Snoop Dogg reveals his 'giving up smoke' announcement was all a ruse to promote smokeless fire pits

It turns out Snoop Dogg isn't quitting his love for cannabis.

Last Thursday, the 52-year-old rapper and entrepreneur announced on social media he had "decided to give up smoke" after having conversations with his family.

Top entertainment headlines, all in one place

"Please respect my privacy at this time," he said at the time.

Snoop Dogg initially didn't clarify what he meant by "smoke," which led many fans to speculate that the rapper, well known for his affinity towards cannabis, was kicking his weed-smoking habit. But on Monday, he revealed that this was all a ruse to promote a brand of smokeless fire pits.

"I have an announcement. I'm giving up smoke. I know what you're thinking. 'Snoop, smoke is kind of your whole thing!' But I'm done with it. Done with all the coughing and my clothes smelling all sticky-icky. I'm going smokeless," Snoop Dogg said in a social media video unveiling his partnership.

In a press release, the company that manufactures the smokeless fire pits also announced that Snoop Dogg would be their official "smokesman" and will release a line of limited edition fire pits designed by the rapper.

On social media, many fans praised Snoop Dogg's marketing skills while expressing relief that the rapper wasn't actually giving up cannabis.

"The marketing behind this is crazy. GG," said one Instagram user in the comments underneath Snoop Dogg's video.

"The world would not have remained the same if you had really stopped smoking weed. Thank you," another Instagram user wrote.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Potential tornado 'surreal' for residents who witnessed damaging storm in southern Ontario

Witnessing a potential tornado was 'surreal' for residents who caught a glimpse of the damaging storm in southern Ontario on Wednesday night.

Was this the bug that stung you? Wasp sightings revive murder-hornet concerns; no detections confirmed

As temperatures rise out of a mild El Nino winter, Canada's buggy season is already upon us again, and this year, the bugs are looking especially big.

Minister tables bill to extend citizenship rights to children born abroad

Immigration Minister Marc Miller tabled legislation today that is intended to extend citizenship to some children born outside of the country.

WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag

WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.

'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston, Ont.

Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.

Jennifer Lopez's response to question about Ben Affleck is a reminder of their decades of love in the spotlight

Plenty of people are wondering if Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are having problems in their marriage, but one person had the nerve to ask in a public forum.

U.S. Justice Department says illegal monopoly by Ticketmaster and Live Nation drives up prices for fans

The U.S. Justice Department filed a sweeping antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster and parent company Live Nation Entertainment on Thursday, accusing them of running an illegal monopoly over live events in America -- squelching competition and driving up prices for fans.

Adding just 10% ultraprocessed foods to healthy diets may raise risk of cognitive decline, stroke

Eating more ultraprocessed foods is linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and stroke, even if a person is trying to adhere to a Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet or the MIND diet, a new study found.

'Looking over our shoulders': A killing looms large in a little B.C. town

Something shifted in the pretty little village of Lumby, B.C., after Tatjana Stefanski vanished.

Canada

'Looking over our shoulders': A killing looms large in a little B.C. town

Something shifted in the pretty little village of Lumby, B.C., after Tatjana Stefanski vanished.
Potential tornado 'surreal' for residents who witnessed damaging storm in southern Ontario

Witnessing a potential tornado was 'surreal' for residents who caught a glimpse of the damaging storm in southern Ontario on Wednesday night.
Was this the bug that stung you? Wasp sightings revive murder-hornet concerns; no detections confirmed

As temperatures rise out of a mild El Nino winter, Canada's buggy season is already upon us again, and this year, the bugs are looking especially big.
Treasury Board president urges managers to be flexible on exemptions for new 3-day office mandate

The president of the Treasury Board is standing by the federal government's new hybrid office mandate for federal public servants, but is urging managers to be flexible for staff requiring exemptions.
Calgary halal butcher shut down again over uninspected meat

A Calgary halal butcher, which was shut down by Alberta Health Services in April only to reopen in early May, has been told to close down again.
Fishing closure in Gulf of St. Lawrence due to presence of right whale

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has updated its prohibited fishing area off the coast of New Brunswick’s Acadian Peninsula due to the presence of an endangered North Atlantic right whale.

