A U.N. investigation team with blue helmets speak with Free Syrian Army fighters in the Damascus countryside. The New York Times reports the United States could unilaterally strike Syria as soon as Saturday once the U.N. inspectors leave the country. | AP

A woman pulls a flower from a wreath that was laid during a ceremony commemorating the eighth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans. | Gerald Herbert~AP Photo

Fast-food workers in dozens of cities, including Chicago, walked off the job Thursday in protest against low pay and limited prospects. | Nick Ut~AP Photo

The NFL reached a settlement with several thousand players — including former Bears quarterback Jim McMahon — who filed suit, alleging the NFL hid the effects of concussions. | File Photo

It's been a busy summer for adorable babies in Chicago. Lincoln Park Zoo welcomed a black rhino calf on Monday, the first since 1989. | Todd Rosenberg/Lincoln Park Zoo

Six Flags Great America announced Thursday that it will build the tallest, fastest and steepest wooden roller coaster in the world. The Goliath could open in 2014. | Courtesy Six Flags

Chicago Public Schools say opening day attendance is up more than 12,000 kids over last year. 93.5 percent of children enrolled were there - up from 92.3 percent last year. | Michael Jarecki/For Sun-Times Media