IOC says it talked to China's Peng Shuai last week

ATHENS -

The International Olympic Committee talked with Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai last week and will meet her in Beijing during next month's winter Olympics, it said on Wednesday.

Peng's situation became a matter of concern in November when the former women's number one doubles player alleged that a former Chinese vice premier, Zhang Gaoli, had sexually assaulted her in the past. After that post, she was absent from public view for nearly three weeks.

"Since the first call that the IOC held with Peng Shuai on 21 November 2021, the IOC team has kept in touch with her and had a number of conversations with her – the last one just the past week," an IOC spokesperson said.

Last month Peng said she had never accused anyone of sexually assaulting her, and that a social media post she had made had been misunderstood. Zhang has not commented on the matter.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment

McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.

'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks

The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.

Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night

A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.

Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?

Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.

Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto

A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.

U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete

The Biden administration said Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.

Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate

Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.

Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police

A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.

'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary

The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.

Canada

Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise

When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Sask. teachers set to vote on renewed sanctions mandate

Next week, teachers in Saskatchewan will vote on a renewed mandate that would implement sanctions beyond the current school year.
Roughly 250 people forced to evacuate Winnipeg apartment building deemed unsafe

Approximately 250 residents of a St. James area apartment building will have to leave their homes immediately, as the City of Winnipeg issued a vacate order over unsafe conditions.
Eastern P.E.I. looks for smooth sailing this ferry season

The ferry between Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia is back on the water for another season and many are hoping issues which plagued the service are a thing of the past.
As summer wildfire season nears, Quebec forest fire workers vote for strike mandate

Workers with Quebec's forest fire agency have voted 99 per cent in favour of a strike mandate as the summer wildfire season approaches.
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report

A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.

World

Biden jokes Trump should have injected himself with bleach

U.S. President Joe Biden joked on Friday that he wished former president Donald Trump had injected himself with a little bleach.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate

Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete

The Biden administration said Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
Here's what to know about conservatorships and how Brian Wilson's case evolved

A judge put Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson under a court conservatorship to oversee his personal and medical affairs after the legendary songwriter's doctor reported that he has a major neurocognitive disorder.
Peru president's brother arrested in graft probe as Rolex scandal spreads

Peruvian police detained President Dina Boluarte's brother and lawyer on Friday amid a probe into alleged influence peddling, ramping up pressure on the Andean country's leader already being investigated over how she got pricey Rolex watches and jewelry.
Amish youth experience a rite of passage called Rumspringa. It’s not what you might think

The idea of “Rumspringa” has a specific spot in the American imagination. A rite of passage for young people in some Amish communities, Rumspringa is seen by most outsiders as a wild time away from strict Amish rules, when teenagers can experiment with the modern vices of the world.

Politics

Trudeau points to fire fight, says Meta news ban degrades safety as it makes billions

Justin Trudeau says Meta is making billions off people, but taking no responsibility for the well-being of communities they profit from.
Canada pitches in $76 million for 'faster' German air-defence systems in Ukraine

Canada is putting $76 million towards a German-led effort to help Ukraine defend itself from Russian missiles and aircraft, Defence Minister Bill Blair announced Friday.
Canadian Blood Services apologizes to LGBTQ2S+ community for discriminatory blood donation policy

Canada's longstanding blood donation policy that prohibited sexually active men who have sex with men, as well as some trans people, from donating blood and plasma was harmful and discriminatory, Canadian Blood Services acknowledged on Friday, in issuing an apology to the LGBTQ2S+ community.

Health

Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER

A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
Oprah Winfrey: I set an unrealistic standard for dieting

Oprah Winfrey said on Thursday evening that she has long played a role in promoting unhealthy and unrealistic diets.
Italy updates IVF rules to allow access for widowed or separated women

Italy's Health Ministry has updated its guidelines on medically assisted reproduction, allowing access for women who requested the procedure with their male partner but who have since become separated or widowed.

Sci-Tech

Trudeau points to fire fight, says Meta news ban degrades safety as it makes billions

Justin Trudeau says Meta is making billions off people, but taking no responsibility for the well-being of communities they profit from.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto

A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas

A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.

