Thieves Pull Stunning Louvre Heist; Priceless Jewels Lifted from Paris Museum – 10/21/2025, 8:29:37 AM

Based on the latest developments from October 21, 2025, here are the major news stories unfolding around the world:

United States

A potential mass shooting was thwarted during rush hour at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the country’s busiest airport[1]. Details about the incident remain limited, but authorities successfully prevented what could have been a catastrophic event.

A massive internet outage connected to Amazon Web Services disrupted websites, apps, and services around the world, affecting countless users and businesses globally[1].

At the White House, demolition has begun on the East Wing as bulldozers tear away portions of the building to make room for President Trump’s new 90,000 square foot ballroom, despite an ongoing government shutdown and the House being out of session[1].

Gas prices have fallen below $3 nationwide, providing relief to consumers across the country[1]. In an unusual lottery story, a Michigan woman who won the Powerball credits ChatGPT with picking her winning numbers[1].

Former President Joe Biden completed a round of radiation therapy for aggressive prostate cancer he was diagnosed with after leaving office[6].

International Conflicts and Diplomacy

President Donald Trump stated that while he thinks it’s possible Ukraine could defeat Russia, he’s now doubtful it will happen[6]. Trump claimed to have settled five of eight wars in the last eight months using “the power of tariffs and the power of trade”[6]. He is expected to begin an Asia visit later this week[6].

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described his recent meeting with President Trump as “positive,” though he didn’t receive the Tomahawks he requested, highlighting what he sees as continued American interest in economic deals with Kyiv[5].

Ukrainian drones struck a major Russian gas processing plant in Orenburg, forcing it to halt gas intake from Kazakhstan and reducing production at the Karachaganak oil and gas field by 25 to 30 percent[5][7]. The attack occurred approximately 1,700km east of the Russian border[7].

Europe

Thieves executed a brazen heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris, stealing priceless jewels using a basket lift[1][5]. The museum closed following the theft, and authorities are conducting an urgent search for the perpetrators[1].

A United Airlines plane made an emergency landing after a mystery object struck its windshield[1].

Legal and Political Developments

James Comey’s lawyers asked a judge to dismiss charges against the former FBI director[1]. A court ruled that the Trump administration can deploy the National Guard to Portland[1].

In Bolivia, preliminary results show that Rodrigo Paz, a centrist senator who was previously not nationally prominent, won the presidential runoff election, galvanizing voters frustrated with 20 years of political leadership and the country’s economic crisis[5].

Middle East

Yemen’s Houthi rebels held a funeral for their military chief of staff who was killed in a recent Israeli strike[5]. Separately, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels detained 20 UN employees in Yemen and confiscated equipment[5]. Satellite images reveal a new airstrip under construction on Yemen’s Zuqar Island in the Red Sea[5].

Iran executed a person convicted of spying for Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad in the city of Qom[5].

Asia-Pacific

A cargo plane skidded off the runway and into the sea at Hong Kong International Airport, killing two people while four crew members were rescued[5].

South Korean authorities are seeking to formally arrest 58 of 64 South Koreans repatriated from Cambodia for allegedly working for online scam organizations[5]. Additionally, a North Korean soldier defected to South Korea across the heavily fortified border[5].

Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. made its steepest-ever job cuts as artificial intelligence reshapes India’s $280 billion IT services sector[6].

Other Notable Stories

The World Health Organization reported that Congo’s last Ebola patient has been discharged, raising hope that the outbreak might be over[5].

Pope Leo XIV met with clergy abuse survivors and advocates for the first time to discuss zero-tolerance policies[5].

Former NFL star Doug Martin died in police custody[1], and a baby abandoned on the stairs of a New York City subway station was rescued[1].