Auto pollution-related deaths in the U.S. declining even as car use expands

It's easy to get bogged down in the latest doom-and-gloom headlines about the climate crisis.

It's worth remembering, though, that the world has in some ways made progress against some of the worst consequences of what we're doing to the planet.

For example, even though cars are bigger and more plentiful than ever before, the number of lives lost annually in the United States due to car-related pollution actually decreased by nearly 30 per cent from 2008 to 2017.

How did that happen? CTV News Science and Technology Specialist Dan Riskin has the details in this week's Riskin Report.

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CTVNews.ca Top Stories

American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple

American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.

LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership

Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.

Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn’t over

A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball’s highest scorer Caitlin Clark’s first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.

U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine

The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.

Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege

A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.

Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men

Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.

Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident

Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.

Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing

Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.

N.L. gardening store revives 19th century seed-packing machine

Technology from the 19th century has been brought out of retirement at a Newfoundland gardening store, as staff look for all the help they can get to fill orders during a busy season.

Canada

Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations

The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Final offer or tentative agreement? Teachers, province differ on what latest deal means

Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation (STF) President Samantha Becotte says two days of "difficult" negotiations has led to a "final offer" with slight improvements to salary and the inclusion of a line in the collective agreement – promising to address classroom complexity issues.
Closing arguments heard in trial for Sask. dad accused of abducting daughter

Closing arguments were heard Thursday morning in the case of Michael Gordon Jackson, the Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter in 2021 to keep her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
N.S. justice minister apologizes for domestic violence comments

Nova Scotia's opposition parties are calling for the justice minister to resign after he said domestic violence is not an "epidemic."
N.L. gardening store revives 19th century seed-packing machine

Technology from the 19th century has been brought out of retirement at a Newfoundland gardening store, as staff look for all the help they can get to fill orders during a busy season.
2 earthquakes recorded west of Vancouver Island

Two earthquakes were recorded west of Vancouver Island Wednesday, about 190 kilometres away from Port Alice.

World

San Francisco sues Oakland over new airport name that includes 'San Francisco'

San Francisco on Thursday sued Oakland after officials there voted in favor of changing the name of the city’s airport to San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport, saying the change will cause confusion and is already affecting its airport financially.
Armenian victims group asks International Criminal Court to investigate genocide claim

A human rights organization representing ethnic Armenians submitted evidence to the ICC, arguing that Azerbaijan is committing an ongoing genocide against them.
Stabbed Sydney Assyrian church bishop says he forgives attacker

An Assyrian church bishop who was stabbed during a service at his church said on Thursday he was recovering quickly, and that he had forgiven his attacker as police ramped up investigation into the riots triggered after the bishop's stabbing.
Kenyan military chief died in helicopter crash, says president

Kenya's military chief, Francis Ogolla, died in a helicopter crash in the western part of the country on Thursday, President William Ruto announced in a televised address.
A Nigerian schoolgirl abducted by extremists 10 years ago is rescued pregnant and with 3 kids

Nigerian soldiers rescued a woman who was abducted by extremists a decade ago while she was a schoolgirl in the village of Chibok, the army said Thursday. Her three children were also rescued.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine

The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.

Politics

LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership

Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men

Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Trend Line
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey

Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.

Health

Bayer recalls hydraSense baby product over 'potential contamination'

Bayer announced Thursday it is recalling two lots of its hydraSense Baby Nasal Care Easydose due to a potential contamination.
How to limit PFAS in your drinking water and food, according to experts

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finalized stringent new regulations on levels of six perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in public water systems. This explainer tells consumers what they can do right now to limit the levels of PFAS in their drinking water.
Ottawa Hospital testing new AI tool to help doctors draft clinical notes for patient care

The Ottawa Hospital is hoping artificial intelligence will help reduce physician burnout and increase access to care for patients.

Sci-Tech

This ancient snake in India might have been longer than a school bus and weighed a tonne

An ancient giant snake in India might have been longer than a school bus and weighed a tonne, researchers reported Thursday.
Meta's newest AI model beats some peers. But its amped-up AI agents are confusing Facebook users

Facebook parent Meta Platforms unveiled a new set of artificial intelligence systems Thursday that are powering what CEO Mark Zuckerberg calls 'the most intelligent AI assistant that you can freely use.'
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public

New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.

Entertainment

Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'

Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Actor and activist Elliot Page named one of Time's most influential people

Halifax actor and activist Elliot Page has been recognized by Time, an American news magazine, as one of the most influential people of 2024.
New attorney joins prosecution team against Alec Baldwin in fatal 'Rust' shooting

An attorney has been added to the special prosecution team that is pursuing an involuntary manslaughter charge against actor Alec Baldwin in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on the set of the Western movie 'Rust,' court officials confirmed Thursday.

