Author: Golden State Review Contributor

On June 10, 2025, legendary soul and gospel singer Mavis Staples unveiled her poignant rendition of Frank Ocean’s “Godspeed,” offering a fresh interpretation of the contemporary classic from Ocean’s acclaimed 2016 album, Blonde. Produced by Brad Cook, the cover features spoken word contributions from poet and musician Kara Jackson, adding a unique dimension to the track. In a press release, Staples expressed her deep admiration for Ocean’s songwriting and emotional delivery. She highlighted the song’s opening line, “I will always love you,” as particularly impactful, stating, “That first line in ‘Godspeed’… just crushes me every time I hear it… or…

On June 10, U.S. stock futures remained relatively flat as investors awaited developments in U.S.-China trade negotiations. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 futures showed minimal movement, while the Nasdaq Composite experienced a slight dip, reflecting cautious optimism in the markets. Concurrently, Bitcoin surpassed the $109,000 mark, signaling robust momentum in the cryptocurrency sector. The stability in stock futures comes amid ongoing discussions between U.S. and Chinese officials aimed at resolving trade tensions. Investors are closely monitoring these talks, as outcomes could significantly impact global economic dynamics. The anticipation of potential agreements or escalations has led to a…

On June 10, 2025, President Donald Trump addressed newly naturalized U.S. citizens through a video message played at naturalization ceremonies nationwide. In his remarks, he urged the new Americans to “fiercely guard” and take pride in defending the American way of life, emphasizing the importance of upholding American values and contributing positively to the nation’s fabric. The video message was part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to reinforce national identity and civic responsibility among new citizens. Trump welcomed the new citizens into the “American family,” highlighting the significance of their commitment to the country’s traditions and values.…

Live Nation Entertainment has announced a significant $1 billion investment to develop 18 new and revitalized live music venues across the United States within the next 18 months. This strategic expansion aims to meet the surging demand for live performances and to bring major concerts to smaller cities, enhancing accessibility for fans nationwide. The new venues will vary in size, ranging from intimate clubs to large outdoor amphitheaters, and are planned for cities including Atlanta, Denver, Pittsburgh, and Seattle. This initiative is expected to have a substantial economic impact, with Oxford Economics projecting a $2.9 billion boost through construction and…

As the heart of New York City prepares for a season bustling with visitors and cultural events, Times Square Arts has launched its eagerly awaited Summer 2025 edition of Midnight Moment—the world’s largest and longest-running digital public art program. Beginning June 1, the initiative transforms Times Square’s colossal LED billboards into a nightly visual spectacle featuring works by internationally acclaimed artists Yuge Zhou, Rosa Barba, and Bianca Abdi-Boragi. Every evening from 11:57 p.m. to midnight, the usual onslaught of advertisements gives way to three minutes of contemporary visual art, immersing the iconic intersection in creativity and imagination. The series is…

U.S. stock markets posted strong gains in early June, marking a significant rebound after months of economic uncertainty and market volatility. The rally, which comes on the heels of easing concerns about international tariffs, has reignited investor confidence across sectors, with technology and manufacturing stocks leading the upward trend. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite all closed higher for several consecutive sessions, with the Nasdaq approaching new record territory. Analysts point to a combination of positive corporate earnings reports and encouraging signals from global trade negotiations as key drivers of the rally. Trade Tensions Cool as…

On June 9, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered four unanimous decisions addressing pivotal cultural and legal issues, notably clarifying the scope of free speech in educational settings and reinforcing protections against discrimination based on gender identity. Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Sonia Sotomayor authored the majority opinions, underscoring the Court’s commitment to upholding constitutional rights amid evolving societal norms. In one significant ruling, the Court addressed the boundaries of free speech within public schools. The justices unanimously held that students retain their First Amendment rights when expressing personal views, provided such expression does not cause substantial disruption to the…

On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a landmark decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overturning the nearly 50-year precedent set by Roe v. Wade. This ruling eliminated the federal constitutional right to abortion, transferring the authority to regulate abortion laws back to individual states. The decision followed a 5-4 vote to overturn Roe, with Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett forming the majority. Chief Justice John Roberts concurred in upholding Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban but did not support overturning Roe entirely. Justices Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena…

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is renowned for its exceptional dining options, offering travelers a variety of gourmet experiences that elevate the airport experience. Among these stands a hidden culinary gem: Mama Go’s Filipino Cuisine, a restaurant that has not only raised the standard of airport food but has recently been awarded the prestigious title of Best Filipino Food in San Francisco of 2025. Situated at the far end of Harvey Milk Terminal 1 near Gate B18, Mama Go’s has made its mark as a top dining destination, offering authentic Filipino dishes in a fast, convenient format, perfect for the…

Thunder Level NBA Finals with Commanding Game 2 Victory Over Pacers OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder rebounded emphatically in Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals, defeating the Indiana Pacers 123–107 on Sunday night to even the series at 1–1. After a narrow one-point loss in Game 1, the Thunder showcased their resilience with a dominant performance at the Paycom Center. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge for Oklahoma City, scoring 34 points on 11-of-13 shooting, and adding eight assists, five rebounds, and four steals. His efficient play set the tone early, helping the Thunder establish a significant lead…