Trump's Tariffs, Girl's Flag Football, and Oscar's Economics

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.

March 05, 2025

Tariffs vs. Free Trade: A High-Stakes Economic Debate

The debate over tariffs and free trade is as old as global commerce itself. President Trump’s recent decision to impose a 25% tariff on all Mexican and Canadian goods and a 10% tariff on Chinese imports has reignited this economic discussion, with strong opinions on both sides.

Supporters argue that tariffs protect American industries, create jobs, and reduce reliance on foreign goods. Critics warn that tariffs lead to higher consumer prices, economic inefficiencies, and retaliatory trade wars that could ultimately harm U.S. businesses and workers.

So, why is Trump pursuing this strategy, and what are the broader implications for American consumers, industries, and the global economy?

We first covered local flag football teams from the Baseline League in our series Game Changers, highlighting the talent, determination, and passion behind this fast-growing sport—including Upland Flag Football. As girls’ flag football continues to explode nationwide, it’s more than just a game; it’s an opportunity. With high schools and colleges increasingly recognizing flag football, doors are opening for scholarships, competition, and the future of women’s sports. This is just the beginning—women’s flag football is here to stay, and we’re here to capture every moment. Watch Upland’s journey in our latest hype video!

Unleashing Torque:

How to Become a Better Pitcher or Catcher Using Rotational Mechanics

Every elite pitcher and catcher understands that power comes from the ground up—but what most don’t realize is that the key to maximizing velocity and control is rotational efficiency. Whether you’re a pitcher looking to add 5+ mph to your fastball or a catcher seeking faster pop times, mastering rotational mechanics can take your game to the next level.

In this post, we’ll break down how torque, stability, and kinetic chain efficiency impact your ability to generate power—straight from The Rotational Edge, our science-backed training series. Plus, we’ll share details on our upcoming Pitchers & Catchers Combine, where you can put these principles into action and get pro-level video breakdowns of your mechanics.

Boost Your Athletic Performance:

The Ultimate Top 10 Nutritional Habits for Success on and off the Field

Athletes are always looking for ways to enhance their performance, and nutrition is a key factor in achieving success on the field and beyond. With so much information available, it can be hard to find the best strategies for fueling your body. This post highlights the top 10 nutritional habits designed specifically for athletes, including high protein intake, whole foods, proper hydration, and strategic meal timing. Whether you are preparing for a game, heading to practice, or enjoying the off-season, these tips can help you perform at your best.

The Academy Awards vs. The Box Office: The Economics of Oscar-Winning Films

Every year, the Oscars highlight the “best” films in the industry, yet many of them barely make a dent at the box office. Meanwhile, blockbusters that bring in hundreds of millions—even billions—of dollars often struggle to get recognized. Why is that?

©A.M.P.A.S.

The Box Office vs. Oscar Winners: 2025 Edition

This year’s Best Picture winner, Anora, earned $40 million worldwide, a respectable sum for an independent film, but nowhere near the top of the year’s highest-grossing movies. Compare that to “Wicked” ($728M) or “Dune: Part Two” ($714M)—both massive commercial hits that were nominated but never seriously considered frontrunners.

It’s a familiar pattern: commercially successful films often fail to win major awards, while smaller, less-seen films rack up Oscars. This raises a big question: is the Academy rewarding artistic merit, or is there an inherent bias against popular films?