World

A U.K. lawmaker returns to work as 'the bionic MP' after losing his hands and feet to sepsis

Britain's fractious politicians shared a rare moment of unity on Wednesday, when a Conservative lawmaker returned to work six months after sepsis put him in a coma and forced the amputation of his hands and feet.
Nine killed in Mexico stage collapse at campaign event

A stage collapsed at a Mexican election campaign rally on Wednesday, killing nine people and injuring dozens as high winds tore apart the large, concert-style structure, scattering politicians and attendees.
Bangkok hospital says most seriously injured from turbulence-hit flight need spinal operations

Many of the more seriously injured people who were on the Singapore Airlines flight that hit severe turbulence need operations on their spines, a Bangkok hospital said Thursday.
Families of Israeli hostages release video of female soldiers being captured by Hamas

A group representing the families of hostages held in Gaza has released new video footage showing Hamas' capture of five female Israeli soldiers near the Gaza border on Oct. 7.
Tornadoes killed 5 and injured dozens in Iowa. Here’s what they found after the storm

A deadly tornado that wreaked havoc in the small city of Greenfield, Iowa, left four people dead and nearly three dozen injured, officials said, while a fifth person was killed elsewhere.
New York Senate passes bill to tighten legal standard Harvey Weinstein used to toss rape conviction

The New York state Senate passed a bill to explicitly allow evidence of prior sexual offenses in sex crimes cases, a move to change the legal standard Harvey Weinstein used to overturn his rape conviction.

Politics

Minister tables bill to extend citizenship rights to children born abroad

Immigration Minister Marc Miller tabled legislation today that is intended to extend citizenship to some children born outside of the country.
Canada 7th in foreign aid spending, but a fifth goes to refugees inside the country

While Canada is one of the top contributors to foreign aid among some of the world's richest countries, a fifth of the spending never leaves Canada's borders.
Trudeau's speech to union delegates took aim at Conservatives

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's trip to the United States targeted U.S. lawmakers, but also his political opponents in Canada, as his speech to one of the largest unions in North America attempted to make the case that his party cares more about workers’ rights than Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives.

Health

Michigan farmworker diagnosed with bird flu, becoming 2nd U.S. case tied to dairy cows

A Michigan dairy worker has been diagnosed with bird flu — the second human case associated with an outbreak in U.S. dairy cows.
Potential ALS breakthrough offering ray of hope for recently diagnosed Ottawa man

Thousands of Canadians live each year with a devastating diagnosis: ALS. The condition, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, currently has no cure, but that could change after a promising breakthrough in Canadian research.
'Mommy will help me': Navigating the web of supports for kids with autism in Ontario

Families of the more than 60,000 children seeking services through the Ontario Autism Program say it is slow — a boy in Thornhill, Ont., has been on the wait-list for more than 2 1/2 years — that it is not truly needs based, that a lack of service providers means that even with money in hand some families can't find help, and that there is almost no transparency.

Sci-Tech

Tick season, warmer weather sparks fears about Lyme disease spread in Canada

The surge in Canada's tick population is linked to recent changes in our climate, according to Mount Allison University biology professor Vett Lloyd.
Michigan farmworker diagnosed with bird flu, becoming 2nd U.S. case tied to dairy cows

A Michigan farmworker has been diagnosed with bird flu — the second human case associated with an outbreak in U.S. dairy cows.
Scientists say they've found where the sun's magnetic field originates

The sun has a powerful magnetic field that creates sunspots on the star's surface and unleashes solar storms such as the one that bathed much of the planet in beautiful auroras this month.

