The bed bug problem in the city continues to worsen as hospitals, libraries, retail stores and upscale apartments are now also home to these unpleasant little things. But aside from the work of private exterminators, the city has yet to face the problem in any meaningful way. In fact, landlords aren't even required to disclose such critical information to prospective tenants. New York City -- also home to an increasing bed bug population -- has begun to fight the problem more aggressively with the creation of a health department task force and by requiring landlords to provide tenants with information on infested units. The question is, will Toronto follow suit?

John Lornic takes an in depth look at the Eglinton LRT in today's Globe and succeeds in demonstrating just how massive the project will be. One thing I don't understand, however, is the article's subtitle (written by a copy editor, no doubt): "The 10-kilometre route will transform the city and, in the process, demolish it." Not to be a stickler, but the scope of this statement just doesn't make sense.

A bizarre story has developed surrounding the competition between two cash-for-gold jewellery buyers in the Bathurst and Glencairn area. 71-year-old Maria Konstan, an employee at Harold the Jewellery Buyer, has been charged in an alleged plot to murder Jack Berkovits, owner of Omni Jewellery. Sure the price of gold has sky-rocketed, but murder-for-hire -- that's taking it just a little too far, isn't it?

Cody LeCompte is home after a three and a half month forced stay in Cuba following a traffic accident in which a local women was hurt. The Sun article on his return is a touch self-congratulatory, but they should be credited for covering the shit out of the story, which along with other media attention may have applied the requisite pressure for the Canadian government to intervene on the young man's behalf.

In Brief:

The Gardiner is closed for construction this weekend, so prepare for delays on Lake Shore and vicinity.

In about a month's time, the city's first green hostel will open in Kensington Market. The building will feature solar energy sources and geothermal environmental control.

Will Yorkville maintain its swank reputation once TIFF moves to King West? Various urban experts weigh in on what can be done to (re)vitalize the neighbourhood.

Ashley Anne Kirilow, the Burlington woman who faked cancer, has turned herself into police. Apparently she blames a miserable childhood for her actions. Weak.

Photo by Marty Pinker in the blogTO Flickr pool.