Entertainment

Sean 'Diddy' Combs asks judge to dismiss 'false' claim that he, others raped 17-year-old girl

Sean 'Diddy' Combs on Friday asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit alleging that he and two co-defendants raped a 17-year-old girl in a New York recording studio in 2003, saying it was a 'false and hideous claim' that was filed too late under the law.
Toronto police called to Drake's Bridle Path mansion for another alleged intruder on Thursday

Toronto police say a man who allegedly attempted to access Drake’s Bridle Path property was taken to hospital on Thursday after an altercation with security guards.
How Canadians can watch the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest

Europe’s top pop stars are out and about for the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, taking place in Malmo, Sweden.

Business

WestJet Encore pilots reject tentative deal; airline says no impact on operations

The union representing WestJet Encore pilots says its members rejected the tentative deal reached last month, with just over half voting the agreement down.
Ontario government endorsing $600M refurbishment plan for Cornwall power generating station

The Ontario government says it will be supporting Ontario Power Generation's plan to refurbish the R. H. Saunders Generating Station on the St. Lawrence River.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan

Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.

Lifestyle

Popular vacation islands in Spain crack down on partying

Spain's Balearic Islands are further cracking down on public drinking and party boats as part of modifications to a 2020 decree that addressed 'excess tourism.'
Rothesay, N.B., woman ready to break barriers at Miss Universe Canada 2024

Lorraine Peters from New Brunswick looks forward to sharing her message on a national stage for women to have the confidence, and courage to pursue whatever they choose no matter their age
Guelph, Ont. man gains millions of YouTube views by helping people work espresso machines

If you’ve ever had a tough time figuring out an espresso machine, a Guelph, Ont. man has you covered.

Sports

Tickets still available as 'Messi Mania' visits CF Montreal; club expects a sellout

Tickets are still available for 'Messi Mania' in Montreal -- if you're willing to pay up. Montreal hosts Lionel Messi's Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer action Saturday at Stade Saputo as the global icon makes his first professional trip to Canada.
Mbappe confirms he will leave PSG ahead of expected move to Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappe confirmed what the soccer world was long expecting to hear, announcing he is leaving Paris Saint-Germain ahead of a widely expected move to Real Madrid.
Oilers star Leon Draisaitl questionable for Game 2 vs. Canucks

Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl is questionable for today's Game 2 against the Vancouver Canucks.

Autos

After layoffs, Musk says Tesla to spend US$500M on charging network

Tesla will spend more than US$500 million to expand its fast-charging network, CEO Elon Musk said on Friday, days after abruptly laying off employees who were running the business.
Her SUV was stolen in Montreal. A Good Samaritan on Facebook helped her get it back

Just as she had feared, a restaurant owner from eastern Quebec who visited Montreal had her SUV stolen, but says it was all thanks to the kindness of strangers on the internet — not the police — that she got it back.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it

If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.

'Tactical evacuations' underway near Fort Nelson, B.C., as wildfires encroach

The BC Wildfire Service says 'tactical evacuations' began Friday near Fort Nelson, B.C., due to an out-of-control wildfire that has grown rapidly since it was discovered earlier in the afternoon.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks

The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.

Toronto

Where and when to see the northern lights in Toronto tonight

The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, are expected to illuminate the sky in Canada tonight, including in Toronto, thanks to a rare and severe solar storm.
15-year-old boy stabbed during fight at Brampton park 'fighting for his life' in hospital

A 15-year-old boy is in critical condition after an apparent stabbing during a fight at a park in Brampton Friday afternoon.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto

A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.

Calgary

'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary

The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.
City of Chestermere inspection reveals ‘irregular, improper and improvident’ financial management: province

A third-party examination of the City of Chestermere revealed “significant gaps” in the financial management, the province said Friday.
Calgary says goodbye to Eau Claire Market as expropriated residents fight on

These are the final hours for Eau Claire Market, and the final days for residents of a nearby townhouse complex.

