Global National: Jan. 5

A ground-breaking decision in the U.S. that could impact Canadians: Florida has become the first state to get Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to import mass volumes of prescription drugs from wholesalers in Canada, where prices are much lower. In an Ontario courtroom, it was a heart-wrenching day as the words of an 11-year-old boy — the sole survivor of Nathaniel Veltman’s attack that killed three generations of his family — were one of 70 victim impact statements that were heard. Meanwhile, the latest snapshot of job growth in Canada shows that hiring has stalled across the country, suggesting employers are preparing for an economic downturn. Overseas, a 15-year Canadian veteran quit his role with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to join what he calls “the righteous side of this war.” In Japan, aviation experts say a deadly crash at Tokyo’s Haneda airport could have been much worse, and it’s prompting new questions about how many close calls there are on Canadian runways. And finally, with loneliness a growing concern for doctors, one hospital is trying to help those in mind.