Entertainment

Cassie Ventura breaks her silence on 2016 video that showed her being physically assaulted by Sean 'Diddy' Combs

Cassie Ventura has shared a statement expressing her gratitude for the support she has received since CNN's publication of a 2016 surveillance video that showed her being physically assaulted by her then-boyfriend, Sean 'Diddy' Combs.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58

Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
Nashville council rejects proposed sign for Morgan Wallen's new bar, decrying his behaviour

Nashville councilmembers have rejected plans for a glowing sign to be erected at Morgan Wallen's new bar along the city's neon-lit strip of honky tonks, citing his use of a racial slur that caused controversy in 2021 and recent criminal charges accusing the country star of throwing a chair off a rooftop near two police officers.

Business

U.S. Justice Department says illegal monopoly by Ticketmaster and Live Nation drives up prices for fans

The U.S. Justice Department filed a sweeping antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster and parent company Live Nation Entertainment on Thursday, accusing them of running an illegal monopoly over live events in America -- squelching competition and driving up prices for fans.
Nvidia's profit soars, underscoring its dominance in chips for artificial intelligence

Nvidia on Wednesday overshot Wall Street estimates as its profit skyrocketed, bolstered by the chip-making dominance that has made the company an icon of the artificial intelligence boom.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag

WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.

Lifestyle

This private island in B.C. just hit the market for $7M. Take a look at what's included.

A private island that comes with one mansion, five guest cottages, a caretaker's residence, two boats and a tennis court has hit the market in B.C. for $7 million.
Fancy pigeon outfitted in custom diaper has free rein in B.C. family home

When Chrissy Chin volunteered to take in a fancy pigeon abandoned on a park bench, she never imagined she would one day be ordering custom-made diapers for the bird – who lives in her house and has become a member of the family.
Private island on Nova Scotia's South Shore listed for $15.8M

A private island on Nova Scotia’s South Shore has been listed for sale with a $11.5-million USD price tag.

Sports

The WNBA is officially coming to Toronto

The WNBA is finally, officially, coming to Toronto. Kilmer Sports Ventures has been awarded a women's professional basketball team. The as-yet-unnamed team will play out of Coca-Cola Coliseum, an arena in downtown Toronto at Exhibition Place.
Canucks' Rick Tocchet named NHL's coach of the year

Rick Tocchet of the Vancouver Canucks is this season's Jack Adams Award winner as the NHL's coach of the year.
Sheldon Keefe hired as head coach of New Jersey Devils

Sheldon Keefe has been hired as the head coach of the New Jersey Devils.

Autos

BMW unveils its latest 'Art Car,' courtesy of abstract artist Julie Mehretu

BMW and Ethiopian-American artist Julie Mehretu unveiled her newest 'Art Car' at the Pompidou Centre in Paris, France.
Canada ranks among the world's top 10 countries for stolen vehicles: Interpol

Interpol says more than 200 stolen Canadian vehicles have been found each week across the globe since February.
New cars in California could alert drivers for breaking the speed limit

California could eventually join the European Union in requiring all new cars to alert drivers when they break the speed limit.

'Looking over our shoulders': A killing looms large in a little B.C. town

Something shifted in the pretty little village of Lumby, B.C., after Tatjana Stefanski vanished.
This private island in B.C. just hit the market for $7M. Take a look at what's included.

A private island that comes with one mansion, five guest cottages, a caretaker's residence, two boats and a tennis court has hit the market in B.C. for $7 million.
'Five feet nothing': Pickton's safety likely behind Quebec transfer, says ex-prison judge

When serial killer Robert Pickton was transferred from British Columbia's Kent Institution to a maximum security prison in Quebec about six years ago, correctional authorities gave no public explanation or confirmation at the time, citing privacy.

Toronto

Potential tornado 'surreal' for residents who witnessed damaging storm in southern Ontario

Witnessing a potential tornado was 'surreal' for residents who caught a glimpse of the damaging storm in southern Ontario on Wednesday night.
One man dead, another in critical condition after overnight shooting outside school in Mississauga

A man has died and another male victim remains in hospital in critical condition following a double shooting at a school parking lot in Mississauga late Wednesday night.
One person taken to hospital after vehicle slams into Markham, Ont. home

One person was taken to hospital after a car slammed into a house in Markham Wednesday night.

