Buyer's remorse for the Canadian dream

Plus, why Conservatives are puckering up for pickup trucks, a Canadian's pursuit of "American Idol" glory and Toronto's best beer. [The Star] First Up [By Andrew Joe Potter] By Andrew Joe Potter Good morning. Hopefully your April has gone better than Doug Ford's campaign manager, who is OK after misreading a traffic light and [wrecking his vintage Ferrari]( near Parliament Hill. In fairness, it's not the worst case of ignoring oncoming trucks around Ottawa this year. Here’s the latest. MUST READS Immigration [Is Canada selling a dream that no longer exists?]( Immigrating to Canada isn't quite as enticing as it once was. Recently surveyed newcomers revealed that one in five planned to leave the country within two years because of the increasingly high cost of living. As Stephen Punwasi writes, the notion that immigration will drive Canada's growth is based on a country that no longer exists. Here's how a national addiction to cheap and superficial growth [hampered the once-powerful Canadian dream](. Justin Tang POLITICS [Why Conservatives are steering into the powerful symbolism of the pickup truck]( The pickup truck has become a symbol of rural life, rugged masculinity, and gritty and honest work, writes longtime friend of First Up Lex Harvey. With Conservatives seeking to paint their competitors as out-of-touch, public-transit-taking urbanites, [it's little wonder candidates like Pierre Poilievre have found unlikely running mates in pickup trucks](. ABC / Eric McCandless TALENT SHOW ["American Idol" glory for a Canadian?]( Toronto's Nicolina Bozzo has wowed judges and audiences alike on "American Idol." Now, the 18-year-old has made it to the final 14, and with no signs of slowing down, Idol producers might have to crown a Canadian winner for the first time. From her hotel room in Los Angeles, Bozzo tells Murtz Jaffer about [dealing with the pressures of pursuing Idol glory](. Via Facebook UKRAINE [Ukraine’s desperate search to find those who disappeared]( The stories are as numerous as they are varied. Some went to get supplies, never to return. Others were removed from evacuating convoys by Russian soldiers and haven't been heard from since. No matter the cause, countless of the estimated 12 million displaced Ukrainians have vanished. Friend of First Up Allan Woods documents [the heartbreak and horror of those trying to locate their loved ones]( within the fog of war. Toronto Star SPORTS [The Raptors finally clawed back against Philly]( They'll need another three straight wins to advance to the second round of the postseason but the Toronto Raptors are officially on the board after downing the visiting Philadelphia 76ers 110-102 on Saturday. The major catalyst in the win? [Pascal Siakam, who showed ample resilience after struggling earlier in the series]( Doug Smith writes.  UP CLOSE Toronto Star After retiring from a career in carpentry, Andrew Smith needed a hobby suitable for his tiny basement workshop. Recreating the facades of Toronto's famous former music venues, like The Silver Dollar Room and the Matador Ballroom, in miniature became the perfect outlet. [For a look at Smith's gorgeous works and more]( here's Briony Smith. DRINK THIS Devon Gleed Launching their new clubhouse next month, Erica Campbell and Jaime Dobbs of the Society of Beer Drinking Ladies are ready to get their pours on. Unlike their club, however, you don't need to be a woman, non-binary or gender-non-conforming to enjoy all of the great suds Toronto has to offer. The duo breaks down [the city’s five best locally brewed beers]( from familiar staples to fresh favourites. Thanks for reading. First Up is written every weekend from the truck bed of a rusted-out El Camino. You can reach our team at [firstup@thestar.ca](mailto:firstup@thestar.ca?source=newsletter&utm_source=ts_nl&utm_medium=emailutm_email=6C53B63A8E3FAD70AD4EF13004527437&utm_campaign=frst_119866), and Manuela will see you back here Monday. [The Star]( If you're not enjoying these emails, please tell us how we can make them better by emailing newsletterfeedback@thestar.ca. Or, if you'd prefer, you can unsubscribe from this newsletter by clicking the first link below. [Unsubscribe From This Newsletter]( [Sign Up for More Newsletters and Email Alerts]( [Become a Star Subscriber]( [View in Browser]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Twitter]( Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. One Yonge Street, 4th Floor, Toronto, ON M5E 1E6. 416-367-2000 [PRIVACY POLICY](