The Short List: New Cosby rape accuser goes public; Pope to visit Philly; Ebola patient dies
Another woman accuses Bill Cosby of rape while he stays quiet
America's favorite TV dad is again being accused of sexual assault, this time by publicist Joan Tarshis. Tarshis says Bill Cosby assaulted her in 1969, when she was 19 years old. She detailed her claims in an essay for Hollywood Elsewhere: "The next thing I remember was coming to on his couch while being undressed," she wrote. "... I was sickened by what was happening to me and shocked that this man I had idolized was now raping me. Of course I told no one." There's been a growing uproar over allegations Cosby assaulted several women in the past. It started when comedian Hannibal Buress called Cosby a "rapist" during a stand-up performance in Philadelphia last month, which was posted online. Cosby's failed meme generator fueled the furor. The actor has refused to comment on the allegations.
Missouri governor declares Ferguson state of emergency before actual emergency
An overreaction? Or sound planning? Depends on who you are and where you sit. Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon activated the state's National Guard and declared a state of emergency today ahead of the grand jury decision where we'll all finally learn whether white cop Darren Wilson will be charged in the shooting death of black unarmed teen Michael Brown. Police, city officials, schools, businesses and protesters have been meeting daily to try and avoid a repeat of the chaos that immediately followed the Aug. 9 shooting, when protesters clashed, sometimes violently, with police.
Have popemobile, will travel? Pope Francis announces first visit to USA
Pope Francis is headed stateside. In a speech today, he said that "according to the wishes of the Lord," he would travel to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families, which takes place next September. What will he be discussing in the City of Brotherly love? Marriage. The Catholic News Agency also reported he's planning a stop in New York City. It will be the pontiff's first trip to America.
Physician who died from Ebola today tested negative for the disease — twice
Most of the news we've heard recently about Ebola cases in the U.S. has been good. Lots of recoveries and lots of hugs. But today, physician Martin Salia died in Nebraska from Ebola, which he contracted in Africa. It was a sobering reminder that the disease is still very much a real threat. Salia, who was flown from Sierra Leone to Omaha's Nebraska Medical Center on Saturday, had two negative tests for Ebola before testing positive. Ebola tests are generally accurate, but they may produce false negative results early in a person's infection. Salia is the 10th person with Ebola treated in the USA. While all eight Americans have survived, both patients from Africa — including Liberian national Thomas Eric Duncan — have died.
DEA is interested in the NFL's painkiller problem
DEA agents surprised NFL teams with drug checks after Sunday games as part of an investigation into former players' claims that teams mishandled prescription drugs. Agents checked at least three visiting NFL teams' medical staffs. The San Francisco 49ers' staff was checked at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, after they played the New York Giants. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' staff was checked at Baltimore-Washington International airport after playing the Redskins. The Seattle Seahawks, who played at Kansas City, confirmed via the team's Twitter account that they were spot-checked as well. No arrests were made.
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This is a compilation of stories from across USA TODAY.
Contributing: Ann Oldenburg, Yamiche Alcindor, Jane Onyanga-Omara, Liz Szabo, USA TODAY; Associated Press