Daily Wrap-Up: Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026

Here’s a look at three items from Thursday, Oct. 29: faster economic growth alongside firmer inflation in new federal data, national mourning in Spain after a deadly train collision, and a longer Thanksgiving closing for Stafford County offices.

The Economy

The U.S. economy grew at a 3.4% annual rate from July through September, according to the advance estimate released Thursday by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. That was up from 2.2% in the second quarter. The agency said gains in investment, consumer spending and government spending were partly offset by a drop in exports.

The reading came in above what economists had forecast, CNBC reported, with consumer spending rising 3.8% for the quarter. Like all first estimates, the figure will be revised as more data comes in; BEA’s second estimate is due Nov. 25.

A separate Commerce Department report showed the personal consumption expenditures price index, the inflation measure the Federal Reserve watches most closely, rose 3.6% over the 12 months ending in September, up from 3.4% in August, USA Today reported. Excluding food and energy, prices rose 3.1%, according to CNBC, which said higher energy costs drove much of September’s increase.

World

Spain began three days of national mourning on Thursday after two high-speed trains collided Wednesday morning near the town of Urda in Toledo province, south of Madrid. At least 69 people died, according to the BBC and The Guardian.

The BBC reported that a train run by state-owned operator Renfe struck the rear of a stopped train run by private operator Iryo on the high-speed line to Seville. More than 540 passengers were aboard the two trains, and by Thursday 50 people remained hospitalized, 15 in critical condition.

Transport Minister Óscar Puente said a computer failure that morning halted several trains, and that the control center’s decision to let them move again was made under “inexplicable” circumstances, the BBC reported. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and King Felipe VI both said an investigation would determine the cause. It was Spain’s second deadly high-speed rail crash this year, after a January collision that killed 46 people.

Around Fredericksburg

Stafford County government offices will be closed all day Wednesday, Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving, Potomac Local reported. The Board of Supervisors voted 5-2 on Oct. 20 to add a half-day of holiday leave to the half-day employees already had, so county offices will be closed Wednesday through Friday of Thanksgiving week.

Supervisors Crystal Vanuch and Pamela Yeung voted no, with Vanuch saying residents often use holiday time off to handle county business. Supporters, including Chairman Deuntay Diggs, pointed to employee morale and retention. County staff estimated the extra half-day would cost about $120,000.

Separately, with daylight saving time ending Sunday, Nov. 1, Stafford Fire and Rescue is reminding residents to check their smoke alarms and make sure everyone at home knows how to get out in a fire, the Fredericksburg Free Press reported. The American Red Cross recommends testing smoke alarms once a month and replacing any that are 10 years old or older.

Follow Go Fredericksburg for more local updates.