Even news junkies needed to take a break sometimes during 2025. Across the globe, there were famines, floods, political chaos, and so much more that the human brain had barely enough time to process one event before another blew up. This week we’ll look at international news, before we tackle the U.S. and Indiana news in the Jan. 2, 2026 issue.
In June, Israel, enmeshed in an ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza, launched missiles into Tehran, Iran, taking out the military command of the country. The next day, Iran, an ally and financial backer of Hamas, launched missiles into Tel Aviv, knocking out the Israeli Ministry of Defense. The conflict escalated as nightly bombings continued, and then the U.S. dropped bombs on alleged sites where uranium was enriched in Iran. A few days later, Iran notified the U.S. that their base in Qatar was about to be bombed, giving service members time to get jets off safely and to take shelter. The war in Israel against Hamas in Gaza took a terrible turn, when Israeli forces began targeting hospitals, schools, and civilians. Aid was blocked in Gaza, and the conditions worsened. When aid could get through, thousands would swarm to get food, and Israeli soldiers would shoot at them. Starvation escalated, taking a toll on children especially. In August, agencies announced there was a famine in Gaza City. In September, the Israelis attacked Hamas leadership in Qatar, leading to international outcry against the government. In October, a cease-fire was declared and the Israeli hostages were released. However, there were numerous violations to the pact, and ongoing tensions over Gaza into December. President Trump encouraged peace between the factions, but old grievances die hard.
At least 60,000 people were killed in Sudan’s Al Fasher region when the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) took control mid-year. At least 150,000 residents are missing. The power struggle between the army (SAF) and RSF paramilitary group erupted in 2023, and has steadily grown more violent. Millions have been displaced fleeing the violence, and there is widespread famine as aid is stopped by the RSF. Children and women have been targeted for sexual violence. In November, the Sudan Doctors Union estimated that over a half million children had died due to malnutrition. The genocide in Sudan continues to be one of least reported stories of 2025.
The war between Russia and Ukraine also escalated in 2025, killing civilians and troops on both sides of the border. The United States voted against a United Nations resolution to condemn Russia for invading Ukraine, siding with Russia and sidelining historic allies in Europe. The administration blamed Ukraine for the invasion in 2022, stating its desire to join NATO “forced” Russia to invade. In late February, a meeting between Zelenskyy, Trump, and Vance held in front of press cameras declined into a shouting match that had the president and vice president ambushing the Ukrainian president, doubling down on Russian propaganda. The fallout from the disastrous meeting was European countries vowing support, including military and financial assistance. Trump met with Putin in Alaska in August, hoping to get a ceasefire that never materialized. Trump hosted Zelenskyy in Washington DC, and several prime ministers and officials of the EU went with him to prevent further bullying. Negotiations have stalled, with Russia and Ukraine refusing to concede.
Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, stepped down from the office in January after 9 years in office. He faced with growing opposition in his own party, as well as criticism from conservatives due to meeting president-elect Donald Trump. Trump had said that he planned to make Canada the 51st state, taking over the U.S. ally using economic force. Mark Carney was voted in as Prime Minister in May. The. U.S. imposed tariffs on many Canadian goods, to which the Canadians replied “Elbows Up.” In late May, wildfires in Manitoba Canada forced 17,000 to evacuate, and a massive smoke plume over the northeastern provinces.
Nepal went through a violent revolution in September, when young people set fire to the Parliament, Supreme Court, police stations, and the houses of politicians. The Prime Minister and Home Minister resigned in the face of massive protests about blocking social media.
Conflict on the Cambodia-Thailand border escalated in December. The brief cease-fire, brokered by President Trump in September, was suspended in November after an incident with a landmine in Thailand. By early December, there were air strikes along the border, clashes, and Thai forces opened fire on Cambodian positions. Thailand evacuate 138,000 civilians near the border as hospitals, homes, and businesses were bombed.
Brazil’s court found former president Bolsanaro guilty of attempting a coup and sent him to house arrest with an electronic ankle bracelet. However, in November, he was arrested again and ordered back to prison after he attempted to remove the bracelet and escape house arrest. He remains in police custody.
Wildfires in Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey forced thousands to flee their homes and businesses in July. City. In August, flash floods in China killed dozens of people. In March. a devastating 7.7 earthquake in Myanmar caused damage and death as far as Thailand and Bangladesh. Myanmar’s dictatorship was slow in reporting deaths and injuries. In September, a 6.0 earthquake in Afghanistan killed over 1,400 people. The Philippines suffered a 6.9 earthquake in late September that killed over 70 people.
Hurricane Melissa became a Category 5 and pummeled Jamaica with torrential rain and historically high winds. It was one of the strongest hurricanes on record, with ground winds at 185 mph, and 43 inches of rain, causing massive floods and destruction. More than 1,300 people died in floods in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand after a massive cyclone hit the area.
A terrorist attack in Australia on Bondi Beach in Sydney killed 16 and injured 40 more in December. The victims were Jewish people celebrating the first night of Hanukkah on the beach. Among the dead were a Holocaust survivor and a 10 year old girl. The assailants were a father and son. The father was killed at the scene and the son was shot and taken into custody.
Pope Francis passed away just after Easter Sunday. The conclave met for two days before naming the first U.S. native Cardinal Robert Prevost as the new Pope, Leo XIV. The 69-year-old Chicago-born Pope was close to Pope Francis. It’s said that he roots for the White Sox.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity during his brutal term. He was flown to the Hague to face the court.
South Korea elected a new president, Lee Jae-myung, after the former president was ousted for trying to impose martial law in 2024.
A bold theft from the Louvre in Paris, France caught the world’s attention. Thieves broke in during visitor hours and stole priceless French crown jewels and escaped in an 8 minute time frame. Suspects were arrested, but there is still no sign of the jewels.