Remembering Jimmy Carter: A Week in Review

This week’s edition covers stories 
from December 26th to January 1st, 2024.
Today’s issue is 856 words, a 6-minute read.

Hey folks, Mateo here.

As we step into 2025, this week’s news brings a blend of reflection and anticipation. We start by honoring the legacies of two influential figures–former President Jimmy Carter, whose impact continues to resonate, and former Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic, whose dedication to public service has helped shape our state. While their passing brings a somber moment, it also reminds us of the powerful legacies we can leave behind. Looking ahead, the excitement ramps up for the Minnesota Vikings as they prepare for a historic NFC showdown this weekend, making the start of 2025 even more thrilling for football fans.


How Jimmy Carter’s Presidency Left a Mark on Minnesota

Jimmy Carter selected Minnesotan Walter Mondale as his vice presidential running mate in 1976 📸Kent Kobersteen/The Minnesota Star Tribune

Former President Jimmy Carter has passed away at the age of 100. A leader, humanitarian, and advocate for peace, Carter’s legacy will be remembered for his work both in the White House and in his post-presidency, where he continued to champion human rights and global diplomacy. While his term in office (1977-1980) was marked by challenges such as high inflation, the Iran hostage crisis, and a tough reelection battle, Carter’s post-presidential life reshaped his legacy. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts in international diplomacy, human rights, and health initiatives, particularly through the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity.

Jimmy Carter was the oldest living president, as he had turned
100 years old in October 
📸Elise Amendola/AP Photo

Carter’s deep connections to Minnesota are evident in the many ways he influenced the state. He chose Minnesota’s Walter Mondale as his vice president, forging a partnership that would shape not only the Carter administration but also U.S. politics. Their strong working relationship and shared values, rooted in rural backgrounds and a commitment to public service, served as a model for future presidents and vice presidents. Carter’s administration also led to the passage of significant legislation that touched Minnesotan directly, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act, which protected one of the state’s most cherished natural treasures.

Additionally, Carter’s dedication to improving housing and supporting indigenous rights resonated with Minnesotans. His work with Habitat for Humanity resulted in the construction and rehabilitation of over 170 homes in the Twin Cities. His signing of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act and the Indian Child Welfare Act had a lasting impact in the Native communities in Minnesota, ensuring the protection of sacred sites and promoting the well-being of Native children. Carter’s legacy is one of service and compassion, and his ties to Minnesota will continue to inspire those who admired his vision for a better world.


Minnesota Mourns the Loss of Former Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic

Kari Dziedzic, the former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader, passed away on Friday at the age of 62 after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Her family shared that she died surrounded by loved ones, describing her as having a “heart of gold,” always willing to go to any length to support those she loved. Dzeidzic served in the Minnesota Senate for over a decade and was instrumental in passing key legislation, including universal school meals, paid family and medical leave, legal protections for abortion and gender-affirming care, and the legalization of recreational cannabis.

Kari Dziedzic served as Minnesota DFL Senate Majority Leader from January 2023 until she stepped down in February 2024 📸 KARE 11

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz praised Dzeidzic as a “one-of-a-kind leader,” noting that her legacy should inspire all elected officials to strive to be better public servants. Dziedzic’s leadership and integrity were respected across party lines, with Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson and House Speaker Melissa Hortman both honoring her for her ability to work through difficult policy issues while maintaining dignity and respect for others. Despite her illness, Dziedzic continued her work until the end, embodying the values of selflessness and dedication that defined her life in public service.


Battle for the North: Vikings vs. Lions for the 1st Seed

On a lighter note, the Minnesota Vikings are set to travel to Detroit to play in what is set to be one of the greatest regular season matchups of all time. Each team handled business this past weekend, making for an ultimate showdown between the two best teams in the NFC, each of which are an incredible 14-2 on the season. This game will mark the winningest regular season matchup of all time with a combined 28 wins between the two teams.

The “Battle for the North” will take place in primetime on
Sunday Night Football this weekend 📸 NFL

The importance of this game goes beyond divisional rivalries and bragging rights, as the winner of this game will get the 1st seed in the playoff, which ensures home-field advantage for the first couple of games, as well as a bye in the first week, allowing your players to get an extra full week of rest and preparation. The loser of this game will shoot all the way down to the 5th seed, will not have home-field advantage, and will not have an extra week to rest. This is going to be a hard pill to swallow for whoever doesn’t come out on top, as having 14 wins and being the 5th seed is unheard of. While both teams will look to fight for this playoff advantage, this isn’t the last game of the season for either team. Both have clinched positions in the playoffs and will get a chance to make a run at a Super Bowl, something which neither team has ever won.


Stay informed, stay connected. 

See you next week! 


Mateo and the NewPrensa team


About NewPrensa

Hi, friend: Mateo here! 
We’re Communications Specialists by day
and weathering the winter rain by night!

Do you enjoy reading NewPrensa?
Forward it to someone you think may enjoy it too!


Got suggestions, feedback, or a good scoop?
Send it to us at newprensa@newpublica.com or message us on instagram @newprensa

 If someone sent this newsletter your way, feel free to subscribe to get local, BIPOC news delivered to your inbox every Thursday morning.

Share the Post:

Fresh articles