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By Alexandra Banner

Every air traffic controller in the US received a zero-dollar paystub this week, marking their first missed paycheck of the nearly monthlong government shutdown. It highlights the mounting strain on essential federal employees required to report to work without compensation.

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Hurricane Melissa

Melissa made landfall in Cuba earlier today as an "extremely dangerous" Category 3 hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center. More than 700,000 people have been evacuated as officials warn of life-threatening flash floods and landslides. This comes after Melissa struck Jamaica on Tuesday, causing extensive damage and prompting the prime minister to declare the country a disaster area. The storm is responsible for at least seven deaths across the Caribbean and is forecast to move through the Bahamas later today as a strong Category 2 hurricane.

Asia tour

President Donald Trump met with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung today on the final leg of his Asia tour. Lee presented Trump with the country's highest honor, a medal usually reserved for South Korean leaders. He was also gifted a replica of an ancient golden crown. Earlier, Trump addressed business leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, saying he had signed "groundbreaking agreements" with Malaysia, Cambodia and Japan during his trip. He added that the US has “pretty much finalized” a trade deal with South Korea. On Thursday, Trump is set to hold a high-stakes summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The president also said he would not meet with North Korea's Kim Jong Un despite earlier floating the possibility.

Trump third term

President Trump said it is "pretty clear" the US Constitution does not permit him to run for a third term in office, following days of speculation prompted by claims from allies that there might be a way for him to run again. "Based on what I read, I guess I'm not allowed to run so we'll see what happens," he told reporters hours ago on board Air Force One. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday that he had spoken with Trump about the possibility of seeking a third term, but he sees no path for it as any change to the Constitution would be well after Trump has left office. Trump has joked about running for a third term, and Trump 2028 hats are on display in a room near the Oval Office.

Middle East

Less than three weeks after the Gaza ceasefire took effect, Israel unleashed a barrage of strikes on the enclave after accusing Hamas of violating the truce. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the military to carry out "powerful strikes" on Tuesday, saying Hamas had killed an Israeli soldier and staged the discovery of a deceased hostage. The strikes killed at least 104 people, hospital officials in Gaza said, marking the deadliest day since the beginning of the ceasefire championed by President Trump. Under the deal, Hamas was required to release all Israeli hostages — both living and dead — but has returned only 15 of the 28 bodies that remained in Gaza.

Boat strikes

The US military carried out another round of deadly strikes targeting alleged drug trafficking boats — this time in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said US forces launched three strikes on Monday, hitting four boats and killing 14 people on board the vessels. It marked the first time multiple strikes were conducted on the same day as part of the Trump administration's accelerating campaign against alleged maritime drug smuggling. So far, the operations have destroyed 14 boats and killed 57 people, with three survivors.

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5 Things AM is edited by CNN’s Andrew Torgan.

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