Author: Golden State Review Contributor

On June 21, 2025, IBM announced a groundbreaking advancement in quantum computing, unveiling a new quantum processor that surpasses previous technological limitations and brings us closer to realizing the full potential of quantum technology. The new processor, known as “Q-Scale,” is capable of performing calculations that were once thought to be impossible for classical computers, opening the door to new possibilities in fields such as artificial intelligence, cryptography, and drug discovery. Q-Scale, developed by IBM’s Quantum Division, is a highly advanced quantum processor that operates with unprecedented speed and accuracy. The breakthrough is based on a novel approach to qubit…

On June 20, 2025, LA-based artist Kevin Nguyen opened the doors to his first solo exhibit, Virtual Realities, at the Contemporary Art Museum of Los Angeles (CAMLA), marking a groundbreaking moment in the fusion of virtual reality (VR) and traditional art. Nguyen, known for his innovative use of technology, combines his background in fine art with immersive digital landscapes, creating interactive experiences that challenge the boundaries between reality and the digital world. Nguyen, who has been experimenting with VR art since 2022, is part of a growing movement in Los Angeles where technology and art intersect in new and surprising…

In a striking moment at the intersection of sports and national politics, the Los Angeles Dodgers took the unusual step of denying entry to federal immigration agents during their June 19 game at Dodger Stadium. According to a statement issued by the team that evening, agents who identified themselves as affiliated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were blocked from accessing stadium grounds, prompting praise from immigrant rights groups and scrutiny from federal officials. Team officials described the move as a protective measure, emphasizing their commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all fans. “We strive to…

California legislators have passed a $325 billion state budget, approved on June 19, which addresses a projected $12 billion fiscal shortfall not by slashing social services, but by turning to borrowing to fill the gap. The plan, passed largely along party lines, notably sets aside most of Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed funding reductions targeting essential programs, transferring the burden to bonds and various reserves as the state enters the new fiscal year, which starts July 1. Rather than cutting deeply into Medi‑Cal, homelessness initiatives, education, or other vulnerable social supports, lawmakers endorsed issuing approximately $7.8 billion in new bonds and deferring an additional $1 billion…

On June 20, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a pivotal decision temporarily allowing former President Donald Trump to retain federal control over California’s National Guard, deferring a lower court’s order that would have returned command to Governor Gavin Newsom. The ruling marks a new phase in the intensifying legal and political standoff between the state of California and the federal government over military authority and immigration enforcement. In a brief but impactful opinion, the appellate panel stated that Trump had “likely acted within statutory authority” when he federalized approximately 4,000 members of California’s National Guard earlier this…

On June 19, the Los Angeles Dodgers made national headlines after confirming they had denied entry to federal immigration agents who reportedly attempted to access Dodger Stadium during one of the team’s marquee home games. According to a statement released by the team that evening, the move was intended to maintain a “safe and welcoming environment for all fans,” while avoiding any disruptions that could arise from the presence of enforcement personnel. The team emphasized that the decision aligned with their policies regarding non-emergency law enforcement access to stadium property. While the Dodgers referred to the agents as representatives of…

NEW YORK — Oil prices eased on June 18, falling just below $75 per barrel after Federal Reserve officials signaled a neutral policy stance. The decline followed a recent 14% surge earlier in the week amid heightened geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran, which had sent markets reeling. Despite this backdrop, a complex interplay of supply stress and signs of cooling U.S. energy demand is keeping prices in check. Following the Fed decision, U.S. stock futures remained flat, while equities edged modestly higher. The central bank’s projections indicated no immediate appetite for additional rate hikes, easing investor concerns. Weak May…

Escalating hostilities in the Middle East—particularly between Israel and Iran—are fuelling renewed volatility in global oil markets. Brent crude is hovering around the mid‑$70s per barrel, roughly 10% higher than pre-conflict levels, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) is in the low‑$70s. 🌐 What’s Driving the Volatility? Strait of Hormuz risks: This strategic chokepoint handles about one-third of global oil exports. Even modest Iranian disruption threats are prompting risk premiums in oil prices, with ING warning crude could hit $120/barrel if traffic is interrupted. 25‑year highs in volatility: Goldman Sachs notes that market turbulence hasn’t been this pronounced in over two decades.…

WASHINGTON (June 18, 2025) – The Senate Intelligence Committee, in a forceful rebuttal to recent claims by U.S. and allied leaders, released a set of assessed intelligence findings stating that Iran is not currently pursuing a nuclear weapons program. These findings directly contradict public assertions from President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had warned that Iran was “weeks away” from developing a bomb . Intelligence Findings Contradict Alarmist Claims In a closed-door briefing on June 18, committee members received a detailed report from the U.S. intelligence community reinforcing a long-held position: no active nuclear weapons effort…

WASHINGTON — In a widely anticipated move on June 18, 2025, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) elected to maintain its benchmark federal funds rate at a range of 4.25 %–4.50 %, marking the fourth consecutive pause since December 2024 . The decision reflects the Fed’s cautious stance amid enduring inflationary pressures and escalating global instability. At a press conference, Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized the fragility of recent economic signals—namely, cooling retail sales and a rise in unemployment claims—while highlighting that inflation remains elevated. Additionally, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly the emerging conflict between Israel and Iran and the…