Business

Starbucks will roll out a redesigned plastic cup in Canada this month in a bid to reduce plastic waste

Booming sales of cold drinks at Starbucks have created a problem: growing amounts of plastic waste from the single-use cups that Frappuccinos, Refreshers, cold brews and other iced drinks are served in.
Google fires 28 workers in aftermath of protests over big tech deal with Israeli government

Google has fired 28 employees in the aftermath of protests over technology that the internet company is supplying the Israeli government amid the Gaza war, further escalating tensions surrounding a hot-button deal.
Customers disappointed after email listing $60K Tim Hortons prize sent in error

Several Tim Horton’s customers are feeling great disappointment after being told by the company that an email stating they won a boat worth nearly $60,000 was sent in error.

Lifestyle

'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis

Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
Beagles rescued from American animal testing facility find loving foster homes in Alberta

Ten beagles rescued from animal testing in the United States arrived in Alberta on Wednesday, thanks to a Canadian charity.
Molly on a mission: N.S. student collecting books about women in sport for school library

Molly Knight, a grade four student in Nova Scotia, noticed her school library did not have many books on female athletes, so she started her own book drive in hopes of changing that.

Sports

Coyotes officially moving to Salt Lake City following approval of sale to Utah Jazz owners

The NHL Board of Governors voted unanimously Thursday to clear the way for the Coyotes' move to Utah next season.
Talks between Sens, NCC continue on new arena, but NCC has 'Plan B'

The head of the National Capital Commission remains optimistic that the Ottawa Senators will eventually build an arena at LeBreton Flats, but he says there is a Plan B if the hockey club decides to go elsewhere.
Ottawa Muay Thai fighter brings home championship belt

After knocking out her opponent in the fourth round, Ottawa’s Tayler Kelly is the World Boxing Council (WBC) Muay Thai Canadian amateur champion, a milestone in the fighter's young career.

Autos

Tesla wants shareholders to reinstate US$55 billion pay package for Musk rejected by Delaware judge

Tesla will ask shareholders to reinstate a US$55 billion compensation package for CEO Elon Musk that was rejected by a judge in Delaware this year and to move the electric car maker's corporate home from Delaware to Texas.
Hazard ahead: Are cuts at Tesla a warning sign for the EV market in Canada?

Tesla has hit a series of roadblocks, including increased competition and declining sales. The company announced Monday it is slashing 10 per cent of its global workforce.
London, Ont. driver charged after travelling nearly 200 km/h on Highway 401

A driver from London will have to find alternative transportation after an OPP officer clocked them travelling nearly 200 km/h on Highway 401 over the weekend.

Local Spotlight

Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing

Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.

Molly on a mission: N.S. student collecting books about women in sport for school library

Molly Knight, a grade four student in Nova Scotia, noticed her school library did not have many books on female athletes, so she started her own book drive in hopes of changing that.

Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation

Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.

Marmot in the city: New resident of North Vancouver's Lower Lonsdale a 'rock star rodent'

When Les Robertson was walking home from the gym in North Vancouver's Lower Lonsdale neighbourhood three weeks ago, he did a double take. Standing near a burrow it had dug in a vacant lot near East 1st Street and St. Georges Avenue was a yellow-bellied marmot.

Lengthy hunting ban, hefty fines for B.C. men who unlawfully hunted pregnant deer

Three B.C. men who illegally killed wildlife – including a doe pregnant with twin fawns – have been banned from hunting for 10 years each and ordered to pay a combined $18,000 in fines, according to officials.
Corrections officers in B.C. rally for safety amid surge in assaults by inmates

Dozens of corrections officers marched in Abbotsford Thursday to call attention to worsening working conditions and their employer's alleged failure to adequately address the issue.
2 trapped workers rescued from 'dangerous situation' in Burnaby: firefighters

Firefighters in Burnaby rescued two workers who were trapped in the bucket of a genie lift – a situation made particularly dangerous due to live and arcing hydro wires.

Toronto

Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege

A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing

Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations

The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.

Calgary

Hundreds set to speak as Calgary considers blanket rezoning next week

More than 650 people have signed up to speak about proposed Calgary rezoning rules next week at what officials are calling the "largest public hearing that the city has ever held."
Calgary man charged with manslaughter in death of toddler

Calgary police say Winston Campbell, 45, has been charged in the death of a two-year-old girl in 2022.
Calgary study suggests mental health disorders and homelessness closely linked

New research out of the University of Calgary shows an extremely prominent link between mental health disorders and people experiencing homelessness.

