. taxpayers at $47.1 billion

   U.S. Central Command’s latest estimate puts the Iran war’s cost to American taxpayers at $47.1 billion as of Oct. 16, a $3.5 billion increase from early September. The Times of India reports about $29 billion is for replacing munitions. Donald Trump is sending additional military resources to the Middle East while leaving open the possibility of renewed strikes.

   Reporting: United News of Bangladesh, The Baltimore Sun, PBS News, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, The Times of India, stuff.co.nz

7. The Commerce Department reported September PCE inflation rose 3.6% from a year earlier

   The Commerce Department reported Thursday that the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge rose 0.5% in September and 3.6% from a year earlier, up from 3.4% in August and above the Fed’s 2% target. Core PCE increased 0.3% monthly and 3.1% annually, in line with consensus. Third-quarter GDP grew 3.4% annualized, topping expectations.

   Reporting: Fox Business, 24/7 Wall St., CNBC, rsmus.com, marketwatch.com

   Updated since this edition · Read the latest

8. U.S. District Judge David O. Carter rejected Trump administration request to halt California ballot processing

   District Judge David O. Carter rejected a Justice Department request to halt California’s processing of ballots from people the department alleges are likely noncitizens, warning the order would “wreak havoc” on the midterms. He also rejected the argument that California impeded federal enforcement, citing prosecutors’ arrests of 28 noncitizens accused of illegally voting or registering.

   Reporting: Spectrum News, WTOP News (with Associated Press), Reuters, WTOV 9 News, Davis Vanguard, everettpost.com

   Updated since this edition · Read the latest

9. Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy ordered an investigation into Mary Peltola’s Senate campaign

   Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy ordered an investigation into whether Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola’s campaign helped recruit a candidate sharing Republican incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan’s name. The probe follows a New York Times report and Donald Trump’s call a day earlier for Peltola and her campaign to face criminal prosecution. The campaign and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee denied involvement.

   Reporting: PBS News, Associated Press, The Washington Post, CNN, BBC News

   Updated since this edition · Read the latest

10. Alphabet shares tumbled up to 13.4% following third-quarter results

    Alphabet fell 13.4% in U.S. trading Thursday after missing third-quarter expectations, as search-ad growth slowed and AI spending concerns mounted, The Economic Times reported. Revenue rose 25% to $127.58 billion, but net profit fell 25% to $26.17 billion. Bloomberg put earnings at $2.12 a share, below analysts’ $2.99 estimate; free cash flow was negative $9.1 billion.

    Reporting: The Economic Times, Barchart, investingLive, Bloomberg, upstox.com, marketing4ecommerce.net

    Updated since this edition · Read the latest

More stories

11. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde will leave office early

    Christine Lagarde will leave the European Central Bank presidency on Feb. 7, 2027, nine months before her term ends, opening an early succession contest. The Associated Press reported European leaders could choose a successor before France’s presidential election next year; Axios said the timing could give outgoing French President Emmanuel Macron a say in the appointment.

    Reporting: Bloomberg, Associated Press, Axios, Euronews, The New York Times, CNN, CNBC, Financial Times

12. Finnish police launched a criminal investigation into a planned Google data center site

    Finnish police opened a criminal investigation into suspected environmental-law breaches at the planned Google data centre site in Muhos, northern Finland. Authorities say Google subsidiary Tuike Finland cleared forest and carried out drainage before legally required environmental impact assessments were completed. Police cited preliminary “ambiguities and shortcomings” in drainage and water management. Google announced a $15 billion Finnish AI-infrastructure investment last month.

    Reporting: Shattered, Insurance Journal, Reuters, Devdiscourse, The Guardian, whbl.com (with Reuters)

13. Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party alleged election interference and fraud in Israel

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party alleged fraud after results left his bloc short of a majority, accusing Arab-led parties of stealing the election. Qatar denied election interference or funding efforts to influence the result. With about 90% counted, Netanyahu’s bloc was projected to win 53 seats; Israel began counting more than 500,000 special ballots Thursday.

    Reporting: Euronews, Türkiye Today, News.Az, thecommonsense.co.za, etvbharat.com

14. Iran's army said a fourth tanker caught fire after striking mines east of Hormuz

    Iran’s armed forces claimed at least four tankers caught fire after striking mines in the Strait of Hormuz area. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps said three vessels hit mines on the unauthorized southern route, while the army later reported another tanker damaged by mines east of the strait, leaving it unable to move. The timing and flags were unclear.

