The news out of Queen's Park yesterday was all about the provincial austerity budget. As was to be expected, there were plenty of losers and not many winners across Ontario, but closer to home the AGO, ROM and Luminato were marked for potential cuts. The latter could have its funding more than halved over the next few years and withdrawn altogether in 2014/2015 in an effort to reduce the $15.3 billion provincial deficit. The AGO, ROM and other arts institutions could also see their funding cut by a few percent. The Tories say they'll reject the budget at the vote — putting the onus on the NDP to help see it through. More budget highlights (if that's the word) at the CBC.

Mayor Rob Ford may have broken council rules (again) when he urged people interested in running against his rival councillors in the next election to contact his office during his weekly radio show. The Members' Code of Conduct (items 6 and 7) explicitly forbids tax dollars being spent on campaign activities. Councillor Josh Matlow, who called out the gaffe, wrote an open letter to the mayor only for BroFo to step in and accuse his peer of sour grapes at losing his radio show (Matlow used to host a show in the Ford's current timeslot). The mayor has since apologized to Matlow over the incident and and released a statement.

23,000 of Toronto's inside workers are voting on a contact offer by the city this morning but, no matter what the outcome, there will be no strike in the immediate future. The results of the vote — which will decide the future of worker's job security and benefits — are expected to be announced tomorrow morning. According to 680 News, the city is confident CUPE Local 79 will accept their offer.

With the Raptors in a skid and the Leafs officially eliminated from playoff contention after losing 3-0 loss at home to Carolina last night, Jake Goldsbie over at the AV Club asks whether Hogtown's sports fans have forgotten - or never learned - how to properly boo. Citing the dislike shown toward former Raptor Tracy McGrady and Ottawa Senator Daniel Alfredsson as examples of wasted emotion, Goldsbie suggests booing Chris Bosh and P. K. Subban instead (although I'm pretty sure P. K. gets it pretty good already). I'm not sure if I follow his logic - no amount of complaining can help now - but see what you think.

And finally, here's 30 second look at the most expensive movie ever made in Toronto. Watch and see if you can spot anything remotely familiar between the quick cuts (I couldn't). No clue yet whether the famous three-breasted woman will reprise her role in the movie. If you've forgotten, we can remember it for you wholesale.

IN OTHER NEWS:

• Toronto man charged with 2nd-degree murder in woman's death [Globe and Mail]
• Clarington to prohibit dumping of landfill from outside the city [Globe and Mail]
• Former Ontario chief justice LeSage to review Regent Park condo deals [Sun]
• Around 40% of people in Toronto walk at least part of their commute [Spacing]
• TTC reviewing "pray for addicts" ad after Twitter complaints [OpenFile]
• Where to Put a Red-Light District in Toronto [Toronto Standard]
• City launches public consultation on navigating Toronto [National Post]

Photo "By a Thread" by B Synowiec in the BlogTO Flickr pool.