Today in TO: Toronto's News Podcast

On this episode of Today in TO it's all about the comedy. Host Dani Stover is joined by a rising voice in comedy and a Toronto native, Hassan Phills. They get into what the Toronto comedy scene is like, how he's able to bring his unique background into his material and how it feels to sell out one of Toronto's historic theatres for his new show, Eidiot Mubarak And for the final act, content producer Glenn Bragonier takes you on a tour of the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre Centre, and why it's one of the last of its kind in the world.

Toronto is not only considered a "global" city, but a magnet that draws in and retains people looking for a desirable to work and live. On this episode of Today in TO host Dani Stover breaks down the 4 different types of global cities, how Toronto fell into the magnet category, and if we will continue to attract and retain talent...or do the other things magnets can do...repel. And content producer Glenn Bragonier helps to explain what a sister city is, and who Toronto has paired up with.

On this episode of Today in TO host Dani Stover turns her eagle eye at Toronto's most recent...and elusive residents. A pair of bald eagles are nesting on the shores of Lake Ontario along the city's waterfront for the first time in recorded history! Dani explains why this is such a big deal and positive sign, and why the city is keeping the nest's location a secret. And content producer Glenn Bragonier reveals one of the many ecological secrets Toronto has to offer, Tommy Thompson Park.

On this episode of Today in TO host Dani Stover wastes no time and dives right into it...should we be paying more money at restaurants to offset carbon emissions? Well, that's what one popular pizzeria has decided to do...and it has people pretty divided if it's a good idea...or even the right approach to addressing this issue. And speaking of pizza in Toronto, Content Producer Glenn Bragonier will take you foodies and za lovers down memory lane to Vesuvios...one of the first pizzeria's to open up in Toronto.

On this episode of Today in TO Dani Stover dives into a recent PSA released by the Toronto Police Service warning citizens to not just film crimes and post them online but Dani questions if this is advice we really should follow. We've all heard of surge prices for Ubers and rideshares...but what about surge prices for fast food? Well, one major fast-food chain has decided that they will explore raising food prices during busy hours....but how could that effect customers...or business. Well, Dani had the same question and she'll dive right into it for the good and the bad? And speaking of burgers...Content Producer Glenn Bragonier will bring you back to one of Ontario's most famous fast-food chains...and he might even sing it to you too!

Today in TO presents... Bad Parents! Who is “Professor Booty Smack? And how do you say no to a pet?! Being a parent never gets easier, but at least we have each other! If you can't get enough of us, we also have a morning show you can check out on Q107 from 05:30am-10am Mon-Fri. We love hearing from you! Contact: badparents@curiouscast.ca for any funny stories to share, ideas of what topics you want to hear from us, and anything that involves parenting. You can find the podcast here: https://link.chtbl.com/badparents

On this episode of Today in TO host Dani Stover takes a look at Toronto's skyline, starting off with the new TD Tower that has become the centre of much debate...is it beautiful, or does it look like Gumby's head? Next, she takes a look at the crown jewel of Toronto, the CN Tower. It began construction 51 years ago, and continues to stand as a strong and proud beacon of Canadian identity. And finally, content producer Glenn Bragonier fills you in on how Toronto's founder may also be the first person in North America to celebrate Valentine's Day...with a spy!

It's a new month, but housing is still a problem in Toronto. Host Dani Stover takes you back on the early plans the province had to build homes, how it evolved into the now infamous greenbelt scandal, and why the GTA has plenty of available land without encroaching on protected green space. Next, we now know how many FIFA matches will be held in Canada, and it's way less than our southern neighbours. But Dani asks the important question...do we really want more? And finally, content producer Glenn Bragonier brings you back to the creation of the BMO Field, and what it will become when the FIFA World Cup games are being played.

On this episode of Today in TO, host Dani Stover turns her focus on Ashley Jansen. Dani breaks down how this former educational assistant was falsely accused of sexually assaulting a student, was recently acquitted, and still has her life ruined for not committing a crime. After that, content producer Glenn Bragonier will fill you on in who John Joseph Kelso is, and how he helped to create the Children's Aid Society of Toronto over 100 years ago.

The city of Toronto has finally laid out its budget, and the Toronto Police Service is getting less than it asked for. Host Dani Stover breaks down what's changed this year, why the Chief is saying this will only make crime worse...and if that's actually true. Next, there's a new drinking trend taking place...but it's not what you drink but what you drink it out of. Dani explores why the Stanley Cup has become an international sensation now, even though it has been around for over 100 years. And to close it off, content producer Glenn Bragonier looks back into the history of the Toronto Police Service, and how the oldest metropolitan police force in North America came to be.

On this episode of Today in TO, host Dani Stover speaks with three of Toronto's top drag superstars, including two queens who were on the most recent season 4 of Canada's Drag Race. So fair warning, there are spoilers ahead. Dani and the Queen's talk about what its like to be on tour, how to put on an epic show, and the pressure of competing on the national stage. You'll also find out where they are eating, shopping, and dancing when they're in Toronto. Afterwards, content producer Glenn Bragonier will fill you in on who Andrew Carnegie is, how he's tied to the city of Toronto and where you can find Toronto Public Library's oldest building. For tickets to Solid Gold with Tynomi Banks, click here.