    Reporting: Arab News

    Updated since this edition · Read the latest

15. A rock formation collapsed in Göreme, killing at least two people

    A rock formation collapsed near the open-air museum in Göreme, in Turkey’s Cappadocia region, on Thursday, killing at least two people. Nevşehir Governor Hüseyin Kök said heavy rain triggered the landslide. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said initial assessments found five injured and warned that others might be trapped; rescue operations were continuing.

    Reporting: Killeen Daily Herald, BBC News, Al-Monitor, The Daily Beast, turkishminute.com

16. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov defended continuing the war following a Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow

    Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Oct. 29 that Russia’s war against Ukraine must continue to protect the country from threats after a reported overnight Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said 613 drones were launched toward the capital. Ukraine, Russia and the U.S. were preparing for another round of talks, with no date confirmed.

    Reporting: The Kyiv Independent, RBC-Ukraine, UA News

17. Congo recorded more than 10,000 confirmed cases in its ongoing Ebola outbreak

    Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 10,000 confirmed cases, while infections remain at a high plateau, raising questions about whether authorities can contain it. Nearly half of infected people have died, and fewer than a quarter of new cases are among people known to have had contact with infected people. Some experts warn it could become history’s worst Ebola outbreak.

    Reporting: Ottumwa Courier (with Associated Press), Star Beacon, clintonherald.com (with Associated Press), oskaloosa.com (with Associated Press), dailydemocrat.com (with Associated Press)

18. The United States sanctioned Rwanda's defense ministry over alleged support for M23 rebels

    The United States sanctioned Rwanda’s defense ministry over its alleged support for M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called on Rwanda to halt its support and withdraw troops. DR Congo’s foreign ministry welcomed the sanctions and urged Rwanda to honor its Washington Accords commitments.

    Reporting: BBC News, Greenwich Time

19. The United States and Japan agreed to assemble AMRAAM missiles in Japan

    The United States and Japan agreed to establish a facility in Japan to assemble and inspect AMRAAM missiles. He said the missiles are essential for the F-35. Air & Space Forces reported the effort began in July 2024 and follows a $20.7 billion Pentagon contract to expand production.

    Reporting: The Independent, ABC News, WSLS 10 News, The Seattle Times, Ottumwa Courier, Associated Press, airandspaceforces.com

    Updated since this edition · Read the latest

20. North Korea fired short-range ballistic missiles into eastern waters

    North Korea launched a barrage of ballistic missiles toward the sea off its east coast Thursday, South Korea’s military said. Its Joint Chiefs of Staff said it detected short-range missiles from near Wonsan, each traveling roughly 250 kilometers. The launches followed North Korean threats to resume border loudspeaker broadcasts and deploy new weapons.

    Reporting: ABC News, Ottumwa Courier (with Associated Press), Killeen Daily Herald, Devdiscourse, Türkiye Today, United Press International, eagletribune.com (with Associated Press), tribdem.com (with Associated Press)

21. John Lee announced that Housing Secretary Winnie Ho stepped down over a fatal fire

    Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee apologized Thursday for the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire and said Housing Secretary Winnie Ho had resigned. Ho resigned Wednesday; Lee cited political responsibility, but said she committed no personal wrongdoing. An independent committee found the Housing Bureau’s checking unit failed to supervise maintenance work; the fire killed 168 people, The Hindu reported.

    Reporting: The Hindu, News4JAX (with Associated Press), The New York Times, asiaone.com

    Updated since this edition · Read the latest

22. The Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate steady

    The Federal Reserve voted 10-2 Wednesday to hold its benchmark rate at 3.75% to 4%, following September’s quarter-point increase, its first in three years. Governor Lisa Cook and Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack dissented in favor of another increase. The committee described economic activity as “strong”; CBS News said many economists expect a December hike.

    Reporting: The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, CBS News, Axios, Fortune, CNBC

23. DoorDash agreed to acquire Instacart for about $17 billion in cash and stock

    DoorDash agreed to acquire Instacart for $17 billion, the companies announced Thursday. DoorDash will pay $65 a share in cash and stock, an 11 percent premium to Instacart’s Wednesday closing price. The companies will operate separately until closing, expected in late 2027 or early 2028. Instacart CEO Chris Rogers said joining forces with DoorDash “allows us to do even more.”

    Reporting: The Washington Post, The New York Times, Bloomberg, NBC News, The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press

    Updated since this edition · Read the latest

24. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. allowed pharmacies to compound six FDA-unapproved peptides

    Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Wednesday that HHS would exercise enforcement discretion for compounding pharmacies making six peptides not approved by the FDA, including BPC-157 and Semax. The Associated Press reported that FDA scientists opposed the change. HHS spokeswoman Emily Hilliard said the policy requires patient-specific prescriptions, quality testing and safety reporting.

