By Karen Johnson

    Here are a few of the stories we’re reading early Wednesday.

    Authorities investigating the Boston Marathon blasts that killed three and injured more than 175 have begun piecing together clues.

    The Bank of Canada is widely expected to hold its key interest rate steady at 1% once again on Wednesday. What’s less clear is whether Canada’s central bank will stop warning altogether about future rate hikes.

    SNC-Lavalin , seeking to protect its reputation, sent an open letter to Algerian media, saying that it is cooperating with authorities in several countries that have opened investigations into its business.

    London paused Wednesday for the funeral for former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, an elaborate ceremony at St. Paul’s Cathedral attended by Queen Elizabeth II and a who’s who of British public officials, past and present.

    The governments of the five countries with Arctic coastline are working to forge an agreement to regulate commercial fishing near the North Pole.

    Rita MacNeil, Cape Breton’s beloved, iconic singer-songwriter, died late Tuesday after complications from stomach surgery. She was 68.