TOP CLICKS: The week that was in viral stories

Yahoo

08-03-2025

The Toronto Sun takes you straight to the heart of the action.
Whether it's local news, provincial and national politics, or the worlds of celebrity and sports, we have you covered.
Some stories set the world on fire. And these ones are the most popular online stories from the past seven days, clicked on by Sun readers like you.
Here are our top stories:
This week has been a roller-coaster ride for Canadians, after U.S. President Donald Trump unleashed his trade war on Canada, then walked it back soon after.
But before Trump delayed levies to next month, an undeterred Doug Ford not only doubled down on threats to cut electricity exports to New York, Michigan and Minnesota if the tariffs go through, Ontario's Premier also vowed to do it 'with a smile on my face,' Bryan Passifiume reported.
As we all know now (though, who knows, Trump could change his mind like the wind so by publication time, this could be changed), the tariffs are delayed but while the American President blinked, Ford's eyes remained wide open and he is pushing ahead with the retaliatory taxes.
'I (didn't) start this tariff war, but we're going to win this tariff war,' he said.
Canadians are doing their best when it comes to buying local, but some are also cancelling their vacation plans to the U.S. as airlines, with travel companies starting to see bookings plummet amid anger toward Trump combined with the weak loonie.
Jack Boland was at Toronto's Pearson International Airport where he spoke to travellers — and Canadians returning home — as we all deal with the 'unfortunate' reality and new normal (for the time being, at least).
One Barrie resident noted, 'We'll just have to wait and see,' which is pretty much the universal mantra among Canadians right now.
As the relationship between Canada and U.S. sit firmly on the 'tenuous, at best' button, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis thought it would be fun to push Canadians' buttons — by bringing hockey into the mix, Denette Wilford reported.
Not only did he brag about Stanley Cup reigning champions the Florida Panthers, while mocking Canada's NHL teams' lack of playoff wins, he also threw shade at Canadian tourists and snowbirds who choose his state as their destination of choice.
Demi Moore was undoubtedly the favourite to take home the best actress Academy Award for her role as an aging actress who undergoes an experimental treatment to try to recapture her youth in The Substance.
However, as the night led up to the third-last Oscar of the night, people were starting to wonder if an upset was in the works as Anora picked up win after win.
And that's exactly what happened, as Mikey Madison was the surprise winner for her portrayal as a sex worker in Anora, which also won best picture in the end.
While the camera was on all the nominees, all eyes were on Moore, who appeared justifiably disappointed but also kept it classy after the dust settled, Mark Daniell reported.
But what was it she actually said when Madison's name was called? That's what lip readers are for!
Accused killer Luigi Mangione has been celebrated as a heartthrob by many, so reports of more than 20 sex tapes he made to try to kickstart his own 'porno empire' likely had many of his fans even more riled up.
One supposed pal said Mangione, who faces state and federal charges for gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a NYC street, liked to be 'watched' and there are 'at least 20 videos of him having sex,' according to Brad Hunter.
But the 26-year-old's co-stars are apparently too scared to come forward and don't want to be 'dragged into his case somehow.'
The Ivy League-educated rich kid, who had no criminal history until his arrest for the alleged assassination, will next appear in court on March 19 for the federal charges against him.