Ottawa

1 dead following wrong-way crash on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa's east end

The driver killed in a head-on crash on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa's east end was driving eastbound in the westbound lanes when the vehicle collided with a second vehicle, according to Ontario Provincial Police.
'Sick and tired of losing': Senators clean out lockers after missing playoffs

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk says he's "sick and tired of losing," as Senators players clean out their lockers at the end of another disappointing season.
Ottawa Tim Hortons customers express disappointment, anger at Roll up to Win boat snafu

Tim Hortons customers in Ottawa are joining the chorus of Canadians who are angry and disappointed with the coffee chain after prize emails erroneously claimed they won a boat and trailer valued at more than $68,000.

Montreal

Quebec judge suspends parts of Bill 96 that apply to English school boards

The English Montreal School Board (EMSB) is celebrating what it calls a 'significant win' in court after a judge stayed parts of Quebec's language laws that apply to English school boards across the province.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple

American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
WATCH: Quebec authorities debate medical aid in dying (MAID) expansion

Quebec has the highest number of cases of medical aid in dying (MAID) in Canada, and researchers are trying to figure out why, as the province debates expanding its criteria.

Edmonton

Worker dies after fall at north Edmonton construction site

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is investigating after a worker fell to their death earlier this week.
Alberta introducing legislation to stabilize electricity rates, educate customers about RRO

Alberta is introducing new legislation aimed at preventing spikes in electricity prices.
City data shows spike in red light tickets for first quarter of 2024 versus 2023

More drivers ran red lights in the first quarter of 2024 than in the same period of 2023, city statistics show.

Atlantic

Nova Scotia premier says agreement reached with teachers union, strike averted

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says an agreement in principle has been reached on a new contract for public school teachers.
Teen charged in death of Tyson MacDonald has case set over to June

The case of the teen charged in the death of Tyson MacDonald in southeastern Prince Edward Island has once again been adjourned.
N.S. justice minister apologizes for domestic violence comments

Nova Scotia's opposition parties are calling for the justice minister to resign after he said domestic violence is not an "epidemic."

Winnipeg

'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden pain killer drug

A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
'This is an eyesore': City charting plan to clean giant debris left for two years on Sherbrook Street

The City of Winnipeg is finally moving ahead with a plan to clear away a large pile of debris on a private lot.
'This program has saved lives': New report highlights success of Mobile Overdose Prevention Site during first year of operation

The Mobile Overdose Prevention Site operated by Sunshine House has been in operation since late 2022, and now a report is being released sharing the results of its first year.

Regina

Final offer or tentative agreement? Teachers, province differ on what latest deal means

Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation (STF) President Samantha Becotte says two days of "difficult" negotiations has led to a "final offer" with slight improvements to salary and the inclusion of a line in the collective agreement – promising to address classroom complexity issues.
Closing arguments heard in trial for Sask. dad accused of abducting daughter

Closing arguments were heard Thursday morning in the case of Michael Gordon Jackson, the Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter in 2021 to keep her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
'Bad taste in your mouth': Regina man mistakenly told he won $50K boat through Roll up the Rim

Chris Ross was pleasantly surprised when Tim Hortons sent him an email summarizing his "Roll up the Rim" winnings for the season. The email claimed Ross had won a boat valued at over $50,000 – but it was a mistake.

Kitchener

Landlords reporting increase in tenants refusing to pay rent or leave

A property management company in Fergus is still cleaning up after they say a tenant trashed one of their units and refused to pay rent -- and they say it's not the only similar case they've dealt with recently.
Gas price hike blamed on change in seasons, motorists 'shocked'

Gas prices across Ontario have spiked to levels not seen in nearly two years as the switch from winter fuel to a more expensive summer blend pushes the price at the pumps.
What are these things doing in Waterloo Park?

Don’t be alarmed if you see some strange new creatures in Waterloo Park.

Saskatoon

Final offer or tentative agreement? Teachers, province differ on what latest deal means

Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation (STF) President Samantha Becotte says two days of "difficult" negotiations has led to a "final offer" with slight improvements to salary and the inclusion of a line in the collective agreement – promising to address classroom complexity issues.
Sask. village, contractor fined $42,000 for illegal dumping

A Saskatchewan village and a contractor it hired are facing significant fines after conservation officers discovered they dumped demolition waste at an illegal landfill.
New Sask. dental hygienist degree program to offer strictly evening classes

A new dental hygienist degree program is launching at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) in September to help meet a growing demand for oral health specialists.

Northern Ontario

Private Northern Ont. college accused of taking tuition, but not offering courses

A private career college in North Bay is under intense scrutiny from students for taking tuition but not offering courses, and from former teachers who say they haven't been paid.
State of emergency still in effect in northern communities

Some communities in northeastern Ontario remain under a state of emergency due to last Friday’s rain.
Parry Sound man among those falsely told by Tim Hortons that they won a boat

Tim Hortons says human error is to blame for some customers thinking they had won a boat in a recent digital roll up to win contest.

