Independent Toronto news, explainers and analysis across politics, business, technology, world and community
Noah Gagnon 
Few actors move from indie heartbreak to royal palaces as naturally as Josh O’Connor. He’s the English actor who made Prince Charles relatable and then vanished back into arthouse films. If you’ve ever wondered about his partner, his upbringing, or what he’s doing next, this profile separates what’s known from what’s still open. Born: 20 … Read more
For millions of fans, Kristen Stewart is forever linked to the Twilight phenomenon. But the actress herself has spent the last decade proving there’s far more to her story — from an Oscar-nominated performance in Spencer to a public journey of self-discovery that includes her ADHD diagnosis and engagement to screenwriter Dylan Meyer. Born: April … Read more
The news that a nurse was killed by federal agents hits differently. Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, was shot multiple times by immigration agents in January 2026, and the death, ruled a homicide by the medical examiner, has raised urgent questions about use-of-force protocols and the line … Read more
If you’ve ever watched an American Horror Story marathon and wondered how the youngest Farmiga sister landed those chilling roles, you’re not alone. Taissa Farmiga stepped into the horror spotlight at just 16, playing Violet Harmon in the series’ first season, and has since built a career that weaves family ties with genre filmmaking — … Read more
Few NFL players have managed to walk away from the game twice, unretire to chase another ring, and then pivot into TV commercials and podcasting — all while keeping a fan base that loves the party-loving persona. That’s the story of Rob Gronkowski, the tight end who redefined his position over 11 seasons and then … Read more
One moment you’re on top of the goaltending world, the next you’re navigating a trade, a leave of absence, and public speculation about your personal life. That’s the reality Linus Ullmark has faced since the start of the 2024-25 season. Born: July 31, 1993 (Lugnvik, Sweden) · Current Team: Ottawa Senators (NHL) · Vezina Trophy: … Read more
Alison Brie has been a familiar face on screen for over a decade, but beyond the characters she plays, there’s a lot of curiosity about the woman herself. From her mixed heritage to her decision not to have kids, and even a small debate over how tall she really is, she keeps people asking. This … Read more
The son of Oracle’s co-founder just secured an $8 billion media merger with a presidential endorsement that reshaped CBS News’s editorial oversight. David Ellison’s path from film producer to Chairman and CEO of Paramount reveals how family wealth, deal-making, and political alignment converged in 2025. Full Name: David Ferris Ellison · Born: January 9, 1983 … Read more
You’ve probably heard the silky R&B voice behind hits like “Gravity” and “Clouded,” but the man known as Brent Faiyaz has a story tangled with more online speculation than most artists. This guide separates the confirmed facts from the noise, covering his real name, ethnic background, personal life, and the rumors you’ve seen floating around. … Read more
There’s something about a band that’s been around since 1983 that still sells out arenas — and Bon Jovi is gearing up for another massive tour. With a 2026 Forever Tour on the horizon, questions swirl around Jon Bon Jovi’s health, the band’s lineup, and exactly where they’ll play. Studio albums: 16 · Members: 4 … Read more