Billionaire Power Play: Another Cash King Backs 2024 Race

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BREAKING NEWS: Gates $50 Million Donation

In a high-stakes move that could shift the political landscape, billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has reportedly donated $50 million to a nonprofit organization backing Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign, according to The New York Times.

What We Know:

• The substantial donation was funneled to the nonprofit arm of Future Forward, the primary fundraising group supporting Harris’s bid for the White House.

• And here’s the kicker: because it’s the nonprofit side, Gates’ contribution is essentially off the books—never to be found in public records or campaign filings.

Why Gates Got Involved:

New York Times Reports:

📌Gates was worried about the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and about what a second Trump term could mean for crucial global health and family planning.

📌The foundation, known for its deep investment in public health initiatives worldwide, sees a Trump presidency as a direct threat to its mission and the causes it champions.

Battle of the Billionaires

Harris isn’t the only candidate with a billionaire benefactor. Donald Trump has Elon Musk.

• According to recent FEC filings, Musk’s Super PAC spent $72 million supporting Trump between July and September.

• Musk has also pledged to donate $1 million a day until the November 5 election for people signing his PAC's petition in support of the First and Second Amendments.

• He awarded the first checks at a Saturday event in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

   

Trump and Harris Neck-and-Neck in Key Battleground States

These powerful contributions could be a game-changer as both candidates ramp up their campaigns two weeks before the election.

• Trump and Harris are running nearly evenly across seven battleground states, where a critical segment of the electorate will likely determine the next president.

• This analysis is based on the average of the last 15 polls, as reported by the tracking website 270toWin.

Trump Threatens San Diego Unified Funding? District Faces $176 Million Budget Crisis

San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) is barely into the school year, but it’s already staring down a staggering $176 million shortfall for next year. Everything’s on the chopping block, including potential teacher layoffs, and the looming political landscape isn’t offering any relief.

Quick Catchup:

SDUSD’s financial woes have been mounting for years, driven by:

• Declining Enrollment: Fewer students = less state funding, as dollars are tied to attendance.

• Skyrocketing Costs: Pension liabilities and healthcare costs are swallowing budgets whole.

• COVID Fallout: Remote learning, health protocols, and pandemic-related expenses piled on more debt.

COVID Cash Hangover

From 2020 to now, San Diego Unified cashed in on $543 million in federal pandemic recovery funds—money that plugged holes but is now drying up fast.

• With $127 billion in funding for California schools in 2022-23, down from $133 billion in 2021-22, the district is losing the federal cushion it leaned on.

• Officials didn’t make alternative plans. Now, it’s back to reality, and that reality is bleak.

Trump in the Mix?  

If Donald Trump takes back the White House, could things get even dicier for SDUSD? Many are asking that very question after Trump recently hinted at slashing federal funding for schools in “liberal cities” like Los Angeles and San Diego.

During a Fox News appearance, Trump responded to host Brian Kilmeade’s hypothetical question about teaching “new history” in school districts in LA and San Diego, by saying, “We don’t send them money. We would save half of our budget.” That had Governor Newsom firing back on social media.

Newsom Has A Lot Riding on This Presidential Election

Governor Newsom has more skin in the game than most realize when it comes to the 2024 presidential election.

• State coffers are already stretched thin under Newsom/Democratic leadership, making it highly unlikely that Sacramento could swoop in to save the day for struggling districts like SDUSD.

• The district may have to turn to the state for help, push bond measures, or even hike local taxes just to keep classrooms running if the districts lose any more funding.

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Dodgers vs. Yankees in the World Series: Got Your Tickets Yet? Good Luck!

It’s official—J-Flare will take the mound for the Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series this Friday in Los Angeles. But if you’re still hunting for tickets, brace yourself: you’re gonna need some serious cash.

Tickets are going for $1,200 on the low end and soaring up to $8,500 for the prime seats. Thinking about catching the action in New York? Fah-get about it—prices are just as jaw-dropping in the Big Apple! Best bet, watch on TV, or your favorite watering hole. And go Dodgers!