Can Danielle Smith conjure a win for the UCP?

Plus, inside the rise of the “stay at home girlfriend” Tik Tok trend [Get This Offer]( [The Star] First Up [By Ashley Okwuosa] By Ashley Okwuosa Good morning. The Star’s city hall bureau will [answer your burning questions about the candidates running in Toronto’s mayoral byelection on Tuesday, May 30 at 1 p.m](. Here’s the latest. MUST READS Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press alberta [Are Alberta voters ready for a redemption story?]( When Danielle Smith, the then-leader of the Wildrose Party, jumped ship to join the governing Progressive Conservatives, it seemed like a betrayal. The defection led to her banishment from politics, but Smith could complete her political comeback this Monday, writes Kieran Leavitt. Albertans are going to the polls for a provincial election as Smith vies with NDP leader Rachel Notley for the premier’s office. But the question hanging over the pivotal election is, [have the United Conservatives done enough to assuage fears about their new leader]( Chris Young/The Canadian Press Race to city hall [Inside the Toronto election campaign: Endorsements, not-endorsements and other things]( With just a month to go before election day, preparation by the city is now in high gear — including the release of a sample ballot for voters to study so they aren’t overwhelmed by the 102 names. From which unions are supporting which candidates to the resurgence of the Island airport debate, [Alyshah Hasham breaks down everything you might have missed on the campaign trail last week](. RE/MAX By the Bay Brokerage #GTAHOMEHUNT [Tired of Toronto-area home prices? This detached Wasaga cottage is listed for $700,000]( This three-bedroom, one-bathroom home is less than a five-minute walk from Allenwood Beach. And while its location may offer a summer full of sought-after cottage experiences, it has several unique qualities that make it more than just a place for a weekend retreat. Realtor Othneil Litchmore tells First Up’s Manuela Vega why this might be attractive to [someone looking for a more affordable alternative to home ownership in the GTA](. Chris Young/The Canadian Press opinion [The Toronto election’s undeniable Doug Ford factor]( The Ontario premier is as much a part of this election as the people on the ballot, writes Shawn Micallef. While most Ontario premiers have taken a relatively hands-off approach to meddling in urban affairs beyond what they fund, Ford has bucked the unwritten practice of leaving cities alone. Instead, he’s taken a peculiarly keen interest in Toronto. [Here’s why voters should consider how each candidate will deal with the Ford factor when voting next month](. Unsplash life [Inside the rise of the “stay at home girlfriend,” which is sparking outrage — and envy]( The “stay at home girlfriend” trend comes as the Lean In, Girlboss, “you can have it all” version of feminism that held sway over the past decade feels increasingly out of fashion, writes Sarah Laing. Young people are “opting out” in the pursuit of comfort and ease. But how sustainable is it? Here’s everything you need to know about [the viral TikTok trend where Gen Z women without kids are opting out of the workforce to cook, clean and post](. UP CLOSE John Rennison/The Hamilton Spectator Not only are Andrew F. Sullivan and Amy Jones novelists, they are the authors of their own love story. Married since 2018, the couple will bring their story full circle by speaking at the Word on the Street Festival this weekend, where they had their first date in 2016. [Janiece Campbell talks to the couple about their marriage, books, and the Word on the Street Festival](. WATCH THIS HBO/TNS Some “Succession” fans have preemptively set aside Monday for crying and grieving after watching the hotly anticipated series finale airing Sunday evening. As the critically acclaimed drama comes to its final end, [here’s how some dedicated fans are planning to watch the whopping 88-minute finale](. Thanks for reading. You can reach the First Up team at [firstup@thestar.ca](mailto:firstup@thestar.ca?source=newsletter&utm_source=ts_nl&utm_medium=emailutm_email=6C53B63A8E3FAD70AD4EF13004527437&utm_campaign=frst_184000), and Kevin will see you back here Monday. Get unlimited access to the Star Limited time sale: Only $1/week for 52 weeks [Get This Offer]( 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]( [View in Browser]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Twitter]( Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. 8 Spadina Avenue, 10th Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 0S8. 416-367-2000 [PRIVACY POLICY](