Hard Numbers: LGBTQ travel warning, drug deal on ice, weaker growth spurs rate hopes, bees hit the road

August 31, 2023

A protester is seen carrying a Canadian rainbow flag.

Reuters

1 million: In response to a growing number of US state laws that discriminate against LGBTQ people, Canada has issued a travel warning for anyone visiting the southern neighbor. At least 1 million of Canada’s 40 million people openly identify as LGBTQ.

0: So far, zero US states have been able to import cheaper prescription drugs from Canadian wholesalers, despite the Trump administration’s move to permit this practice three years ago. Texas has now become the latest, and largest, state to apply, spurring hopes that the FDA will accelerate approvals for the program.

1.1: Canada will announce second-quarter GDP numbers on Friday, and economists expect growth of just 1.1%, a marked slowdown from the 3.1% clip reached in the first quarter. The silver lining? This may give the Bank of Canada room to pause on its rate hikes, which reached a 22-year high back in July as inflation remains toasty. The next rate-setting meeting is on September 6.

5 million: How’s this for some buzz to start the day? Several crates carrying some 5 million bees fell off a truck during the Wednesday morning rush hour in Burlington, Ontario, prompting police to urge motorists to roll up their windows and call for anyone with beekeeping experience to lend a hand.

Hard Numbers: LGBTQ travel warning, drug deal on ice, weaker growth spurs rate hopes, bees hit the road

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How do we ensure AI is trustworthy in an era of rapid technological change? Baroness Joanna Shields, Executive Chair of the Responsible AI Future Foundation, says it starts with principles of responsible AI and a commitment to ethical development.

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Subscribe to GZERO Media's newsletter: Signal

The United States is #winning. But while the short-term picture looks strong, the United States is systematically trading long-term strategic advantages for more immediate tactical gains, with the accumulating costs hiding in plain sight.

Let no one drain your peace #PUPPETREGIME

Beneath steady wage growth, the labor market is shifting. New data from Bank of America points to weaker job growth and widening income gaps that could reshape recovery trends. Subscribe to Bank of America Institute for the full view of the US job market.