Aaron Sousa

ICYMI: Cameron Whitcomb has seemingly solidified his place in country music as he and his debut album, which explores wrestling out of the throes of addiction, earned top honours at the 2026 Canadian Country Music Association Awards.

The former “American Idol” contestant from Nanaimo, B.C., won best album for his record “The Hard Way” at Saturday’s awards, and snatched best male artist and entertainer of the year.

Meanwhile, hitmaker Josh Ross captured his third consecutive single of the year trophy and top-selling Canadian single for “Hate How You Look,” his track about the pain of seeing an ex-lover move on.

Along with the awards, viewers were treated to a musical tribute to American country icon Dolly Parton, who died Aug. 26 at age 80.

Read more at thecanadianpressnews(dot)ca.

Cameron Whitcomb has climbed the music industry’s ladder of success in just a few short years.

The former oil pipeline worker and “American Idol” contestant from Nanaimo, B.C., took home two trophies from the Canadian Country Music Awards in 2025.

This year, he faces off against hitmakers such as Ontario’s Josh Ross in top categories, including best male artist, album and single.

He says his epiphany to take music seriously came on the side of a B.C. highway after a night of partying in 2022.

Read more at thecanadianpressnews(dot)ca.

ICYMI: The Edmonton Oilers’ decision to sign a former Team Canada junior player acquitted of sexual assault last year has come as a massive body check to one longtime superfan.

Mary Loewen — affectionately known among Oilers fans as “Mama Stanley” for dressing as a sequined Stanley Cup during the playoffs — took to social media to say she’d no longer support the team.

The Oilers, meanwhile, are defending the signing in direct emails to fans who have complained about the decision.

Formenton is one of five players from Canada’s 2018 world junior team who were accused — and later acquitted — of sexual assault.

Read the full story at thecanadianpressnews(dot)ca.
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Still trying to figure out ways to utilize this page more.

But in case you missed it, here’s one for the list of things not on my 2025 Bingo Card:

Franklin the Turtle book publisher condemns 'violent' post by U.S. defense secretary The publisher of the Franklin series of children's books says an online post by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth depicting the titular character as a bazooka-wielding soldier is denigrating and violent.