1. Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan for Gaza, marking a major step toward ending the two-year war. The deal calls for a pause in fighting, the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and an eventual Israeli troop withdrawal. (WMTW)
2. A Kennebunk High School teacher has resigned following backlash over a social media post about the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Health teacher Richard Klatt stepped down on October 1 after the district investigated the post, which said he “would not feel badly” about Kirk’s death. The superintendent confirmed his resignation, calling the matter serious.
3. Amazon says it had nothing to do with hundreds of Maine ballots found in an Amazon box at a home in Newburgh. Officials say the 250 absentee ballots were reported missing from Ellsworth the same day they were discovered. Maine’s Secretary of State Shenna Bellows says the package was tampered with outside Amazon’s system, and the FBI is now investigating. (WGME)
4. Portland is moving to crack down on people who ignore snow parking bans. A city committee just backed a plan to raise fines from $40 to $175. Officials say it’s not a money grab — it’s about getting cars off the street so plows can clear snow faster and keep roads open for residents and first responders. The plan will go to the full city council for a vote later this fall. (WGME)
5. Arby’s just dropped a new menu item — Steak Nuggets. They combine two favorite foods, nuggets and steak, into bite-sized pieces of real steak that are seared, smoked, and seasoned with garlic and pepper. You can grab them as nuggets, in a sandwich, or in a bowl with mac and cheese and crispy onions. (Today)
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