5 things to know today: The Shrooms stores of the next pot shops?

Canada says NORAD is tracking surveillance balloon detected over US, Russian war expert explains how he sees conflict in Ukraine unfolding, and are ‘magic mushroom’ stores next jars? Here’s what you need to know to start your day.

1. Monitoring balloon: The Department of National Defense says Canada is working with the United States to protect sensitive information from foreign intelligence threats after the detection of a high-altitude surveillance balloon.

2. “Not a proxy war” with the United States: As the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches, CTV News sits down with a Russian war expert to discuss how he sees the conflict unfolding and what’s to come will then pass.

3. Mushroom Shops: “Magic mushroom” dispensaries are popping up in cities across Canada, with customers ranging from people seeking treatment for depression or PTSD, to people wanting to “micro-dose” small amounts of psilocybin.

4. Secret menus: Some customers who scan QR codes for menus at restaurants across Canada are surprised by secret menus that reveal the hidden costs behind the food they eat.

5. ‘Stop immediately’: Nearly 130,000 Helly Hansen shirts and hoodies have been recalled in Canada due to flammability concerns.

One more thing…

frozen pizza: Here’s why Delissio pizzas and other Nestlé products will disappear from Canadian stores.

Delissio frozen pizzas are displayed in the frozen food aisle of a grocery store in Toronto on Feb. 2, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Joe O’Connal