With the weekend in sight, CTVNews.ca has five things you need to know: the mission against the Islamic State was debated in the House of Commons; Turkey is pointing fingers after a car bombing in its capital killed at least 28; hearings on the taxi industry are beginning in Quebec; a NHLer's suspension for hitting a linesman has been upheld; and a teen has had his wish of being prime minister for a week granted.
1. ISIS mission debate: The Liberal government announced on Wednesday that its six CF-18 Hornets have stopped conducting airstrikes against Islamic State forces in Iraq and Syria as of Feb. 15. The halting of the bombing runs was part of Canada's shifting role in the coalition efforts against the extremists.
2. Ankara fallout: Turkey has blamed a Syrian man for a deadly car bombing in the country's capital. At least 28 people were killed and dozens wounded in the blast.
3. Hearings beginning: Quebec is holding provincial hearings into the province's taxi industry as well as services like Uber. The hearings come against a backdrop of charged clashes between cab drivers and Uber drivers.
4. Suspension upheld: Calgary Flames defenceman Dennis Wideman has had his 20-game suspension for cross-checking a linesman upheld by the NHL. The bizarre incident occurred on Jan. 27 when Wideman crosschecked linesman Don Henderson in front of the Nashville Predators' bench.
5. PM for the week: A 19-year-old from Brampton, Ont., who has Hodgkin lymphoma, has had his wish of taking on the role of prime minister for a week come true. Thanks to Make-A-Wish Canada, PJ (Prabjote) Lakhanpal is staying in the famed Chateau Laurier and he also spent part of Wednesday afternoon with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. After the meeting, Lakhanpal said he was "living the dream."
And one more thing for "Lifehack Thursday": Just like yawning, a new study suggests smiling and laughing can be contagious. And there's been plenty of research demonstrating why something as simple as a grin can lead to powerful changes both within us and those around us.