On this episode of Today in T.O. host Dani Stover tells a story about a chance run-in with someone you might consider a Toronto celebrity at the mall, while outside people gathered to protest the ongoing violence in Gaza. Next, it's budget time in Toronto, which also includes the Toronto Police operating budget. Dani dives into why the TPS is requesting tens of millions of dollars more, how this could end up raising municipal taxes and if this is the best way to spend taxpayer money. Finally, content producer Glenn Bragonier explores the relics and ruins of Toronto in the Guild Park and Gardens, where you can see everything from old signs and entrances...to a full outdoor Greek theatre.

If there’s money to be made, chances are organized crime will want a piece of it…call it the mob, the mafia, the costa nostra, or “this thing of ours,” these groups, these families are close to the action in some way… Construction, drugs, alcohol, prostitution, protection rackets, gambling, loan sharking, tax fraud, stock manipulation, corruption of public officials, porn—you name it and there’s a boss and a family that’s looking for a taste if not for outright control… One thing that I didn’t include on that list is the entertainment industry…I mean, just look at the stories involving Vegas and Atlantic City…stories about movies and studios…and mobsters who are fans of the music industry… The mob has been involved in music almost since the beginning…as soon crime families began to evolve, consolidate, and exercise power in the late 1800s, hooks were put into performers, composers, venues, and later, record labels… Money came from shakedowns, skims, theft of copyright, counterfeiting, and fraudulent bookkeeping…businesses, careers, and lives were ruined…people got hurt…and some people died… Show contact info: X (formerly Twitter): @AlanCross Website: ajournalofmusicalthings.com Email: Alan@alancross.ca

It’s 1986 and Michael Morrison is offered the opportunity of a lifetime. A chance to leave his life of poverty in Newark and start afresh. It’s a job offer he can’t afford to refuse. Michael has no idea what this new job has in store. But he soon realizes: he’s just joined ‘the biggest gang in America’. Join Seren Jones to hear Michael’s story and find out what it means to be both Black and Blue. Contact: Email: blackandblue@curiouscast.ca Facebook: @BlanchardHouseStories Instagram: @BlanchardHouseStories X (formerly Twitter): @BlanchardTweets Blanchard House website: blanchard-house.com

On June 15, 2011, riots broke out in Vancouver following Game 7 of the NHL Stanley Cup final downtown after The Canucks were defeated by the Boston Bruins in a stunning 4-0 win. A report found that total damage caused by the riot was just over $3.7 million. There were 112 businesses and 122 vehicles damaged, and 52 assaults were reported against civilians, police and emergency personnel. On this episode of What happened to…? Erica Vella speaks with those who were in the ground experienced the riot first hand and learns more about the push for change and accountability following the riots. Find out more at https://globalnews.ca/news/9899622/what-happened-to-2011-vancouver-riots/

On this episode of Today in TO, host Dani Stover starts off on a sensitive subject, the trial of Kenneth Law. Dani speaks with Matt Carty, a reporter with Global News about Law being charged with not only selling poison, but the murders of multiple people throughout the province...and potentially the world. And how would you feel going to the Rob Ford Stadium? Well, there is a possibility that it could become a real place soon, but not everyone is on board with it. Dani dives into the very public and controversial history of the late mayor, and if he is really the best person to rename the stadium after. Speaking of Rob Ford...do you remember one of his most controversial press conferences? Well, content producer Glenn Bragonier does, and he'll take you through what happened and why it was said...on live TV.

It's a new episode of Today in TO, and host Dani Stover doesn't waste any time hopping right to it. The Toronto Kangaroo that is. Or to be more exact and less punny, the female kangaroo that was hopping our Durham Region. First, Dani jumps right into the obvious topic, exploring why its escape and roaming around captured the attention and interest of so many people. Next, instead of talking about how funny this is, and why it quickly became a viral sensation. Dani explores how the tallest marsupial native to Australia found its way to Canada, what role roadside zoos have to play in all of this, and if we need to change the laws to better protect these creatures. And finally, it's just shy of 11 years since Toronto's Ikea monkey took the world by storm and broke the internet, and Content Producer Glenn Bragonier fills you in on what happened, and where stylish little Darwin is living now.

It's a new episode of Today in TO and the city finally got rid of the highways...but in a good way. Host Dani Stover tells you about the new deal Premier Ford and Mayor Chow worked out that will save Toronto billions of dollars, and why it still may have come at too high of a price. And how do you sell a house that has ghosts, spirits and other spectres? Dani answers this age-old question by letting you know about Toronto's only psychic real estate agent, and why he specializes in selling houses with ghostly squatters. Finally, content producer Glenn Bragonier reveals how one property owner doing some minor home renovations discovered they actually might live in a house older than the city itself!

When over $20 million in gold and cash goes missing, who's responsible? On this episode of Today In TO host Dani Stover takes on this issue and talks about why Air Canada says it's not them, and why Brinks says it is. But while the city is losing its gold, it's holding onto its brass. Dani Stover talks about why the Brass Rail Tavern, one of the few remaining strip clubs in Toronto might be granted heritage status...and shares a personal story from another similar establishment. Finally, content producer Glenn Bragonier looks back on the short time when 4-blocks of Yonge Street were known as the "Sin Strip" of the city.

Big changes are coming for people in Ontario, and Today in T.O. will help you keep track of it all. Bad Boy, a staple in the GTA, is filing for bankruptcy! But what does this mean for consumers who have placed orders? And then, sources say that the provincial government is planning to get rid of The Beer Store! If that happens, where will you be able to purchase your favourite brews? Host Dani Stover pushes through the noise and helps to make sense of all the changes...and what it will mean for you. Speaking of The Beer Store, content producer Glenn Bragoiner takes you through its 96-year history, including what it was originally called...and who owns it.