This week’s edition covers stories
from March 13th to March 19th, 2025.
Today’s issue is 884 words, a 9-minute read.
Hey folks, Mateo here.
This week is packed with political shake-ups, high-stakes election updates, and major cultural moments. Former state Sen. Melisa López Franzen has entered the race for Minnesota’s open U.S. Senate seat, setting up a competitive DFL endorsement battle. Meanwhile, Gov. Tim Walz is hitting the road on a national town hall tour, rallying Democrats in swing districts ahead of key elections. In the sports world, Minnesota standouts are making waves in March Madness, while Playboi Carti fans finally have his long-awaited album in their hands. And on a more troubling note, the latest DEI purge under Trump’s influence has led to the erasure—and subsequent reinstatement—of Jackie Robinson’s military history from the Department of Defense’s website. With so much unfolding, let’s dive into this week’s biggest stories.
Melisa López Franzen Announces
U.S. Senate Run
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, López Franzen’s candidacy carries historic significance–if elected, she would be the first Puerto Rican woman in the U.S. Senate. After 23 years in Minnesota, she embraces both her Latine heritage and her deep roots in the state. She plans to visit all 87 counties, listening to Minnesotans’ concerns firsthand.
With Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan also in the race, the DFL endorsement process will be competitive, but López Franzen is committed to taking her campaign directly to the people, offering a fresh perspective and vision for Minnesota and the nation.
Walz Rallies Wisconsin Democrats
Amid National Town Hall Tour
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz continues his national town hall tour, making stops in traditionally Republican areas to challenge GOP leaders and mobilize Democrats. On Tuesday, he spoke in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, urging voters to elect liberal Judge Susan Crawford to the state Supreme Court, calling it a crucial step in countering Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s influence.
Walz criticized Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden for switching to virtual town halls, accusing him of avoiding constituents. Addressing concerns over healthcare and social safety net cuts, Walz emphasized the need for stronger Democratic action. His visit reflects a broader strategy to engage voters in swing districts, reinforcing his post-vice-presidential campaign role in the national political landscape. With Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race looming, Walz framed the election as a key battle in protecting democracy and social programs.
Erasing History: Trump’s Attack on DEI Continues
Trump’s relentless attack on DEI briefly erased Jackie Robinson’s military history from the Department of Defense’s website—until public outcry forced its reinstatement. ESPN’s Jeff Passan condemned the move as “shameful,” demanding its reversal. Robinson, a 2nd lieutenant in the Army, faced segregation and a court-martial for refusing to sit in the back of a bus—yet his service was nearly erased under the guise of eliminating “Woke cultural Marxism.” This isn’t about unity; it’s historical erasure. The same purge removed Medgar Evers’ military record from Arlington’s website and deleted tributes to the Tuskegee Airmen, Navajo Code Talkers, and history-making female fighter pilots.
📸 Bettmann Archive | Getty Images
Now, the Pentagon claims Robinson’s removal was a “mistake,” attributing it to search terms used in the DEI purge. Despite pledging to restore the pages, a DOD spokesperson defended the policy, insisting the military does not “view or highlight [service members] through the prism of immutable characteristics.” Whether intentional or not, this attempt to erase the contributions of Black, Indigenous, and minority service members makes one thing clear: history that acknowledges race, discrimination, and resilience is under attack.
Minnesota Standouts Look to
Make Tournament Impact
📸 AP Photo / Charlie Riedel
The 2025 Men’s and Women’s NCAA March Madness tournaments are officially underway, bringing the annual frenzy of upsets, buzzer-beaters, and championship dreams. This year’s tournaments feature plenty of talent with Minnesota ties. On the women’s side, UConn’s Paige Bueckers, a former Hopkins standout, looks to lead the Huskies on another deep run. In the men’s bracket, Minnesota fans can keep an eye on Trejuan Holloman (Michigan State), Curtis Jones (Iowa State), and J’Vonne Hadley (Louisville)—all former teammates at Cretin-Derham Hall—who are now key contributors to tournament contenders. With thrilling matchups ahead and plenty of homegrown talent in the mix, this year’s March Madness promises to be another unforgettable ride for college basketball fans. Have you filled your bracket out yet? Who do you have going all the way?
The King of Mystery: Playboi Carti
Ends the Wait with ‘Music’
Playboi Carti has finally returned. After nearly five years of mystery, delays, and doubt, his long-awaited album Music is here–delivering 30 tracks of chaotic brilliance. Known for misleading fans about release dates and keeping an elusive presence, many doubted Music would actually drop, especially after multiple delays on the night of release. But against all odds, Carti delivered, and the wait was worth it.
The album blends his signature punk-infused rage with Atlanta trap roots, featuring bold experimentation and high-profile guests like Future, Travis Scott, and The Weeknd. For die-hard fans, this release feels surreal–Carti rarely gives, but when he does, it’s an event. Now, with Music finally in our hands, there’s nothing left to do but dive in and embrace the madness.
Stay informed, stay connected.
See you next week!
–
Mateo and the NewPrensa team
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Hi, friend: Isabella and Mateo here!
We’re Communications Specialists by day and
filling out our March Madness brackets by night!
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