Top News Headlines for October 30, 2025
Here's a curated summary of the major global, U.S., and international stories making waves today, drawn from reliable sources like Democracy Now!, The Hindu, CNN, NPR, and others. I've focused on the most prominent developments across politics, conflicts, weather, and more.
World News
- Trump-Xi Summit Yields Trade Breakthrough: U.S. President Donald Trump met Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Busan, South Korea, announcing a deal to cut U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods by 10% in exchange for progress on soybean imports, rare earth exports, and fentanyl controls. Trump called it a "roaring success," while the meeting trended massively on Weibo with 250 million views.
- U.S. to Share Nuclear Sub Tech with South Korea: Trump revealed plans to transfer sensitive technology for South Korea to develop nuclear-powered submarines, following talks with President Lee Jae Myung— a move aimed at bolstering alliances amid regional tensions.
- Sudan Crisis Escalates: Paramilitary forces reportedly killed at least 2,000 civilians after seizing El Fasher, worsening the humanitarian disaster in Darfur.
- Gaza Violations Persist: Israel bombed Khan Younis, killing dozens in breach of the ceasefire, while Hamas condemned the strikes as a "massacre." The UN's inquiry labeled Israeli actions since October 2023 as potential genocide.
- India-Japan Ties Strengthen: New Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi met Narendra Modi, vowing a "golden chapter" in relations; she also nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize during her U.S. visit.
U.S. News
- Nuclear Testing Resumes After 33 Years: Trump ordered the first U.S. nuclear weapons tests since 1992, ending a moratorium—drawing criticism from allies like Japan, which reaffirmed its non-nuclear stance.
- Government Shutdown Looms Over SNAP Funding: Senate Majority Leader John Thune blocked a Democratic bill to fund SNAP benefits amid shutdown threats; federal workers' union demands an end to the impasse.
- DOJ Indictments and ICE Controversies: Illinois congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh was indicted over ICE protests; two prosecutors suspended for Jan. 6-related comments. Separately, ICE agents assaulted a Houston teen and father during a traffic stop.
- Transgender Healthcare Restrictions: The White House proposed barring hospitals treating transgender youth from Medicare/Medicaid funds, sparking backlash from medical groups.
- Rural Kansas Retention Efforts: Lawmakers push new incentives beyond tax breaks to attract residents to rural areas, as current programs like Rural Opportunity Zones fall short.
Weather & Environment
- Hurricane Melissa's Toll Rises: The storm killed 34 across the Caribbean after slamming Jamaica and Cuba as a Category 3; "catastrophic" winds and flooding prompted evacuations.
- Climate Goals Missed: UN chief António Guterres warned of "devastating consequences" as global heating exceeds the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C target, ahead of COP30 in Brazil.
Other Notable Stories
- India's Bihar Polls Heat Up: Home Minister Amit Shah predicted the INDIA bloc's wipeout, citing public anger over alleged insults to PM Modi's family.
- Mumbai Hostage Rescue: Police freed over 20 children held in a Powai studio; all safe and reunited with families.
- Spain's Juan Carlos I Memoir: The former king defends his legacy but admits "weaknesses" in a new book amid ongoing exile controversies.
- Pentagon Strikes in Pacific: Another alleged narcotrafficking vessel bombed, following recent operations.
- UN Condemns Cuba Embargo: The General Assembly voted against the U.S. blockade for the 33rd year running.