Calgary

Calgary halal butcher shut down again over uninspected meat

A Calgary halal butcher, which was shut down by Alberta Health Services in April only to reopen in early May, has been told to close down again.
Time's up for Calgary's Inglewood Aquatic Centre

Following years of struggles with high maintenance costs, the City of Calgary is closing down one of its swimming facilities.
LIVE @ 9:30 MT
LIVE @ 9:30 MT Officials to give Alberta wildfire update Thursday morning

Officials will speak about the continued effect of precipitation and cooler weather on the wildfire danger in Alberta Thursday morning.

Ottawa

Treasury Board president urges managers to be flexible on exemptions for new 3-day office mandate

The president of the Treasury Board is standing by the federal government's new hybrid office mandate for federal public servants, but is urging managers to be flexible for staff requiring exemptions.
City report does not include possible opening date for Trillium Line LRT, but offers timeline clues

A report prepared for a joint meeting of the Transit Commission and the LRT Subcommittee on May 31 does not contain any reference to an opening date for the delayed north-south Trillium Line, but it does offer clues into how much longer work could take.
NEW
NEW AI helping to identify undiagnosed genetic disorders in children

Researchers have developed the world's first algorithm powered by artificial intelligence to identify children with undiagnosed rare genetic disorders.

Montreal

Tenants set to swelter after NDG building bans A/C, blocks balconies for repairs

Some tenants in Montreal's Notre-Dame-de-Grace neighbourhood are bracing for a sweltering summer. Their building on Monkland Avenue is not allowing them to turn on air conditioning because of repairs to their balconies. The repair work is expected to last all summer.
After cemetery strike, grieving Montreal families still waiting to bury loved ones

For more than a year, an urn holding the ashes of Bridget Heffernan's brother has remained in her Montreal-area home instead of being buried in the plot at Notre-Dame-des-Neiges cemetery where her family members have been laid to rest for nearly a century.
Thunderstorms cause power outages across Quebec

The thunderstorms that swept through Quebec caused numerous power outages in the province.

Edmonton

LIVE @ 9:30 MT
LIVE @ 9:30 MT Officials to give Alberta wildfire update Thursday morning

Officials will speak about the continued effect of precipitation and cooler weather on the wildfire danger in Alberta Thursday morning.
High-flying Oilers, well-balanced Stars set for Western Conference final clash

The Dallas Stars have a committed, well-balanced attack heading into Thursday's Western Conference final opener against Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and the high-flying Edmonton Oilers.
Future of Westmount Shopping Centre unclear after tenants given 30 day notice

Several business owners at Edmonton's Westmount Shopping Centre say they've been given only 30-days notice to find a new location.

Atlantic

National Hurricane Center issues 2024 forecast

The National Hurricane Center of the United States has issued their forecast for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season
N.S. government reaches settlement agreement with Northern Pulp

More than two years after Paper Excellence, owners of Northern Pulp – the idled pulp mill in Pictou County – filed a lawsuit against the Nova Scotia government, the two parties have reportedly reached a settlement agreement.
Police dog, officer find missing 4-year-old in N.B. woods

An RCMP officer and her service dog found a missing four-year-old boy in the area of Memramcook, N.B., Monday evening.

Winnipeg

Up to 60 mm of rain coming to parts of Manitoba, flooding possible

Manitobans are being warned about a major weather event heading to the southeast part of the province that could bring between 50 and 60 millimetres of rain.
Handwritten letters penned by admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki entered as evidence

A year after admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki was arrested for killing four Indigenous women, investigators learned he was writing to a ‘pen pal’ inmate in Nova Scotia – handwritten letters that are now being entered as evidence in his trial.
'It tastes fine': Niverville residents reject plan to modernize part of town’s water system

A plan to modernize part of Niverville's water system has been flushed.

