Author: Golden State Review Contributor

On January 3, 2025, representatives from the United States, the European Union, and China announced the successful negotiation of a historic trade agreement aimed at addressing global economic imbalances, reducing tariffs, and fostering greater cooperation between the world’s three largest economies. The deal, known as the Global Trade and Cooperation Agreement (GTCA), is seen as a major diplomatic and economic breakthrough, as it aims to modernize global trade relations and resolve long-standing disputes. The agreement was signed by U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He in a ceremony held…

The 2025 corporate earnings season is upon us, ushering in a period of high expectations and cautious optimism. As major companies begin reporting their fourth-quarter results, investors are eager to gain a clearer picture of the economic landscape. Analysts are predicting a healthy 15% growth in corporate earnings, outpacing historical averages and signaling the resilience of key sectors within the economy. This earnings season promises to provide crucial insights not only into the financial health of individual companies but also into broader market trends. Technology companies, often viewed as a barometer for the overall market’s performance, are expected to dominate…

As the new year unfolds, businesses around the world find themselves confronted with an evolving regulatory environment that will significantly impact their operational frameworks. This wave of regulatory change, driven by global shifts in governance, security, and operational resilience, is forcing companies to reconsider their compliance strategies and risk management approaches. Two major regulatory updates—the revised Corporate Governance Code in the UK and the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) in the EU—are particularly noteworthy as they set the stage for a more responsible, transparent, and secure corporate world. In the UK, the updated Corporate Governance Code, which took effect at…

The U.S. economy wrapped up 2024 with impressive performance, marking a 2.3% growth rate in the fourth quarter. This surge helped push the annual growth rate to 2.8%, demonstrating the strength and adaptability of the nation’s economy despite numerous hurdles. Among the standout factors contributing to this success were strong consumer spending, which rose by 4.2%, showcasing continued confidence in the economy despite various challenges. However, issues like business investment slowdown and ongoing inflationary pressures served as reminders of the complexities the U.S. economy is facing. Consumer spending emerged as a central force driving economic activity in the final quarter…

Introduction: A Celebration of Craft Beer in LA The Los Angeles Craft Beer Festival, held on December 23, 2024, at the picturesque Los Angeles State Historic Park, achieved a new milestone by setting a record attendance of over 25,000 beer lovers. This highly anticipated event brought together craft beer enthusiasts from all over to celebrate the evolving craft beer culture in Los Angeles, a city renowned for its vibrant food scene and now, increasingly, for its innovative and diverse craft brewing community. With more than 200 breweries showcasing their finest brews, the festival underscored Los Angeles’ significant influence on the…

The world bids farewell to an extraordinary figure with the passing of Jimmy Carter, who died peacefully at 100 years old in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. His death marks the conclusion of an era of unparalleled humanitarian efforts and ethical leadership. As the 39th President of the United States, Carter’s influence extended far beyond the political sphere, shaping both national and global landscapes with his dedication to peace, human rights, and health care. His legacy, characterized by compassion and selflessness, will continue to inspire people around the world for generations to come. A Presidency Defined by Diplomacy and Integrity…

On December 18, 2024, world leaders, climate experts, and environmental organizations gathered in Paris for a historic climate change summit aimed at accelerating global efforts to combat climate change. The summit, hosted by the French government and the United Nations, marked a critical moment in the international community’s ongoing commitment to achieving the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. The conference, known as the “Global Climate Action Summit 2024,” brought together leaders from more than 100 countries, including French President Emmanuel Macron, U.S. President Joe Biden, China’s President Xi Jinping, and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Together, they pledged to…

Los Angeles saw a unique wave of togetherness as families across the city came together for a series of virtual cooking classes hosted by renowned chefs. The initiative, which began as a response to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, has become a heartwarming tradition for many households looking to create meaningful connections during the holiday season. The virtual cooking classes, which were streamed live from a professional kitchen studio, allowed families to participate from the comfort of their own homes. This year, the theme was “Holiday Comfort Foods,” with chefs guiding participants through recipes that ranged from classic…

Introduction: A Holiday Celebration by the Sea The Santa Monica Pier’s Winter Market, held on December 16th, 2024, brought together locals and visitors to celebrate the holiday season with festive shopping, live entertainment, and, of course, delicious food and drinks. Over 10,000 attendees attended the event, enjoying a range of seasonal treats and unique artisanal products from local vendors. The Winter Market has become a beloved tradition in Santa Monica, and this year’s event was no exception. With its picturesque setting along the Pacific Ocean and a strong focus on supporting local businesses, the Winter Market proved to be a…

On December 15, 2024, the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles opened Fragments of Identity, a poignant solo exhibition by local artist Julian Rivera. The exhibition, which runs until January 31, 2025, invites visitors to explore themes of cultural heritage, trauma, and self-discovery through Rivera’s mixed-media sculptures, paintings, and digital installations. The show draws from Rivera’s personal experiences growing up in East Los Angeles and grapples with the complexities of identity formation in the face of societal pressures. Rivera, known for his powerful commentary on the immigrant experience and issues of social justice, used Fragments of Identity to convey his own…