The phrase "headline story" refers to the main or most important news story that is featured at the top of a newspaper or website. It is the story that grabs people's attention and is given the most prominence. Full definition
For talented writers, we will always go the extra mile to accommodate their requirements and give them the kind of backing that it takes to write headline stories. (bitfox.online)
Every day there's a new lead abortion / birth control headline story. (religion.blogs.cnn.com)
Yesterday brought not one, but two headline stories across my radar emphasizing just how far this little Nordic nation has come. (treehugger.com)