Friday, June 8
Mike Bloomberg: ‘Make America Great Again? It’s never been greater’ (Irish Times)
The Irish Times profiles Mike Bloomberg today, reporting: “Bloomberg, as well as being 16 times wealthier than the U.S. president (according to Forbes) is 16 times more interesting than him. Long comfortable enough with power to be discerning with how he uses it, in the era of Trump, Bloomberg manifests as the billionaire-of-reason. He’s the businessman-turned-politician who’s been successful at both business and politics.”
Read the full story here.
It may be the most divisive G-7 gathering in years: Donald Trump lashed out on Twitter against Canada and the EU last night, showing he’s not taking criticism of his trade policies lying down. With Justin Trudeau and Emmanuel Macron in feisty moods, too, the final communique may be vaguer than usual. Trump will miss the closing rites, anyway — he’s leaving early and putting his deputy assistant for international economic affairs, Everett Eissenstat, in the U.S. seat. (Bloomberg Daybreak)
Read the Tweets:
@EmmanuelMacron: The American President may not mind being isolated, but neither do we mind signing a 6 country agreement if need be. Because these 6 countries represent values, they represent an economic market which has the weight of history behind it and which is now a true international force
@realDonaldTrump: Please tell Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron that they are charging the U.S. massive tariffs and create non-monetary barriers. The EU trade surplus with the U.S. is $151 Billion, and Canada keeps our farmers and others out. Look forward to seeing them tomorrow.
U.S. – North Korea Summit Preview: Trump Envisions Signing Pact with Kim to Formally End Korean War (Bloomberg)
This Happened: Kim Jong Un Impersonator Gets Detained at Singapore Airport (Bloomberg)
I’m with Mika: MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski Blows Up at ‘Misogynistic Fool’ Rudy Giuliani (The Wrap)
“Are you out of your mind? You know what, that’s your only excuse. And I feel really sorry for you,” the MSNBC host seethed on Thursday in an interview.
Headed Off a Cliff: Ben Bernanke Says U.S. Economy Faces ‘Wile E.Coyote’ Moment in 2020 (Bloomberg)
Climate Progress Today:
Closer to America’s Pledge: The closure of two coal plants in Colorado will cut carbon emissions by half, use more renewable sources and save $215 million. It’s a prime example of how utilities can save consumers money while also making strides towards America’s Pledge. Xcel Energy Power Plan Would Cut Carbon Emissions, Use Renewables (The Denver Post)
The Newest Green Tech Idea: Microsoft’s Underwater Data Center (Quartz)
In a bid to save the planet while making some money, Microsoft just drowned one of its data centers below the surface of the North Sea near the UK’s Orkney islands, fully powered by renewable energy.
Health Section.
Walk Fast, Live Longer: Scientists from five universities say walking faster could add years to your life (MarketWatch)
Sports Section.
Get your World Cup brackets and sweepstakes ready! The 2018 World Cup starts Thursday in Moscow with Russia playing Saudi Arabia in the opener. Fill out your bracket on the terminal at WCUP <GO> or on Fifa’s site here, and download your sweepstakes kit here. Deadline is Thursday, June 14 at 11am EST.
Best of late night.
“Delivery drivers for U.P.S. are reportedly planning to go on strike. Yeah, they’re demanding higher wages, shorter hours and long pants.”
— Conan O’Brien
On the U.S. – North Korea summit next week in which President Trump said he didn’t have to prepare very much.
“Quick reminder: The fallout from this meeting could be actual fallout.”
— Stephen Colbert
“We are just days away from Donald Trump’s summit with Kim Jong-un. Truly historic — the stakes are almost as high as Trump’s and Kim’s cholesterol. They’re calling this one ‘The Lipitor in Singapore.’”
— Stephen Colbert
For more Best of Late Night, click here.