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Dr. Kent Brantly was medical director at Monrovia's only Ebola treatment center when he fell ill with the disease in July. He survived after being evacuated and treated in the United States.

Dr. Kent Brantly: Ebola Survivor Gives Testimony On The Hill

5:32pm September 16, 2014

by NPR staff

The doctor spoke of "the horror that this disease visits upon its victims" and told a joint Senate committee hearing that he favors U.S. military intervention to fight it.

Ukrainian lawmakers applaud a televised address by the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz (on screen) in the Ukrainian parliament on Tuesday in Kiev. The parliament voted to strengthen trade ties with the EU, but not until 2016.

World News

Ukraine Approves EU Pact And Temporary Self-Rule For Rebels

5:23pm September 16, 2014

by Scott Neuman

The parliament voted to strengthen economic ties with the EU beginning in 2016. It also approved a deal to allow self-rule in some separatist-held areas, a move likely to be rejected by the rebels.

Do you know what the deadliest disease is? Hint: It's not Ebola (viral particles seen here in a digitally colorized microscopic image, at top right, along with similar depictions of other contagious diseases)

Which Contagious Diseases Are The Deadliest?

4:47pm September 16, 2014

by Diane Cole

To put Ebola in context, we tried to find a list of the deadliest contagious diseases. We couldn't. So with the help of scientists and health agencies, we came up with a rundown of the world's worst.

The Saltire, the flag of Scotland, flies near the Union Jack in Gretna in Scotland. Some economists say Thursday's vote on Scotland's independence could have wide-ranging economic impacts.

Like It Or Not, Scotland's Drama May Hit Your Wallet

4:37pm September 16, 2014

by Marilyn Geewax

Some economists say Thursday's vote on Scotland's independence could have wide-ranging economic impacts. They fear that a breakaway from the U.K. could trigger another global financial upheaval.

World News

Belgium Agrees To Euthanize Man Convicted Of Murder, Rape

4:14pm September 16, 2014

by Bill Chappell

Frank Van Den Bleeken says he wants to die because he hasn't seen any change in himself. A court agreed — and now his case is raising prickly questions in a country that has no death penalty.

A U.S. soldier stands guard near a damaged vehicle at the site of a suicide attack in Kabul on Tuesday.

Suicide Bombing In Kabul Kills 3 NATO Troops

4:07pm September 16, 2014

by Scott Neuman

The Taliban is claiming credit for the attack on a military convoy traveling near the U.S. Embassy that also wounded nearly 20 people, including more than a dozen civilians.

Members of Iraqi security forces are seen during a fight with Islamic State militants Sunday on the outskirts of the city of Ramadi.

U.S. Begins Airstrikes In Support Of Iraqi Ground Forces

4:01pm September 16, 2014

by Scott Neuman

The air attacks on Islamic State forces were requested by Iraqi security forces engaged in combat south of Baghdad.

Members of the anti-war activist group CodePink interrupt a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing with Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel (left) and Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Dempsey Says If Needed He Would Recommend Ground Forces In Iraq

2:57pm September 16, 2014

by Scott Neuman

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told a Senate panel he supports the president's plan to combat Islamic State militants but that if it proved necessary, he would recommend U.S. ground forces.

A tourist wears a poncho decorated with the national flag of Scotland to shelter from the weather in Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, on Monday.

World News

Will Scotland Vote To Cut The Cord?

1:03pm September 16, 2014

by Ari Shapiro

For three centuries, Scotland has been part of the U.K. Until recently, it looked likely to stay that way. But some voters have changed their minds and recent polls show independence ahead by a nose.

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Red Cross health workers wearing protective suits in Conakry, Guinea, on Sunday.

Hiccups Were The Clue That Led Researchers To Ebola

10:05am September 16, 2014

by NPR Staff

Journalist Jeffrey Stern traveled to Guinea to find out why it took so long for scientists to figure out that the Ebola virus had struck. He tells a revealing tale in this month's Vanity Fair.

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