Ottawa

Ottawa's 3-container limit for curbside garbage takes effect this fall

The City of Ottawa's new three-garbage item limit for household waste will take effect on Sept. 30, with a three-month phase-in period for the limit. As of December, collection staff will only collect three garbage items from households every two weeks.
Tiny Home Show showcasing miniature spaces

In the midst of soaring living expenses and spiking interest rates, the dream of owning a traditional home seems to be slipping away for many residents in Ottawa.
Motorcycle driver in critical condition after crash in Barrhaven

Ottawa paramedics say a man in his 20s is in critical condition after a crash in Barrhaven Friday afternoon.

Montreal

McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment

McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Man charged after truck strikes and kills driver changing flat tire on side of Montreal-area highway

A 43-year-old man has been charged after a driver was struck and killed while changing a tire on the side of a Highway 15 near Montreal on Thursday.
Montreal comic book artist among those honoured with Canada Post stamp

Montreal graphic novelist Michel Rabagliati is among four artists Canada Post honoured with stamps that went on sale on Friday.

Edmonton

Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night

An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.
Oilers star Leon Draisaitl questionable for Game 2 vs. Canucks

Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl is questionable for today's Game 2 against the Vancouver Canucks.
'Violent, despicable and unbelievable': Family of murdered 7-year-old speak at David Moss sentencing Friday

David Moss, the man who murdered seven-year-old Bella Rose Desrosiers, broke down in court Friday as the girl's family spoke about the toll her death has taken on them.

Atlantic

Seven people charged following kidnapping, assault in Tobique First Nation: N.B. RCMP

RCMP say seven people have been arrested and charged in connection with a kidnapping and assault in Tobique First Nation, N.B.
EHS helicopters to land in new spot in Halifax

Emergency Health Services (EHS) LifeFlight helicopters will soon be landing at Canadian Forces Base Windsor Park in the Halifax's west end.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say

Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.

Winnipeg

'Devastating': Clear Lake watercraft ban will have an impact, business owners say

Businesses in the Clear Lake area are concerned about the future following a temporary ban on watercraft from entering the lake.
Roughly 250 people forced to evacuate Winnipeg apartment building deemed unsafe

Approximately 250 residents of a St. James area apartment building will have to leave their homes immediately, as the City of Winnipeg issued a vacate order over unsafe conditions.
Solar storm could produce highly visible northern lights in Manitoba

An unusually large solar storm could produce northern light shows that may be visible across most of Canada on Friday and Saturday.

Regina

Healthcare divide between Alberta, Sask. persists post-pandemic: Doctor

Easier access to certain types of medical care has become more difficult for some residents in southwestern Saskatchewan, according to a Swift Current doctor.
Sask. teachers set to vote on renewed sanctions mandate

Next week, teachers in Saskatchewan will vote on a renewed mandate that would implement sanctions beyond the current school year.
Regina police charge 3, seize drugs, ammunition after 'months long investigation'

Regina police say three people have been charged after they seized more than 1,100 grams of a substance believed to be cocaine along with suspected meth and ammunition following a “months long investigation.”

Kitchener

'A total write-off': Kitchener resident asks for thousands from city, after driving over 'faulty' manhole cover

One driver wants the City of Kitchener to cover the thousands of dollars in damage to his car after he ran over a “faulty” manhole cover.
Motorcyclist airlifted to hospital in critical condition after Cambridge crash

A motorcyclist was airlifted to hospital with critical injuries after a crash in Cambridge on Friday afternoon.
Search for new K-W hospital location narrowed down to two

We’re one step closer to finding out the new location of Kitchener-Waterloo’s newest hospital.

Saskatoon

Sask. teachers set to vote on renewed sanctions mandate

Next week, teachers in Saskatchewan will vote on a renewed mandate that would implement sanctions beyond the current school year.
Dump truck heavily damaged after crash on Circle Drive North

A dump truck was heavily damaged following a crash Friday afternoon on Circle Drive North.
Nutrien CEO wants fully automated or tele-remote operations in all 6 mines

Improved mine automation helped fertilizer giant Nutrien Ltd. increase potash production in the first quarter amid strong demand for its products, the company's chief executive said.

