Brandon Lake surprises American Idol contestants after moving duet of 'Gratitude'

Brandon Lake made a special appearance during a recent episode of American Idol. 

Two contestants, Rylie and Breanna, sang a duet version of Lake's single "Gratitude."

Jelly Roll, the artist in residence for this season of American Idol, interrupted the judges to make a video call to Lake. 

American Idol judges moved by 17-Year-old’s soulful gospel song

A 17-year-old singer who recently auditioned on American Idol is using the platform to put God front and centre. 

Canaan James Hill, a content creator who graduated early from high school, says he is currently in preaching.

"I want to go forth with my gift and do what God has called and chosen me to do," said Hill

For his audition, he sang Earnest Pugh's "I Need Your Glory."

Alberta shifting health-care grants to 'activity-based,' competitive surgical funding

Alberta is fundamentally changing how it funds hospital surgeries, but critics say the change won't improve the public system and will only accelerate more care in the privatized system.

Premier Danielle Smith announced Monday a new "activity-based" model is on the way, to be implemented for some surgeries in 2026. The model ties public funding to the number and type of procedures performed.

Smith said the program will drive costs down by fostering competition among public providers and those who perform publicly funded procedures in private clinics.

Alberta builds groundwork for optional provincial police agency for municipalities

Alberta’s government is taking another step toward giving municipalities the option of ditching the RCMP in favour of a new provincial police service.

Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis says an independent Alberta service could step in to help address concerns he's heard about the Mounties' staffing shortages and rising costs.

If passed, a proposed bill would mean a new agency must operate under a Crown corporation that would be at arm's length from the government.

Ottawa police name suspect in Parliament Hill lockdown incident

Ottawa police have released the name of the person they say was behind a massive security incident on Parliament Hill over the weekend.

Police say Tyler Hall-Worthington, a 31-year-old Ottawa man, has been charged in connection with the lockdown Saturday afternoon at East Block, a building in the parliamentary precinct that mainly houses offices for senators and their staff.

An Ottawa police spokesperson told The Canadian Press that the suspect was still in custody as of Monday morning.

Carney, Poilievre talk seniors, national parks, resource project approvals in B.C.

The Liberal and Conservative leaders both started the third week of the federal election campaign in British Columbia — a battleground province with 43 seats up for grabs when Canadians go to the polls.

The Liberals pledged environmental conservation measures and support for seniors, while the Tories offered more efficient approvals for resource projects.

Verse of the day: April 8

Romans 5:10

"For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!"

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Our ultimate hooray, part one

Read Revelation 21:4; 22:3, 5

What gives a widow courage as she stands beside a fresh grave?

What is the ultimate hope of the disabled, the amputee, the abused, the burn victim?

How can the parents of children who have brain damage or physical handicaps keep from living their entire lives totally and completely depressed?

Why would anyone who is blind or deaf or paralyzed be encouraged when he or she thinks of the life beyond?

How can we see past the martyrdom of some helpless hostage or devoted missionary?

Duck Dynasty star gives health update on Phil Robertson: 'Not good'

The health of a former reality TV star continues to "not be good."

In December 2024, Jase Robertson shared that his father, Phil Robertson from Duck Dynasty, was facing health problems. 

Jase recently shared in Unashamed With the Robertson Family that the approach for his father's condition is to "make him as comfortable as possible." 

Ben Fuller teams up with Carrie Underwood for powerful new faith-filled single

Ben Fuller has teamed up with a powerhouse singer in his latest collaboration.

The popular has partnered up with Carrie Underwood to release a new single, "If It Was Up To Me."

"If it was up to me, I’d miss blessing after blessing, I’d never know how good God is, and I’d never experience true freedom," said Fuller in a post on social media. "I’m so grateful @carrieunderwood would lend her voice to this song."