Hearts and Minds Weekly - March 19th, 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 19, 2025

Women's History Month; Pending Removal Due to DEI...

As Women’s History Month marches on, a strange dissonance fills the air. This month, once a celebration of women’s contributions and hard-fought progress, now serves as a stark reminder that those advances are anything but secure. While the nation is busy sharing inspirational quotes about breaking glass ceilings, the federal government and military are quietly pulling the rugs out from under the very women we claim to honor.

In January of this year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing. The language was familiar to anyone who’s followed his rhetoric: DEI programs were labeled “discriminatory” and “illegal.” The order took immediate aim at Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across every federal agency and extended its reach to government contractors. The result? A dismantling of programs intended to provide fair access and opportunity to underrepresented groups—especially women—and the erasure of hard-won recognition for their contributions to history.

More Than a Game: A Girl Dad’s Hope for His Daughters and Women’s Sports

I grew up on fields and courts. Sports weren’t optional for me or my friends. They were a way of life, and everyone encouraged it. Coaches, teachers, and even family members pushed us toward athletics because they knew what sports could do for a young man: build discipline, develop leadership, foster teamwork, and open doors. Whether it was scholarships, job opportunities, or simply the confidence that came from competing, we knew sports gave us an edge.

I’m the proud father of four daughters. Four smart, strong-willed, funny, and fearless girls. But they weren’t always fearless. And if I’m being honest, they weren’t always athletes. It took a little pushing—sometimes a lot—to get them onto the field in the first place.

Five Years Since COVID; A look back at where we were and where we are today.

It’s been five years since the world shut down. Five years since the words “lockdown,” “social distancing,” and “flatten the curve” became part of our daily lives. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, and the world as we knew it changed overnight.

Today, as we reflect on the past half-decade, we are met with a complicated legacy. Some argue the pandemic response was mishandled, with long-term consequences that may outweigh the immediate health crisis. Others point to the millions of lives saved through swift public health interventions and vaccine development. Regardless of where one stands, the facts are undeniable: COVID-19 killed millions, reshaped our trust in public institutions, and left us questioning how prepared we are for the next global health threat.

Shattering the Glass Screen: How Women are Breaking Barriers and Making History in Film Production and Direction!

The film industry has always been a platform for social narratives, showcasing both the best and the worst of society. In a predominantly male-dominated field, women are breaking barriers and achieving remarkable success in producer and director roles. Today, let’s explore the journey of women in film, highlight the challenges they face, and recognize those who are paving the way for future generations.

A Historic Overview of Women in Film

Women have played crucial roles in the film industry since its inception. Pioneers like Alice Guy-Blaché, who directed her first film in 1896, and Mary Pickford, a co-founder of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1927, made significant contributions that shaped early cinema. Despite their achievements, these women were often overshadowed by male counterparts. For instance, Pickford was one of the first female filmmakers to gain significant power in the industry, but her influence diminished as Hollywood evolved into a more male-dominated environment.

Over the years, various waves of feminism have sparked changes in the industry. Organizations like Women in Film have created essential networks for female filmmakers. Nevertheless, women still encounter significant challenges. In 2021, women directed just 16% of the top 100 grossing films, highlighting ongoing gender disparities.