Author: Golden State Review Contributor

Silicon Valley startups drew a record $15 billion in venture capital funding during the second quarter of 2025, according to data from Crunchbase and industry analysts. This milestone not only underscores the region’s resilience but also signals a renewed investor appetite for emerging technologies with transformative potential. The surge was driven by an intensified focus on artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and clean energy—sectors that are rapidly evolving and central to both economic growth and societal challenges. Industry leaders and investors are increasingly viewing Silicon Valley as the epicenter of innovation capable of reshaping the global landscape. Artificial intelligence continues to dominate…

California achieved a significant milestone in its renewable energy transition on July 9, 2025, when solar and wind power contributed over 60% of the state’s total electricity generation. This moment marked a new record for California and reinforced its standing as a national leader in clean energy initiatives. The California Independent System Operator (CAISO), responsible for managing the state’s electric grid, confirmed that renewable sources dominated the power mix during key hours of the day. The record comes as the result of years of investment in renewable energy infrastructure and supportive state policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The…

The 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture, held July 4–7 in New Orleans, reaffirmed its status as one of the nation’s premier celebrations of Black excellence. Drawing over 250,000 attendees, the annual event featured high-profile musical performances, empowering panel discussions, and a significant economic boost to the local community. The festival’s signature Evening Concert Series at the Caesars Superdome spotlighted an array of music legends and contemporary stars. Keke Palmer, co-hosting the concerts, energized the crowd with her charisma and stage presence. Performers such as Mary J. Blige, LL Cool J, Janet Jackson, and Victoria Monét delivered crowd-pleasing sets that spanned…

U.S. copper prices surged to unprecedented levels following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 50% tariff on copper imports, a move that has sent shockwaves through various sectors of the economy. The tariff, unveiled during a recent cabinet meeting, is set to take effect by August 1, aiming to bolster domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign sources. In response to the announcement, copper futures on the Commodity Exchange (COMEX) soared by 13% to $5.6450 per pound, marking the largest single-day increase since 1968. This spike has created a significant price disparity between U.S. and global markets, with domestic prices…

On July 7, 2025, U.S. stock markets experienced a significant downturn following President Donald Trump’s announcement of new tariffs on imports from Japan, South Korea, and twelve other nations. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell over 400 points, reflecting investor concerns over potential trade disruptions. The newly imposed tariffs, set at 25% for Japan and South Korea, are scheduled to take effect on August 1. Other countries, including Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Serbia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, South Africa, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and Tunisia, face tariffs ranging from 25% to 40%. These measures are part of President Trump’s strategy to…

On July 7, 2025, Datadog Inc. (NASDAQ: DDOG), a prominent cloud monitoring and analytics firm, experienced a significant stock price increase of nearly 15%. This surge followed the announcement of its forthcoming inclusion in the S&P 500 index, effective July 9. The move positions Datadog among the top publicly traded companies in the U.S., reflecting investor confidence in its long-term prospects. The inclusion of Datadog in the S&P 500 comes in the wake of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s acquisition of Juniper Networks, which created an opening in the index. S&P Dow Jones Indices selected Datadog to fill this vacancy, citing its…

On July 7, 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law a sweeping housing affordability bill designed to tackle the state’s escalating housing crisis. The legislation, known as the California Affordable Housing Action Plan, promises to create more affordable housing units, streamline building processes, and provide financial support to low- and middle-income families struggling with soaring housing costs. The bill’s passage comes in response to the growing disparity between housing supply and demand in California, where rising home prices and rental rates have left many residents unable to find suitable and affordable living arrangements. According to the California Department of…

On July 7, 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law a sweeping housing affordability bill designed to tackle the state’s escalating housing crisis. The legislation, known as the California Affordable Housing Action Plan, promises to create more affordable housing units, streamline building processes, and provide financial support to low- and middle-income families struggling with soaring housing costs. The bill’s passage comes in response to the growing disparity between housing supply and demand in California, where rising home prices and rental rates have left many residents unable to find suitable and affordable living arrangements. According to the California Department of…

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that President Donald Trump will begin sending formal notifications to numerous countries this week, warning that elevated tariffs will be enforced starting August 1, 2025, unless new trade agreements are finalized. This move follows the expiration of a 90-day negotiation window initiated after the April 2 unveiling of the “Liberation Day” tariffs, which imposed a 10% baseline levy on most imports. The administration’s strategy involves dispatching approximately 100 letters to smaller trading partners, signaling the potential reversion to higher tariff rates if negotiations do not progress. Bessent emphasized that while July 9 was previously…

The Man of Steel has returned to the big screen with a fresh face and a renewed vision. David Corenswet stars as Clark Kent in James Gunn’s highly anticipated “Superman,” which premiered in theaters on July 6, 2025. This film marks the inaugural cinematic entry in DC Studios’ revamped universe, dubbed “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.” Corenswet, known for his roles in “Hollywood” and “Pearl,” steps into the iconic role with a portrayal that blends classic heroism with contemporary sensibilities. His Superman is depicted as a beacon of hope and kindness in a world that often views such traits as…