Author: Golden State Review Contributor

June 21, 2025, marked a remarkable celestial event across North America as the summer solstice brought the longest day of the year. Skywatchers, astronomy enthusiasts, and families alike stepped outdoors to enjoy an abundance of sunlight, with cities in the northern United States such as Seattle and Minneapolis witnessing nearly 15 hours of daylight. From the central plains to the East Coast, residents reveled in extended sunshine lasting up to 14 hours and 50 minutes. The solstice, known as the point when the Sun reaches its highest position in the sky as seen from Earth, occurred precisely at 13:09 UTC.…

The Travelers Championship, the PGA Tour’s final signature event of the 2025 season, concluded on June 22 in Cromwell, Connecticut, with Englishman Tommy Fleetwood capturing headlines and hearts. Fleetwood entered the final round holding a narrow lead after a flawless third round and went on to secure his long-awaited first PGA Tour victory. Hosted at the TPC River Highlands course, the four-day competition featured a world-class field of 70 players, including nearly all of the top 50 ranked golfers. Fleetwood surged to the front on Saturday with a stellar seven-under-par 63 in Round 3. That performance placed him ahead of…

June 21, 2025 — Manchester, Connecticut — The annual Manchester Food Truck Festival kicked off its weekend celebration at The Shoppes at Buckland Hills, drawing families, foodies, and festival-goers to a bustling display of culinary creativity and community pride. From June 20–22, the event offered free admission, a rotating roster of over 25 food trucks, and a vibrant array of local artisans and entertainers. With its emphasis on health-conscious and locally sourced ingredients, the festival catered to a range of dietary preferences and tastes. Guests sampled organic-braised brisket, vegan empanadas, bubble waffles, gluten-free pastries, and classic American staples like slow-roasted…

On June 21, 2025, St. Louis burst into a full day of arts and cultural activity, offering residents and visitors a vibrant tapestry of visual arts, heritage exhibitions, live music, and theater. The city’s rich cultural ecosystem came alive through an eclectic mix of museum showcases, community events, and evening performances. The St. Louis Artists’ Guild led the way with a trio of free exhibitions from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. that drew significant crowds. William H. Thielen’s “Freak Show” explored mental health and self-identity through personal multimedia pieces and expressive drawings. In “Making History – Threads of Time 1925–2025,”…

In a significant development for athlete health and safety, University Orthopedics has been named the official orthopedic and athletic training partner for the 2025 USA Gymnastics Championships, set to take place in Providence, Rhode Island, on June 20, 2025. This partnership will provide elite and developmental gymnasts competing in rhythmic, trampoline and tumbling, and acrobatic gymnastics events with comprehensive, on-site medical support throughout the competition. The 2025 USA Gymnastics Championships will feature a wide variety of events, gathering gymnasts from all over the country to showcase their skills at the highest level. With approximately 2,000 athletes expected to participate, University…

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass unveiled a new citywide initiative designed to provide support for local artists struggling with the rising cost of living. The initiative, titled “Art Forward LA,” is aimed at helping creatives maintain their livelihoods while continuing to contribute to the city’s thriving cultural scene. The announcement was made during a press conference at the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), where city officials, artists, and cultural advocates gathered to discuss the program’s potential impact. The cost of living in Los Angeles has risen significantly in recent years, and many artists are facing the dual challenges…

The Psychedelic Science 2025 conference, hosted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), concluded on June 20, 2025 in Denver, drawing a diverse and influential crowd to the Colorado Convention Center. Over 7,000 attendees from all 50 U.S. states and 39 countries engaged in a rich blend of five days of programming that included more than 500 expert speakers, spanning fields such as therapy, ethics, safety, plant medicine, and cultural discussions. Colorado’s trailblazing legalization of adult-use psychedelics has laid the groundwork for a thriving ecosystem of licensed therapy centers and wellness startups. The state began issuing licenses for healing…

On June 20, 2025, the San Francisco Bay Area marked Pride Month with an exceptional spectrum of arts, entertainment, and community events that celebrated LGBTQ+ identity through visual arts, culture, and live experiences. Central to the festivities was the ongoing Frameline49 International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, running June 18–28. The world’s longest-running queer film fest showcased nearly 150 films from 40 countries, featuring 17 world premieres and marking its 11-day span as a cultural cornerstone with both films and live discussions. Bay Area galleries introduced two compelling exhibitions: “Unapologetically Queer” and “Queer Religion.” Rooted in intersectional identity and spiritual narratives, the…

Tuesday, June 20, 2025, marked the summer solstice—the longest day of the year—and Northern California marked the occasion with a series of wellness retreats designed to deepen participants’ connection to nature, sunlight, and inner rhythms. One standout event was the three-day Mendocino Grove Summer Solstice Yoga Retreat (June 20–22), held near the coastal town of Mendocino. Hosted by Sunset Retreats and set amid towering trees with ocean views, the gathering combined luxury safari-style glamping with sunrise yoga, breathwork, meditative forest baths, and sunset sessions by the river. The experience was crafted to align with the sun’s arc, guiding participants through…

On Friday, June 20, 2025, Houston showcased its vibrant multicultural spirit with the launch of two major public events: AsiaFest at the Asia Society Texas Center and Comicpalooza at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Together, these festivities drew thousands of locals and visitors into a weekend-long celebration of global heritage, pop culture, and community engagement. AsiaFest, organized by the Asia Society Texas, offered a dynamic exploration of Asian cultures through interactive experiences, live performances, and family-friendly activities. Running from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the festival featured art workshops, culinary stalls representing different Asian cuisines, a dramatic dragon-boat display,…