Northern Ontario

Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night

A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway

There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Twenty defendants fined $222K for northern Ont. moose hunt violations

A large group of Canadian and U.S. defendants have been fined $178,400 plus $44,525 in surcharges for a variety of moose hunting violations in northwestern Ontario.

London

Lambton County teen dies in farm accident

OPP in Lambton County are investigating what is being described as a, “sudden death.” Police responded to the call at a farm on Churchill Line in Watford around 9:30 a.m.
Suspicious fire being investigated in London

A suspicious fire in London is under investigation by police and fire officials. According to London fire, crews knocked down the scene in an “offensive strategy.”
Sarnia police searching for stabbing suspect

The Sarnia Police Service has issued a warrant for a 30-year-old female in connection to a stabbing incident.

Barrie

Barrie men charged with fraud in OPP investigation into pool installation scam

Two Barrie men have been charged with fraud in connection with a lengthy OPP investigation after several customers seeking pool installations were allegedly scammed out of thousands of dollars.
Wasaga Beach assault turns into murder investigation after victim's death

The charge against a Wasaga Beach man has been upgraded to second-degree murder after police say the victim died more than two months after an alleged assault.
Here's why your yard waste may have been sitting at the curb for days

A recent change in curbside collection has left some green-thumbed enthusiasts scratching their heads as bags of yard waste linger by the curb, awaiting pickup.

Windsor

Windsor’s unemployment rate jumps back into highest in Canada

The unemployment rate in Windsor increased dramatically last month and is the highest in Canada, according to Statistics Canada.
City of Windsor has unanswered questions as feds, province spar over housing funding

A dispute between the federal and provincial governments over the National Housing Strategy nearly put the City of Windsor $7 million in the hole and questions still remain over when and how much funding the city will receive.
New president elected for Unifor Local 444

On Friday, the union announced that James Stewart will fill the role of president, following the May 8-9 election.

Vancouver Island

Police launch assault investigation at UVic protest encampment

Police in Saanich, B.C., say an assault investigation is underway following two alleged incidents at a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on the grounds of the University of Victoria.
Victoria-based conservation group calling on B.C. to end wolf cull

Pacific Wild, a Victoria-based wildlife conservation group, is calling on the provincial government to halt what it calls the inhumane and scientifically controversial wolf cull in B.C.
Victoria police searching for man accused of voyeurism in downtown store

Police in Victoria are appealing to the public to identify a man who allegedly took photos or video of a woman in a change room at a downtown store Wednesday afternoon.

Kelowna

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.
Community mourns thousands of fish lost as B.C. drought risk looms again

Images of steelhead and trout flicker over long sheets of paper, brought to life in blue and green crayon rubbings by the thousands.

Lethbridge

Medicine Hat, Alta., police arrest local man in child luring case

Thousands of messages were sent between a teenage girl in the U.S. and an Alberta man posing as a young boy, a police investigation has revealed.
Southern Alberta farmers optimistic after recent rainfall

After a dry winter, southern Alberta farmers were expecting it to be another tough growing season.
Rural crime in decline: southern Alberta RCMP

Rural crime is on the decline, the RCMP said in a media statement released by the Southern Alberta District (SAD) late Wednesday afternoon.

Sault Ste. Marie

Moose Hide campaign begins in Sault Ste. Marie

A campaign designed to encourage Indigenous and non-Indigenous men and boys to stand up against violence against women and children in their lives is getting underway.
Pathway in place to save Sault YMCA

The Sault Ste. Marie YMCA is no longer heading for closure, but it’s going to take a community effort to ensure the facility stays operational.
No injuries after drugged driving suspect crashes into residence in the Sault

Residents of a home on McNabb Street in the Sault received a scary wake-up call this week when a vehicle crashed into their residence.

N.L.

'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say

Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Whooping cough outbreak declared in Newfoundland

Health officials say there is an outbreak of whooping cough in eastern Newfoundland.
Trucker's body found in trailer in Newfoundland after failed police search in Ontario

Ontario Provincial Police are facing tough questions about their search for a missing Newfoundland trucker whose rig was found two weeks ago in Ontario, then sent back to Newfoundland, where his body was found Monday in the trailer.