10 Things to Know: Oct. 7

1. U.S. HEALTH PROVIDERS EXPAND EBOLA PRECAUTIONS

Some hospitals even send actors with mock symptoms into emergency rooms to test how good their staff members are at spotting the symptoms of the virus. EBOLA-PREPARATIONS

2. GOP GRAPPLES WITH GAY MARRIAGE

The Supreme Court's decision to reject appeals from five states reignites a debate between pragmatic Republicans and religious conservatives. GAY MARRIAGE-2016 POLITICS

3. AIRSTRIKES HIT ISLAMIC STATE GROUP NEAR SYRIA

Warplanes strike positions held by the militants near a Syrian border town that beleaguered Kurdish forces have been struggling to defend. SYRIA

4. WHY BIDEN IS IN TIGHT SPOT

The vice president's verbal blunders cause more than just a few rough headlines and a momentary nuisance for the White House. BIDEN

5. HONG KONG PROTESTS WANE

Despite their dwindling numbers, student activists insist the movement is far from defeated. HONG KONG-DEMOCRACY PROTESTS

6. SMUGGLED PHONES SERVE AS LIFELINE FOR NORTH KOREANS

Illegal but widely available in North Korea, cellphones help defectors connect with long-lost relatives and send them desperately needed cash. SKOREA-DEFECTORS SEND MONEY

7. MOROCCO MULLS LEGAL POT GROWING

The move is intended to aid the economy but the country's Islamic faith creates a strong taboo toward drugs. MOROCCO-RETHINKING POT-GOING LEGAL

8. WHAT STUDIES FIND ABOUT 'TALKING' TO CAR

Voice-activated smartphones and dashboard infotainment systems are so error-prone or complex that they require more concentration from drivers rather than less. DISTRACTED DRIVING

9. COFFEE ADDICT? BLAME YOUR DNA

Scientists have long known that your genetic make-up influences how much java you consume. Now a huge study has identified some genes that may play a role. COFFEE GENES

10. WHO DRAWS SUSPENSION OVER DUI ARREST

American Michael Phelps, winner of 18 Olympic gold medals, is sidelined for six months following his second arrest for driving while intoxicated. PHELPS-SUSPENSION