Author: Golden State Review Contributor

On January 19, 2026, as the nation observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day, communities across the United States found a unique way to celebrate both the holiday and the spirit of college football. The timing of the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship, which took place on the same day as the federal holiday, provided an opportunity for fans to unite in their love of the game while also honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The day served as a reminder of how powerful national traditions can be in fostering connections, and it showcased how sports can…

On January 17, 2026, the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas, played host to one of the most action-packed events in professional wrestling as TNA Genesis 2026 unfolded. As the latest installment of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling’s annual pay-per-view, Genesis lived up to its reputation by delivering a thrilling card filled with intense matches, dramatic moments, and high-stakes action. The evening was headlined by the TNA World Championship match, where Mike Santana successfully defended his title against Frankie Kazarian in a brutal Texas Deathmatch. The contest was a grueling affair, with both wrestlers enduring punishing blows and dangerous spots, but…

The second annual Artisans of Wine & Food Festival officially kicked off on January 15, 2026, at The Boca Raton in Boca Raton, Florida, drawing culinary enthusiasts from across the country for a four-day celebration of wine, food, and culture. The event, now one of the most anticipated gatherings of its kind, brings together more than 100 prestigious Napa Valley wineries and over 20 renowned chefs for an unforgettable epicurean experience. With a scenic coastal backdrop that perfectly complements the gourmet offerings, the festival promises a weekend filled with rare wines, innovative dishes, and exclusive culinary experiences. Throughout the weekend,…

On January 13, 2026, Fanatics, the prominent sports merchandising and lifestyle company, officially launched its new entertainment division, Fanatics Studios, at an exclusive event held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The launch event was a star-studded affair, drawing the attention of both sports and entertainment worlds, with notable figures such as NFL legend Tom Brady, hip-hop artist Travis Scott, NBA star James Harden, and model Hailey Bieber making appearances. Fanatics Studios is poised to revolutionize the intersection of sports and entertainment, with a focus on producing sports-centered films, documentaries, live events, and digital series. The division’s primary goal…

The 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships wrapped up on January 11 in St. Louis, Missouri, after a week of thrilling performances that showcased the country’s top figure skaters. The event, held from January 4 through January 11 at the Enterprise Center and Centene Community Ice Center, brought together competitors from across the country who were vying for national titles and the opportunity to represent the U.S. in upcoming international events. With competition in men’s singles, women’s singles, pairs, and ice dance at both the senior and junior levels, the championships delivered memorable performances and set the stage for the next…

The 2026 Sundance Film Festival is gearing up to open later this month, bringing an exciting lineup of independent films, documentaries, and thought-provoking panel discussions to Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah. Set to run from January 22 to February 1, this year’s festival is poised to be a significant event in the U.S. film calendar. Known for celebrating innovative filmmaking, Sundance has established itself as a prestigious platform where both emerging and established filmmakers have the chance to showcase their work to a wide audience. This edition is especially noteworthy because it marks the last time the festival…

January 7, 2026, brought an extra dash of culinary delight for food lovers across the United States as restaurants, chefs, and home cooks celebrated National Tempura Day. The observance, now growing in popularity on social media and food calendars, pays tribute to tempura — a beloved dish of lightly battered and fried seafood and vegetables that has become a staple of Japanese cuisine and global comfort food culture. Far from being just another winter date on the calendar, National Tempura Day has evolved into an annual opportunity for communities to explore the textures, techniques, and tastes that make tempura a…

On January 5, 2026, a new set of U.S. coins began circulating across the country to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary, known as the Semiquincentennial. These redesigned coins celebrate significant moments from American history, with iconic images of historical figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and other influential patriots from the nation’s early years. The introduction of these commemorative coins is both a way to honor the United States’ rich heritage and a reminder of the monumental milestone the country is celebrating in 2026. The new coins feature intricate designs that aim to capture the spirit of the nation’s…

January 3, 2026, brought a deliciously fun and diverse set of food-related celebrations across the United States, offering people a chance to indulge in sweet and savory treats alike. This unofficial holiday, now celebrated annually, serves as a reminder of how food can bring people together in unexpected and lighthearted ways. Among the most notable celebrations of the day was National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day, which gave people the perfect excuse to enjoy the classic and much-loved combination of cherries encased in rich chocolate. This treat, often found in holiday gift boxes or as a nostalgic favorite, has a special…

In a powerful and symbolic start to 2026, Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the 112th mayor of New York City on January 1, making history as the first Muslim and Asian American to hold the city’s highest office. The inauguration took place in the early hours of the new year at the Old City Hall subway station beneath Manhattan, a location rich in architectural and historical significance. The underground setting reflected Mamdani’s deep connection to the city’s infrastructure and his campaign’s grassroots ethos, signaling a break from tradition and a new direction in leadership for America’s largest metropolis. Accompanied…