Photo: "Wet is all in Your Head" by sniderscion, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What's happening in the GTA (and sometimes beyond):

It's day 36 of the Toronto city union strike that's made a mess of our fine city and created all kind of tension and frustration amongst residents and workers. Talk deadlines have passed, been extended, and those have been passed, and extended again. Looks like CUPE local 416 and the City have been hammering something out in marathon talks all night. We're still awaiting word, and a press conference is expected to happen at any time now. Either the strike is over due to a tentative agreement, or we're going to see a very tired union head deliver bad news that they got close but didn't get there... and are heading out to picket.

Product shortages (some due to errors, but many attributable to theft) at the province's LCBO liquor stores were up sharply in the 2008-2009 fiscal year. The recession is once again being blamed for bad behaviour and fiscal loses.

It looks like photo footage of an earthquake in Japan, but it's not. Wet weather and a leaky storm drain have resulted in a massive sinkhole on Finch near Dufferin. It's big enough to swallow quite a few cars, and will likely be a significant repair job (i.e. avoid driving in the area today, if you can). Steeles and Sheppard may be alternatives.

The VIA Rail strike is over after workers walked out for just two days. The union representing engineers and VIA management have agreed in principle to send things into binding arbitration and come up with a new contract, and trains are once again moving across the country today.

And a brazen robbery and point-blank shooting near The Brunswick House (aka "The Brunny") in the Annex was caught on video, and police are optimistic that they'll find the suspects. Imagine going out for a smoke only to end up with a bullet in your belly, even after you readily hand over your jewelry.

And for those of you who were out and about and offline all weekend, here's a quick recap of what blogTO was up to:

• Christopher took part in a spiritual native ritual at Dodem Kanonhsa' - a lodge here in the city that was established by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.
• Briony shared her experiences meeting world-famous fashion photographer and blogger "The Sartorialist" (aka Scott Schuman) at Holt Renfrew earlier this week.
• Emily and Alyssa checked out She Takes The Cake (a bakery on Dundas West) and indulged in some mind-blowingly good dulce de leache cheesecake.
• Crystal caught up with and picked the brain of Toronto hip-hop artist Mindbender.
• Chandra filled us in on the various upcoming (mostly free!) outdoor summer film screenings in the city.
• Derek took a tour of the Olga Kopler Gallery in Roncesvalles, which specializes in contemporary art in all major media.
• Debbie participated in the global day of action in solidarity with protesters in Iran at Queen's Park.
• And in live music, Roger reviewed the big Depeche Mode show, while Nathan saw The Walkmen at Lee's Palace.