Author: Golden State Review Team

The Golden State Review Team comprises California-focused journalists specializing in politics, business, technology, and culture. Our comprehensive reporting provides an authoritative voice on the issues shaping the Golden State.
Anthem Music Academy is a distinguished music production program committed to providing an immersive and authentic music education experience that closely mirrors the realities of the contemporary music industry. Founded and directed by Kyle Boydstun, the academy offers students a unique opportunity to learn in an environment shaped by professionals with substantial industry and educational expertise. Its mission centers on equipping aspiring musicians and producers with the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to build sustainable careers in music. A defining feature of Anthem Music Academy is its location within The Grill Studios in Emeryville, a recording facility renowned for hosting…
Tom Brady, legendary former NFL quarterback and current minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, is reportedly exploring a bold initiative to bring professional football back to the city of Oakland. After the city lost its NFL team to Las Vegas in 2020, Oakland has remained without a major football franchise—until now. Brady’s potential move involves establishing a United Football League (UFL) team that could revive the historic “Oakland Invaders” brand, signaling a renewed push to restore professional football in a city known for its passionate sports culture. The development gained traction earlier this month when the UFL filed a…
Dallas’s culinary scene is experiencing a delightful twist with Rye’s latest offering: the “Summer Vacation” tasting menu. Launched on May 9, 2025, this 11-course experience transports diners through a nostalgic journey, reimagining classic summer flavors with inventive flair. Located in the Lower Greenville neighborhood, Rye has garnered attention for its boundary-pushing approach to American cuisine. The “Summer Vacation” menu exemplifies this ethos, blending playful presentations with sophisticated techniques to evoke memories of carefree summer days. The tasting begins unconventionally with “Dessert for Dinner,” featuring three imaginative bites: kangaroo tartare, a crab and caviar cannoli, and a blue cheesecake. These initial…
California’s population has reversed a multi-year trend of decline, growing by 0.6% in 2024 to reach 39.43 million residents. The increase—about 108,000 people—marks a second consecutive year of growth for the state following steep drops in population during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the California Department of Finance, this turnaround has been driven largely by a resurgence in international immigration, particularly from Asia and Latin America, as well as a modest uptick in natural population growth. The most significant contributor to the state’s demographic rebound has been net international immigration, which added more than 300,000 people to California’s population in…
In his May 2025 budget revision, California Governor Gavin Newsom proposed eliminating $11.5 million in funding for the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund (PAEPF), a move that has drawn significant criticism from arts advocates and organizations across the state. The PAEPF, established in 2022 through Senate Bill 1116, was designed to support small nonprofit performing arts organizations by reimbursing payroll expenses, thereby aiding compliance with labor laws and sustaining employment in the arts sector. The proposed cut comes amid a projected $11.95 billion state budget shortfall, which Newsom attributes to economic challenges such as tariffs and decreased tourism. Despite these…
On May 24, 2025, President Donald Trump delivered a politically charged commencement address at the United States Military Academy at West Point, addressing 1,002 graduating cadets. Departing from traditional celebratory remarks, Trump criticized past administrations’ military policies, condemned diversity programs, and reiterated his “peace through strength” doctrine. He also repeated an unfounded claim that Russia stole U.S. hypersonic missile technology during the Obama administration. The speech, which included Trump wearing a red “Make America Great Again” hat, was met with protests outside the academy, with demonstrators condemning his perceived attacks on democracy. The address precedes a large-scale military celebration in…
The U.S. economy is exhibiting signs of recovery as recent policy shifts take effect, according to the latest report from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Personal consumption expenditures (PCE) increased by 6.4% in 2023, with all 50 states and the District of Columbia experiencing growth. Florida led with an 8.1% increase, while Iowa saw a 4.7% rise. The growth is attributed to increased consumer spending and government stimulus measures. However, economists caution that ongoing trade tensions and inflationary pressures could impact future growth. The growth in PCE was not uniform across all states. Florida experienced the highest increase at…
On May 24, 2025, President Donald Trump announced the imposition of significant tariffs targeting the European Union and Apple Inc., intensifying trade tensions and prompting concerns over potential economic repercussions. The administration declared a 50% tariff on all European Union imports, effective June 1, citing long-standing trade imbalances and perceived unfair practices by the EU. Simultaneously, a 25% tariff was announced on Apple products manufactured outside the United States, aiming to incentivize domestic production of the company’s flagship devices. President Trump justified these measures by highlighting the substantial trade deficit with the European Union, which he claimed amounts to $250…
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the dynamic guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has been named the 2025 NBA Most Valuable Player, becoming only the second Canadian in league history to receive the honor after Steve Nash. The announcement was made on May 21, 2025, following a season in which Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to a league-best 68–14 record and captured the NBA scoring title with an average of 32.7 points per game. A Season of Dominance Gilgeous-Alexander’s 2024–25 campaign was marked by exceptional performance on both ends of the court. In addition to leading the league in scoring, he averaged 6.4 assists,…
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the dynamic guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has been named the 2025 NBA Most Valuable Player, becoming only the second Canadian in league history to receive the honor after Steve Nash. The announcement was made on May 21, 2025, following a season in which Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to a league-best 68–14 record and captured the NBA scoring title with an average of 32.7 points per game. A Season of Dominance Gilgeous-Alexander’s 2024–25 campaign was marked by exceptional performance on both ends of the court. In addition to leading the league in scoring, he averaged 6.4 assists,…