Start your day off right with five things you need to know this morning.

Five things you need to know

1. Former NBC employee alleges she was raped by Matt Lauer

A former employee of NBC News has released a book that claims Matt Lauer sexually assaulted her. Lauer, of course, was fired after similar allegations against him surfaced in 2017. Lauer’s representatives could not be reached for comment regarding this story, but NBC reiterated what was said when he was fired, calling his conduct “appalling, horrific and reprehensible.”

Ronan Farrow's new book contains disturbing new details about an alleged rape by former "Today" show host Matt Lauer. Reps for Lauer have not yet responded to requests for comment. Here's my report from @NewDay earlier this morning pic.twitter.com/FpZPIbxtQx

— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) October 9, 2019

2. Fatal stabbing of 14-year-old boy in Ontario under investigation

A teenage boy was stabbed to death at school on Monday in Hamilton. Police are investigating the incident, which claimed the life of 14-year-old Devan Selvay. Police have also said that Selvay’s mother was at the school at the time and witnessed the alleged murder of her son right before her eyes.

Today I sat with a grieving family as they remembered their teen son. This Devan Selvey, 14. His mother said he faced constant bullying at school. She says she notified them & police. Monday, he was stabbed to death just outside school. 4 other teens have been arrested. pic.twitter.com/voGXi6KV9x

— Jamie Mauracher (@JamieMauracher) October 9, 2019

3. Canadian rugby player applauded for post-game apology

Josh Larsen has shown the world what Canada is all about at the Rugby World Cup. After being ejected from Canada’s game against South Africa for an illegal tackle, Larsen went to the opponent’s locker room after the game and apologized for the hit, saying “I’m pretty gutted about it.” The gesture was clearly appreciated by the South African team and fans around the globe.

Josh Larsen visited the Boks’ change room after the match to apologise to Thomas du Toit. This is what rugby is all about. Thanks Josh and well done to @RugbyCanada on your RWC campaign, and thank you for a great game of rugby!#StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/y0R2RSbJYC

— Springboks (@Springboks) October 9, 2019

4. Police reel in giant octopus at London climate change protests

A number of policemen in London probably didn’t think they’d be reeling in a giant octopus when they went to work on Wednesday. The large octopus appeared at Wednesday’s protests and it took multiple cops to shepherd it back towards Trafalgar Square. It was the appropriate response for a ‘heavily armed’ suspect.

Police have kettled a giant octopus on Whitehall and are marching it back to Trafalgar Square. pic.twitter.com/FX89oG8y53

— Liam O'Hare (@Liam_O_Hare) October 9, 2019

5. At least 2 people shot near synagogue in Germany on Yom Kippur

Two people are dead after shots rang out near a synagogue in the German city of Halle today. The tragic incident took place during Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. German police say one suspect has been arrested.

Er zou geschoten zijn met een #machinegeweer en er zou een #handgranaat naar de #synagoge zijn gegooid. 'Minstens 2 doden', volgens getuigen...#Halle #Landsberg #Duistland pic.twitter.com/SreLy6ioyY

— Dave Abspoel (@DABNOS) October 9, 2019

Notable Birthdays (via Famous Birthdays)

Bella Hadid (24), David Cameron (54), Sharon Osbourne (68), Guillermo del Toro (56)