Author: Golden State Review Contributor

On August 4, 2025, wildlife centers, zoos, conservation groups, and classrooms across the United States came together to celebrate two globally recognized observances—International Owl Awareness Day and International Clouded Leopard Day. Although each focuses on a different species in very different parts of the world, both days served a shared purpose: fostering awareness, education, and action for the protection of vulnerable wildlife. Owl Awareness Day has become a beloved annual event in many inland American communities, offering a way for local organizations to engage families, students, and nature lovers in hands-on conservation education. Rehabilitation centers and nature preserves organized open…

On August 4, 2025, Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia became the epicenter of nostalgia and celebration for fans of the iconic television series Twin Peaks. The evening marked the debut of the highly anticipated “Twin Peaks: Conversation With The Stars” live event, drawing long-time admirers of the surreal, genre-bending series that first captivated audiences over three decades ago. Attendees were treated to an intimate evening of storytelling and reflection, led by original cast members Ray Wise, best known for his haunting portrayal of Leland Palmer; Harry Goaz, who played the endearing Deputy Andy Brennan; Kimmy Robertson, who charmed viewers…

In late July and early August 2025, U.S. travel companies reported a sharp rebound in consumer demand, particularly from price-sensitive domestic travelers, signaling renewed optimism for revenue growth through August and into the fourth quarter. Leading players including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Hilton Worldwide, and Wyndham Hotels cited rising bookings and improved consumer sentiment as signs of a turning point after a sluggish first half of the year. United Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella noted that uncertainty dropped significantly in recent weeks, allowing demand to rebound quickly after several difficult months earlier in the year. As a result, bookings…

On Sunday, August 3, 2025, CBS News Sunday Morning aired its annual “Money Issue,” this year devoted to retirement planning—offering invaluable guidance in an era of financial uncertainty and changing economic realities. Jane Pauley anchors the feature, guiding viewers through an array of segments designed both to inform and inspire those nearing retirement or already enjoying it. Among the most noteworthy interviews is with Ted Benna, widely recognized as the father of the 401(k). At 83, Benna reflects on how a then‑obscure IRS tax provision in 1981 enabled the invention of the now‑ubiquitous retirement savings vehicle—changing the U.S. financial landscape in profound…

On July 31, 2025, Figma completed its blockbuster initial public offering (IPO), pricing at $33 per share and raising roughly $1.2 billion. Existing shareholders, not the company itself, sold most shares. Much attention has focused on the Marin Community Foundation (MCF)—a nonprofit that sold approximately 13.4 million Figma shares, earning around $440 million at IPO pricing. Those shares had been gifted just a month earlier by co-founder Evan Wallace in June. The donation has now triggered an unexpected legal dispute among claimants linked to a decades-old oil family trust. Multiple individuals—described as potential family heirs under the trust—are contesting the…

On Saturday, August 2, 2025, the University of Kentucky officially kicked off its 2025 football fall camp with its annual Fan Day event at the Joe Craft Football Training Center outside Kroger Field. Open to the public at no cost, the event featured free admission, complimentary parking in the Blue Lot, and free 2025 Wildcats posters for fans. Fans began entering the facility at 10 a.m., lining up outside Gate 12, ahead of the open practice session that ran from approximately 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. The clear-bag policy was enforced, and attendees were asked to remain behind designated rope lines during practice. UK’s…

Beginning August 2025, several U.S. states have launched new stimulus and relief payment programs designed to help residents manage inflation-related expenses during the late summer season. In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul has initiated Phase 2 of the School Tax Relief (STAR) program. Eligible homeowners, especially those with school tax payments due in August or September, will receive payments ranging from $350 to $600, while senior homeowners could be eligible for amounts between $700 and $1,500. This benefit may come in the form of a direct check, deposit, or a reduction in their school tax bill. Phase 1 was already…

Apple delivered stronger-than-expected second-quarter results on August 1, 2025, thanks largely to its booming services segment. The tech giant reported $27.4 billion in revenue from services alone—a record high that exceeded Wall Street estimates and accounted for a growing share of Apple’s overall business. The robust earnings performance lifted Apple’s stock by nearly 2 percent in pre-market trading and underscored the company’s continued success in diversifying beyond hardware sales. Apple’s total revenue for the quarter rose about 10 percent year over year, with earnings per share also surpassing analyst expectations. Growth in the services segment—encompassing the App Store, iCloud, Apple…

Across the United States, National Mutt Day is celebrated today to honor mixed‑breed dogs and encourage adoption. Founded in 2005 by animal behaviorist and advocate Colleen Paige, the day highlights the many wonderful qualities of mutts, calling attention to the abundance of mixed‑breed dogs in shelters and the importance of providing them loving, permanent homes. Observed twice annually—on July 31 and again on December 2—National Mutt Day has become a meaningful moment for animal lovers, rescue organizations, and pet owners to advocate for mutts across the country. The summer observance often sees heightened activity in shelters, where many mixed‑breed dogs…

U.S. stock markets opened strongly on July 31, 2025, as standout earnings from tech giants Meta Platforms and Microsoft lifted investor sentiment and helped drive gains across major indices. Meta Platforms reported a striking second-quarter performance, with revenue climbing approximately 22% year-over-year to nearly $47.5 billion. This result exceeded analyst expectations of around $44 billion. Earnings per share surged to $7.14, well above consensus estimates that hovered between $5.75 and $5.86. The company’s advertising revenue jumped 21%, signaling strong demand for its AI-enhanced ad placement systems. Meta’s stock rose nearly 11% in premarket trading, reflecting renewed confidence in its core…