Author: Golden State Review Contributor

The 11th Annual Bentonville Film Festival (BFF) commenced on June 16, 2025, in Bentonville, Arkansas, reaffirming its commitment to championing diversity and inclusion in the film industry. Co-founded by Academy Award-winning actress Geena Davis, the festival continues to spotlight underrepresented voices, including women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities. This year’s festival, running through June 22, features a robust lineup of 28 competition films, nine of which are world premieres. A newly introduced “Homegrown” section highlights the work of Arkansas-based filmmakers, showcasing narratives deeply rooted in the local community. The festival’s programming reflects a deliberate effort to…

As the Trump administration escalates immigration enforcement efforts, a growing number of U.S. companies are warning the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) about the potential economic fallout from mass deportations. In recent filings, over 40 businesses across various sectors have expressed concerns that large-scale removals of undocumented workers could lead to significant labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and increased operational costs. These disclosures mark a notable shift in corporate risk assessments. Historically, few companies mentioned deportations in SEC filings; however, the current political climate has prompted a surge in such acknowledgments. Industries heavily reliant on immigrant labor, including agriculture, construction,…

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has formally requested the dismissal of a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Naval Academy’s use of race-conscious admissions policies, citing recent policy changes that render the case moot. The lawsuit, initiated by the advocacy group Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA), contested the constitutionality of considering race in admissions decisions at the military institution. In a joint filing submitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit on June 16, 2025, both the DOJ and SFFA agreed that the Naval Academy’s cessation of race-based admissions practices effectively nullifies the legal dispute. The DOJ further…

On June 15, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded in Minnesota, where two state lawmakers were shot, resulting in the death of one and the injury of another. Authorities identified 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter as the primary suspect in the shooting of Minnesota House Representative Melissa Hortman and State Senator John Hoffman. Boelter allegedly opened fire on the two politicians, with Rep. Hortman tragically losing her life and Sen. Hoffman suffering injuries. Law enforcement officials believe the shootings were politically motivated, fueled by Boelter’s vehement anti-abortion stance. The investigation quickly revealed a manifesto at the scene of the crime, shedding light…

On Sunday, June 15, 2025, Creative 360 in Midland hosted a vibrant and inclusive celebration of Juneteenth, drawing a diverse crowd that spanned all ages, backgrounds, races, and ethnicities. This local event, held a few days ahead of the official Juneteenth observance on June 19, marked a significant moment in the nation’s history: the anniversary of the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued by President Abraham Lincoln. The atmosphere at Creative 360 was one of joy, unity, and remembrance,…

Father’s Day 2025, celebrated on Sunday, June 15, was a heartfelt tribute to fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, and other paternal figures across the United States. This annual observance provided an opportunity for families to express their gratitude and appreciation for the important roles these men play in the lives of their children, often through quiet sacrifices and steadfast support. The day was marked by expressions of love and recognition, as families came together to honor their fathers in various ways, from heartfelt messages to gatherings and community events. For many, Father’s Day is a time to reflect on the special bond…

On June 14, 2025, Washington, D.C. hosted one of the largest military displays in over 30 years to celebrate the United States Army’s 250th anniversary. The parade, which spanned several blocks of the National Mall, featured a mix of tanks, military vehicles, and military aircraft flyovers, along with brass bands and more than 6,700 troops. The soldiers, dressed in both historic and modern uniforms, showcased the Army’s rich history and diverse present. This extravagant event coincided with the 79th birthday of former President Donald Trump, sparking controversy and igniting widespread protests across the country. The event had initially been planned…

On June 15, 2025, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced a set of new sustainability guidelines aimed at drastically reducing the carbon footprint of the global aviation industry. The guidelines, which were unveiled at the IATA’s annual summit in London, are part of a broader effort by the airline industry to meet its environmental commitments and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The new sustainability framework includes a range of initiatives designed to promote the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), improve operational efficiency, and encourage the development of green technologies. One of the most significant aspects of the new…

On June 14, 2025, cities across the United States erupted in coordinated protests under the banner of “No Kings”—a grassroots campaign that emerged as a reaction to former President Donald Trump’s military parade commemorating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. The movement, echoing historical anti-monarchist sentiment, spotlighted growing anxiety about authoritarianism, political polarization, and the fragility of democratic institutions in modern America. A Movement Born from Tension The timing of the protests was no coincidence. Trump’s birthday celebration, complete with military fanfare, an address on national strength, and a ceremonial swearing-in of troops, was viewed by many as a display of…

Amazon and Walmart, the two titans of American retail, are reportedly exploring the integration of stablecoins into their payment systems—a potential watershed moment for the cryptocurrency and retail industries. While neither company has publicly confirmed the move, insiders suggest both are actively researching how stablecoins could reduce transaction costs and accelerate payment settlements, a development that could significantly alter how consumers pay for goods and services. The Promise of Stablecoins in Retail Stablecoins are a form of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to a reserve asset, such as the U.S. dollar. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies like…