Regina

NDP call for investigation after Sask. Government House Leader accused of carrying gun in legislature

The Saskatchewan NDP are calling for an investigation into whether or not Government House Leader Jeremy Harrison once brought a gun to the legislature after being accused by legislative Speaker Randy Weekes.
Regina city councillors call to rename Dewdney Avenue 'as soon as possible'

Two Regina city councillors put forward a motion to rename Dewdney Avenue during Wednesday's regular meeting at city hall.
Sask. Indigenous CBC employee's discrimination claims to be heard by human-rights tribunal

An Indigenous employee with the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. (CBC) in Regina is taking up the fight against what he describes as systemic racism by his employer.

Kitchener

Automated waste collection coming to Waterloo Region

Big changes are coming to Waterloo Region waste collection.
Two injured in multi-vehicle crash on Hwy 401 through Cambridge

A six-vehicle crash brought traffic to a standstill in the westbound lanes of Highway 401 through Cambridge on Wednesday morning.
New roundabout, trails coming to stretch of Ottawa Street in Kitchener

A stretch of a major road in Kitchener is getting a significant upgrade.

Saskatoon

Saskatchewan's oldest settlement considers declaring state of emergency over crumbling highway

The mayor of Cumberland House says he’s considering declaring a state of emergency over the deteriorating condition of the only highway in and out of the village.
NDP call for investigation after Sask. Government House Leader accused of carrying gun in legislature

The Saskatchewan NDP are calling for an investigation into whether or not Government House Leader Jeremy Harrison once brought a gun to the legislature after being accused by legislative Speaker Randy Weekes.
University of Saskatchewan and children's hospital foundation create $2M research fund

The Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation (JPCHF) and the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) are looking to change pediatric care in the province for years to come.

Northern Ontario

Was this the bug that stung you? Wasp sightings revive murder-hornet concerns; no detections confirmed

As temperatures rise out of a mild El Nino winter, Canada's buggy season is already upon us again, and this year, the bugs are looking especially big.
Sudbury, Ont., councillor speaks out after man charged with criminally harassing her

An 81-year-old man has been charged with criminal harassment of a city councillor in Sudbury.
Potential tornado 'surreal' for residents who witnessed damaging storm in southern Ontario

Witnessing a potential tornado was 'surreal' for residents who caught a glimpse of the damaging storm in southern Ontario on Wednesday night.

London

Western engaging London Police Liaison Team to deal with encampment

Western University is taking action against what it calls "illegal activity" at a Pro-Palestinian encampment set up on campus.
Lottery theft in Mitchell results in two people being charged

Two people have been charged after police initiated an Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) "suspicious win investigation." On Dec. 14, 2023, officers received information from the OLG about a suspicious lottery ticket win at a retail outlet in Mitchell.
London considers imposing 6 p.m. curfew for using gas lawn mowers and yard equipment

On Wednesday, the Civic Works Committee recommended holding a public meeting in July about whether to further restrict the hours when Londoners can use gas-powered lawn mowers, weed trimmers and leaf blowers.

Barrie

Police investigation into possible body in a creek turns out to be a false alarm

Several police officers and emergency response personnel responded to reports of a possible body along the side of the road near Thornton that ended up being a false alarm.
Severe storm with strong winds, hail and torrential rain hit the region

Severe storms rolled into central Ontario on Wednesday, with Environment Canada warning about 120 kilometres per hour winds that had the potential to produce a tornado.
Barrie intersection closure to disrupt traffic for 4 weeks

The ongoing road construction on Duckworth Street in Barrie will mean another intersection closure, disrupting traffic through the busy thoroughfare for roughly one month.

Windsor

Images released following shots fired investigation on Erie Street

Windsor police are hoping the public can help identify the people and vehicles they believe to be involved in a shots fired investigation in Windsor on Sunday.
Suspect arrested on outstanding warrant after Dougall break-in

Windsor Police have arrested a suspect wanted after a home break-in was caught on a security camera.
Man arrested for allegedly threatening neighbour with knife

A 45-year-old Chatham man has been charged after police say he threatened his neighbour while holding a knife.

