Thursday, June 13
Mike Bloomberg issued his new letter on philanthropy today as part of the release of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ 2019 annual report.
His lifetime giving now totals more than $8 billion.
He writes: “In the year ahead, as political candidates debate what to do in the future, we will work to improve the present by expanding our efforts.”
“Every day, the window for avoiding the worst impacts of climate change grows smaller. More Americans lose loved ones to opioid overdoses and gun violence. More students miss out on a good education and the opportunity to go to college. And communities that were once home to thriving industries slip further behind in the changing economy.
“Proposing ideas for 2021 isn’t good enough. We need to get things done in the here and now, and I’m lucky enough to be in a position to help that.”
In her annual letter, Bloomberg Philanthropies CEO Patti Harris writes: “In all of our work, we look for strong partners, try innovative solutions, follow the data, and spread what is proven to work.”
She highlights Bloomberg Philanthropies’ partnership with the Tanzanian Ministry of Health to provide desperately needed maternal medical care to a community of women in Kigoma, Tanzania, and then how the program was turned over to the national government to lead.
You can read the full report here, or retweet Mike here.
Today’s Headlines:
Donald’s Deficit: U.S. Budget Gap Balloons by 39% to $739 Billion Despite Tariff Revenue (Bloomberg)
The U.S. budget deficit has continued to grow under President Trump as a result of Republican tax cuts and increased government spending.
Not Right: Trump Says He’d Consider Accepting Information From Foreign Governments On His Opponents (Washington Post)
2020 Watch: Trump’s Big, Early Lead in Facebook Ads Deeply Worries Democratic Strategists (LA Times)
Mid East Tanker Attack: Oil Surges as Tankers in Gulf Suffer Another Suspected Attack (Bloomberg)
How to Lose Friends: Trump Threatens Germany With Pipeline Sanctions, U.S. Troop Cut (Bloomberg)
Emmanuel Macron’s Plan to Tear France’s Establishment Apart Town by Town (Bloomberg)
U.K. Tories Vote for Theresa May’s Successor After Johnson Plays It Safe (Bloomberg)
Real Estate Section: Bank of America Unveils Plan to Concentrate NYC Staff at Midtown Hub (Bloomberg)
The company is starting renovations on the HBO building and the Grace Building across from its 55-story tower at One Bryant Park.
Financial News: The Opaque Bond Market Could Be The Next Frontier For The Booming Alternative-Data Business That’s On Track To Grow To $7 Billion (Business Insider)
Space News: India Eyes Entry to Elite Moon Landing Club With July Launch (Bloomberg)
Travel Section: Six Places in Europe Offering Shelter from the Summer Tourist Crowds (New York Times)
Europe is saturated with tourists, so in Greece, go to Tinos instead of Santorini. In the Netherlands, try Delft and The Hague instead of Amsterdam. In Spain, instead of Barcelona, hit Valencia. And in the Adriatic, instead of Dubrovnik, try Kotor, Montenegro.
Best of late night.
On a new Quinnipiac poll of Americans that has Joe Biden leading President Trump by 13 points in a 2020 matchup, with Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris and Pete Buttigieg also ahead of the president:
“So the polls look bad for Trump, but I don’t know. Can I trust them? I’ve been hurt before. My psyche is still processing the feelings from Election Night 2016, and my liver’s still processing the bourbon.’”
–Stephen Colbert
“If you want to know how much these polls matter, just ask President Hillary Clinton.”
–Jimmy Fallon
“And somehow, Bill de Blasio still loses by 137 percent.”
–Stephen Colbert
On Chernobyl, Ukraine seeing a 30% increase in tourism:
“The HBO miniseries ‘Chernobyl,’ has led to a rise in tourism to the abandoned radioactive city. And, so far, all of the Yelp reviews are just actual yelps. And fans who have visited are giving the city three thumbs up!”
–Seth Meyers