Top News Headlines for December 2, 2025
Here's a roundup of the major stories making waves today, drawing from global sources. I've focused on key developments in politics, international affairs, tech, sports, and disasters.
U.S. Politics and Domestic News
- Trump Administration Updates: President Donald Trump announced plans to deploy the National Guard to New Orleans following a request from Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry for federal assistance amid ongoing unrest. In a separate development, Treasury nominee Scott Bessent is probing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz over allegations that state taxpayer funds were diverted to the Somali terrorist group Al-Shabaab.
- Tragic Local Incidents: A detained Bozeman, Montana, anesthesiologist charged with child sexual assault died by suicide in custody. Separately, Montana reported its first influenza death of the 2025-2026 season in Missoula County, with 234 statewide cases so far.
- Education Board Drama in Nebraska: A school district's vote to approve a controversial policy led to two board members resigning on the spot, leaving the board at minimum quorum.
International Affairs
- Bangladesh Health Crisis: Security around former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was intensified as a Chinese medical team joined efforts to treat her critical condition at a Dhaka hospital. Barricades and dozens of police were deployed amid heightened tensions.
- Pope Leo XIV's Historic Visit: The pontiff concluded his first overseas trip with prayers at Beirut's devastated port and a Mass for 150,000 in Lebanon, offering hope amid fears of renewed conflict.
- Russia's Defiant Stance: President Vladimir Putin warned that if Europe seeks war, Russia is prepared to engage, escalating rhetoric amid ongoing global tensions.
- Hezbollah Revelations: The IDF disclosed that Hezbollah's Unit 121 assassinated four Lebanese figures to cover up the group's role in storing 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate that caused the 2020 Beirut port explosion, killing hundreds and displacing thousands.
- Peru Disaster: A landslide hit two docked boats at a river port in Ucayali, killing at least 12 and leaving 50 missing.
- Ukraine Strike: Russian Iskander missiles killed four and injured 40 in Dnipro.
Tech and Business
- AI and Big Tech Shifts: Today's headlines highlight AI acceleration, with Apple restructuring its AI leadership under competitive pressure, OpenAI entering "code red" mode, and fresh funding for AI chips and voice models. Regulatory scrutiny rises as central banks warn of debt-fueled AI growth, while India mandates smartphone verification.
- India's CAT Fee Hike Sparks Debate: Parliament discussed the 31% rise in CAT 2025 application costs, with calls for justification.
Sports
- India's Youth Triumph: The under-17 boys' football team qualified for the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup with a 2-1 upset win over Iran.
- Cricket Buzz: Australia's Travis Head is open to opening the batting in the second Ashes 2025-26 Test in Brisbane after his match-winning century in Perth.
- Athletics Honors: U.S. sprinter Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone topped sprinting awards for her 2025 performances.
- Hockey Shakeup: India's women's hockey coach Harendra Singh has resigned.
Other Notable Mentions
- Philippines Protests: Thousands, including Catholic clergy, demonstrated against corruption involving top officials.
- Cameroon Opposition Loss: Top leader Anicet Ekane died at 74 after weeks in detention.
- Honduras Elections: Soldiers transported ballots amid voting in Tegucigalpa.
- El Chapo Son's Guilty Plea: Joaquín Guzmán López admitted to drug trafficking and criminal enterprise charges in the U.S.