Author: Golden State Review Contributor

During the week of April 12 to April 18, 2025, the Trump administration faced significant backlash for its failure to adhere to a federal court’s directive concerning the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national. This case has reignited national conversations surrounding executive accountability, immigration enforcement practices, and the intricate dynamics of power between the branches of government. Background of the Deportation Case Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported to El Salvador under questionable circumstances, had been under legal protections that should have prevented his removal. His deportation was later deemed an error by the judiciary, leading a…

Los Angeles, CA, USA – On April 15, 2025, I had the privilege of sitting down with Elle Hughes, a rising star in the Los Angeles indie music scene. Known for her evocative lyrics and haunting melodies, Hughes has quickly made a name for herself with her debut album “Underneath the Moonlight,” which explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Her blend of indie pop, folk, and a touch of electronic beats has captured the attention of music lovers and critics alike. Hughes, who grew up in the Bay Area, moved to Los Angeles in 2023 to pursue her music…

Atlanta became the epicenter of a culinary movement that is blending rich African American food traditions with modern plant-based alternatives. The city’s first-ever Plant-Based Soul Food Festival took place in the heart of the historic Old Fourth Ward district, attracting food enthusiasts, health-conscious eaters, and local chefs eager to showcase innovative plant-based versions of classic Southern dishes. Plant-based soul food is experiencing a surge in popularity as more people adopt plant-based diets for health, ethical, and environmental reasons. At the festival, attendees could sample meatless versions of iconic soul food dishes like fried “chicken” made from seitan, collard greens cooked…

Westside Recreation, a premier recreational outfitter located in Peoria, Arizona, continues to redefine the outdoor leisure experience at Lake Pleasant with a customer-centric service model and an exceptional selection of boats suited for a variety of recreational activities. Owned by Guy Bar-Am, the company has built a strong reputation over the past decade, providing a fully managed rental service that combines efficiency with quality for residents and visitors in the greater Phoenix area. Conveniently located near one of Arizona’s most picturesque freshwater destinations, Westside Recreation has set itself apart with an elevated rental process that removes the traditional hassles of…

The 2025 Masters Tournament, held from April 10 to 13 at the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, brought together some of the best golfers in the world for what promised to be a thrilling competition. Among the key storylines was defending champion Scottie Scheffler, who was aiming to achieve a rare feat—securing his third green jacket in just four years. Alongside Scheffler, notable competitors like Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa were looking to make their mark on the hallowed grounds of Augusta. The 2025 Masters offered a substantial prize purse of $20 million, with $3.6 million going to…

A Feast of Bold Flavors in San Diego On April 14th, 2025, San Diego hosted the much-anticipated San Diego Taco Festival, where taco lovers, local chefs, and food vendors came together to celebrate one of the most beloved foods in the world—tacos. Held at the picturesque Waterfront Park, the event drew over 15,000 attendees for a day of sizzling tacos, innovative flavors, and cultural celebration. San Diego, known for its vibrant Mexican food scene, proved once again that it’s the taco capital of California, with food trucks and restaurants showcasing their best taco creations from across the globe. This year’s…

On April 12, 2025, up-and-coming indie-pop artist Alyssa James sat down for an intimate conversation about her rising career, the challenges of navigating the music industry, and the importance of mental health awareness. Known for her soulful vocals and introspective lyrics, James is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about musicians in the Los Angeles scene. Her new album, Through the Storm, which debuted earlier this month, explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and emotional healing. James, originally from Santa Monica, first made waves in the local music scene with her hauntingly beautiful acoustic covers before releasing her debut EP in…

In an extraordinary demonstration of political will, U.S. Senator Cory Booker set a new Senate record by delivering the longest continuous speech in history, lasting 25 hours and 4 minutes. The marathon address, which captured the nation’s attention, was a deliberate move to oppose key elements of President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda, sparking renewed debates over the filibuster’s role in contemporary politics. A Bold and Historic Protest Booker’s remarkable filibuster, which took place over the course of two days, shattered the previous Senate record held by Senator Strom Thurmond, who spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes in 1957 to…

The Intersection of Craft Beer and Artisanal Foods in Napa Valley On April 10th, 2025, Napa Valley hosted the highly anticipated Napa Valley Craft Beer & Artisanal Foods Festival at the Napa County Fairgrounds, bringing together over 4,000 beer enthusiasts, foodies, and local producers to celebrate the region’s growing craft beer scene. The festival offered a unique combination of locally brewed beers, artisanal foods, and gourmet pairings that reflected Napa’s diverse food culture. With its emphasis on small-batch production and sustainability, the festival showcased the creativity and innovation that defines Napa’s culinary identity. This year’s festival was especially focused on…

Washington, D.C., USA – On April 8, 2025, the World Bank unveiled a new $1 billion emergency fund aimed at supporting countries facing severe climate-related disasters. This initiative is part of the Bank’s ongoing efforts to address the increasing impacts of climate change, particularly in vulnerable regions that have been hit by extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and wildfires. The announcement was made by World Bank President David Malpass during a virtual press conference, where he detailed the fund’s purpose and its potential impact. “As climate change accelerates, the need for immediate financial support for countries experiencing catastrophic…