5 things you need to know Thursday
1. Stricter Ebola screenings begin at more U.S. airports
Following in New York's JFK International Airport's footsteps, enhanced screenings for the Ebola virus will begin Thursday at four additional airports across the country. Dulles International Airport outside Washington, Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson, Newark's Liberty International and Chicago's O'Hare airports will monitor travelers for potential symptoms.
2. House panel meets to discuss American health officials' role in stopping Ebola
In addition to increased Ebola screenings, a House panel will examine what U.S. health officials are doing to stop the spread of Ebola after the death of a patient in Dallas and the infection of two of his nurses. Lawmakers will question what U.S. health officials learned from the Dallas cases about how to improve hospital preparedness and safety protocols. They will ask whether strengthened airport screening procedures go far enough.
3. Apple readies announcement on updates to iPad — they may even be golden
The kings of the tease are back at it. Apple hosts an event Thursday focusing on updates to its flagship tablet, the iPad. What can we expect from the announcement? This year, the new editions are likely to have a larger screen and come in additional colors, most notably gold. Apple may also announce its latest software update, Yosemite. Follow @jeffersongraham and @edbaig for the latest from the Apple event.
4. Attention, college hoop fans. We have all you need for your basketball fix
USA TODAY Sports will be the destination for college hoops fans Thursday. Three weeks before the tipoff of the 2014-15 season, fans will get a glimpse of the best teams in the country, starting at noon ET when the preseason top 25 teams are unveiled in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. How will it all shake out? The Wildcats will be heavily favored to win a national title after finishing as runner-up last season. Follow USA TODAY Sports for updates on the poll, the season and all the other basketball news.
5. Iconic Def Jam Records celebrates its 30th year with a blowout concert
If you're a rap or R&B fan, the famed label and its various spinoffs probably have something to do with it. Hitting 30 years in the music industry, Def Jam brings some of its hottest acts to Brooklyn's Barclays Center on Thursday to celebrate its dynasty. Big names such as 2 Chainz, DMX and Fabolous will hit the stage with some up-and-coming stars such as Jhené Aiko.
Bonus: It's World Food Day!
Is your tummy rumbling? Well, it should be. It's the Food and Agriculture Organization's World Food Day. Every year on Oct. 16, the FAO honors and educates people across the globe on what they're eating, where it comes from and who is growing it.
And, the essentials:
Weather: The northeastern portion of the nation will see the worst weather Thursday, including plenty of heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Stocks:Asia markets fell sharply after Wall Street's skid
TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch tonight? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at Grey's Anatomy and Scandal.
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Contributing: Erin Kelly, Jefferson Graham, Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY