Today's the big day when City Manager Joe Pennachetti will release his savings report based on KPMG's core services review. But despite all the hoopla and the Margaret Atwood twitter-versy, some say today's report will be "anticlimactic." That didn't stop community leaders, including those defending libraries and animal welfare, from coming out strong this weekend to champion their causes and protest privatization. After Pennachetti's report is released, the executive committee will meet to examine the proposals on September 19th.

Yesterday, the 9/11 attacks were remembered at Nathan Phillips Square, which included a march-past by Toronto's emergency services, as well as a plaque unveiled by the U.S. consul general, thanking Ontario for our support and calling us "the best neighbours any nation ever had." Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwarth, who was dressed in black, also attended the memorial. Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty and Conservative Leader Tim Hudak were at other 9/11 events on Sunday.

School prayer, an election issue? Well, if some faith groups have their way, it might be. In response to Islamic prayer sessions that take place every Friday in the cafeteria of a Toronto school during which time non-Muslims are forbidden to enter, a protest was held yesterday outside of the Toronto District School Board's office on Yonge Street. Another one is planned for this coming Sunday at Queen's Park. Both Dalton McGuinty and Tim Hudak have said the issue is at the school board's discretion.

Where did the idea to set up a giant Ferris wheel in the Port Lands come from? John Kowal - whoever that is. Apparently the 77-year-old had been pitching this idea for years to no avail until he spoke with the courageous Rob Ford. "Everybody that I spoke with thought it was an excellent idea, but no one had enough guts to go ahead with it, only Rob Ford," said the retired manufacturing engineer. I'm thinking more than a few people would want to replace the word "guts" in that sentence...

IN BRIEF:

• Kiefer Sutherland says he was heartbroken over Layton's death
• Jays beat Orioles
• Why consumer goods cost more here than in the U.S.

Photo by emaninTdot in the blogTO Flickr pool