Morning Brief: Feds May Miss Back Pay After Shutdown, Israel Intercepts Blockade-Breaking Ship, China-Malaysia to Hold Joint Military Drills

The dispute comes as the shutdown enters its seventh day, leaving roughly 750,000 federal workers without pay and deepening the standoff between the White House and Congress.   Flight Delays Mount as Shutdown Strains FAA and TSA Staffing Nationwide Air travel across the US faced growing disruptions Tuesday as the federal government shutdown entered its seventh day, with staffing shortages hitting key air traffic control centers and airports in cities including Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago, and Philadelphia. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported it had to slow takeoffs to maintain safety, while union leaders warned conditions could worsen as unpaid federal workers begin missing paychecks. At least 92 percent of scheduled flights still departed on time, but analysts cautioned that prolonged shortages could disrupt holiday travel. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed a rise in air traffic controllers calling out sick, and union officials said the system is already stretched thin. Air traffic controllers, who are already working 6 days a week, are now telling me they may have to find a second job to pay their mortgage because of the shutdown. All because @SenSchumer and @RepJeffries want to play politics. pic.twitter.com/YZ85p0od6q — Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) October 7, 2025 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers also expressed financial stress, with airports like Atlanta and Tampa launching aid programs to support unpaid federal staff. Aviation groups and airlines are urging Congress to end the shutdown before nationwide flight delays and cancellations escalate.   Trump Administration Deploys National Guard to Chicago, Plans Memphis Move Amid Local Opposition National Guard troops from Texas have arrived outside Chicago as part of President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy military forces to major US cities despite objections from local leaders. The troops, stationed at an Army Reserve center in Illinois, are expected to be joined by others in Memphis by Friday. Their mission remains unclear, though the move aligns with Trump’s expanded immigration enforcement efforts. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago officials have filed a lawsuit to block the deployment, accusing Trump of using troops as political tools. A court hearing is set for Thursday, while a judge in Oregon has already halted a similar deployment to Portland. Texas National Guard DEPLOYED to Chicago ABC News caught these heavies arriving at an Army Reserve base 50 miles south of the city today Amid FIERCE opposition from mayor and governor https://t.co/up4wKs7Js1 pic.twitter.com/Mkx3C92BnA — RT (@RT_com) October 7, 2025 The operation has reignited debate over the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military involvement in domestic law enforcement, and concerns about potential invocation of the Insurrection Act. Despite Trump’s claims of rising urban crime, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and local data show significant declines in violent crime in cities such as Chicago and Portland.   Judge Michael Nachmanoff to Preside Over Comey Case Amid Political Tensions Judge Michael Nachmanoff, a former federal public defender appointed to the bench by President Joe Biden in 2021, will preside over the Justice Department’s prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey. Comey was indicted last month in Virginia on charges including obstruction of a congressional proceeding, prompting sharp criticism and celebratory remarks from President Donald Trump, who called Nachmanoff a “Crooked Joe Biden appointed Judge.” Legal experts and colleagues describe Nachmanoff, 57, as a fair and composed jurist with a long record of independence and constitutional rigor. Known for his even-handed courtroom conduct, Nachmanoff previously handled politically sensitive cases, including those involving associates of Rudy Giuliani and a Pentagon doctor dismissed over vaccine mandates. The judge presiding over former FBI director James B. Comey’s case has ruled on classified records leaks and gruesome MS-13 gang murders. Now, his reputation for quiet observation and exacting legal knowledge will be thrust into the public spotlight. https://t.co/KPRfcsYb0u — The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) October 7, 2025 Despite the political spotlight, attorneys say Nachmanoff is unlikely to be influenced by outside pressures as the high-profile case proceeds.   