Top News Headlines for October 24, 2025
Here's a curated summary of major global news stories from October 24, 2025, drawing from reliable sources across politics, international affairs, technology, and more. I've focused on key developments reported that day.
U.S. Politics and Domestic News
- Government Shutdown Enters 24th Day: The U.S. federal government shutdown, now the second-longest in history, continues with no resolution in sight. The Senate rejected partisan bills to compensate affected workers, leaving millions without pay amid escalating economic strain.
- Trump Appoints Michael Selig as CFTC Chair: President Trump nominated Michael Selig to lead the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, signaling a push for crypto-friendly regulations amid booming digital asset markets.
- NBA Gambling Scandal Deepens: Investigations reveal Portland Trail Blazers coach and Miami Heat players implicated in a betting ring tied to organized crime, sparking an "existential crisis" for the league.
- Civil Rights Groups Demand End to ICE Detention of Pregnant Immigrants: Reports of medical neglect prompt urgent calls to halt jailing of vulnerable women, as states cut food assistance programs due to the shutdown.
International Affairs
- U.N. Presses Israel on Gaza Aid: The United Nations urged Israel to reopen the Rafah crossing for humanitarian supplies, amid ongoing truce violations. At least 14 Palestinians were killed in the last 24 hours, including from live fire incidents.
- Trump Orders Strikes on Venezuelan Drug Boats: President Trump claimed broad authority for military action against alleged narco-trafficking vessels, deploying an aircraft carrier off South America. Experts question if it's truly anti-drug or aimed at regime change against Nicolás Maduro.
- Argentina's Milei Faces Midterms Amid Crisis: Libertarian President Javier Milei navigates economic turmoil and a $20 billion U.S. aid offer from Trump, as voters head to polls.
- Pakistan Withdraws from Junior Hockey World Cup: Citing unspecified issues, Pakistan pulled out of the India-hosted event, with the FIH set to announce a replacement team.
India and Asia
- PM Modi Kicks Off Bihar Election Campaign: Narendra Modi launched rallies for the NDA, as JD(U) finalized 101 candidates for the 2025 assembly polls.
- Deadly Bus Fire in Andhra Pradesh: At least 19 killed and dozens injured in a luxury bus blaze near Kurnool; the state government announced ex-gratia payments to victims' families.
- Reliance Cuts Russian Oil Imports: Amid U.S. guidelines, India's Reliance Industries recalibrated crude purchases from Russia to comply with international pressures.
- Canada Sees 60% Drop in International Students: Stricter visas and housing shortages led to a sharp decline in arrivals, impacting Indian and other Asian applicants.
Technology and Science
- Top Tech Highlights: Key stories include AI integrations in ChatGPT (e.g., Spotify, Figma), Marvel's 'Fantastic Four' streaming debut on Disney+, and CISA adding vulnerabilities in Microsoft WSUS and Adobe products to its exploited list.
- WHO Pushes for Polio Eradication: Global health leaders called for urgent action to eliminate the disease, highlighting ongoing vaccination gaps.
- Ancient Parasite Fossil Discovery: Researchers uncovered evidence of spionid worms—parasitic marine life—dating back 100 million years further than previously known.
Sports and Other
- Gymnast Leanne Wong Wins Silver: The Overland Park native took second in the all-around at the 2025 World Championships.
- Kansas Pushes to Criminalize Child Grooming: The KBI advocated for laws targeting grooming behaviors, even without physical abuse, in legislative hearings.
- Nebraska Threat Arrest: One person detained after threats to kill in a northeastern community.