Hearts and Minds Weekly - March 12th, 2025

News, Sports, Entertainment and more...Welcome to Hearts and Minds Weekly, your go-to source for sharp, insightful journalism. Each week, we break down the stories that matter—from politics that impact the voting booth, to sports moments shaping the game, to film, entertainment, business, and tech trends driving the future. We don’t just report the news—we provide context, clarity, and thoughtful analysis to enhance our minds and open our hearts. Stay informed, stay engaged. Welcome to Hearts and Minds.

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Consume Media
March 12, 2025

The Education Shutdown: How the Trump Administration’s Shutdown Is Already Impacting Students and What It Means for America’s Future

On March 11, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education effectively shut down, laying off over 50% of its workforce in what President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon call the “first step” toward eliminating the agency altogether.

They say it’s about “putting power back in the hands of parents and local communities.” But the real question is: what happens when the federal government stops playing a role in protecting equal access to education?

Every spring, the quiet town of Ojai, California transforms. The streets fill with players, fans, and volunteers. The scent of orange blossoms mingles with freshly-strung tennis rackets. And for one electric week, Ojai becomes the epicenter of one of the most storied tennis tournaments in the world. This is The Ojai Tennis Tournament—127 years of history, legends, and community spirit packed into a town that feels more like a postcard than a place.

But behind the beauty and tradition lies a story that’s never fully been told. Until now.

Over six years ago, Ojai local Holly Roberts—a photographer, journalist, and lifelong fan of the tournament—had a vision. She wanted to capture the magic of The Ojai on film, not just the matches and trophies, but the heart of it: the people, the volunteers, the history, and the way the town comes alive every April. Holly saw that this wasn’t just a tennis tournament. It was a tradition that had weathered world wars, swarms of bees, and more recently, a global pandemic.

Teaming up with film producer Ryan Del Nero, co-owner of Consume Media, the two set out to bring The Ojai Doc to life. What started as an idea quickly became an epic journey—one that has spanned years, captured hundreds of interviews, and followed the tournament through its highest highs and most uncertain moments.

Paramount and Skydance: A Hollywood Merger With Real-World Consequences

How a $8 Billion Deal Could Reshape Entertainment—for Better or Worse

In an era when mega-mergers dominate everything from tech to groceries, Hollywood is no exception. The proposed $8 billion merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. On paper, it sounds like another business deal between corporate giants, but there’s more at stake than just movie franchises and streaming platforms. This deal could change what you watch, how you watch it, and what it costs.

The Trade War At Home: How New Trade Policies Are Driving Up Home Renovation Costs

The rising cost of home renovation just got another layer of complexity. With President Trump’s recent tariff hikes on imported materials—including steel, aluminum, lumber, and fixtures—DIY enthusiasts and homeowners alike are bracing for an expensive renovation season in 2025.