A missionary doctor Ken Brantly who picked up the Ebola virus while working in Liberia has been given a clean bill of health and released from an Atlanta hospital. Jay Bores, of member station WABE reports. Before leaving Emory Hospital, a thin but healthy- looking Brantly spoke to reporters. With his wife by his side, he fought back tears: Today is a miraculous day. I'm thrilled to be alive, to be well and to be reunited with my family. Brantly and missionary Nancy Writebol have spent the past 3 weeks in a special isolation unit at Emory. A team of 5 doctors and 21 nurses cared for the pair around the clock. Doctors say the patients will continue to come in for follow- up care and treatment. The hospital says it currently has no plans to treat any other Ebola- stricken patients. For NPR News, I'm Jay Bores in Atlanta.

 

    A federal judge in Florida has struck down that state's ban on same- sex marriage, declaring it unconstitutional. NPR's Craig Allen says this is the 5th court in that state rule against the voter- approved law. In his decision, US federal judge Robert Hinkle echoed the points made by state judges who previously struck down the ban in 4 Florida counties. Judge Hinkle said the law approved by voters in 2008 violates rights to equal protection and to process guarantee in the US constitution. The case was filed by several same- sex couples, most of whom have already married in other states and want Florida to recognize their unions. Unlike the earlier rulings by state judges, judge Hinkle's order lifts the ban for the entire state. No marriage license has still been issued now, judge Hinkle issued a stay on his order till the appeal's process is complete. Florida's attorney- general has asked a court, but all appeals on hold pending on a ruling on gay marriage by the US Supreme Court. Craig Allen, NPR News, Miami.

 

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    The situation and riots toward Ferguson Missouri remains peaceful tonight. People are out protesting quietly. Governor Jay Nixon has ordered the systematic withdraw of Missouri National Guard troops from the town. And NPR's ** says the heavy machinery is leaving. There's fewer military vehicles. Humvees did begin pulling out around sundown. You can also tell the roads that had been previouly blocked in Ferguson, a lot of the major roads that has started to get barricaded by officers earlier in the evenings. We are not seeing those kinds of barricades any more. There's more traffic flowing freely in the town. Ferguson has seen protesters and violence eluding on some nights since the August night's fatal shooting of an unarmed black teenager via white police officer.

 

    Hoping to lure back frequent business travellers, United Airlines are now offering better food for first- class passengers and replacing snacks with full meals on some of its shorter flights. NPR's Craig Wendolm reports. United says it will be phasing in new meals including untrimmed salads and complementary procycle sparkling wine in its first- class cabins. Travel expert Tom Parsons of Bestfares.com says with domestic first- class air fare sometimes running to 2- 3 thousand dollars, airlines can afford to improve the food. What they are tryingto do is wine and dine those folks who love to pay that kind of money. Parsons says the days of free meals for coach passengers in the US are over, but he doesn't really mind given the food choices at most airports now. Given its choice of wine cheaper and meet by myself a sandwich from a name- brand place I know, I think I'd really do that any day and take the airline choice. Craig Wendolm, NPR News.