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Altria, the Virginia-based maker of Marlboro cigarettes, is in talks to buy Canadian cannabis company Aphria, according to The Globe & Mail.
Why it matters: This would be big tobacco's first major diversification into the cannabis market, following big beverage makers like Constellation Brands and Coca-Cola.
The coronavirus is spreading a dangerous strain of inequality.
Driving the news: This sobering reality emerges from Week 3 of our Axios-Ipsos Coronavirus Index.
Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios
The coronavirus pandemic will leave its mark on urban centers long after the outbreak itself recedes.
Why it matters: The most densely populated cities are ground zero for the virus' rapid spread and highest death tolls — and they're also likely to be pioneers in making lasting changes to help prevent the same level of devastation in the future.
The novel coronavirus has now killed more than 4,000 people in the U.S. — with over 1,000 deaths reported in New York City, per Johns Hopkins.
The state of play: President Trump said Tuesday it's "going to be a very painful two weeks," with projections indicating the virus could kill 100,000–240,000 Americans — even with strict social distancing guidelines in place.