Good morning, and happy Columbus Day! Here are some of the stories we’re following today:
1. Precaution levels questioned after first Ebola transmission in U.S.
A health-care worker who treated Ebola victim Thomas Eric Duncan contracted the virus because of a “breach of protocol,” according to the Centers for Disease Control, leading those in the health-care industry to question if they would be prepared to handle an Ebola case. Officials are also taking a closer look at airports, five of which have or will start advanced Ebola screening on passengers coming from West Africa. But the airport in Brussels, where many passengers pass through on the way from Liberia to the U.S., isn't screening everyone from those flights, passengers told NBC News. Read more in NEWS.
2. Oscar Pistorius sentencing begins
Olympian Oscar Pistorius could receive anything from a suspended sentence and a fine to 15 years in prison after being convicted last month of culpable homicide for the shooting death of his girlfriend. Experts have varying opinions on how long they believe Pistorius will end up in prison, or whether he will get any time at all. The sentencing phase of the months-long trial is expected to last a week. Read more in NEWS.
3. St. Louis protesters plan day of civil disobedience
A weekend of protests and rallies in St. Louis, marking two months since Michael Brown was shot and killed by a police officer, will wrap up on Monday with acts of civil disobedience around the city. On Sunday, about 100 people took part in civil disobedience training to prepare for up to 10 acts of nonviolent protest that organizers say will take place around the city. Read more in NEWS.
4. Angry crowds storm pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong
Barricades surrounding protesters in Hong Kong were stormed by angry crowds, including taxi drivers who are fed up with the protest zone blocking traffic. Demonstrators have flooded the city's streets since Sept. 28 opposing restrictions on the territory's inaugural 2017 election for its top leader and calling for Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, the city's leader, to resign. Read more in NEWS.
5. North Korea wants to move remains of U.S. soldiers
North Korea says the remains of American soldiers killed during the Korean War will be moved due to flood damage, and to make way for construction projects. About 8,000 service-members are listed missing from the war, but the U.S. suspended efforts to recover war remains in North Korea in 2012. Analysts say North Korea is using the statement as a way to make money from the U.S. Read more in NEWS.
6. Parents of ISIS hostage Abdul-Rahman Kassig speak out
Ed and Paula Kassig, the parents of the westerner ISIS militants have threatened to murder next, say they hope he will somehow hear portions of interviews they've done or appearances they've made on television. “That way he’ll know that we haven’t forgotten him, we haven’t abandoned him and we certainly do love him,” his mother said. The interview with NBC News’ Peter Alexander will be broadcast in its entirety on Monday on TODAY. Read more in NEWS.
… What’s trending today?
People are coming back to the U.S. from Oktoberfest, but college-aged people may want to stick around. Germany has abolished tuition fees for college students, and that includes international students. All the pretzels a student can eat, and a free education? Technische Universität Berlin might want to get ready for an influx of American students.
