TOP CLICKS: The week that was in viral stories

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The Toronto Sun takes you straight to the heart of the action.

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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:

Country star Ingrid Andress strikes out with fans after anthem disaster at Home Run Derby

Our sincerest condolences go out to country singer Ingrid Andress, who absolutely butchered the “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and those with functioning ears who had to hear her rendition prior to the MLB’s Home Run Derby.

While many on the internet who didn’t know who the Grammy-nominated country singer was up until that point, the singer admitted soon after the backlash that she was drunk, revealed that she had checked herself into rehab and apologized to the MLB and its fans.

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Yes, the story just got sadder.

‘For sale’ sign officially affixed to Blue Jays as team poised to ship out players before trade deadline

The Blue Jays may be back playing after the All-Star break, but while the Tigers are in town to distract them, players find themselves walking on eggshells knowing anything can happen before the July 30 trade deadline.

The 2024 season hasn’t been great, to put it mildly, and while there has been the bad luck of injuries, much of the dismal first half can be blamed on underachieving stars and bullpen implosions, Frank Zicarelli writes.

It all comes down to what happens in the next few days, as several pending free agents are poised to be on the move. Yusei Kikuchi, Kevin Kiermaier, Justin Turner, Yimi Garcia are some of the obvious names on the Jays roster being thrown about. But Jordan Romano, Chris Bassitt, Danny Jansen, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Chad Green and yes, even Bo Bichette, could be gone.

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At this point, anything is possible.

Teacher, ex-hockey player mourned after double homicide in Oshawa

A teacher and a former hockey player with the Oshawa Generals were both remembered by their loved ones after a July 13 double murder rocked the city.

Andrieana Montgomery and Patrick Montgomery, both 42, were identified as the victims of a fatal double shooting that happened in separate residences.

A 30-year-old Oshawa man has been charged.

Police are still investigating the motive but confirmed it wasn’t related to domestic violence.

Andrieana worked as an arts and music teacher at Bowmanville High School and was referred to as “an inspiration to the Ukrainian community, her Indigenous community, her school and, most importantly, her beautiful boys.”

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Patrick played three seasons in the OHL, from 1999-2002, played for Brock University, and then senior hockey.

The Generals organization released a statement, expressing their condolences for the former left-winger adding that it was even sadder given the tragic events surrounding their deaths.

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‘I can’t wait to defund the CBC’: Pierre Poilievre doubles down on plan to axe CBC after board approves bonuses

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has made his feelings about the CBC pretty clear, so he was more than happy to renew his pledge to defund Canada’s broadcaster after the board of directors recently approved bonuses for some of its staff.

The move came amid outcry that 1,194 of CBC’s eligible employees would receive bonuses in a year when 141 employees were laid off and 205 vacant positions were eliminated, Mark Daniell reported.

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Poilievre’s words exactly: “I can’t wait to defund the CBC and sell off the headquarters for housing,” which he shared on X along with a link inviting his followers to a petition calling on the Liberals to end subsidies to the state broadcaster.

Last week, the Canadian Press reported that bonuses will be paid despite members of Parliament saying it would be inappropriate to do so after hundreds of jobs were eliminated.

Richard Simmons ‘apparent cause of death’ revealed by Los Angeles Fire Department

The fitness guru was found dead in his Los Angeles home on July 13, just one day after his 76th birthday.

While police said they do not suspect foul play, and the L.A. Medical Examiner’s Office was investigating his cause of death, the LAFD revealed that he died from “apparent natural causes.”

Two days before his death, he spoke about loss in his final interview, telling People magazine, “I know people miss me. And you know what? I miss them, too.”

Indeed. RIP, Richard.

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