Skyscraper-size asteroid will buzz Earth on Friday

This image provided by Virtual Telescope Project out of Italy shows a single 180-second exposure asteroid that was approaching Earth, about 4 million kilometers, Thursday, Jan. 31, 2024. (Virtual Telescope Project via AP)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -

An asteroid as big as a skyscraper will pass within 2.7 million kilometres of Earth on Friday.

Don't worry: There's no chance of it hitting us since it will pass seven times the distance from Earth to the moon.

NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies estimates the space rock is between 690 feet and 1,575 feet (210 metres and 480 metres) across. That means the asteroid could be similar in size to New York City's Empire State Building or Chicago's Willis Tower.

The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

Discovered in 2008, the asteroid is designated as 2008 OS7. It won't be back our way again until 2032, but it will be a much more distant encounter, staying 45 million miles (72 million kilometres) away.

The harmless flyby is one of several encounters this week. Three much smaller asteroids also will harmlessly buzz Earth on Friday, no more than tens of yards (metres) across, with another two on Saturday. On Sunday, an asteroid roughly half the size of 2008 0S7 will swing by, staying 4.5 million miles (7.3 million kilometres) away.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

More than half of Canadians say freedom of speech is under threat, new poll suggests

A new poll suggests a majority of Canadians feel their right to freedom of speech is in danger.

NEW

NEW Biscuits with possible plastic pieces, metal found in ground pork: Here are the recalls for this week

Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Parents of infant who died in wrong-way crash on Ontario's Hwy. 401 were in same vehicle

Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit has released new details about a wrong-way collision in Whitby on Monday night that claimed the lives of four people.

Tiger Woods gets special exemption to U.S. Open at Pinehurst

Tiger Woods accepted a special exemption for the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, the first time the three-time champion has needed an exemption to play.

Wally, the emotional support alligator once denied entry to a baseball game, is missing

Emotional support animal registrations in the United States reached 115,832 last year, by an industry group’s count. But in the eyes of reptile rescuer Joie Henney, there’s only one: 'Wally Gator.'

Maple Leafs down Bruins 2-1 to force Game 7

William Nylander scored twice and Joseph Woll made 22 saves as the Toronto Maple Leafs downed the Boston Bruins 2-1 on Thursday to force Game 7 in their first-round series.

Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN

A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.

Federal government to announce funding to help Toronto host six 2026 World Cup games

The federal government is set to announce funding to help Toronto host six matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Is your password 123456? Here's why you should make it stronger

With the sheer number of passwords needed today, it may come as no surprise that over 60 per cent of Canadians feel overwhelmed, and over a third reportedly forget their passwords monthly.

Canada

Police order B.C. woman who praised Hamas not to protest for 5 months, says her group

A pro-Palestinian activist group says its international co-ordinator, who was arrested in a Vancouver hate-crime investigation, was released with an order not to attend any protests for the next five months.
N.B. plans to dissolve education council

The Province of New Brunswick will attempt to dissolve an education council over litigation fees.
1 person in custody after man, woman found dead in St. Catharines, Ont., home

One person is in custody after two people were found dead in a home in St. Catharines.
More than half of Canadians say freedom of speech is under threat, new poll suggests

A new poll suggests a majority of Canadians feel their right to freedom of speech is in danger.
London Drugs stores remain closed for 5th straight day, phone lines operating

London Drugs stores in Western Canada remained closed Thursday due to a "cybersecurity incident," marking the fifth straight day of closures.
B.C. man convicted of fentanyl trafficking after judge rejects claim drugs belonged to a friend

A B.C. man has been convicted of possessing fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking despite claiming the drugs were not his – a defence the judge said he could not "accept or even entertain."

World

DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Police officer fired gun while clearing protesters from Columbia building, prosecutors say

A police officer who was involved in clearing protesters from a Columbia University administration building earlier this week fired his gun inside the hall, a spokesperson for District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office confirmed Thursday.
Kremlin critics say Russia is targeting its foes abroad with killings, poisonings and harassment

Since President Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine, attacks and harassment of Russians -- prominent or not -- have been blamed on Moscow's intelligence operatives across Europe and elsewhere.
Former U.K. prime minister Boris Johnson turned away from polling station after forgetting photo ID

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was turned away from a polling station after forgetting to bring ID to vote in the U.K.'s local elections.
Georgia parliament cancels session after building damaged during huge protests

The parliament of Georgia cancelled its Thursday plenary session following massive protests against a proposed law that critics fear will stifle media freedom and endanger the country's bid for membership in the European Union.
Pennsylvania nurse who gave patients lethal or possibly lethal insulin doses gets life in prison

A Pennsylvania nurse who administered lethal or potentially lethal doses of insulin to numerous patients pleaded guilty to three counts of murder and other charges Thursday and was sentenced to life in prison.
Hamas is sending a delegation to Egypt for further ceasefire talks in the latest sign of progress

Hamas said Thursday that it was sending a delegation to Egypt for further ceasefire talks, in a new sign of progress in attempts by international mediators to hammer out an agreement between Israel and the militant group to end the war in Gaza.