US Coast Guard Cutter Midgett Returns to Hawaii After $156 Million Cocaine Seizure The US Coast Guard cutter Midgett (WMSL-757) returned to Honolulu after a 79-day Eastern Pacific patrol that seized more than 21,000 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $156 million. During the mission, part of Operation Pacific Viper, the crew intercepted four drug-smuggling vessels and apprehended 19 suspects off the coasts of Mexico and Central America. The drugs were offloaded in San Diego in late September. A Honolulu-based Coast Guard crew intercepted more than 21,000 pounds of cocaine from the Pacific: pic.twitter.com/zqfFpYis12 — KHON2 News (@KHONnews) October 7, 2025 The Midgett, one of two Hawaii-based Legend-class national security cutters, collaborated with other Coast Guard units, including Tactical Law Enforcement Team South and the Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron, which marked its 1,000th vessel interception during the deployment.   Trump Predicts Trade Deal Will Bring Canadians Back as Tensions Over Tariffs Deepen US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he expects Canadians to resume traveling to the United States once a new trade deal is reached, despite strained relations over tariffs and his repeated remarks about making Canada the 51st state. During a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House, Trump acknowledged the 23 percent drop in Canadian visits to the US this year and said a trade agreement would restore goodwill between the two nations. President Donald J. Trump welcomes Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to the White House. 🇺🇸🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/bPCmtTHuZ3 — The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 7, 2025 The talks come ahead of next year’s review of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which Trump said could be renegotiated or replaced with “different deals” to benefit the US Carney sought relief from heavy steel and aluminum tariffs and described the discussion as “positive.” While Trump said there is “natural conflict” between the countries, both leaders expressed optimism about cooperation, even as Canadian officials and business leaders warn that bilateral relations are at their lowest point in decades.   Israel Intercepts Flotilla Attempting to Break Gaza Blockade, Detains 145 Activists The Israeli military intercepted a nine-boat flotilla early Wednesday in the Mediterranean Sea attempting to breach its naval blockade of Gaza, detaining 145 activists, including doctors and lawmakers, officials said. The activists, who were reportedly in good health, are being processed in Israel and will be deported. The flotilla, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Thousand Madleens to Gaza, carried small amounts of food and medical aid intended for Gaza hospitals. The interception follows last week’s seizure of over 40 boats carrying 450 activists, including Greta Thunberg and several European legislators, which sparked protests and condemnation abroad. Israel called the latest attempt “futile,” while organizers denounced the detentions as unlawful. The Israeli military intercepted a nine-boat flotilla early Wednesday in the Mediterranean Sea trying to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza and detained scores of activists on board, the flotilla organizers and the Israeli Foreign Ministry said. pic.twitter.com/o2X57563sx — The Associated Press (@AP) October 8, 2025 The incident comes amid ongoing indirect peace talks between Israel and Hamas in Egypt and mounting international criticism over Israel’s blockade and military campaign in Gaza, where more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began in October 2023.   Iran Rejects Netanyahu’s Claim It Is Developing Missiles to Reach US Cities Iran dismissed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim that it is building intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of striking US  cities, calling the allegation fabricated. Netanyahu made the remarks in an interview with US podcaster Ben Shapiro, saying Iran’s missile range could soon reach as far as New York and Washington. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded on X, accusing Israel of inventing threats to discredit Iran’s defensive capabilities. Upon embarking for a 5th round of talks with @SteveWitkoff on May 23, I wrote: “Zero nuclear weapons = we DO have a deal. Zero enrichment = we do NOT have a deal.” If POTUS was to glance at the minutes of those talks—recorded by our interlocutor—he would see just how close we… — Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) October 7, 2025 Iran currently possesses missiles with ranges up to 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles), enough to reach Israel. The exchange comes months after a brief but intense conflict in June, when Israeli strikes hit targets inside Iran, prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Israel and a US base in Qatar. Iran continues to deny Western accusations that it is pursuing nuclear weapons, maintaining that its nuclear program is solely for civilian use.   