Daily Brief · Thursday, October 29, 2026

Daily Brief: Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026

Spain mourns at least 68 people killed in a high-speed train collision, Iran says three tankers struck mines in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump calls for prosecuting Alaska's Democratic Senate candidate, the Fed holds rates with two dissents favoring a hike, Gov. Ferguson is still waiting on a federal disaster declaration for eastern Washington's fires, Colorado seeks federal aid for flood-damaged highways, and Pat Surtain II returns to full practice before the Chiefs game.

World

Spain declares three days of mourning after a high-speed train collision kills at least 68

Two high-speed trains collided Wednesday morning near Urda in Toledo province, killing at least 68 people, the AP and The Guardian reported; Anadolu called it one of the worst rail disasters in Europe's recent history. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called it "unacceptable" for Spain to have two high-speed rail accidents in one year, after January's derailment that killed 46, and said, "If there has been negligence, it will be known," according to EFE. A judge is leading the investigation, Spain's judiciary said.

Source: AP (opens in new tab)

Iran says three tankers struck mines in the Strait of Hormuz as mediators push to revive talks

Iran said three tankers struck mines and exploded while trying to exit the strait, the AP reported. The AP's Morning Wire said U.S. officials have warned regional allies about possible renewed strikes on Iran. Anadolu reported President Trump said Washington is communicating with Tehran through mediators and that he approved Vice President JD Vance's request to help Iran obtain medical supplies; Trump said he did not know whether negotiations would succeed.

Source: AP (opens in new tab)

North Korea fires about a dozen short-range ballistic missiles, South Korea says

South Korea's military said the missiles were launched Thursday from the Wonsan area toward the sea east of the peninsula, Anadolu reported, citing Yonhap. Japan's Defense Ministry had earlier reported a possible ballistic missile launch.

Source: Anadolu Agency (opens in new tab)

U.S.

Trump calls for prosecution of Alaska Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola over a second 'Dan Sullivan' on the ballot

President Trump called for criminal charges against Peltola and Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., a retired teacher sharing the name of Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, after reports that Peltola's campaign helped recruit him, the AP and PBS NewsHour reported. Peltola's campaign denied involvement, and the second Sullivan said he had no contact with it. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Source: AP (opens in new tab)

Money and tech

Fed holds rates at 3.75% to 4% in a 10-2 vote; two dissenters wanted a hike

The Federal Reserve's statement said "inflation remains elevated" and economic activity is "expanding at a strong pace." Governor Lisa Cook and Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack preferred a quarter-point increase. Reuters reported the Fed will reduce its policy-meeting schedule starting next year. The S&P 500 rose 0.28% to 7,743.98 and the 10-year Treasury yield rose to 5.044%, MarketWatch reported.

Source: Federal Reserve (opens in new tab)

Microsoft shares rise and Alphabet shares fall about 10% after earnings

Microsoft reported first-quarter revenue of $92.3 billion, per the company. CNBC reported Alphabet missed analysts' revenue and earnings-per-share estimates and its shares fell about 10%, while Microsoft's rose. Reuters said investors are increasingly focused on cash flow as AI spending grows.

Source: CNBC (opens in new tab)

Washington State

Ferguson still waiting on a federal disaster declaration more than a month after eastern Washington fires

Gov. Bob Ferguson requested a major disaster declaration Sept. 25 after fires burned more than 600 homes, with damage expected to exceed $1 billion, KING 5 reported. "We need a decision," Ferguson said. A White House spokesperson said the president provides "a more thorough review of disaster declaration requests than any Administration has before him."

Source: KING 5 (opens in new tab)

King County jury awards more than $52 million to people who contracted tuberculosis in state prisons

The suit centered on a 2021 outbreak at Clallam Bay and Stafford Creek corrections centers in which 27 people contracted active tuberculosis, The Seattle Times reported. The CDC had found the Department of Corrections suspended annual TB screening during its COVID-19 response.

Source: The Seattle Times (opens in new tab)

Colorado

Colorado seeks federal aid as flood damage to three highways tops an estimated $65 million

The state's emergency operations center moved to its highest activation level and the Colorado National Guard was approved to deploy to the flooded southwest corner of the state, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management said. The Denver Post, via the Estes Park Trail-Gazette, reported at least $65 million in damage to three highways and a state request for federal repair aid.

Source: Colorado DHSEM (opens in new tab)

Man arrested after a hoax device prompts a brief evacuation of the Colorado Capitol

The Capitol was evacuated for about 40 minutes Wednesday after a device "designed to look like an explosive device" was found on a windowsill; the Denver Police bomb squad found its contents inert, the Colorado State Patrol said, according to The Denver Gazette. A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a hoax explosive device.

Source: The Denver Gazette (opens in new tab)

Denver Broncos

Pat Surtain II returns to full practice; Waddle, Allen and Hufanga sit out before the Chiefs game

Surtain (ankle), who has missed three games, was a full participant Wednesday, the Broncos said. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (chest), defensive lineman Zach Allen (hamstring) and safety Talanoa Hufanga (ankle) did not practice, and Garett Bolles and Marvin Mims Jr. were limited. The Chiefs' report listed Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce as full participants. The Denver Gazette reported Surtain is in position to return Sunday at Empower Field.

Source: Denver Broncos (opens in new tab)

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