    Reporting: The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time, The Independent, BBC News, Houston Public Media, National Public Radio, arstechnica.com

25. Flávio Bolsonaro arrived in Miami and said he would lead Brazil's opposition from abroad

    Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, who lost the presidential runoff to rival Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva by 4.4 million votes, traveled to Miami with his family and vowed to lead the opposition from the United States. He has not conceded, repeated unsupported fraud allegations and called himself Brazil’s “leader.” He left after failing to surrender his passports as ordered.

    Reporting: El País, BBC News, CNN, globo.com

    Updated since this edition · Read the latest

26. The Federal Trade Commission ordered nine companies to explain their pricing and pay practices

    The Federal Trade Commission issued Section 6(b) study orders to nine companies across the airline, ride-hailing, delivery and retail sectors, seeking details on whether personal data informs consumer prices or worker pay. Recipients include Delta, Uber and Walmart and have 45 days after receipt to respond. The orders are not enforcement actions; the FTC has accused no company of wrongdoing and plans a study.

    Reporting: The Guardian, BigGo Finance, MarketScale, KGW 8 Portland, Newsweek, CNBC, Reuters, cubaheadlines.com

27. Prosecutors charged James O'Keefe and Cam Higby over a Minnesota primary stunt

    Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced Oct. 28 that prosecutors charged conservative activist James Edward O’Keefe and influencer Cam Higby with felony unlawful voting and identity theft over an August stunt at Minnesota polling places. Prosecutors allege they used registered voters’ names without permission; neither signed the required oath or received a ballot. Neither man is in custody.

    Reporting: BBC News, Straight Arrow News, Newsweek, Reuters, Associated Press, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, ABC7 News

28. The Justice Department pledged no FBI agents will monitor polling places during midterm elections

    The Justice Department told a court that FBI agents and Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees will not serve as monitors in the midterm elections. In a declaration filed in a lawsuit brought by the NAACP, the department said monitors would observe polling places and take notes, not act as law enforcement. The NAACP argued the plans amounted to voter intimidation.

    Reporting: Newsweek, The Hill, UA News, Reuters, The Times of India, The Independent, Bloomberg Law

29. Intelligence agencies believed Megaspeed executive Alice Huang was passing information to Beijing

    Nvidia said CEO Jensen Huang’s interactions with Megaspeed executive Alice Huang were ordinary business contact, and that it believed the government would warn the company of any threat. The New York Times reported that U.S. intelligence viewed Alice Huang as an intelligence asset; Megaspeed has begun an internal investigation. Donald Trump was briefed, the report said, but took no action.

    Reporting: freepressjournal.in

    Updated since this edition · Read the latest

30. Utah filed criminal charges against prediction-market platform Kalshi and its two co-founders

    Utah Attorney General Derek Brown filed criminal charges against Kalshi and its co-founders for 14 alleged offenses, including 12 counts of online gambling promotion. The complaint alleges Kalshi kept offering gambling to Utah users after a federal judge ruled the state could enforce its laws. The CFTC sued Utah to block enforcement a day earlier.

    Reporting: Al Jazeera, LiveNOW from FOX, U.S. News & World Report (with Reuters), Bloomberg, Boston Herald, coindesk.com, valawyersweekly.com

31. Searchers found two missing Colorado Mountain College students dead in the Rocky Mountains

    Two Colorado Mountain College students, Kaden Matsuda, 19, and Jackson Donlon, 20, were found dead Wednesday after disappearing during a weekend hiking and climbing trip in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains as a heavy snowstorm hit. The sheriff’s office said they were found in a basin of West Apostle Mountain. Friends and family described both as experienced hikers and climbers.

    Reporting: Killeen Daily Herald, The Guardian, The Denver Post, Star Beacon, The Seattle Times, newyorkupstate.com

32. Weil, Gotshal & Manges plans to wind down its operations

    Weil, Gotshal & Manges, the New York firm founded in 1931, plans to wind down after its management committee recommended an orderly wind-down to partners on Oct. 28. A Weil spokesperson said partners are expected to vote on it in the coming days. Bloomberg Law said the plan followed partner departures and failed merger talks with Willkie Farr & Gallagher.

    Reporting: Reuters, CNN, Bloomberg Law, The Telegraph, astig.ph, abovethelaw.com