What are the 10 biggest news stories from today?

I'll gather today's biggest headlines for you — Oct 9, 2026.

As of Friday, October 9, 2026 - the 10 biggest stories dominating headlines today:

1. South African jurist Navi Pillay wins 2026 Nobel Peace Prize
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced on Friday October 9 in Oslo that South African human rights lawyer Navanethem "Navi" Pillay has won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. The 85-year-old former U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights was recognized for her efforts to promote peace, human rights, and international law and for her lifetime commitment to international law. At a ceremony in Oslo, Committee Chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes called Pillay "one of the most courageous and legal experts of our time."

2. Israel-Hamas Gaza ceasefire takes effect - first phase of Trump plan
Thousands of displaced Palestinians trekked to return to ruined homes after a ceasefire took effect and Israeli troops began pulling back under the first phase of an agreement to end the war. The Israeli military said the ceasefire agreement had been activated at noon local time (0900 GMT). Israel's government ratified the ceasefire with Hamas in the early hours of Friday. Once Israeli troops have pulled back, Hamas has 72 hours to release the 20 living Israeli hostages it is still holding. Trump said the hostages are due to "come back" on Monday and Israel will free 250 Palestinians serving long terms and 1,700 detainees captured during the war.
Also widely reported this morning: Israel and Hamas agree to the first phase of President Trump's Gaza plan. Under the deal, fighting will cease, Israel will partially withdraw from Gaza and Hamas will free all remaining hostages in exchange for hundreds of prisoners held by Israel.

3. U.S. government shutdown enters second week - IRS furloughs half its workforce
The IRS will furlough just under half of its staff. The Internal Revenue Service said Wednesday it will furlough nearly half of its employees – around 34,000 workers – due to the ongoing government shutdown. This morning's headlines also noted the IRS furloughs nearly half of its workforce as the government shutdown drags on.

4. Hurricane Isaias strengthens to Category 2, barrels toward Gulf Coast
The cyclone is expected to make landfall along the northern U.S. Gulf Coast within the warning area late Friday, October 9, or early Saturday, October 10. Additional strengthening is forecast through early Friday with intensity near 175 km/h (110 mph). Isaias strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane as it barreled toward the U.S. Gulf Coast on Thursday with maximum sustained winds of 105 miles per hour and is now on collision course with the Gulf Coast. Hurricane warnings are in effect from Ocean Springs, Mississippi to Florida.

5. Federal judge blocks Trump's National Guard deployment to Chicago
On October 9, the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois issued a temporary restraining order barring the federalisation and deployment of the National Guard in Illinois. The dispute dates back to October 4, when Trump called 300 members of the Illinois National Guard into active federal service, particularly in and around Chicago, with Texas National Guard members also federalized the following day. A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order blocking President Donald Trump's use of National Guard troops in the state of Illinois and Chicago for 14 days. The Trump administration filed an emergency stay request Friday with the Supreme Court to undo the October 9 injunction. This morning's headlines noted 500 National Guard troops from Texas and Illinois arrive in Chicago despite pushback from local officials.

6. Pentagon says Fort Hood shooter's execution will be livestreamed
Pentagon says the firing squad execution of Fort Hood shooter will be livestreamed. Fort Hood Shooter's Execution Will Be Public and Streamed Live, Pentagon Says.

7. Trump on Iran war and new Iran sanctions
In today's news: Trump says Iran war will end right after U.S. midterm elections. Separately, U.S. issues fresh round of Iran sanctions amid war stalemate.

8. OpenAI faces financial and security scrutiny
OpenAI projected to bring in $20bn less in revenue than expected. OpenAI caught Russians and Iranians using ChatGPT for influence campaigns.

9. ICE shooting in New York triggers clashes
Man shot in confrontation with ICE in NYC; child in back seat of SUV. ICE shooting triggers clashes in New York (VIDEOS).

10. Botched execution in Tennessee
Christa Pike 'up and walking' after botched execution, attorney says. Christa Pike is walking with help and eating after failed execution attempt.