Politics: During this year’s primary elections, for the first time in history, Democrat and former CIA operative Abigail Spanberger, who served three terms in Congress, was elected as Virginia’s first woman governor. Throughout her campaign, she encouraged voters to focus on the candidate’s policies rather than the candidate themselves. Spanberger is focused on lowering the cost of living, the impact of tariffs on businesses and deportations.
June – LA ICE Protests: A result of the Trump Administration’s crackdown on immigrants, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began raids across Los Angeles on June 6th. Although also throughout the nation, the protests were largest in LA, resulting in Trump calling in the National Guard and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass enforcing a curfew. Over time, protests tapered off, becoming smaller and more peaceful.
New Mexico: What began as several individuals unhappy with their pay as Childcare workers resulted in Michelle Lujan Grisham, the governor of New Mexico, announcing that the state would become the first in the US to offer free childcare to all its families, regardless of income. At the same time, New Mexico has rolled out several policies to ensure that childcare workers are being paid a livable wage, irrespective of the free childcare system for all and that the quality of the care does not deteriorate, such as establishing a $12.7 million low-interest loan fund to construct, expand and renovate child care facilities.
People:
- Jane Goodall: Known for her work with chimpanzees, primatologist Jane Goodall has forever changed our perception of primates. She began her journey at Gombe Stream National Park in Africa, studying primates and making discoveries about them. Her journey evolved into global advocacy for wildlife conservation and environmental protection, focusing on empowering youth and promoting community-centered conservation to save great apes and their habitats. Her work has also included launching her own institute and becoming a UN messenger of peace. Passing away at age 91, Goodall became the first guest and subject of the Netflix series, “Famous Last Words.” She strived to inspire action for a sustainable world where people, animals, and the planet thrive together.
- Bhavitha Mandava: Originally from India, but currently a graduate student at NYU, Bhavitha Mandava caught the eye of a fellow passenger who happened to be the then Creative Director at Italian Luxury Brand, Bottenga Veneta, Matthieu Blazy. Soon after, however, Blazy was appointed Creative Director at Chanel and brought captivating Mandava along: she not only walked his debut spring 2026 show but also began the show, making her the first Indian model in history to open a Chanel show.
- Jonathan Bailey: Known for his role as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s Bridgerton, Jonathan Bailey recently made history as the first openly gay man to be named the Sexiest Man Alive. Beyond the accolade of being named the sexiest man alive as an openly gay man, Bailey has helped bring visibility and support to the LGBTQ+ community.
- Owen Cooper: British Actor Owen Cooper became internationally recognized for his role as “Jamie” in the Netflix psychological thriller, Adolescence. Accordingly, Cooper won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series/Movie for his portrayal. Thereafter, making history as the youngest male acting Emmy winner at just 15 years old.
- Kendrick Lamar: The halftime performer for this year’s superbowl, Kendrick Lamar made history, drawing in close to 133.5 million views, making it the most-watched halftime performance in NFL history. Furthermore, he also became the first solo rapper ever to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. His show centered around Black identity, power and resistance.
