Programming note: In recognition of the Independence Day holiday in the U.S., the Sheekey Daily Read will return Monday, July 8.

Women Shatter the EU’s Glass Ceiling: The EU has chosen new leadership, and two women are at the top: German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen is a surprise pick for the European Commission President, and Christine Lagarde has been nominated for the top job at the European Central Bank.

Lagarde, who was once told she would not rise to the top of her career because she’s a woman, is an obvious selection that will assure markets. The choice of von der Leyen has sparked bemusement with numerous critics in Germany weighing in. But an upbeat Angela Merkel said on Tuesday evening that Ms von der Leyen had received “strong backing” from EU government heads.

Breaking Trade News: U.S. Trade Gap Widens by More Than Forecast to Highest in 2019 (Bloomberg)
Imports to the U.S. surged 3.3% in the biggest increase in four years. The wider trade gap shows how policies including the tariff war between the U.S. and China continue to buffet U.S. business activity and growth, despite Trump’s intent to shrink the deficit.

Today in Financial News:
-Trump Picks Two Fed Nominees, Judy Shelton and Christopher Waller, Who Are Likely to Support Lower Interest Rates (Bloomberg)
-U.S. Bond Traders May Want to Rethink Taking Friday Off (Bloomberg)

The Next Democratic President Is Coming for Your Monopoly (Bloomberg)
Democratic presidential hopefuls are coming out in force against the rapid pace of corporate consolidation and they’re expanding their pledges to take on big tech, including Facebook Inc. and Alphabet Inc., to other industries.

Dramatic Photos: Squalid Conditions at U.S.-Mexico Border Detention Centers, Government Report Finds (New York Times)
The inspector general’s report describes standing-room-only cells, children without showers and hot meals, and detainees clamoring desperately for release.

A Publicly-Financed Campaign Event? National Park Service Diverts $2.5M for Trump’s July Fourth Extravaganza (Washington Post)

He’s Back! Activists Get Permit for ‘Baby Trump’ Balloon at July 4th Events on National Mall (ABC News)

Opinion: Why Gay Rights Is a Republican Value (New York Times – Ken Mehlman)
Conservatives support freedom, which is why they should join 92% of Americans and oppose job discrimination against LGBTQ workers.

Climate Watch: European Heatwaves Are Now ‘At Least’ Five Times More Likely Due To Climate Change (BBC)

Climate Progress: UK Firms Must Document Climate Impact on Profits, Treasury Says (The Guardian)
The Treasury is also urging City banks to play a bigger role in supporting the UK meeting its legal target to create a net-zero carbon economy by 2050. As Mike Bloomberg tweeted, the strategy “sets a leading example.”

Not Again! NYC Mayor de Blasio to Skip July 4 Hot Dog Eating Contest for Fifth Time to Campaign in Iowa (New York Daily News)
According to the Daily News, Mike Bloomberg officiated the ceremony 11 of the 12 years he was in office, missing it just once in 2005 because he was in Singapore to lobby for the Summer Olympics to come to New York.

First Look: Hutong Brings Luxe Chinese Food to Former Le Cirque Space in New York (New York Times)
On July 8, Hutong will open its doors in the courtyard at Bloomberg LP’s 731 Lexington headquarters after a gut renovation. It’s the newest outpost of Hutong, which also has locations in Hong Kong and London at the Shard, and the New York Times says the space has turned into “a statement of jaw-dropping Art Deco grandeur.”

July 4th Preview: Queen Latifah to Headline Boston Fireworks Display (Boston Pops)
The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will air on Bloomberg Television, Bloomberg Radio and Bloomberg.com from 8PM-11PM/EST on Thursday, July 4th. Bloomberg is the major sponsor and media partner of the annual display.

Sneak peek! Check out this video of Mike Bloomberg “directing” the Boston Pops that will air during the event in Boston.

Women’s World Cup: How the U.S. Beat England to Reach the World Cup Final (New York Times)

Today, the Netherlands and Sweden teams face off at 3PM EST, 8PM BST to determine who advances to the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday against Team USA.

And I’m happy to hear that Team USA star Megan Rapinoe says she’s confident she will recover in time for the final.

Best of late night.

The U.S. late night comedy shows are on hiatus this week.

Here are some of the best tweets on the Team USA’s win over England’s Lionesses in the World Cup semi-final:

“England must now legally refer to it as “soccer.”
—@biettetimmons

“England can’t beat us in soccer or revolutionary wars.”
—@ScooterMagruder

“Blew a thirteen colony lead.”
—@franklinleonard

“Congratulations to new UK Prime Minister Alex Morgan!”
—@SethAMandel

“Honestly, everyone in America should own an electric tea kettle”
—@abefromanohio

It’s crazy that the Queen of England and the President of the United States both play for the #USWNT.
—@jcmack03

“Piers Morgan is going to be really sad.”
—@laurastacotruck

Happy 4th and see you Monday!

In recognition of the Independence Day holiday in the U.S., the Sheekey Daily Read will return Monday, July 8.