Author: Golden State Review Contributor

In a landmark decision poised to redefine the landscape of collegiate athletics, U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken approved a $2.8 billion settlement on June 6, 2025, in the consolidated antitrust case known as House v. NCAA. This historic ruling authorizes Division I schools to directly compensate student-athletes, marking a significant departure from the NCAA’s longstanding amateurism model. Effective July 1, 2025, participating institutions will be permitted to distribute up to $20.5 million annually to athletes, with this cap expected to increase incrementally over the settlement’s 10-year duration. These payments are in addition to existing scholarships and benefits, signaling a shift…

The United States Army has launched a series of nationwide events to commemorate its 250th anniversary, culminating in a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., on June 14, 2025. The celebrations, themed “This We’ll Defend,” honor the Army’s longstanding commitment to national service since its establishment in 1775. The week-long festivities began on June 7 with the opening of a special exhibit titled “Call to Arms: The Soldier and the Revolutionary War” at the National Museum of the United States Army. This exhibit features rare artifacts from the Revolutionary War era and offers interactive, family-friendly activities, providing visitors with insights…

Global Health Summit Achieves Landmark Agreement to Combat Pandemic Threats Geneva, Switzerland On June 8, 2025, world leaders, health experts, and international organizations came together in Geneva for a historic Global Health Summit, where they signed a landmark agreement aimed at strengthening global preparedness for future pandemics. This agreement, known as the “Pandemic Prevention and Response Framework (PPRF),” is viewed as a crucial step in ensuring that the world is better equipped to handle health crises like COVID-19, which exposed significant gaps in global healthcare systems and cooperation. The PPRF includes several key initiatives designed to increase international collaboration on…

On June 7, 2025, San Francisco’s bustling Market Street was transformed by the debut of Echoes of the Past, a stunning public art installation that blends the city’s rich history with contemporary artistic expression. This immersive installation, which runs through the summer, takes viewers on a journey through the Bay Area’s evolution, weaving together historical moments, iconic landmarks, and modern-day social movements. The project was brought to life by the San Francisco Arts Commission in partnership with local visual artist Lena Tanaka, whose work often explores themes of memory, identity, and cultural preservation. Tanaka’s work has been a fixture in…

On June 6, 2025, the highly anticipated Summer Game Fest kicked off with a showcase of major AAA titles, world premieres, and exciting new releases, captivating gamers worldwide. As one of the most significant events in the gaming calendar, the festival offered an inside look at the future of gaming, with a variety of developers and publishers unveiling their most anticipated projects. From action-packed blockbusters to innovative indie titles, the event was a celebration of the diversity and creativity in the gaming industry. One of the standout moments of the festival was the first look at IO Interactive’s “007 First…

The Governors Ball Music Festival made its highly anticipated return to New York City on June 6, 2025, marking a triumphant comeback for one of the city’s most iconic music events. After a brief hiatus, the festival returned to its roots at Corona Park in Queens, where thousands of music enthusiasts gathered to enjoy an eclectic mix of artists and genres. This year’s edition showcased an impressive roster of performers, including well-known electronic acts like Disclosure and Tiësto, indie rock stalwarts such as The String Cheese Incident, and a variety of hip-hop artists, underscoring the event’s commitment to diversity in…

On June 6, 2025, the Trump administration implemented its fifth and most extensive travel ban to date, imposing restrictions on citizens from 12 countries, adding to a growing list of nations affected by similar measures. This latest executive order marks a sharp shift from the United States’ historical image as a global leader committed to diversity and openness. The administration’s decision is seen as part of its broader strategy to reduce illegal immigration and control legal immigration numbers. Critics, however, contend that the move is driven by xenophobic ideologies and could further isolate the U.S. on the world stage. The…

On June 6, 2025, veterans across the United States came together to voice their opposition to cuts made to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under the Trump administration. The protests, which marked the 81st anniversary of D-Day, were a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in the military and their ongoing struggles to receive the care they deserve. Demonstrations took place in Washington, D.C., at the National Mall, as well as at state capitol buildings and over 100 additional venues across 43 states. Veterans, their families, and supporters demanded a reversal of the cuts to…

In a thrilling opener to the 2025 NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers orchestrated a remarkable comeback to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 111–110 on June 5, seizing a 1–0 series lead. Tyrese Haliburton’s 21-foot jumper with just 0.3 seconds remaining capped a 15-point fourth-quarter rally, marking the latest game-winning shot in Finals history since Michael Jordan’s iconic buzzer-beater in 1997. The Thunder, led by NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, appeared in control for most of the game, holding a 57–45 halftime advantage and extending their lead to 15 points early in the fourth quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a stellar performance with 38…

Circle Internet Group, the issuer of the USD Coin (USDC) stablecoin, made a significant entrance into the public markets with its debut on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on June 5, 2025. Priced at $31 per share, Circle’s stock surged to an intraday high of $103.75 before closing at $83.23, marking a 168% increase and valuing the company at approximately $18.36 billion. The initial public offering (IPO) raised approximately $1.1 billion through the sale of 34 million shares, exceeding initial expectations. Major underwriters included J.P. Morgan, Citigroup, and Goldman Sachs. Notably, ARK Investment Management, led by Cathie Wood, expressed…