Politics

Foreign interference inquiry to report today on alleged meddling in federal elections

A federal commission of inquiry into foreign interference is slated to release a report today on alleged meddling in the last two general elections.
Conservative MP says Chinese hacking attack targeted his personal email

A Conservative MP is challenging claims by House of Commons administration that a China-backed hacking attempt did not impact any members of Parliament, because the attack was on his personal email.
Forcing public servants back to downtown Ottawa harms satellite communities: North Grenville mayor

The mayor of North Grenville, just south of Ottawa, says hybrid work has been a boon to her community, and a recent move by the federal government to force public servants back to downtown Ottawa office buildings is misguided.

Health

Doctors concerned about potential spread of bird flu in Canada

H5N1 or avian flu has been detected at dozens of U.S. dairy farms and Canadian experts are urging surveillance on our side of the border too.
Halle Berry shouts from the Capitol, 'I'm in menopause' as she seeks to end stigma and win funding

Halle Berry is joining a group of bipartisan senators to push for legislation that would put US$275 million toward research and education around menopause, the significant hormone shift women go through in middle age.
Doctors dealing with at least 160 Canadians suffering eye damage possibly linked to looking at the eclipse

Nearly a month after the total solar eclipse, at least 160 cases of eye damage have been reported across the country.

Sci-Tech

Scientists identify 'degrees of Kevin Bacon' gene

Many species of animals form social groups and behave collectively: An elephant herd follows its matriarch, flocking birds fly in unison, humans gather at concert events. Even humble fruit flies organize themselves into regularly spaced clusters, researchers have found.
China sends a probe to get samples from the less-explored far side of the moon

China on Friday launched a lunar probe to land on the far side of the moon and return with samples that could provide insights into differences between the less-explored region and the better-known near side.
Facial reconstruction reveals what a 40-something Neanderthal woman may have looked like

Scientists studying a Neanderthal woman's remains have painstakingly pieced together her skull from 200 bone fragments to understand what she may have looked like.

Entertainment

The first wrongful-death trial in Travis Scott concert deaths has been delayed

The start of the first civil trial stemming from the 2021 Astroworld festival, at which 10 people were killed in a crowd surge, has been delayed.
How to be a 'Fall Guy': Stunt performers on their rough-and-tumble life

By its nature, it's nearly anonymous work, with stunt performers doubling for daintier stars. But Leitch, a longtime stuntman before he became a director, and "The Fall Guy," which opens in theatres Friday, hope to redefine the role of stunt work in Hollywood.
Groundbreaking American guitarist dies age 86

Guitarist Duane Eddy, best known for twangy riffs on hits such as 'Rebel Rouser' and 'Cannonball,' has died at the age of 86.

Business

Ontario to increase fines for 'bad actor' employers

Ontario is set to clamp down on bad employers with big fines. Labour Minister David Piccini says his government will introduce legislation next week that will see fines increased for violations of the Employment Standards Act.
Grocery co-ops an alternative to corporate grocers amid anger, mistrust: experts

Co-operatives are found in many forms, from agricultural co-ops to grocery stores, gas stations and car-shares. Their exact business models vary, but what they have in common is that they are owned by their members, who have a share in the organization and a say in how it runs.
'SIM swap' that enabled theft of $63K in bitcoin at centre of B.C. court case

A Freedom Mobile customer who sued the company for negligence after a "SIM swap" scam cost him more than $63,000 in bitcoin will have to go through the company's arbitration process to pursue his claim, a B.C. court has ruled.

Lifestyle

Planets aligned for Quebec astrologer's lottery win

A Montreal astrologer and horoscope writer just got a boost on his retirement budget, after winning Loto-Quebec’s Grande-Vie prize, which comes in the form of $1,000 a day for life.
'Bare-adise' adventure: This nude cruise is due to set sail from Miami in 2025

What do you need to pack for a cruise? When it comes to this upcoming cruise from tour and travel company Bare Necessities, the answer appears to be very little.
Imagine living in a 4-foot body that doesn't develop chronic diseases

Nathaly Paola Castro Torres has a rare disorder called Laron syndrome that is caused by a genetic mutation. It stunts her growth but also provides a hidden silver lining: Her body is protected from chronic diseases such as cancer that often take life away long before old age.

