Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:

1. OBAMA CONTEMPLATES CONGRESS' ROLE IN SYRIAN CRISIS

The big question facing the president is whether or not to seek lawmakers' approval if the White House decides to strike Islamic State targets in Syria.

2. MOTHER PLEADS FOR RELEASE OF CAPTURED US JOURNALIST

In a video, she appeals to the Islamic State militants to show mercy to 31-year-old Steven Sotloff, who was last seen a year ago in Syria.

3. UKRAINE SEPARATISTS LAUNCH BOLD OFFENSIVE

The attack along a new southeastern front raises the prospect that the rebels are seeking to create a land link between Russia and Crimea.

4. FIREARMS INSTRUCTOR'S DEATH PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON GUN TOURISM

Laws are keeping high-powered weapons out of reach for most people, giving rise to a developing scene of indoor shooting ranges.

5. WHO WILL SPLIT COST OF LOOKING FOR MH370

The Australian and Malaysian governments agree to share the $48 million price tag for the new phase of the search of the missing Malaysia Airlines plane thought to have been lost in the southern Indian Ocean.

6. CANADIANS PROUDLY PROTECTIVE OF TIM HORTONS

The coffee-shop chain, which will be acquired by Burger King, is a national institution tied to Canada's obsession with hockey.

7. HOW SOUTH KOREA IS MOVING AWAY FROM A CONTROVERSIAL TRADITION

Pet-mad younger Koreans are turning their back to eating dogs, long considered a favorite in their country's cuisine.

8. WHY RESEARCHERS ARE TRIPPING SENIORS ON PURPOSE

A scientific experiment wants to help the elderly avoid falling by studying their reactions to a changing walkway's unexpected moves.

9. BACK-TO-SCHOOL BLUES HIT DOGS, TOO

When their young owners return to school, many pets experience separation anxiety, experts say.

10. CASH KEEPS FLOWING FROM ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE

The viral fundraising campaign for Lou Gehrig's Disease is approaching a stunning $100 million. And the money keeps pouring in.