San Francisco Giants are first team to clinch MLB playoff spot

Fireworks go off behind the scoreboard at Oracle Park after the San Francisco Giants defeated the San Diego Padres to clinch a postseason berth, on Sept. 13, 2021. (Jeff Chiu / AP)

SAN FRANCISCO -

The San Francisco Giants became the first major league team to clinch a playoff spot this season, hitting four home runs to beat the San Diego Padres 9-1 on Monday night for their season-high eighth consecutive victory.

After finishing 29-31 in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, the Giants have done a complete turnaround in manager Gabe Kapler's second season. They have the best record in baseball (94-50) with 18 games remaining -- nine of them against the Padres, who are trying to win an NL wild card.

San Francisco extended its latest hot streak by getting early power at the plate and steady pitching from the bullpen after opener Dominic Leone threw two strong innings.

Tommy La Stella connected on the fourth pitch from Padres starter Yu Darvish and Evan Longoria hit a three-run shot five batters later. Mike Yastrzemski added a solo homer in the fourth when Brandon Belt also went deep as San Francisco secured a spot in the postseason for the first time since 2016.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans

Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.

'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments

An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.

opinion

opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales

Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.

New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'

American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.

$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months

During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.

Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?

A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.

Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code

It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.

Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier

Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.

Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise

When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.

Canada

Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms

A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.
'Wallet-bursting' housing costs have some Torontonians ditching the city for cheaper pastures

Mauro Quattrochi is facing a decision shared by many in Toronto: commit to a “wallet-bursting life in the city, or a car-bound, almost-as-expensive life outside it?”
'I just want to be safe': Ukrainian man in Canada faces limbo amid consular freeze

A recent decision to restrict consular services for fighting-aged Ukrainian men has made a Ukrainian man in Canada feel less certain of his next steps — and worried he could be pulled back to the war.
P.E.I. chef warns about scam video 'deepfake' advertisement circulating on Facebook

A Prince Edward Island chef and TV host is warning people about a fake video advertisement that features him offering hundreds of dollars worth of cookware for free -- in return for credit card details.
Jury selected for Winnipeg trial of man accused of killing four women

A jury has been selected for the trial of a Winnipeg man accused of killing four women.
As the climate changes, so too do Canadians' farm fields and dinner tables

Here is a look at some of the ways climate change is changing Canadian agriculture.

World

Dozens of U.S. deaths reveal risks of injecting sedatives into people restrained by police

The practice of giving sedatives to people detained by police has spread quietly across the U.S. over the last 15 years, built on questionable science and backed by police-aligned experts, an investigation led by The Associated Press has found.
Man convicted of involuntary manslaughter in father's drowning, told police he was baptizing him

A Massachusetts man who told police he was exorcising a demon and performing a baptism when he shoved his father's head under water multiple times has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in his death.
Ukraine's farm minister is the latest corruption suspect as Kyiv aims to undo recent Russian gains

A Ukrainian court on Friday ordered the detention of the country's farm minister in the latest high-profile corruption investigation, while Kyiv security officials assessed how they can recover lost battlefield momentum in the war against Russia.
Egypt sends delegation to Israel, its latest effort to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas

Egypt sent a high-level delegation to Israel on Friday with the hope of brokering a cease-fire agreement with Hamas in Gaza, two officials said. At the same time, it warned that a possible Israeli offensive focused on Gaza's city of Rafah -- on the border with Egypt -- could have catastrophic consequences for regional stability.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump

As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Burkina Faso's army massacred over 200 civilians in a village raid, Human Rights Watch says

Military forces in Burkina Faso killed 223 civilians, including babies and many children, in attacks on two villages accused of cooperating with militants, Human Rights Watch said in a report published Thursday.

Politics

New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'

American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight

After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Court ruling affirms law curbing parliamentary immunity of spy watchdog members

The Ontario Court of Appeal has affirmed the constitutionality of a law that limits members of a spy watchdog from using their parliamentary immunity to speak out.

Health

Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise

When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
CTE: Researchers believe widespread brain injury may contribute to veteran suicide rate

Researchers are working to better understand if some Canadian military veterans may be suffering from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, also known as CTE -- a disorder previously found in the brains of professional football and hockey players after their death.
LHSC performs a Canadian first in robot-assisted direct lateral spine surgery

Spine surgery may never be the same for people with chronic back pain and other physical ailments.

