Jerusalem blanketed in white after rare snowfall

Palestinians enjoy the snow next to the Dome of the Rock Mosque in the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem Old City on Jan. 27, 2022. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

JERUSALEM -

Jerusalem was blanketed in white on Thursday after a winter storm covered much of the region's higher altitudes with snow.

The holy city's iconic golden Dome of the Rock was dusted in snow. Main highways to Jerusalem and its major arteries were shut, and schools and businesses closed for the day as municipal snowplows worked to clear streets.

Israel Police also closed major highways in the mountainous West Bank due to the hazardous road conditions.

Snowfall in the hills around Jerusalem is uncommon, occurring perhaps once per winter.

A winter storm has been battering the eastern Mediterranean, bringing heavy rains and wind to the Middle East. Istanbul and Athens were covered in snow earlier this week.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free

An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.

King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace

King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.

AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled

After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.

DEVELOPING

DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk

The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.

76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy

Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.

Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million

An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.

Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun

An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.

Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video

A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.

Canada

Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free

An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled

After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun

An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her

A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
First court appearance for boy and girl charged in death of Halifax 16-year-old

A girl and a boy, both 14 years old, made their first appearance today in a Halifax courtroom, where they each face a second-degree murder charge in the stabbing death of a 16-year-old high school student.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates

Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.

World

Columbia University president faces vote of confidence as protests spread

Columbia's embattled president came under renewed pressure on Friday as a university oversight committee met to address her attempt two weeks ago to clamp down on protests that have roiled the Ivy League school and spread across the country and aboard.
British Army says horses that bolted and ran loose in central London continue 'to be cared for'

The military horses that bolted and ran loose when spooked by construction noise in central London earlier this week "continue to be cared for and closely observed," the British Army said Friday.
Trump's lawyers try to discredit testimony of prosecution's lead witness in hush money trial

Donald Trump's defense team in his hush money case sought Friday to undermine the testimony of the prosecution's lead witness and his account that a tabloid's practice of helping to bury embarrassing stories about Trump was part of a scheme to aid the Republican's 2016 campaign.
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.
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.
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.

Politics

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
Canada allocates millions for drone production, ammunition to support Ukraine

The federal government is earmarking $3 million for production of drones in Ukraine in support of Kyiv's fight against Russia's invasion.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled

After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.

Health

'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising

Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week

Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk

The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.

Sci-Tech

These are the countries where TikTok is already banned

TikTok is in the crosshairs of authorities in the U.S., where a new law threatens a nationwide ban unless its China-based parent ByteDance divests. Here are the places that have partial or total bans on TikTok.
Hubble Space Telescope marks 34 years with new portrait of a 'cosmic dumbbell'

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured a stunning new image of the glowing gas ejected from a dying star, which in this case happens to resemble a 'cosmic dumbbell.'
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.

Entertainment

Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video

A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
Ellen DeGeneres addresses the 'hurtful' end of her talk show in new stand-up set

Ellen DeGeneres is reflecting on how her talk show came to an end. The comedian began performing her 'Ellen's Last Stand…Up Tour' this week, her first major project since 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' finished its run in 2022.
Mary J. Blige found her strength and now wants to help other women find their own

Mary J. Blige's "Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit" is partnering with Pepsi to launch a fund with US$100,000 available as grants to local organizations whose work elevates and educates underserved women in Yonkers.

Business

Ottawa, Quebec commit $100M for semiconductor capacity in Bromont, Que., 280 jobs

The federal and Quebec governments are spending close to $100 million to boost the country's manufacturing capacity for semiconductors, which are vital in technologies ranging from artificial intelligence to quantum computing.
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.

Lifestyle

Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million

An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
$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.
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.

Sports

Nylander rejoins Leafs during practice ahead of Game 4 against Bruins

Maple Leafs winger William Nylander appears on course to suit for the first time in this spring's Stanley Cup playoffs.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy

Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
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.

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.

Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free

An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Many witnesses' in area during deadly stabbing in White Rock, B.C., investigators say

Homicide detectives investigating a fatal stabbing in White Rock, B.C., say there were several witnesses in the area during the altercation between the 26-year-old victim and the perpetrator who remains at large.
Vancouver Island community contemplates offering pensions to attract doctors

The supplies are all in place at Pure Medical Clinic in Colwood, but the beds in the examination rooms remain covered in plastic.

Toronto

'Extremely traumatizing:' Boy, 11, struck by transport truck in Etobicoke

An 11-year-old boy struck by a transport truck in Etobicoke on Friday morning suffered critical injuries and is receiving treatment at a Toronto trauma centre, police say.
'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.
Man seriously injured on Toronto subway tracks while fleeing police: TPS

A man has been transported to hospital in serious condition after police say he jumped on the subway tracks at Sherbourne Station while attempting to flee from officers.

Calgary

Stabbing at Calgary Value Village under investigation by police

Calgary police took two people into custody on Friday after a stabbing in the community of Haysboro.
Calgary police investigate shooting in Valleyfield industrial area

Calgary police are investigating a shooting reported in the Valleyfield industrial area on Friday.
Calgary man sentenced to 30 months after downtown stabbing spree

A Calgary man has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in a downtown stabbing spree last year that sent multiple people to hospital.