London

'Mistakes happen': Health minister says patients have recourse if charged inappropriately

The provincial government is advising there is recourse for those who believe they've been wrongfully billed for healthcare services.
Witness alleges years of severe abuse at the hands of parents

A jury heard some horrific evidence Thursday at the trial of a London, Ont. couple charged with physically and sexually abusing their children.
Mourning loss of affordable housing in London

Members of London Acorn chanted slogans and called for urgent action from all levels of government to prevent the loss of affordable housing units.

Barrie

Driver suffers life-threatening injuries in Hwy 12 collision

One person suffered life-threatening injuries after a collision with a commercial vehicle on Highway 12 at Forest Avenue in Orillia early Thursday afternoon.
Surviving the economic vortex: How restaurants can weather inflation's storm

As inflation tightens its grip on the economy, many people are feeling the pinch, from housing to transportation to retail and services, including restaurants.
Discreditable conduct Police Services Act hearing for Barrie police veteran

The hearing for a Barrie police officer charged with discreditable conduct following an OPP investigation continued Thursday morning over teleconference.

Windsor

'I wasn’t assaulting him but I also was not helping him': convicted Windsorite provides jury with first-person account of murder

Ali Al-Shammari is 20 years into a life sentence for the first-degree murder of Thualfikar Alantiyya, 41, killed on November 19, 2004.
'This is a gun-free event': Detroit police chief unveils plans for NFL Draft weekend

Officials in Detroit say prepartions are well in hand as hundreds of thousands of people are expected to come to the Motor City from April 25 to 27 for the NFL Draft.
Taxing capital gains: entrepreneurial kryptonite or tax fairness?

Business community derides capital gains tax increase but, it's unlikely to directly impact the average household.

Vancouver Island

B.C.'s short-term rental regulations include $10K daily penalties for Airbnb, other platforms

Short-term rental platforms that violate B.C.'s pending regulations can face administrative penalties of up to $10,000 per day, officials announced Thursday.
2 earthquakes recorded west of Vancouver Island

Two earthquakes were recorded west of Vancouver Island Wednesday, about 190 kilometres away from Port Alice.
B.C. Mountie 'likely crossed criminal negligence threshold' in failed wellness check

British Columbia's police oversight agency says a Kelowna RCMP officer "quite likely crossed the criminal negligence threshold" when his attempt to conduct a wellness check on a man who was later found dead was thwarted because the officer couldn't find the buzzer number for the man's apartment.

Kelowna

Stolen snake named Milkshake returned to Kelowna pet store

A banana ball python that was stolen from a Kelowna pet store on Saturday has been returned unharmed, Mounties said.
Nurses rally at B.C. Interior hospital over security, staffing concerns

Nurses held a rally Wednesday at a hospital in the B.C. Interior that closed its emergency department more than a dozen times last year due to insufficient staff.
B.C. to add 240 complex-care housing units throughout province

British Columbia is planning to add 240 new units to its complex-care housing program, providing homes for people with mental-health and addictions challenges that overlap with other serious conditions.

Lethbridge

Deterrent sentence possible, expert says, after trio convicted in connection to Coutts border blockade

Three men who helped lead and co-ordinate the 2022 border blockade at Coutts, Alta., have been found guilty of public mischief.
Central Alberta man arrested in connection with grandparent scam

Lethbridge police have arrested a Vermilion, Alta., man in connection with a 'grandparent scam' that took aim at a local senior.
Woman, 61, killed in crash north of Coaldale, Alta.: RCMP

An Alberta woman was killed in a multi-vehicle crash on a highway north of Coaldale, Alta., on Wednesday morning.

Sault Ste. Marie

Northern Ont. woman wins big with gifted lottery scratch ticket

A 65-year-old northern Ontario woman says her winning lottery scratch ticket is the best present she has ever received.
Small northern Ont. town loses access to mobile cancer screening

A northern Ont. city councillor says she fears many women will go without the proper health care after town loses access to mobile cancer screening.
Sault cracking down on people who misuse accessible parking spots

For the next several months, the City of Sault Ste. Marie will be cracking down on people who improperly use accessible parking spaces.

N.L.

N.L. gardening store revives 19th century seed-packing machine

Technology from the 19th century has been brought out of retirement at a Newfoundland gardening store, as staff look for all the help they can get to fill orders during a busy season.
500 Newfoundlanders wound up on the same cruise and it turned into a rocking kitchen party

A Celebrity Apex cruise to the Caribbean this month turned into a rocking Newfoundland kitchen party when hundreds of people from Canada's easternmost province happened to be booked on the same ship.
Protest averted as Newfoundland and Labrador premier helps reach pricing deal on crab

A pricing agreement has been reached between crab fishers and seafood processors that will allow for Newfoundland and Labrador's annual crab fishery to get started.

Auto pollution-related deaths in the U.S. declining even as car use expands

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Trend Line | Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey

Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey