London Free Press

Grits refuse to criticize private health care in Quebec

By Daniel Proussalidis, Parliamentary Bureau

As support for Canada's public health care system becomes a federal election issue, Michael Ignatieff is taking a gentle approach to the growth of private health care delivery in Quebec.

Magic's Howard named defensive player of year

By Reuters

Dwight Howard was named the NBA’s defensive player of the year on Monday, making the dominant Orlando Magic center the first player to win the award in three consecutive seasons.

Mariah Carey to join ‘X-Factor’

By WENN.COM

Music mogul Simon Cowell has confirmed reports Mariah Carey will be involved in the U.S. version of talent show X-Factor.

Fey opens up about facial scar

By WENN.COM

Funnywoman Tina Fey grew up believing she was a "genius" - until she realized strangers were only fussing over her because of the scar on her face.

Knoxville expecting third child

By WENN.COM

Actor Johnny Knoxville is expecting his third child.

Chara upgraded from green to pale

By CHRIS STEVENSON, QMI Agency

Zdeno Chara will likely play tonight in the biggest game of the season for the Bruins, who trail the Montreal Canadiens 2-0 in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinal.

Kenyan runs fastest marathon ever

By SCOTT MALONE and ROS KRASNY, Reuters

Kenya’s Geoffrey Mutai won the Boston Marathon on Monday in an unofficial time of two hours three minutes and two seconds, the fastest time ever recorded over the distance.

Westminster Abbey releases wedding app

By Reuters Life

Mobile-phone users across the globe will be able to take a virtual walk up the aisle of Westminster Abbey ahead of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding.

Sheen ‘goddess’ splits – again

By QMI Agency

Charlie Sheen's favourite goddess has left him. Again.

A's pick up Purcey from Toronto

By Sports Network

The Oakland Athletics have acquired pitcher David Purcey from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for minor league pitcher Danny Farquhar.

Kids’ personal info missing

By Jennifer O'Brien The London Free Press

Personal information for about 4,500 children who have been clients of speech therapy and hearing programs is missing.

Trudeau visits Toronto

By Kevin Connor, QMI Agency

Liberal MP Justin Trudeau descended on the Toronto area Monday in a bid keep the riding of Brampton-Springdale in Grit hands.

Expect the Ruff stuff in Buffalo

By ROB LONGLEY, QMI Agency

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff knows what to expect from the crowd Monday night at Buffalo's HSBC Arena - roof-lifting noise and wild emotion.

Devastating storms hit southern U.S.

The remains of a destroyed Lowe's Home Improvement store is pictured after a tornado in in Sanford, North Carolina, April 17, 2011. The death toll from three days of severe storms and tornadoes in the southern United States rose to at least 39 on Sunday, with hundreds of homes damaged or destroyed in North Carolina alone, weather and emergency officials said. REUTERS/Chris Keane

Malajube back with playful album

By LISA WILTON, QMI Agency

It's no secret Montreal is home to some of Canada's most acclaimed bands, including Wolf Parade, The Dears and of course, Arcade Fire.

Hamrlik: Habs have shown more heart

By QMI Agency

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Roman Hamrlik has a simple explanation for his underdog squad’s 2-0 series lead on the Boston Bruins.

Layton leaning on Ontario woman's gift

By Heather Wright, QMI Agency

Connie Quinn Valliant feels Jack Layton's pain - literally.

Sun News launches today

By Kathy Rumleski, The London Free Press

Sun News Network launches today at 4:30 p.m. and most viewers in the London region will be able to watch it.

Mixed martial artist dies a hero

By CHRIS DOUCETTE, QMI Agency

An up-and-coming mixed martial artist tried to do the right thing when he stepped in to stop a robbery over the weekend.

GM says Pronger did not suffer second break

By TERRY KOSHAN, QMI Agency

Paul Holmgren has denied a report that defenceman Chris Pronger suffered a second broken bone in his right hand.

Layton: PM, Duceppe fear mongering

By Mark Dunn, Senior National Reporter

NDP Leader Jack Layton dove into separatist waters Monday, accusing Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe of stoking sovereigntist fears.

Concussions keep hockey players off ice for longer

By REUTERS

Head injuries are keeping professional hockey players off the ice for longer, indicating either more severe injuries, or a tougher medical regime, according to a study released Monday.

Blaming bad grades on karma

By KATHLEEN MICHAUD, QMI Agency

After recently being asked to take a makeup math class, my oldest son woke up on the wrong side of the bed the other day.

Search continues for missing nursing student

By REUTERS

Some 300 searchers combed northern Decatur County this weekend for a 20-year-old Tennessee nursing student who has been missing for five days.

'Hangover' monkey story a joke

By WENN.COM

Director Todd Phillips has laughed off suggestions a monkey was trained to smoke during the filming of The Hangover sequel, insisting he made up the story as a "joke".

Spears’ choreographer quits tour

By WENN.COM

Britney Spears has been dealt a major blow ahead of her upcoming tour - her longtime choreographer has quit as she prepares to hit the road again.

Manassero's victory books ticket to majors

By REUTERS

Seventeen-year-old Matteo Manassero's Malaysian Open win has catapulted him from 57th to 33rd in the world rankings, earning him a place at this year's U.S. Open, British Open and U.S. PGA Championship.

Half-naked woman with bird in car arrested

By QMI Agency

Police in Kitchener, Ont., say officers arrested a woman Sunday who was driving while only partially dressed and with a pet bird flying loose in her car.

Two teens, mom charged after girl attacked at party

By Doug Hempstead, QMI Agency

Two teen girls and one of their mothers face charges after they allegedly showed up at a house party and bashed another girl in the head with a beer bottle early Sunday morning.

Rumours Middleton's dress will be Libelula

By Jodie Ginsberg, REUTERS

The design and designer of Kate Middleton’s wedding dress has been the subject of endless speculation since Prince William, second in line to the British throne, and his bride-to-be announced their engagement last year.

Escaped prisoner found walking along B.C. road

By QMI Agency

A murderer serving a life sentence in a B.C. prison has been located after he went missing early Sunday morning.

Bidder snags William and Kate Pez for $13K

By Michael Shields, REUTERS

A fan from Connecticut has paid 8,200 pounds ($13,360) to win a charity auction of PEZ sweets dispensers in the likeness of Britain’s Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton ahead of this month’s royal wedding.

Be a gracious wedding guest, not a royal pain

By Anna Post, REUTERS

While only a select few received invitations to Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding, there will be plenty of non-royal invitations already winging their way to ordinary folks as wedding season in the northern hemisphere gets into full swing.

Academic: Easter date can now be fixed

By Nia Williams, REUTERS

The Last Supper took place on a Wednesday — a day earlier than thought — and a date for Easter can now be fixed, according to a Cambridge University scientist aiming to solve one of the Bible’s most enduring contradictions.

No top hat and tails for 'posh' PM

By Reuters Life

Britain’s Prime Minister will be wearing a work suit rather than donning tails for next week’s royal wedding in a major break with tradition.

Millions of photos expected on royal wedding day

By Reuters Life

Some 327 million royal wedding-related pictures will be taken on digital cameras next week when Britain’s Prince William ties the knot with girlfriend Kate Middleton, according to a survey on Monday.

Married couples 'more likely to balance disputes'

By Reuters Life

Married couples tend to take turns in letting the other partner win arguments, according to research presented at a conference for economists.

Harper focus turns to Quebec politics

By Jessica Murphy, Parliamentary Bureau

Quebec politics became the main focus of Conservative Leader Stephen Harper’s campaign message Sunday.

Most small dog owners like pet more than friends

By QMI Agency

In a new survey, more than half of respondents said their small dog is more important to them than their friends.

Mayor to honour Team Stoughton

By KEVIN ENGSTROM, QMI Agency

The reigning kings of men's curling will receive another honour today.

NWT premier stops by Harper rally

By Jessica Murphy, Parliamentary Bureau

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper got a visit from Northwest Territories Premier Floyd Roland at his Sunday night rally here.

Gibson, Tiffany to tour together

By WENN.COM

Eighties pop rivals Debbie Gibson and Tiffany are putting their past differences behind them and heading out on tour together.

Arnie: Age destroying good looks

By WENN.COM

Veteran Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger dreads staring at his reflection in a mirror because he is convinced the aging process has destroyed his good looks.

Science must prevail regarding MS treatment

By Brian MacLeod; QMI Agency

New evidence suggests the Canadian government's decision not to fund a controversial multiple sclerosis treatment was prudent.

Change in tide long overdue

By ANDREA HALWA, Special to QMI Agency

Cultural professionals from across Canada gathered last week in London to network and discover insight into the future of Canada's cultural sector.

Letters: April 18

By FREE PRESS READERS

There's more Jags can do

Business Buzz

By HANK DANISZEWSKI, The London Free Press

New soccer geeks home

A freak accident changed this busy career woman's life

By HANK DANISZEWSKI, THE LONDON FREE PRESS

Five years ago, Lisa Shackelton lived the frenetic life of a rising corporate star with a high-tech firm in Calgary.

Gervais: Sheen being exploited

By WENN.COM

British funnyman Ricky Gervais is convinced Charlie Sheen is "being exploited" as he tours his one-man show.

Most Canadians believe penguins in Arctic: Survey

By QMI Agency

The majority of Canadians believe those living in the North live in igloos and penguins may live in the Arctic, a new survey has found.<

Parents focus on student safety

By PATRICK MALONEY, THE LONDON FREE PRESS

Student safety was a focus for a provincial parents' group that held its annual meeting in London on the weekend.

Ontario, Quebec spend more than half of all revenues on health care: Report

By QMI Agency

A new report from the Fraser Institute says patients will need to shoulder some of the cost -- whether by paying out of pocket or through private insurance - to ensure the health care system remains sustainable.

Women more likely to say maybe to yes or no question: Study

By QMI Agency

Men are more likely to make black-or-white judgments, while women may see "shades of grey" in choices, a new study shows.

Jack's back! Leader's popularity lifts NDP

By David Akin Parliamentary Bureau Chief

The good news for Jack Layton: In Quebec and in every province west of Ontario, the NDP is the second most-popular party among decided voters.

Most Canadians shrug off 'just visiting' attacks

By David Akin Parliamentary Bureau Chief

For most of his long career as an academic and journalist, Michael Ignatieff has lived and worked outside of Canada.

Tories hold lead while NDP surges

By David Akin Parliamentary Bureau Chief

Stephen Harper's Conservatives continue to enjoy a commanding lead among decided voters but Jack Layton's NDP is surging and, in many parts of the country, has eclipsed Michael Ignatieff's Liberals as the second most popular party, according to a new poll done exclusively for QMI Agency.

Earth Day across Canada

By Suzanne Elston Special to QMI Agency

Earth Day began on April 22 in 1970 as a simple teach-in at colleges and universities. Today it is a worldwide celebration, engaging Canadians from coast to coast.

Understanding nutritional labels on food

By MARILYN LINTON, Special to QMI Agency

Reading a nutrition label is a no-brainer. But figuring out what it means can feel like it requires a math degree. Ever since nutrition labelling became mandatory for all prepackaged foods in December of 2007, Canadian consumers have struggled to understand what food companies are trying to say on their products' Nutrition Facts labels.

Change funding rules to block the Bloc

By Eric Duhaime, QMI Agency

When Jean Chretien amended the Canada Elections Act in 2003 to enhance the public funding of political parties, he used the Quebec legislation first put in place by Rene Levesque in 1977 as a model.

A brunch fit for a princess

By JILL ELLIS, Special to QMI Agency

What's with the royals and morning weddings? If it's 11:00 a.m. BST there, then everyone in Canada has to be up between 6:30 a.m. in Newfoundland and 2:00 a.m. in British Columbia. What's a hostess to do? You may be a staunch royal-watcher and woke up at 5:00 or 6:00 a.m. for Charles and Di's nuptials, but that was 30 years ago!

Genetic training: A new company turns DNA into the ultimate in personal exercise

By CARY CASTAGNA, QMI Agency

The results of my DNA test are in. Thankfully, the test I took isn't for a paternity segment on The Maury Povich Show. Phew!

How to wear the spring trends

By Briony Smith, Special to QMI Agency

It can be confusing to know how to take fashion trends and make them your own. There's plenty of out-there styles this season, but we let you in on some easy ways to rock the spring trends yourself.

Springtime allergies may help prevent cancer

By Dr. Richard Beliveau, Special to QMI Agency

Spring's arrival can be a rough time for people with allergies. However, they can take some solace in the fact that recent studies have indicated that allergies can considerably reduce the risk of developing certain cancers.

Elusive goal within reach for Tories

By Peter Worthington, QMI Agency

Regardless of media opinions as to who won the debates, there’s little indication that many minds have been changed.

U.S. secretly backed Syrian opposition: report

By Reuters

The State Department of the U.S. has secretly funded Syrian opposition groups, according to diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks, The Washington Post reported on Monday.

Durant leads Thunder over Nuggets

By Sports Network

Kevin Durant scored 41 points and Russell Westbrook had 31, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 107-103 victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series.

Seabrook has his bell rung

By ROBERT TYCHKOWSKI, QMI Agency

Brent Seabrook had to travel back in time to speak with reporters Sunday after Raffi Torres knocked him into the middle of next week.

Jobless worker still clocking in

By Amy Dickinson, Tribune Media Services

DEAR AMY: How does one get over the loss of a job they've had for a long time?After working for a major health insurance company for 28 years, I was told my job was being eliminated and shown the door.

How to wear the spring trends

There's plenty of out-there styles this season, but we let you in on some easy ways to rock the spring trends yourself. Check out our trend report for ways to wear the hottest pieces -- no runway required.

Runway fashion in a 9-to-5 life

By Carolyn McTighe, Special to QMI Agency

Incorporating high fashion into everyday life is something many women will admit is a bit of a challenge.

Most Japan voters want new PM

By Linda Sieg and Yoko Kubota, Reuters

Most Japanese voters would support higher taxes to help massive rebuilding after last month’s earthquake and tsunami, newspaper opinion polls showed on Monday, and they want a new prime minister to lead the effort.

Vengeance is nigh for Canucks

By ROBERT TYCHKOWSKI, QMI Agency

It could be worse -- they could be Phoenix, trailing in the series and moving to Winnipeg -- but it's still pretty bad for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Cage at tattoo parlour before arrest

By WENN.COM

Nicolas Cage’s awful night out in New Orleans, Louisiana on Friday began with a visit to a tattoo parlour.

Radiohead: 'No Kings of Limbs, Part II'

By WENN.COM

British rockers Radiohead have denied rumours they are releasing a second album of material from The King Of Limbs recording sessions, insisting they plan to “start afresh” with new songs.

Dancer still upset over 'Black Swan'

By WENN.COM

Ballet star Sarah Lane’s allegations that she, not Natalie Portman, was the star of hit film Black Swan appear to ring true if new face replacement footage on the DVD is to be believed.

Snoop urges artists to tweet

By WENN.COM

Snoop Dogg is convinced artists need to embrace Twitter.com if they want to make progress with their careers - because the microblogging website is the “number one key in music right now”.

Hasselhoff feels guilty about splits

By WENN.COM

David Hasselhoff feels “guilty” over his failed marriages, because he is a “romantic” and has always wanted one partner for life.

Canucks proving to be team to beat

By Morris Dalla Costa The London Free Press

The good news is that two teams will advance from the Sutherland Cup round robin series to the Sutherland Cup final.

Raffi Torres could be in trouble — again

By BRUCE GARRIOCH, QMI Agency

After getting the book thrown at him with a four-game suspension for hitting Edmonton's Jordan Eberle just before the end of the regular season, the NHL has to nail Raffi Torres for his actions Sunday night.

Knicks give opener to Celtics

By Sports Network

Ray Allen buried a three-pointer with 11.6 seconds remaining, lifting the Celtics to an 87-85 victory over the Knicks in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.

Region's teens booze it up

By Kelly Pedro, The London Free Press

Health unit cites teen drinking behaviour as one reason to maintain strict booze laws.

Predators snatch series lead against Ducks

By Sports Network

Mike Fisher scored the game-winner midway through the third period, as the Nashville Predators beat the Anaheim Ducks, 4-3, in Game 3 of their Western Conference quarterfinal set at Bridgestone Arena.

Dubinsky uses 'stache power

By MIKE ZEISBERGER, QMI Agency

Forget all this playoff beard propaganda.

For Jews, Passover ‘a festival of freedom’

By Kate Dubinski The London Free Press

The Jewish celebration of Passover — the “cradle of Judaism” — begins Tuesday.

Tough break for ref Rooney

By MIKE ZEISBERGER, QMI Agency

The toughest break at Madison Square Garden on Sunday afternoon was not suffered by the Washington Capitals.

Drug injection site helps reduce overdose deaths: Study

By Jeremy Hainsworth QMI Agency

A controversial downtown Vancouver supervised drug injection site the federal Conservatives are fighting to shut down is being credited with a significant decline in overdose rates.

Fire and ice in Tampa

By LANCE HORNBY, QMI Agency

Monday will be Tampa Bay's first home playoff game since 2007 and the St. Pete Times Forum will be handing out drum-like noisemakers to the first 10,000 fans and then plastic Thundersticks to bash together in Game 4.

Tories, Grits target NDP-held Arctic riding

By Jessica Murphy Parliamentary Bureau

Tory Leader Stephen Harper is in Yellowknife stumping for his local candidate in what is turning out to be a tight three-way northern race.

How area pupils spell ‘Excellence’

By Debora Van Brenk The London Free Press

Sam Crawford was in kindergarten when his teacher recognized he had a gift for language.

Brewer back in the post-season

By LANCE HORNBY, QMI Agency

Eric Brewer must have thought he was a throwback NHLer -- to a time when seasons ended in early April.

Artery disease targeted

By Kate Dubinski The London Free Press

University of Western Ontario researchers have developed a new way to stimulate blood vessels — an important development to help patients with severe coronary artery disease.

Rookie Steele gets first PGA win

By Reuters

American Brendan Steele held his nerve on an error-free back nine for a one-shot victory over compatriots Kevin Chappell and Charley Hoffman to clinch his maiden PGA Tour title at the Texas Open on Sunday.

'Glee' star releasing solo album

By WENN.COM

Darren Criss is following in the footsteps of his Glee co-star Matthew Morrison by releasing his own solo album.

Hurley's reality show postponed

By WENN.COM

Elizabeth Hurley’s first foray into reality TV has been postponed.

Cleese sparks marriage rumours

By WENN.COM

British funnyman John Cleese has sparked rumours he is set to marry for a fourth time after he was spotted shopping for a long, white dress with his partner Jennifer Wade.

Samuelsson insists flu bug kept him out

By ROBERT TYCHKOWSKI, QMI Agency

You know it's the playoffs when a guy has to lie about being sick ... or spend the morning trying to convince people he's not lying about being sick.

Flyers mum on Game 3 starter

By ROB LONGLEY, QMI Agency

Imagine an NFL team not naming a starting quarterback or a baseball team going mum on who will start on the mound.

Two-by-two racing causing NASCAR stir

By DEAN McNULTY, QMI Agency

While there was plenty of criticism about NASCAR’s two-by-two restrictor plate racing from the media after Sunday’s Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway, drivers’ opinions were split almost down the middle.