Sports

Canada gets another chance at world para hockey title at home

Canada's para hockey team gets another swing at winning a world championship on home ice. The 2024 edition at Calgary's WinSport Arena, where the Canadians open against Japan on Saturday, provides more familiar territory.
Maple Leafs down Bruins 2-1 to force Game 7

William Nylander scored twice and Joseph Woll made 22 saves as the Toronto Maple Leafs downed the Boston Bruins 2-1 on Thursday to force Game 7 in their first-round series.
Tiger Woods gets special exemption to U.S. Open at Pinehurst

Tiger Woods accepted a special exemption for the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, the first time the three-time champion has needed an exemption to play.

Autos

These driving offences now come with an automatic impoundment, licence suspension in Sask.

Drivers in Saskatchewan will now lose their licence for a week and their vehicle for a month if they are caught committing certain high-speed and dangerous offences on the road.
April auto sales jump 14 per cent; still below pre-pandemic levels: DesRosiers

Auto sales last month totalled 164,000 units, higher than April 2023, which was the weakest month for sales last year.
Rolls-Royce is growing its factory so it can build its 'bespoke' cars more slowly

Rolls-Royce is vastly expanding its factory in Chichester, England. The BMW subsidiary is adding five new buildings with construction planned to start next year.

'SIM swap' that enabled theft of $63K in bitcoin at centre of B.C. court case

A Freedom Mobile customer who sued the company for negligence after a "SIM swap" scam cost him more than $63,000 in bitcoin will have to go through the company's arbitration process to pursue his claim, a B.C. court has ruled.
Surrey crash leaves pedestrian with 'significant injuries': RCMP

A pedestrian was seriously injured when they were struck by a vehicle in Surrey Thursday, according to authorities.
Vancouver to consider loosening moratorium on gambling expansions

A long-standing freeze on the number of gambling tables and machines allowed in Vancouver could be relaxed on behalf of the Parq Casino and Hastings Racecourse.

Toronto

Ontario to increase fines for 'bad actor' employers

Ontario is set to clamp down on bad employers with big fines. Labour Minister David Piccini says his government will introduce legislation next week that will see fines increased for violations of the Employment Standards Act.
Federal government to announce funding to help Toronto host six 2026 World Cup games

The federal government is set to announce funding to help Toronto host six matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Is your password 123456? Here's why you should make it stronger

With the sheer number of passwords needed today, it may come as no surprise that over 60 per cent of Canadians feel overwhelmed, and over a third reportedly forget their passwords monthly.

Calgary

Suspect sought following arson at northeast Calgary church

Police are looking for a man who set a nativity scene on fire at a church in northeast Calgary.
Ottawa announces emissions progress as Capital Power cancels $2.4B carbon capture project

Ottawa released its Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report on Thursday, less than a day after a major carbon capture and storage project was scrapped by Edmonton-based Capital Power.
Fuel tanker and pickup collide on Highway 2 near Okotoks, injuring 2

The southbound lanes of Highway 2 are closed near Okotoks after RCMP say a fuel tanker and pickup truck collided.

Ottawa

Here’s how nice it feels in Ottawa this Friday

The weather is nice in the capital this Friday with warm temperatures and no rain. Enjoy it while it lasts!
NEW THIS MORNING
NEW THIS MORNING What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: May 3-5

CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at things to do in Ottawa during the first weekend of May.
Forcing public servants back to downtown Ottawa harms satellite communities: North Grenville mayor

The mayor of North Grenville, just south of Ottawa, says hybrid work has been a boon to her community, and a recent move by the federal government to force public servants back to downtown Ottawa office buildings is misguided.

Montreal

Judge worries amendment to Quebec language law will cause 'undue delays' for English trials

A Quebec judge overseeing the trial of a person accused of killing a cyclist with their car has raised concerns that an amendment to the province's language charter could cause 'undue delays' for trials held in English.
Counter-protesters face off with pro-Palestinian encampment group at McGill University

A heavy police presence was at McGill University on Thursday morning, as counter-protesters assembled opposite the pro-Palestinian encampment at the school.
Three Quebec men from same family father hundreds of children

Three men in Quebec from the same family have fathered more than 600 children.