Sci-Tech

Boeing and NASA decide to move forward with historic crewed launch of new spacecraft

After years of delays and a dizzying array of setbacks during test flights, Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is finally set to make its inaugural crewed launch.
ByteDance prefers TikTok shutdown in U.S. if legal options fail, Reuters sources say

TikTok owner ByteDance would prefer to shut down its loss-making app rather than sell it if the Chinese company exhausts all legal options to fight legislation to ban the platform from app stores in the U.S., four sources said.
Colombia becomes first country to restrict U.S. beef due to bird flu in dairy cows

Colombia has restricted the import of beef and beef products coming from U.S. states where dairy cows have tested positive for avian influenza as of April 15, according the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Entertainment

Madonna says her kids' 'enthusiasm' kept her going while on tour after 'near death' hospitalization

As Madonna approaches her 80th show on her 'Celebration' tour, she took a moment to appreciate how much her six children have helped her get to this point after being hospitalized last year before the tour began.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising

A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Estate of Tupac Shakur sends cease-and-desist letter to Drake over AI vocals

A lawyer representing the estate of Tupac Shakur has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Drake after he used an AI-generated likeness of the late rapper's voice in a diss track.

Business

Monthly earnings rise, payroll employment falls: Jobs report

The number of vacant jobs in Canada increased in February, while monthly payroll employment decreased in food services, manufacturing, and retail trade, among other sectors.
Ford just reported a massive loss on every electric vehicle it sold

Ford’s electric vehicle unit reported that losses soared in the first quarter to US $1.3 billion, or US$132,000 for each of the 10,000 vehicles it sold in the first three months of the year.
Boeing's financial woes continue, while families of crash victims urge U.S. to prosecute the company

Boeing said Wednesday that it lost US$355 million on falling revenue in the first quarter, another sign of the crisis gripping the aircraft manufacturer as it faces increasing scrutiny over the safety of its planes and accusations of shoddy work from a growing number of whistleblowers.

Lifestyle

Pilot proposes to flight attendant girlfriend in front of passengers

A Polish pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend during a flight from Warsaw to Krakow, and she said yes.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months

During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'

For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.

Sports

Smash cars and catfish: What Nashville has in store for the Vancouver Canucks

After dropping Game 2 at home on Tuesday, the Vancouver Canucks are now in Nashville for Games 3 and 4 of their first-round matchup against the Predators. And fans there are gearing up for a unique playoff tradition that gives new meaning to Bridgestone Arena’s nickname: Smashville.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3

Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier

Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.

Autos

'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments

An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Ford just reported a massive loss on every electric vehicle it sold

Ford’s electric vehicle unit reported that losses soared in the first quarter to US $1.3 billion, or US$132,000 for each of the 10,000 vehicles it sold in the first three months of the year.
Honda to get up to $5B in govt help for EV battery, assembly plants

Honda is set to build an electric vehicle battery plant next to its Alliston, Ont., assembly plant, which it is retooling to produce fully electric vehicles, all part of a $15-billion project that is expected to include up to $5 billion in public money.

This Vancouver mansion just hit the market for $48M. Take a look inside.

One of Vancouver's "finest private estates" – perched on a Point Grey property with ocean views – has hit the market for the staggering asking price of $48 million.
Vancouver developer apologizes for housing scandal at Little Mountain

It’s arguably the biggest social housing scandal in Vancouver’s history and today the developer responsible for the Little Mountain project apologized for the multi-year delay that’s left a massive plot of land vacant during a housing crisis.
'So shocking': Roommate of victim left reeling after fatal White Rock stabbing

The roommate and long-time friend of the young man who was killed in White Rock Tuesday night, says he’s still in disbelief over what happened.

Toronto

'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments

An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
'Wallet-bursting' housing costs have some Torontonians ditching the city for cheaper pastures

Mauro Quattrochi is facing a decision shared by many in Toronto: commit to a “wallet-bursting life in the city, or a car-bound, almost-as-expensive life outside it?”
Warmest day of 2024 expected this weekend as summer-like weather arrives in Toronto

After a stretch of below seasonal temperatures this week, summer-like weather is set to arrive in Toronto late this weekend.

Calgary

'So crazy': Nenshi critical of Alberta bill giving extra powers over municipalities

Former Calgary mayor and current NDP leadership candidate Naheed Nenshi says the Alberta government is operating out of spite with new legislation that would grant it sweeping powers over municipalities, including the right to fire councillors, overturn bylaws and postpone elections.
Calgary CO call in Brentwood sends 7 people to hospital

Seven people were taken to Calgary hospitals on Thursday for carbon monoxide exposure.
Calgary financial advisor charged after allegedly embezzling nearly $5M

A Calgary man who worked as a senior financial advisor has been charged with fraud and theft after police say he misappropriated nearly $5 million from his clients.

