Our top stories

“MY FAITH IN THE US HAS BEEN SHAKEN TO THE CORE”

Donald Trump’s administration is hurtling toward fascism—complete with annexation threats, a salvo of tariffs and what certainly seemed like a Nazi salute from Elon Musk, Trump’s right-hand man and chief government-service gutter. Last weekend, Canadians and Americans in Toronto came together outside the US Consulate to join a global demonstration against Trump and Musk. Hands Off protesters told us why they’re taking to the streets, how they’re sticking it to Trump and what they’d like to say to our neighbours down south.

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SUNKEN TREASURES

In 2020, Nicolas Burbano Díaz and David DesLauriers bought a semi in Summerhill. Two years later, they knocked it down and embarked on a rebuild, which included a tricked-out new basement. “With small city lots, you have to maximize every inch,” says Nicolas. The new lower level is warm, minimalist and multifunctional.

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DANCING QUEENS

Crews and Tangos has been enforcing the rules of the Village for more than 30 years: wear what you want, kiss who you want, but don’t forget to tip the drag queens. We asked patrons, staff and performers to share their wildest memories of the storied drag bar. “It’s where I saw my first drag show and had my first kiss,” says Brooke Lynn Hytes, host of Canada’s Drag Race.

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What to see, do, hear and read this month

A T HRILLER ABOUT LIES, SECRETS AND SISTERHOOD

Julie Chan Is Dead is the debut novel from 24-year-old University of Toronto criminology grad and former skin care influencer Liann Zhang. It follows estranged twins, one down on her luck and the other living a picture-perfect existence as an influencer. When the latter dies suddenly and inexplicably, an identity swap ensues. The book dives into the darkness at the core of influencer culture—and the risk that the surviving twin might share her sister’s fate. April 29

TL Insider presents

TORONTO LIFE BEST RESTAURANTS 2025

Toronto Life’s iconic Best Restaurants event, presented by Uber Eats, is back on May 12 at the Evergreen Brick Works. Save the date and prepare your appetite for an immersive culinary experience featuring the talented chefs and restaurants that make up the June Where to Eat Now issue, celebrating the very best places to eat in Toronto. Get your tickets here.