1. 9-11 commemoration: Today marks 13 years since the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks in the United States. The sombre anniversary is being marked with ceremonies at Ground Zero, in New York City and elsewhere across the U.S. Canada's Defence Minister Rob Nicholson will be part of NORAD's commemoration at the Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station in Colorado Springs.
2. Tax relief for small businesses: Federal Finance Minister Joe Oliver is set to announce a small business tax credit Thursday. The credit will save business owners about half a billion dollars over the next two years by offsetting employment insurance premiums. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business estimates the measure will create 25,000 new jobs over the next two years.
3. 'Steady, relentless effort': In his prime-time speech Wednesday night, U.S. President Barack Obama authorized airstrikes inside Syria to combat Islamic State extremists. Obama also pledged almost 500 more U.S. troops to Iraq, but said the effort "will not involve American combat troops fighting on foreign soil."
4. Rob Ford hospitalized: Toronto's mayor is in hospital, diagnosed with a tumour in his abdomen. Doctor Rueben Devlin said Rob Ford underwent a CT scan after at least three months of stomach pain that had become "unbearable" that morning. The scan was able to identify a tumour, but a biopsy will determine his definitively prognosis.
5. Hadfield in China: Chris Hadfield hopes a major space convention being held in China for the first time is a gateway to international co-operation beyond Earth's atmosphere. Hadfield is one of 100 attendees from around the world at the International Planetary Congress in Beijing.