Edmonton

Ottawa announces emissions progress as Capital Power cancels $2.4B carbon capture project

Ottawa released its Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report on Thursday, less than a day after a major carbon capture and storage project was scrapped by Edmonton-based Capital Power.
'Nothing into something': Little potatoes turn into big success for Edmonton company

A produce company with Edmonton roots has found big success with tiny potatoes.
'I'm coming here every day': Edmonton shoppers lukewarm on Loblaw boycott

A campaign that started online has many Canadian shoppers promising to boycott Loblaw companies in May, but a local expert says the boycott is unlikely to take off.

Atlantic

Airport, airline officials react to WestJet CEO’s comments about one major N.B. airport

Airport officials disagree with idea of one centralized airport in New Brunswick.
Men in SUV approached children, offered candy: N.S. RCMP

The Nova Scotia RCMP is investigating a “suspicious incident” involving men allegedly approaching children in St. Croix on Tuesday.
'It’s not part of the job': ER violence on the rise in P.E.I.

Two recent violent incidents in Prince Edward Island are an example of the danger health-care workers face in crowded emergency rooms.

Winnipeg

'System failures': Starbucks to close its doors amid recent violence in Osborne Village

The long-standing Starbucks in Osborne Village is set to close its doors next week – it comes one day after a man was attacked next door.
Manitoba looking to crack down on sex trafficking in hotels

Manitobans are being invited to weigh in on a hospitality regulation designed to prevent sexual exploitation in the industry.
Manitoba teen missing since February: police

The Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFPS) is searching for a teenage girl who has been missing since February.

Regina

Indian Head RCMP respond to 'serious' collision on Highway 1

A serious collision at the intersection of Highway #1 and Highway #606 near Sintaluta, Sask. has reduced traffic to one lane.
Sask. harm reduction workers feeling the effects of 'recovery-based' strategy

Three months since the Government of Saskatchewan stopped funding single use pipes and needles for safe consumption sites – those working on the ground with people battling addiction say the effects are clear.
'Progressing the right way': Regina Airport back to pre-pandemic traveller numbers, annual report says

Passenger volumes have returned to near pre-pandemic levels at Regina’s International Airport (YQR).

Kitchener

New Hamburg, Ont. family can't get truck's faulty transmission fixed due to aftermarket attachment

A New Hamburg family is feeling deflated after buying a new Toyota hybrid truck.
Pedestrian seriously hurt, driver at large following Waterloo crash

Waterloo regional police are looking for a driver involved in a crash that left a pedestrian with serious injuries.
Magic mushroom shops in Kitchener and Cambridge raided – again

Police have once again raided magic mushroom dispensaries in Kitchener and Cambridge.

Saskatoon

'Absolutely necessary': Snow, rain easing concerns for Sask wildfire season, farmers

If April showers bring May flowers, then what does snow in May bring?
An 18-year-old was stabbed on a Saskatoon bus, police say

Saskatoon police are investigating an assault on a city bus after an 18-year-old man was stabbed on Wednesday afternoon.
'Healthy, happy calves': Cow gives birth to rare set of quadruplets in Saskatchewan

A Saskatchewan family won the bovine lottery after their cow gave birth to a rare set of quadruplets.

Northern Ontario

New Hamburg, Ont. family can't get truck's faulty transmission fixed due to aftermarket attachment

A New Hamburg family is feeling deflated after buying a new Toyota hybrid truck.
Northern Ont. police forced into the river to save intoxicated swimmer

An intoxicated man wearing only his underwear and a lifejacket had to be pulled from the Thessalon River early Wednesday evening.
Fears in northern Ont. as cuts to homeless funding would affect front-line workers

Social services agencies across the north are sounding the alarm after funding cuts on homelessness programs were recently published.

London

Fatal crash in South-West Oxford Township

Around 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, first responders were called to the scene near the intersection of Pigram Road and Salford Road in South-West Oxford Township.
Clean up outside derelict building doesn’t quell concerns about trespassing and fire risk

Despite a recent clean-up around the former St. Pierre Renovation Centre, concern persists about trespassing and the risk of fire at the former industrial building.
Three people in hospital following crash east of London, Ont.

A two-vehicle crash involving a transport truck and a passenger vehicle closed Dundas Street, just west of Thamesford, late Thursday afternoon.

Barrie

Knife-wielding man busted in Alliston

For the second time this week, Nottawasaga Ontario Provincial Police have dealt with a dangerous person roaming their streets.
Barrie's photo radar cameras are moving to new locations: Here's where

Barrie's photo radar cameras will relocate to new community safety zones this month to curb speeding on neighbourhood roads.
Barrie nurse wins prestigious award

A Barrie nurse was voted as one of three to be honoured by the nursing association this year.

