Global National: Jan. 19, 2024 | Health data shows influenza, COVID-19 cases decreasing in Canada

In tonight’s top story: Data from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) shows influenza and COVID-19 cases are decreasing across the country. As health reporter Katherine Ward explains, the numbers are encouraging — but doctors say it's important not to let your guard down. In Toronto, a mother accused of murdering her severely disabled daughter, has been cleared on all charges. Cindy Ali was previously sentenced to life in prison for the death of the 16-year-old, in what the Crown described as a “mercy killing.” Ali spent more than a decade fighting to clear her name. Catherine McDonald has covered this case from the start and reported on Friday's ruling and the emotional reaction it elicited. Over in France, President Emmanuel Macron’s plans to boost the country's birth rate is sparking outrage. Critics are calling it a push for the control of women's bodies, but the issue of an aging population is not unique to France. Nations across the globe are facing similar challenges. Touria Izri reports on the concerns and consequences of Canada's plummeting birth rate. After a chilly start to 2024, Canada is learning how many homeowners are taking advantage of Ottawa's recent “oil-to-heat-pump” program. And it's no surprise the provinces most dependent on heating oil account for most of those applying for the federal grant. But as Heidi Petracek reports, some advocates say Ottawa needs to provide better options for Canadians looking to cash in. Also, construction on a new electric vehicle battery plant in Quebec shut down temporarily on Friday. The multibillion-dollar project was announced back in the fall, touting plans to produce some of "the greenest batteries in the world.” However, environmental groups are fighting the project located approximately 25 kilometers east of Montreal. As Mike Armstrong explains, the work — which had barely begun — is now on hold. Plus, Japan became the fifth country to land a spacecraft on the moon on Friday. The unmanned Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) lander is believed to have made one of the most precise moon landings in history. And as Jackson Proskow reports, Japan believes the technology will be a powerful tool in future interplanetary exploration. And finally, as the two-year mark of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches, protective gear worn by Ukrainian soldiers is getting a second life. Riddled with bullets and shrapnel, artists have transformed used body armor into art — to tell the story of war. Crystal Goomansingh takes us inside the display at the Canadian High Commission in London. For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca/news/10238235/parental-benefits-canada-france-reform/ Subscribe to Global News Channel HERE: http://bit.ly/20fcXDc Like Global News on Facebook HERE: http://bit.ly/255GMJQ Follow Global News on Twitter HERE: http://bit.ly/1Toz8mt Follow Global News on Instagram HERE: https://bit.ly/2QZaZIB #GlobalNews #GlobalNews #COVID19