News

2 Oct 25

Top News Headlines for October 2, 2025

Here's a curated roundup of today's major stories, based on global reports. Focus is on breaking developments in politics, international affairs, economy, and more. The U.S. government shutdown continues to dominate, entering its second day.

US News

Government Shutdown Escalates: The partial federal shutdown, triggered by failed funding talks, entered day two at midnight. Nearly half of USDA employees are furloughed, disrupting farm support during harvest season—Kansas farmers face payment delays and loan uncertainties. The White House froze $26 billion in funds for Democratic-leaning states, including $18 billion for New York transit projects and $8 billion for green energy in California and Illinois, intensifying partisan tensions.
Trump's Second Term Scrutiny: Eight months in, concerns over "crony capitalism" rise as boundaries blur between government and business. Tariffs' economic impact remains unclear, while Pope Leo XIV critiques U.S. immigration policy as "inhuman."
WIC Program at Risk: Nearly 7 million pregnant women and young children rely on the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, now threatened by the shutdown.

World News

Deadly Synagogue Attack in UK: An attacker killed two and injured three outside Manchester's Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue; the assailant was shot dead by police. The incident, on a Jewish holy day, heightens security fears. In related developments, German authorities foiled a Hamas-linked terror plot targeting the country.
Afghanistan Internet Restored: After a two-day blackout under Taliban rule—cutting off online education for hundreds of thousands of girls—access returned, ending an "eerie quiet."
Natural Disasters Toll Rises: Vietnam's Typhoon Bualoi death count hit 36 amid floods. A 6.9-magnitude earthquake off the Philippines killed 72, injuring 294 in the Visayas region.
India-China Flights Resume: Direct air services between the two nations could restart by late October, pending carrier approvals. Markets closed for Gandhi Jayanti (International Day of Non-Violence).
Gaza Flotilla Intercepted: Israeli navy halted aid boats, arresting activists including Greta Thunberg; boats diverted amid blockade tensions.

Business & Economy

Private Sector Surge in India: New project announcements hit a 15-year high in H1 FY 2025-26, though government and foreign initiatives dipped.
Book Bans Spike: U.S. schools saw exponential rises in challenged or removed books during 2024-25, per PEN America.

Sports & Culture

National Sports Awards Open: India's Sports Ministry invites applications until October 28 for 2025 honors.
Aurora Borealis Alerts: Multiple U.S. states on watch for northern lights visibility tonight.