Top News Headlines for October 21, 2025
Here's a roundup of the major stories making waves today, drawn from global sources. I've focused on key developments in politics, international affairs, health, and more. For real-time buzz, social media is abuzz with discussions on U.S. military leadership tensions and crypto market shifts.
U.S. Politics and Domestic News
- Government Shutdown Impacts Social Security: The ongoing federal shutdown has delayed the 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) announcement to October 24, pending Consumer Price Index data. Early estimates suggest a modest 2.7% increase, up from 2.5% this year.
- Military Backlash Against Defense Secretary Hegseth: Top U.S. military commanders are reportedly losing "trust and respect" for Pete Hegseth due to his focus on petty issues like "f*cking haircuts" and "fat generals" in a recent speech, described as a "massive waste of time" and "embarrassing." Sources say it's causing talent drain and chaos in the Pentagon.
- Trump Administration Actions: A federal court has approved deploying troops to Portland, while two prosecutors opposing a criminal case were fired. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem faces criticism for a $170M luxury jet purchase labeled "blatantly immoral." Additionally, the administration pushes schools to sign a "compact" for federal grants.
- Local Incidents: In Indiana, IMPD and Marion County Sheriff's Office are searching for an escaped inmate near the Community Justice Center, who is shackled and considered dangerous. Baltimore reports a bridge collapse involving a septic truck and community concerns over a sewage plant.
World News
- Gaza and Middle East Tensions: Israeli forces are accused of violating the Gaza ceasefire with strikes killing civilians across all governorates, pushing the death toll over 68,200. Netanyahu threatens to collapse the deal amid U.S. officials' talks in Israel. In the West Bank, settlers attacked olive farmers, beating a Palestinian woman unconscious.
- U.S.-Colombia Diplomatic Row: Colombia has recalled its U.S. ambassador after Trump threatened tariffs and called President Petro a "drug leader" over strikes in the Caribbean.
- Japan's New Leader: Sanae Takaichi, an ultraconservative opponent of gender equality, has become Japan's first female prime minister.
- Venezuela Covert Ops: The U.S. reportedly greenlights operations targeting President Nicolás Maduro, escalating regional tensions.
- Other Global Events: Zimbabwe's ruling party pushes to extend President Mnangagwa's term to 2030. In Sudan, Rapid Support Forces advance in El Fasher amid a worsening humanitarian crisis. Floods and landslides kill 28 in Mexico.
Health and Science
- Tuberculosis Surge Awareness: The world's deadliest infectious disease remains dormant in many systems; U.S. cases topped 10,000 in 2024, with calls for better detection.
- Ants as Pathogen Fighters: Research highlights how tiny ants protect communities from diseases, offering lessons for human health strategies.
- Rift Valley Fever Outbreak: Senegal reports 17 deaths since September 21.
Business and Tech
- Bitcoin ETF Boom: Whales are pouring billions into ETFs like BlackRock’s IBIT amid growing institutional interest in crypto.
- Ripple Update: XRP CTO David Schwartz joins Evernorth XRP as a strategic advisor to expand DeFi and capital markets opportunities.
- Corporate Reporting Shift: The Trump administration proposes ditching quarterly earnings for biannual releases, potentially benefiting long-term investors.
Environment and Local Wins
- Montana Conservation Milestone: 86,000 acres in the Cabinet Mountains are now protected under a new easement.