5 Things to Know This Morning

5 Things to Know This Morning

ByABC News
August 27, 2013, 12:18 AM
Syrians inspect the rubble of damaged buildings due to heavy shelling by Syrian government forces in Aleppo, Syria, Aug. 26, 2013, in this citizen journalism image, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting,
Syrians inspect the rubble of damaged buildings due to heavy shelling by Syrian government forces in Aleppo, Syria, Aug. 26, 2013, in this citizen journalism image, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting,
AMC/AP Photo

Aug. 27, 2013— -- Your look at the five biggest and most buzz-worthy stories of the morning.

1. Syria Says It Will Defend Itself Against Attack
Syria's foreign minister says his country will defend itself using "all means available" in case of a U.S. strike.

2. Kerry: Syria Chemical Attack 'Undeniable'
Secretary of State John Kerry indicated the Obama administration intends to hold the Syrian regime accountable for a chemical attack that he called "undeniable."

3. Midwest Heat Wave Prompts Early School Dismissals
A late-summer heat wave has hit the Midwest with temperatures rising to the mid-90s and above, forcing schools to close.

4. New Details on Manning's Gender Change
Army Pvt. Chelsea Manning's lawyer said his client, previously known as Bradley Manning, is willing to pay for estrogen treatments while incarcerated.

5. Odom's Agent: Kardashian 'Knows Exactly Where He Is'
Lamar Odom's agent told ESPN that the basketball star has not gone missing and that his wife, "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" star Khloé Kardashian Odom, knows where he is.