Ottawa

Flood watch in effect along areas of Ottawa River until May 3

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has issued a flood watch for the Pembroke, Ont. area.
Warm temperatures in forecast for Ottawa Friday

The weather is nice in the capital this Friday, as it’s going to be sunny and warm.
NEW THIS MORNING
NEW THIS MORNING The Almonte Hospital's mystery March baby boom

This spring has been full of life in Almonte, as the local hospital has seen its biggest baby boom in recent memory.

Montreal

Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms

A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.
Parks Canada trashes pilot project, reinstalls garbage cans along Lachine Canal

Parks Canada said on Thursday that it was ending its pilot project and reinstalling garbage cans along the Lachine Canal Historic Site.
Woman transported to hospital in critical condition after fire in Montreal's Ste. Marie neighbourhood

A woman was taken to the hospital in critical condition on Thursday night after a fire broke out in a Montreal apartment building. The woman's condition has since improved.

Edmonton

UCP able to remove councillors and axe city bylaws in new sweeping bill aimed at municipal politics

The Government of Alberta wants to change how municipalities handle elections and local politics.
'So crazy': Nenshi critical of Alberta bill giving extra powers over municipalities

Former Calgary mayor and current NDP leadership candidate Naheed Nenshi says the Alberta government is operating out of spite with new legislation that would grant it sweeping powers over municipalities, including the right to fire councillors, overturn bylaws and postpone elections.
Experts urge Albertans to check measles vaccine status after confirmed Edmonton case

A confirmed case of measles in Edmonton has prompted another plea from health officials for people to make sure vaccinations are up to date.

Atlantic

'They followed their gut': N.B. RCMP say wellbeing check led to rescue of human trafficking victims

The New Brunswick RCMP say a wellbeing check that led to the rescue of three women from alleged human trafficking in Moncton earlier this month was the result of someone following their gut.
N.S. residents arrested at New Brunswick border with multiple weapons

Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers arrested two Nova Scotia residents at the New Brunswick border after they seized multiple prohibited firearms.
2 teens charged in Halifax homicide: police

Two teenagers have been charged with second-degree murder in connection to an alleged homicide near the Halifax Shopping Centre earlier this week.

Winnipeg

'Deep ignorance': Calls for Manitoba trustee to resign sparked after comments about Indigenous people and reconciliation

A rural Manitoba school trustee is facing calls to resign over comments he made about Indigenous people and residential schools earlier this week.
Former Manitoba premier Heather Stefanson leaving politics after 23 years

Former Manitoba premier Heather Stefanson is resigning her legislature seat and leaving political life.
Arrest made in 2021 northern Manitoba double homicide: RCMP

Manitoba RCMP have arrested a suspect in relation to a 2021 double homicide in a remote northern community.

Regina

RCMP make 2 arrests in connection to Oxbow area homicide

Saskatchewan RCMP have made two arrests in a homicide investigation in the province's southeast.
'Get these doctors here': Sask. family calls on province to step up gastroenterologist recruitment

The Weber family is being forced to travel to Toronto due to a lack of pediatric gastroenterologists (GIs) in the province. The family’s situation was highlighted by Saskatchewan’s official opposition.
Looking ahead to the upcoming CFL Draft

The draft will take place on Tuesday, April 30, the Saskatchewan Roughriders currently hold the third overall pick.

Kitchener

Generational farm could be impacted if Wilmot land assembly goes ahead

A family of farmers say their operations would be significantly impacted if the Region of Waterloo goes ahead with a land assembly project in the Wilmot Township area.
Portion of Highway 401 reopens following fatal crash

A fatal crash in Thames Centre closed down a portion of Highway 401 westbound. Around 2:15 a.m., first responders were called to westbound lanes of the highway between Culloden and Putnam Roads for a two-vehicle crash.
Over 40 charges laid to Cambridge man following break-in arrest

Waterloo regional police have handed out over 40 criminal charges to a Cambridge man following an investigation into several break-ins.

Saskatoon

Crown argues for life sentence for Sask. Mountie who shot and killed his lover

A Crown prosecutor says the former RCMP officer who shot and killed his lover should be sentenced to life in prison.
'Difficult to maintain': Private Sask. school embroiled in abuse allegations may soon close

A private Christian school at the centre of a civil lawsuit and several criminal cases might soon be taken over by an affiliated group, according to a letter obtained by CTV News.
Council votes for bike safety improvements at corner where cyclist was killed

Saskatoon city council is making road safety improvements following the death of a cyclist at a busy intersection last year.

Northern Ontario

Fire victims in Timmins say thieves have stolen their personal belongings

A month after an accidental fire forced more than 100 people out of their apartments at the Empire Complex in Timmins, residents are now dealing with being victims of theft.
Former head of Ont. tech company charged in $6M fraud case

A years-long fraud investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police’s anti-rackets branch has resulted in fraud and other charges for the former head of BioNorth Technology Group, Frank Benincasa
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?