Vancouver Island

After UVic student’s death, calls for mandatory CPR and naloxone training in B.C. high schools

As 18-year-old Sidney McIntyre-Starko lay dying from a fentanyl overdose, several of her University of Victoria classmates watched helplessly, not recognizing what happened to her or how to perform CPR.
'Looking over our shoulders': A killing looms large in a little B.C. town

Something shifted in the pretty little village of Lumby, B.C., after Tatjana Stefanski vanished.
Sidney Island deer eradication cost surges to $12M

The cost of a plan to eradicate an invasive species of deer from Sidney Island just off the coast of Vancouver Island has ballooned.

Kelowna

'Altercation' in Penticton leaves 1 dead: RCMP

One person is dead after a fight in Penticton early Sunday morning, according to authorities.
Suspect fled in 2-door Fiat after convenience store robbery, Merritt RCMP say

A suspect is at large after robbing a convenience store at gunpoint in Merritt, B.C., Friday, according to local police.
Kamloops RCMP issue public warning about 2 men allegedly at centre of 'organized crime conflict'

After four targeted shootings in four days, Mounties in Kamloops are taking the unusual step of warning the public about two men they believe are likely to be targeted in future violent incidents.

Lethbridge

Alberta gets D- on latest poverty report card; food banks trying to keep up with demand

Alberta received a D- grade on Food Bank Canada’s annual poverty report card – a mark that did not come as a surprise for many organizations in Lethbridge.
Alberta sheriffs close Medicine Hat property over violence, drug activity

Alberta sheriffs have closed a problem property in Medicine Hat, saying officers were frequently called to the home because of drug activity and violence.
May long weekend sees Lethbridge police pick up traffic enforcement project

Lethbridge police hit the road over the May long weekend, as part of an ongoing traffic enforcement project.

Sault Ste. Marie

Health Sciences North moves to electronic medical record system in less than 2 weeks

From paper and pen to tablets and computers, staff at the Greater Sudbury hospital are preparing for what they say is one of the biggest changes to happen to the hospital in decades.
Downtown patrols returning to the Sault

Daily security patrols are returning to Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.’s downtown this summer. City council recently approved a pilot program that will see security patrols mid-day and in the evenings.
Intoxicated American in the Sault fled paramedics, got into pickup truck and drove away

A U.S. citizen is facing impaired driving and other charges following an incident May 20 in Sault Ste. Marie.

N.L.

Newfoundland grandmothers can wail on the accordion. A historian wants them on stage

79-year-old Madonna Wilkinson has been playing the accordion since she was 15, when she picked one up that had been left behind at one of her parents' rollicking parties in the oceanside town about 25 kilometres north of St. John's, N.L. She has played Sunday masses and St. Patrick's Day parties, and community events of all kinds.
The latest advice for expecting parents? Sign up for child care as soon as you're pregnant

Canada's new $10-a-day child care program is expanding, but there's growing evidence that demand for the program is rising even faster, leaving many parents on the outside looking in.
Study says aquaculture likely driving wild salmon extinction in Newfoundland

A new study shows an Atlantic salmon population in southern Newfoundland is disappearing, and it says nearby aquaculture operations are a likely contributor to the decline.

Snoop Dogg reveals his 'giving up smoke' announcement was all a ruse to promote smokeless fire pits

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

VIDEO | Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner

LIVE @ 9:30 MT | Officials to give Alberta wildfire update Thursday morning

NEW | AI helping to identify undiagnosed genetic disorders in children

LIVE @ 9:30 MT | Officials to give Alberta wildfire update Thursday morning

VIDEO Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner

LIVE @ 9:30 MT Officials to give Alberta wildfire update Thursday morning

NEW AI helping to identify undiagnosed genetic disorders in children

LIVE @ 9:30 MT Officials to give Alberta wildfire update Thursday morning