By The Numbers

It’s wicked expensive to host the Olympics

Marketplace Staff Jul 28, 2015
$6.3 billion

That’s BP’s second-quarter loss, reported Tuesday morning. The company has been dealing not only with falling oil prices, but also the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon spill, which has already cost $55 billion in pre-tax charges. And as the Wall Street Journal writes, Chief Financial Officer Brian Gilvary says the company is preparing for oil prices to stay low for much longer, given that the nuclear deal with Iran may open up new resources in the market.

177 countries

That’s how many are competing in the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles; officials expect $100 million will be pumped into the city’s economy as a result. The games have been gaining a higher profile lately, and at least one big sports broadcaster has taken notice. ESPN is producing daily segments from the games and is also maintaining a studio on site. 

$8.6 billion

Speaking of the Olympics, that’s how much a Boston Olympic Games was forecasted to cost. That is, until the city’s bid was rescinded. As Reuters reports, the Olympic committee withdrew its bid to host the 2024 games after Boston’s Mayor Marty Walsh said tax payers couldn’t afford the price tag of such an event.

$60 million

That’s how much “Freedom to Marry,” a group advocating for same-sex marriage, raised during its existence. But following the Supreme Court Decision to extend the rights of marriage to same-sex couples, Freedom to Marry founder Evan Wolfson announced the organization would shut down, as its main goal had been achieved. With such a huge victory for LGBT advocates, many organizations find themselves bracing for a drop in donations, as some donors assume the biggest battle is over.

$150,000

That’s how much a New Jersey man drove off with after two ATM workers left a bag of cash unattended. After replenishing machines in Mahwah, New Jersey, the workers accidentally left a white bag of cash on a nearby lawn and drove away. As the Associated Press writes, a passenger in a white van was filmed picking up the stash later on, as evidenced by surveillance footage.

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