As the snowy, sleety weather returns, we predict that this seasonal temperature dip will provide plenty of fodder for city-wide smalltalk today (well, that, and perhaps some south of the border news). To help ensure you've got something new to add to the conversation, here's some local news: The cost of the Bloor Street re-design just keeps ticking up, the cost of the Pan Am Games mascots' design are a mystery, Ontario stepping up oversight of drugs purchased by hospitals, and a few road closures.

By Jess Davidson • Illustration by Brett LambApr. 20th, 10:00 am

Well, it's not a long weekend, but it is Saturday, so we guess that's pretty cool. In the news: Mayor Ford's approval rating goes up, Torontonians are not on board with Metrolinx's proposed revenue tools, arts and culture funding gets a boost from an unlikely source, coffee king Sam James charged with assault, and a reminder about a transit interruption this weekend.

By Jess Davidson • Illustration by Brett LambApr. 6th, 10:00 am

It's the first weekend of spring! Why not go birdwatching, flower picking, or hiking. Let us know how it turns out. Meanwhile, the news: Mayor Rob Ford's pro-casino speech last week was just a warm-up, expect more to come; a bit slow on the uptake, but the mayor has responded with his ideas about how to spend the federally funded infrastructure money; the City of Vaughan makes the list of potential casino sites; another movie theatre closes; and a reminder about the University subway line.

By Jess Davidson • Illustration by Brett LambMar. 23rd, 10:00 am

Enjoy some Daylight Savings Time–free living while you can, it's all over for us tomorrow. Meanwhile, the news! The Thomson-Ford saga continues; a highly-anticipated report weighing the options of potential casino locations is delayed (but MGM's advertising is not); a lengthy power outage drags on in the east end; and news about Sunday's subway service.

By Jess Davidson • Illustration by Brett LambMar. 9th, 10:00 am

You know winter's dragged on long enough when the sky and the ground blend into one dull shade of white. If all this cold dreariness is getting you down, why not try some news? Today: more resistance to the casino plan; extracurricular activities make a comeback; Paul Magder may be on the hook for Mayor Ford's legal fees; MP Chow pushes the feds to fund transit; the City may soon supply only fair-trade coffee, tea, and sugar; and a human rights case has been resolved.

By Jess Davidson • Illustration by Brett LambFeb. 23rd, 10:00 am

Yes, it really is winter in Toronto. Did you think we were going to write about anything else? Well, fine, we are, but we're starting with snow. Also: Less snow (as of Monday); a rough week for the AGO; and a rougher week for the Ontario Liberals.

By Jess Davidson • Illustration by Brett LambFeb. 9th, 10:00 am

Just another cold Saturday in a city where very little has changed. Today: Mayor Rob Ford keeps his job; Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti wants back on the executive council; the Presto card machines can't hack the cold; and Ontario's Liberals set to elect a new leader.

By Jess Davidson • Illustration by Brett LambJan. 26th, 10:00 am

Pack away that parka for another day and get your spring-like Saturday on. Today: News for hockey fans, weird weather, feet dragging on the casino vote, firefighter protests, fake news goes viral in South Korea, and a new loyalty reward program is in the works.

By Jess Davidson • Illustration by Brett LambJan. 12th, 10:00 am

Saturday, typically the golden child of the week, is almost an afterthought this time of year, and Monday is gloating pretty hard right now. Today: the mayor's annual levee invite is not extended to the media; a conference call is scheduled for the NHL and its player's union; fake tickets; missing information; and (gasp!) snow... in Toronto.

By Jess Davidson • Illustration by Brett LambDec. 29th, 10:00 am

The countdown is on. Monday is just two days away! Today: Mayor Ford's much anticipated election finances to be released next month; the mayor's New Year's levee may hit the road; Empress Hotel arsonist sentenced; teachers to strike on Tuesday; and affordable housing in a luxury building.

By Jess Davidson • Illustration by Brett LambDec. 15th, 10:00 am

There are still 20 more days until winter is here, so just consider these next few weeks practice. In the news: the (potential) mayoral race heats up; city council budgets get a bump; TTC transcripts shed a little more light on that fateful day when buses were sent to "rescue" the Don Bosco Eagles; bad news for sharks and their fins, and for west-end commuters (though the news is not as bad for them, they get to keep all their extremities. Well, unless they get severe frostbite, but we're not going to speculate).

By Jess Davidson • Illustration by Brett LambDec. 1st, 10:00 am

You've waited for it all week, and now here it is: Saturday! The most glorious day of all. Today: The mayor (once again) blurs the line between his political and personal life; Deputy Mayor Holyday comments on what will happen should Mayor Ford lose his job Monday; Gregory Alan Elliott is out on bail (though don't expect to see him back on Twitter anytime soon); fears of radioactive dust; and that other falling stuff: snow.

By Jess Davidson • Illustration by Brett LambNov. 24th, 10:00 am