A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.

London

Portion of Highway 401 reopens following fatal crash

A fatal crash in Thames Centre closed down a portion of Highway 401 westbound. Around 2:15 a.m., first responders were called to westbound lanes of the highway between Culloden and Putnam Roads for a two-vehicle crash.
Aamjiwnaang First Nation declares state of emergency over benzene levels

On Thursday, Aamjiwnaang First Nation Chief Chris Plain declared a state of emergency due to the high levels of benzene.
Tentative agreement reached between GTAs and Western

The union representing western's graudate teacher's assistants says a tentative agreement has been reached with the university.

Barrie

Police warn of caller ID phone scams

Faking a caller identity has never been so easy.
Wasaga Beach welcomes new family doctor

New doctor will expand services at the Georgian Bay Family Health Team.
Honda unveils $15B investment plan to build new EV plant in Alliston

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Doug Ford visited Alliston on Thursday to unveil a $15 billion investment in an electric vehicle and battery facility.

Windsor

Local job protection a concern as Canada's auto sector faces EV renaissance

Canada's auto industry is experiencing a renaissance as it transitions from building gas-powered vehicles to ones that run on batteries, but some are raising the alarm over the protection of local jobs.
Preparations underway for Wheatley demos

Preparations are underway for the demolition of nine building that remain fenced off from the explosion that rocked the downtown core of Wheatley in 2021, injuring 20 people.
Portion of Highway 401 reopens following fatal crash

A fatal crash in Thames Centre closed down a portion of Highway 401 westbound. Around 2:15 a.m., first responders were called to westbound lanes of the highway between Culloden and Putnam Roads for a two-vehicle crash.

Vancouver Island

Hiker airlifted to hospital in critical condition after falling into Vancouver Island canyon

A hiker was airlifted to hospital in critical condition Tuesday after he fell approximately 60 metres into a canyon on Vancouver Island.
B.C. civil lawsuit against Sex Pistols guitarist alleges 1980 sexual assault

A Vancouver woman has filed a civil lawsuit against Paramount Pictures Corp. and punk rocker Stephen Jones of The Sex Pistols alleging he sexually assaulted her as a teenager while she was a movie extra more than 40 years ago.
Harbour Air commits to buying 50 electric engines for seaplane fleet

Harbour Air is travelling towards a more sustainable future, looking to electrify its fleet of 45 aircraft.

Kelowna

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.
Homicide investigation underway after body found near Kelowna, B.C.

Major crime detectives in British Columbia are investigating a suspected homicide after a body was found in a remote area southeast Kelowna over the weekend.

Lethbridge

Former U of L student awarded diversity, equity and inclusion medal by NASA

A former University of Lethbridge student has been awarded the Medal for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equity by NASA.
Oilers get hat trick from MacNeil en route to 4-1 win over Bandits

The Okotoks Oilers bounced back against the Bandits Wednesday night, defeating Brooks 4-1.
Fire risk for southern Alberta high: Natural Resources Canada

It’s not even May 1 and the fire risk for southern Alberta is already alarming.

Sault Ste. Marie

Garden River chief meets with disgruntled band members over payout concerns

Some members of the Garden River First Nation are demanding answers regarding the disbursement of the Robinson-Huron Treaty settlement funds.
OPP and Treaty Three police lay murder charge in northwestern Ont.

The Ontario Provincial Police, in partnership with the Treaty Three Police Service, have charged a suspect with murder following a homicide in a remote northwestern Ontario community.
Youth charged in the Sault for firing cap gun at passersby

A 15-year-old in Sault Ste. Marie has been charged following an incident on Bay Street on Tuesday.

N.L.

Made-in-Newfoundland vodka claims top prize at worldwide competition

A Newfoundland-made vodka has been named one of the world’s best by judges at this year’s World Vodka Awards.
Rideshare platform Uber expands to Newfoundland and Labrador

Uber Technologies Inc. says it has brought its ridesharing platform to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Newfoundland director found creeping terror of 'The King Tide' in a tiny coastal town

Newfoundlander Christian Sparkes has shot several films around his home province, but with his new psychological thriller 'The King Tide' he saw an opportunity to wander into one unique town that had eluded him over the years.

San Francisco Giants are first team to clinch MLB playoff spot

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

opinion | The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales

NEW THIS MORNING | The Almonte Hospital's mystery March baby boom

opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales

NEW THIS MORNING The Almonte Hospital's mystery March baby boom