Windsor

Trucker convicted of importing $29M in meth across Ambassador Bridge

A truck driver has been convicted of importing $29 million in methamphetamine across the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor.
Windsor police seize drugs and cash after suspect violates court order

A Windsor man is facing charges after police seized drugs and cash worth over $18,000. In April, members of the Drugs and Guns Enforcement Unit (DIGS) started an investigation into a person they believed was trafficking drugs.
Retired CTV Windsor anchor Jim Crichton honoured at Thursday night gala

Jim Crichton is no stranger to the spotlight – having spent two decades at the anchor desk of CTV Windsor’s newscast. He’s also no stranger to the annual gala held by the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex, often serving as emcee for the evening.

Vancouver Island

B.C. First Nation urges boaters to stay away from recently freed orca calf

The Ehattesaht First Nation is urging boaters to steer clear of a young orca calf that recently escaped a B.C. lagoon where she had been stranded for weeks after her pregnant mother died.
B.C. man convicted of fentanyl trafficking after judge rejects claim drugs belonged to a friend

A B.C. man has been convicted of possessing fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking despite claiming the drugs were not his – a defence the judge said he could not "accept or even entertain."
Metro Vancouver police seize several kilos of drugs in raids connected to B.C. gang conflict

Mounties are recommending charges against several people after officers seized more than 10 kilograms of suspected fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and opioid pills during a series of raids in Metro Vancouver.

Kelowna

B.C. breweries take home awards at World Beer Cup

Out of more than 9,000 entries from over 2,000 breweries in 50 countries, a handful of B.C. brews landed on the podium at the World Beer Cup this week.
B.C. man rescues starving dachshund trapped in carrier: BC SPCA

An emaciated dachshund is now recovering thanks to a Good Samaritan who found the pup near a biking trail in Kelowna, according to the BC SPCA.
Search crews called in after missing Kelowna senior's truck found

Search and rescue crews have been called in after a vehicle belonging to a missing senior was located near a rural intersection outside of Kelowna Tuesday.

Lethbridge

Contractors want to repurpose Milk River high school rather than see it demolished

The bell at Erle Rivers High School in Milk River, Alta., will ring for the last time on June 26, as the 114-year-old school is scheduled to be torn down to make way for a new K-12 school.
Lethbridge football player Tanner McLachlan drafted by the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals

Years of hard work paid off for Tanner McLachlan after he heard his name called at the NFL draft last Saturday.
'Here to help': The Watch celebrating 5 years of patrolling Lethbridge streets

Volunteers with ‘The Watch’ program in Lethbridge have been patrolling the city centre rain or shine for five years.

Sault Ste. Marie

Sault’s Queen Street to undergo reconstruction

Phase 1 of the reconstruction of Queen Street in downtown Sault Ste. Marie is getting underway, although it will be scaled down from the original plan.
Fears in northern Ont. as cuts to homeless funding would affect front-line workers

Social services agencies across the north are sounding the alarm after funding cuts on homelessness programs were recently published.
Northern Ont. police forced into the river to save intoxicated swimmer

An intoxicated man wearing only his underwear and a lifejacket had to be pulled from the Thessalon River early Wednesday evening.

N.L.

Newfoundland fisherman says police broke his leg during protest that delayed budget

Richard Martin is spending this year's fishing season on land after he says a Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officer broke his left leg in three places during a protest last month that shut down the provincial legislature.
'I feel honoured to say I was his friend': Wayne Gretzky remembers Bob Cole

Tributes continue to pour in for Bob Cole as his family has confirmed a funeral will be held for the legendary broadcaster Friday in St. John's, N.L.
Voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole never considered moving out of St. John's

Legendary sportscaster Bob Cole was a Newfoundlander through and through, and his daughter says his connection to the province was 'everything' to him.

Skyscraper-size asteroid will buzz Earth on Friday

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

NEW | Biscuits with possible plastic pieces, metal found in ground pork: Here are the recalls for this week

DEVELOPING | Police officer fired gun while clearing protesters from Columbia building, prosecutors say

NEW THIS MORNING | What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: May 3-5

NEW Biscuits with possible plastic pieces, metal found in ground pork: Here are the recalls for this week

DEVELOPING Police officer fired gun while clearing protesters from Columbia building, prosecutors say

NEW THIS MORNING What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: May 3-5