Ukraine and Russia Trade Deadly Strikes, Killing at Least Five in Cross-Border Attacks Ukraine and Russia carried out reciprocal attacks early Wednesday, killing at least five people on both sides, officials said. In Russia’s Belgorod region, a missile strike on the village of Maslova Pristan killed three people and damaged a local sports hall, according to regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. In southern Ukraine’s Kherson region, a Russian attack killed an elderly couple, local authorities reported. Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched 183 drones overnight, while Moscow claimed to have intercepted 53 Ukrainian drones, mostly over Belgorod. A Ukrainian MiG-29 jet conducted an airstrike targeting Russian drone operator positions near Nova Poltavka in the Myrnohrad area. pic.twitter.com/g3kveZEUqR — Polymarket Intel (@PolymarketIntel) October 8, 2025 Both governments denied targeting civilians. Kyiv has intensified strikes on Russian energy and oil infrastructure in response to Moscow’s continued bombardment of Ukrainian cities.   Marine Rotational Force-Darwin Concludes Six-Month Deployment After Regional Exercises and Disaster Relief The Marine Rotational Force-Darwin has completed its six-month deployment in Australia and the Philippines, the Australian Defence Department announced Wednesday. The 2,500-strong unit participated in major joint exercises, including the multinational Talisman Sabre drill involving 40,000 troops from 19 nations, and conducted disaster relief operations in northern Philippines following typhoons and monsoon flooding. Commander Colonel Jason Armas said the rotation demonstrated the growing integration and readiness of US Marines and Australian forces to respond to crises across the Indo-Pacific. Australian officials praised the deployment as a key element of regional stability. After a six-month deployment filled with military exercises and disaster relief missions across Australia and the Philippines, the Marine Rotational Force-Darwin is headed home.https://t.co/8U7bLCFhrx — Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) October 8, 2025 The Marines, who have rotated through Australia annually since 2012, are scheduled to return to the Northern Territory in early 2026.   Myanmar Military Airstrike on Festival Kills 40, Including Children, Witnesses Say A Myanmar military airstrike on a festival and protest in Chaung U township killed at least 40 people, including children, and injured about 80 others, witnesses and organizers told AFP on Tuesday. The attack occurred Monday night during the Thadingyut full moon festival, when a motorized paraglider dropped two bombs on a crowd of hundreds gathered for celebrations and an anti-junta rally. Local residents described scenes of devastation as survivors collected body parts the following morning. A Myanmar military strike on a festival event and protest killed 40 people, including children, an attendee and a local committee member told AFP on Tuesdayhttps://t.co/XeiJPrQARu pic.twitter.com/2uIwW39plt — AFP News Agency (@AFP) October 7, 2025 Amnesty International condemned the strike as part of the junta’s “brutal campaign” against resistance groups and urged stronger international action. Myanmar has been in civil conflict since the 2021 coup, with the military intensifying assaults on rebel-held areas ahead of elections planned for late December, which opposition forces have dismissed as illegitimate.   China and Malaysia to Hold Joint Military Drills Focused on Disaster Relief and Maritime Security China and Malaysia will conduct a joint military exercise from October 15 to 23 in Malaysia and nearby waters, focusing on disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and anti-piracy operations, according to China’s defense ministry. More than 1,000 personnel, including over 700 from China, will take part, using ships, helicopters, and unmanned systems. The drills, the sixth in a regular series, aim to strengthen defense cooperation and address non-traditional security threats. Observers from other ASEAN nations have been invited. In mid-to-late October 2025, the “Peace and Friendship-2025” joint exercise will be held in Malaysia and its nearby waters. Focused on the themes of “humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and maritime security,” the exercise will involve multi-service forces from the Chinese… pic.twitter.com/d8LuFalk5T — Global Times (@globaltimesnews) October 8, 2025 The exercise comes as Malaysia prepares to host the ASEAN summit and defense ministers’ meeting, where progress on a South China Sea code of conduct will be a key topic amid ongoing territorial disputes involving China and several Southeast Asian nations.   Sources: News Agencies