1. 'Pierre Poutine' appeals: Former Conservative staffer Michael Sona is expected to appeal his nine-month prison sentence for the role he played in the Guelph robocalls scandal. Sona will also seek bail while he appeals the sentence, his lawyer said on Thursday.

2. CTV News exclusive: A former SNC-Lavalin executive who was appointed to Montreal's port authority by Prime Minister Stephen Harper was allowed to remain on the public payroll for months, despite known links to an illegal fundraising scheme.

3. Snowstorming: A pair of nasty weather systems are bringing early winter woes to Eastern and Western Canada. The Prairies are being hit with heavy, blowing snow and frigid Arctic winds, while the Maritimes face a deluge of wet, soggy snow that threatens to slicken roads and knock out power lines.

4. Heartbeat heard: Eight months after 21-year-old Matthew Heisler died in a house fire, his family has had the chance to hear his heartbeat again. Here's how.

5. Black Friday: As shoppers get a jump on their holiday gift lists today, many early-birds are already wrapping their bargains after taking part in what may be the newest U.S. Thanksgiving holiday tradition.