Top News Headlines for October 17, 2025
Here's a curated summary of today's major global, U.S., and international headlines, drawn from reliable sources. I've focused on key developments in politics, world affairs, economy, and more. For real-time updates, check ongoing broadcasts like Democracy Now!.
World News
- Gaza Crisis Escalates: Palestinians in Gaza are struggling to identify bodies released by Israel amid ongoing conflict. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has ordered the military to prepare a "comprehensive plan" to defeat Hamas if ceasefire talks fail. Jewish Voice for Peace protesters occupied Senator Cory Booker's office in a show of solidarity.
- Bangladesh Protests Turn Violent: Police used tear gas, batons, and sound grenades to disperse crowds near Parliament protesting the "July Charter" declaration, amid political uncertainty.
- UN Food Insecurity Report: Over 780 million people faced hunger in 2025, exacerbated by conflicts, inflation, and climate disasters.
- India's Monsoon Withdrawal: The India Meteorological Department confirmed the official end of the southwest monsoon, with near-normal rainfall boosting kharif crops. DRDO successfully tested a new long-range surface-to-air missile off Odisha to enhance air defenses.
U.S. News
- Government Shutdown Enters Third Week: The federal shutdown, now over two weeks long, has led to court battles over mass firings and delayed impacts on services. A status conference is scheduled for today, with union lawyers accusing the Trump administration of violating orders. Talks on Capitol Hill remain stalled.
- John Bolton Indicted: Former National Security Adviser John Bolton faces charges from a grand jury, linked to his Trump-era role.
- Anti-Trump Protests Planned: Organizers expect millions to march this weekend against Trump administration policies, coinciding with a military parade anniversary.
- U.S. Military Moves in Caribbean: Another strike targeted a suspected drug boat off Venezuela; the overseeing admiral is stepping down. National Guard deployment in cities is blurring lines between military and law enforcement.
Politics & Economy
- Ukraine's Zelensky Meets Trump: President Zelensky is in the U.S. today to request Tomahawk cruise missiles amid NATO-Ukraine tensions with Russia.
- India's Economic Rise: PM Narendra Modi highlighted India's shift from "fragile five" to top five global economies at the NDTV World Summit, emphasizing unstoppable growth despite global challenges.
- Gujarat Cabinet Expansion: 21 new ministers sworn in under CM Bhupendra Patel after mass resignations. In J&K, CM Omar Abdullah pushes for statehood restoration. Amit Shah criticizes opposition for fielding candidates linked to criminals in Bihar.
- Nobel Peace Prize Controversy: The 2025 award to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado is criticized as the "opposite of peace" by historian Greg Grandin.
Local & Other Stories
- Montana Vandalism Case: Suspect Brian Werner pleaded not guilty to slashing tires and firing shots at 20+ vehicles in Kalispell.
- Mississippi State Partnership: MSU and the Mississippi Department of Archives & History signed an MOU to turn Historic Jefferson College into an education and research hub.
- Entertainment Note: Seven years ago today, The Conners debuted on ABC, reviving the Roseanne storyline without Roseanne Barr.