Author: Golden State Review Contributor

LOS ANGELES — On June 8, 2025, Nancy Sinatra, the trailblazing singer and daughter of legendary crooner Frank Sinatra, marked her 85th birthday. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1940, Nancy has carved out a distinct identity in American pop culture, transcending her father’s shadow to become an icon in her own right. Sinatra’s rise to fame was cemented in 1966 with the release of “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’,” a chart-topping hit that became emblematic of the era’s shifting cultural landscape. The song’s assertive lyrics and catchy rhythm resonated with a generation seeking empowerment and change. Its…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On June 8, 2025, executives from major global corporations convened in Washington to escalate lobbying efforts against Section 899 of President Donald Trump’s proposed finance bill. This provision, part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” aims to increase taxes on foreign investments in U.S. assets, raising concerns about its potential impact on American job security and international investment. Section 899 proposes a gradual increase in taxes on dividends and interest earned by international investors, particularly targeting countries with tax policies deemed “unfair” by the U.S. administration. The measure could also affect sovereign wealth funds, which are currently…

LOS ANGELES — On June 8, 2025, President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to intensifying protests against recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. The decision, made without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom, has ignited a national debate over federal authority and the use of military force in domestic affairs. The protests erupted following a series of coordinated ICE operations targeting undocumented immigrants across Los Angeles. These raids led to the arrest of at least 44 individuals and sparked widespread demonstrations, particularly outside the Metropolitan Detention Center. Tensions…

The approval of a $2.8 billion settlement in the House v. NCAA antitrust case on June 6, 2025, has set the stage for a seismic shift in the landscape of collegiate sports. For the first time in its history, the NCAA has authorized Division I schools to directly compensate student-athletes. This landmark decision not only rectifies past restrictions but also acknowledges the immense value athletes bring to college sports—on and off the field. Acknowledging the Value of Student-Athletes For decades, student-athletes contributed to multibillion-dollar sports enterprises without direct financial compensation. While scholarship benefits and the recent introduction of Name, Image,…

In June 2025, over 150 American companies, including industry giants such as Morgan Stanley, Walmart, and Pfizer, have announced significant layoffs, reflecting ongoing economic challenges and corporate restructuring efforts. These job cuts span various sectors, including finance, retail, pharmaceuticals, and technology, underscoring the widespread impact of inflationary pressures, shifting consumer behaviors, and global market volatility. Morgan Stanley has initiated layoffs affecting approximately 2,000 employees globally, with 230 positions eliminated across seven of its New York City offices. The reductions primarily target mid- and back-office roles, as the firm aims to streamline operations and adapt to fluctuating market conditions. These layoffs…

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…