Ottawa

'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising

Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Trucker from Newfoundland missing in eastern Ontario

Ontario Provincial Police are asking for the public's help in locating a missing man from Newfoundland who disappeared in eastern Ontario.
Queen’s University names award-winning journalist Shelagh Rogers as next chancellor

Queen’s University says renowned Canadian broadcaster and alumna, Shelagh Rogers will serve as its 16th chancellor starting July 1.

Montreal

Investigation underway after worker dies at Port of Montreal

Officials with Quebec's workplace safety board are being sent to the Port of Montreal on Friday after a worker was killed on the job.
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.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video

A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.

Edmonton

Brett Kissel curse? Radio host starts petition to stop singer from performing anthem at Oilers playoff games

An Edmonton radio host created a petition to stop country music singer Brett Kissel from performing the anthem at Oilers playoff games – and Kissel signed it.
Child sexual exploitation charges laid against Alberta RCMP officer

An Alberta RCMP officer has been charged with child sexual exploitation offences.
Artistic Oilers fans churning out best work during motivating playoff run

The Edmonton Oilers' playoff run is inspiring the team's most creative fans.

Atlantic

First court appearance for boy and girl charged in death of Halifax 16-year-old

A girl and a boy, both 14 years old, made their first appearance today in a Halifax courtroom, where they each face a second-degree murder charge in the stabbing death of a 16-year-old high school student.
Historic church in Bridgetown, N.S., destroyed by fire

A church in Bridgetown, N.S., has been destroyed by a Friday morning fire.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace

King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.

Winnipeg

AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled

After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Missing blind pug reunited with Manitoba family after 16 days

A blind pug has been safely returned to its home in Manitoba after going missing for 16 days.
'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.

Regina

Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun

An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Here's where fire bans and restrictions are in effect in Sask.

Fire restrictions are currently in effect for three Saskatchewan provincial parks and multiple rural and urban municipalities (RM) and individual communities around the province.
Inquest for Regina teen found unresponsive in creek 9 years ago set for May

A public inquest into the death of a Saskatchewan teenager who was found unresponsive in a creek east of Regina in 2015 will take place in May.

Kitchener

57-year-old pedestrian in hospital after hit-and-run crash in Cambridge: WRPS

A 57-year-old man was transported to an out-of-region hospital with serious injuries after police say he was hit by a driver who did not remain at the scene.
Driver hits woman pushing 3-month-old baby in stroller

An elderly Guelph driver has been charged after hitting a woman pushing a stroller.
Another fire at old Robson Lang building in Kitchener

Flames could be seen coming from a vacant leather factory in Kitchener once again late Thursday night.

Saskatoon

Blades, Warriors prepare for first all Sask. conference final in 31 years

For the first time since 1993 two Saskatchewan teams will face each other in the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) Eastern Conference Final as the Moose Jaw Warriors and Saskatoon Blades get their third round series underway Friday night
Four people arrested after attempted armed robbery in Saskatoon

Four people, including two teen girls, were arrested and charged after an attempted armed robbery on Thursday evening.
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

Northern Ont. hunters fined $8,500 for illegal moose hunt

Two hunters from North Bay, Ont., and a third from Temagami pled guilty recently to offences they committed during a 2022 moose hunt.
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.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising

Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).

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.
'It’s more than rock stars': New private jet facility a boost for London

A new private aviation centre at the London International Airport is expected to raise the city’s profile.
Two people taken to hospital after Oxford County crash

An unknown number of people have been taken to hospital following a crash in Oxford County. OPP are on scene of the two-vehicle crash at 37th Line and Road 74 in Zorra.

Barrie

Pedestrian struck by CP train in Alliston

A man is in serious condition after being struck by a train near Alliston.
Police warn of caller ID phone scams

Faking a caller identity has never been so easy.
Garage fire sends resident to hospital

A small garage fire sent a resident to the hospital in Huntsville.

Windsor

Windsor police seize $120,000 in drugs

Windsor police have arrested two people after seizing $120,000 in illegal drugs.
Former high school teacher facing another trial

A former high school teacher who just finished one trial is now facing another.
Riverside, Seminole and Ouellette lane restrictions planned

The City of Windsor is letting the public know about lane restrictions on three busy streets.

Vancouver Island

Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free

An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Vancouver Island community contemplates offering pensions to attract doctors

The supplies are all in place at Pure Medical Clinic in Colwood, but the beds in the examination rooms remain covered in plastic.
'Many witnesses' in area during deadly stabbing in White Rock, B.C., investigators say

Homicide detectives investigating a fatal stabbing in White Rock, B.C., say there were several witnesses in the area during the altercation between the 26-year-old victim and the perpetrator who remains at large.

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

Multiple grass fires sparked near Kipp rail yard

It was a busy Wednesday evening for fire crews in Lethbridge County after multiple grass fires were sparked near the Kipp rail yard.
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.

Sault Ste. Marie

Sault council looks at options for vacant home tax

Meeting next week, city council in Sault Ste. Marie will get an overview of what to expect if it decides to implement a new tax on empty homes in the city.
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.

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.
Cenovus fined $2.5 million for biggest oil spill in Newfoundland and Labrador history

Cenovus Energy has been ordered to pay a $2.5-million fine for its role in the largest offshore oil spill ever recorded in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit

As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.

Jerusalem blanketed in white after rare snowfall

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

DEVELOPING | Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk

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

DEVELOPING | Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk

DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk

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

DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk