TorontoToday launched on Oct. 23rd — but in that short time, our team has made an impact! Here are the top five stories from our reporting team this year.
Drake lookalike competition draws over 200, winner takes home $10K
No, you weren't seeing double — Toronto's Drake impersonators were just that good at imitating their favourite rapper. Reporter Alex Flood was there to cover the city’s first-ever Drake lookalike contest, which brought more than 200 participants and attendees together. In addition to the $10,000 grand prize, the winner received a “Toronto Manz” pack which included a beef patty, a bottle of Hennessey and a pack of Backwoods.
Is this Annex mural AI-generated? Some upset residents think so
Have you seen the new mural on the wall of Blanco Cantina, a new yet-to-be-opened restaurant in the Annex? Reporter Gabe Oatley spoke to local muralist Sarah Blostein, who discovered evidence that the mural could have been developed using artificial intelligence (AI). The new art is printed on a vinyl wrap that has been glued to the side of the building, and Blostein said there are several details that strongly suggest the new art was not developed by a graphic designer.
The DoorDash grocery store where the public isn’t allowed inside
A grocery store located in the high traffic King Street area contains shelves upon shelves of food — like any normal supermarket — but the public isn't allowed inside. Reporter Kathryn Mannie investigated and found that the store was exclusively for DoorDash users, and the only way to buy groceries is through the food delivery app. Mannie spoke to local residents who are concerned about the cost of food, and lack of grocery options in the area.
Who’s behind these anti-bike lane ads in Toronto?
You may have seen the online ads from A Better City - Toronto, or ABC Toronto, that feature a stock image of a traffic jam and implore internet users to “Sign the petition to get rid of bike lanes on Yonge, University and Bloor West.” The Trillium reporter Jack Hauen investigated the advocacy group behind those ads — and its politically-connected founder who says they're just getting started.
Did Urban Outfitters rip off this Toronto small business owner’s design?
Months after a wholesale purchase deal of her popular orange bag charms fell through, local business owner Dina Baxevanakis was shocked to find Urban Outfitters listed a product for sale that bore a striking resemblance to her design. Reporter Kathryn Mannie dug into the suspected scam, finding that this is not the first time Urban Outfitters has faced backlash for allegedly ripping off an artists’ designs.
