This Morning’s Top Headlines – Oct. 9 | Morning News NOW

International Relations & Geopolitics - Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a plan to end the war in Gaza [1] - President Trump may visit the Middle East this weekend as the deal is finalized [2] - The first phase of the deal involves the release of hostages, alive and dead, and aid flooding into the Gaza Strip [8] - The disarmament of Hamas remains a significant question [27][28] - Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed upon line, indicating a continued military presence [11] - Fighting may continue until the hostages are released [15] US Domestic Affairs - The Trump administration is sending National Guard troops to Democratic-led cities to protect ICE personnel [32] - 500 National Guard troops from Texas and Illinois arrived in Chicago [32] - The White House is considering invoking the Insurrection Act, which could mean the deployment of active duty troops [39][40] Government Shutdown & Fiscal Policy - The US government is shut down, with no end in sight [41] - The IRS furloughed 46% of its workforce, halting most administrative and taxpayer services [43][44] - A vote to reopen the government failed for the sixth time in the Senate [42] - Healthcare costs and Affordable Care Act subsidies are a primary issue in the shutdown battle, with potential premium spikes for millions of Americans [56][60] - Some families could see their healthcare premiums jump by more than $3,000 a year if Congress lets subsidies expire [56] Natural Disasters & Weather - A strong nor'easter is approaching the US East Coast, bringing heavy rain and strong winds, with gusts up to 50-60 miles per hour in some locations [70][73] - The storm is expected to bring 3 to 5 inches of needed rain to areas from Cape Hatteras to Washington DC and Richmond [73] - Tropical Storm Priscilla is located 270 miles west of the southern tip of Baja California, with maximum winds of 50 miles per hour [75] - Flood alerts are in effect for 6 million people in the southeast due to tropical moisture [76] Crime & Justice - The last inmate who escaped from a New Orleans jail in May was captured in Atlanta [63] - A man has been arrested and charged with arson for allegedly starting the deadly Palisades fire in Los Angeles, which killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of structures [64][65]