Morning Brew: Back to School, Commuter Train Tragedy, Balsillie's Bid Upped, t.o.night Newspaper Launch, Igor Kenk Documentary

Photo: "The Wait is Over" by Tsar Kasim, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

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

For parents it's worth celebrating and for the rest of us it's reason to be extra careful when driving. Today is back to school day, and the little runts are so nervous/excited that they're not really thinking about safety... so try not to run too many of them over.

The morning commute for those who rely on GO Train services from the west end is a serious headache today (and much worse for one family). A pedestrian was struck by a train, and most inbound commuter trains are being held as a result. Shuttle buses have been sent in, but an extension of the long weekend is what I'd be thinking if I were stuck in Oakville right now.

Billionaires get where they are by not taking no for an answer, right?. Balsillie is now offering a staggering $242.5 million (which includes what essentially amounts to a $50-million buy-out of another city's bid) to relocate the Phoenix Coyotes to Hamilton. How much is too much?

Moving into the fiscal fourth quarter, employers may not exactly be hire-happy. Looking for a job later this year (after the usual autumn hiring peak) may be more difficult than usual, due to the weak economy.

This afternoon marks the launch of new Toronto free daily newspaper t.o.night. Watch for old-school paperboys to be handing them out near subway stations in the 3:30pm - 6:30pm window, and be sure to check out the blogTO page!

Mark September 24th down on your TV viewing calendar. The CBC documentary about alleged bike thief and hoarder Igor Kenk will give viewers a look into his life.

And it was a fun-filled long weekend and a gorgeous one at that. Here's what blogTO was up to (in case you were offline and want a quick catching up):

• Dennis expressed excitement for the launch of CP24's new online live GTA traffic page.
• Emily and Alyssa had delicious sandwiches and chatted with the owner of Cream Tangerine Cafe and Gallery at Queen and Dovercourt.
• Rick had a behind-the-scenes look at the 2009 Canadian International Airshow.
• Roger posted some great photos of the TTC's new guided tours, including the mostly vestigial Lower Bay Station.
• Chris visited Toronto psychic Giovanna for a reading, and isn't exactly sure what to think.
• Joe chatted with local band Corduroy, about their upcoming gig at TIFF.
• Connie and Chandra reviewed another bunch of films at this year's TIFF.
• Beverly indulged in a chocolate wonderland at MoRoCo in Yorkville.
• Crystal interviewed former Globe and Mail correspondent, depression-sufferer, and author Jan Wong.
• Jen got both hot and spicy at the Hot & Spicy Food Festival at Harbourfront.
• Derek went gallery hopping and has the skinny on recently opened art shows in the Art Agenda.