Neighbors of Vance Boelter, the suspect in the shooting deaths of Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, can breathe a sigh of relief after he was located and successfully arrested, according to The Associated Press.
Earlier in the day, the late model Buick Boelter was known to drive was located along a dusty road along with some of his possessions in the near vicinity. The findings gave the various agencies searching for Boelter an area of concentration which ultimately led to his discovery.
Much has become public about Boelter, his life, and possible motivations which The Metropolitan will fully cover as soon as we are able to verify all information independently.
For tonight, let us all give thanks to the courageous men and women who worked tirelessly to find the suspect.
On June 14, 2025, American citizens gathered to protest U.S. President Donald Trump, aligning with his 79th birthday and a military parade in Washington, D.C. In Minnesota, the No King’s Protest took place at the state capitol in St. Paul. The march began at St. Paul College and continued to the Minnesota State Capitol, where Governor Tim Walz was expected to deliver a speech.
Some of the speakers at the rally included Off JaWaggon and Pottymouth Pollyana (Mandy Rae), two advocates for democracy and women’s rights with around two million followers on TikTok. They praised Minnesotans for uniting in opposition to President Trump and his administration. As Rae declared in her speech, “We will not negotiate our democracy, and we will never bow to a king.”
In St. Paul alone, thousands gathered, holding homemade signs expressing their opposition to the president and his administration’s decisions amid the nation’s current challenges. Their messages ranged from advocating for the abolition of ICE and protecting immigration to defending children’s education, embodying the values they believe America represents.
Other speakers at the rally included Zach Lindstrom from the 50-51 Movement, who emphasized the importance of unity and shared struggle, stating, “In times like this, it is of the utmost importance to lean on each other. This is a burden that should not be carried alone.” Other speakers included Rebecca with Indivisible Twin Cities, Nekima Levy Armstrong, Sara Guadalupe, lead organizer with Copal, Kyle Tran Myhre, also known as Guante, Monique Cullars-Doty with Black Lives Matter Twin Cities Metro, and Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Ellison spoke about the late Madam Speaker, Rep. Melissa Hortman, and her contributions to the country and Minnesota. He urged Minnesotans to “not stop striking” in honor of those who had lost their lives resisting authoritarian power. Throughout the rally, speakers reinforced a message of national solidarity, reminding Americans to stand together during challenging times.
Earlier, the Associated Press identified Vance Boelter as a suspect in the shooting deaths of Melissa and Mark Hortman, and the attempted assassination of John and Yvette Hoffman. A quick search led to the website www.mnafricaunited.org which included a photo of Dr. Boelter. It claims he is the CEO of Praetorian Guard Security Services in Minnesota. Dr. Boelter currently resides with his wife Jenny and their children. Basil Ajuo, CEO of MAU, confirmed Dr. Boelter had only participated in speaking engagements for MAU and was not a regular employee.
MAU has an office at the 7900 block of Brooklyn Blvd. in Brooklyn Park.
A tip line has been set up to assist in the investigation of this morning’s shooting. If you have any information that could lead to the arrest of Vance Luther Boelter, please call 877-996-6222. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous—if spotted, do not approach. Instead, call 911 immediately.
A gunman posing as law enforcement entered the home of Melissa and Mark Hortman in Brooklyn Park on Saturday morning and assassinated both in what has been called by Gov. Walz a “politically motivated attack.” Details are still emerging so there is no known cause as of yet. But Gov. Walz did say this of Hortman, “Our state lost a great leader, and I lost the dearest of friends. Speaker Hortman was someone who served the state of Minnesota with grace, compassion, humor and a sense of service. She was a formidable public servant, a fixture and a giant in Minnesota. She woke up every day determined to make this state a better place. She is irreplaceable and will be missed by so many.”
Additionally, DFL State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were also shot at their home in Champlin by the same suspect. Both John and Yvette are alive, but their condition is unknown at present.
This is a developing story and further details will be provided as they become available.
During a momentous Easter weekend, Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, passed away at the age of 88—on one of the faith’s most sacred holidays. His death sent shockwaves through the Church’s more than one billion followers worldwide, including 62 million in the United States, leaving many to contemplate the future of their religion. Known for his progressive views, Pope Francis stirred both admiration and debate among Catholics with his advocacy for climate action and his efforts to promote inclusivity for LGBTQ individuals and women’s rights within the Church.
With the passing of Pope Francis, the conclave has selected 69-year-old Robert Provost as the next leader of the Catholic Church, making him the first American Pope in history. Born and raised in the Chicago area, Provost holds both American and Peruvian citizenship, having dedicated much of his life to missionary work in Peru. His appointment marks a historic shift for the Church, but how will his leadership impact the average American Catholic?
In his first public address, Pope Leo XIV emphasized “building bridges” and standing by those who have suffered, highlighting peace, unity, dignity, and the rights of the poor and working class. His leadership comes at a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church, as uncertainty looms over whether he will continue Pope Francis’s progressive stance or shift toward the more conservative values dominant among bishops and practitioners. How will Pope Leo XIV’s approach shape the Church’s future?
Pope Leo XIV and former Pope Francis share a common vision on immigration, women’s roles in the Church, and climate action. Earlier this year, Francis strongly condemned Trump’s anti-immigration stance, even writing to American bishops to criticize his policies and call out JD Vance for using Catholicism to justify deportations. Leo echoed this sentiment on social media, stating, “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”
Leo also backed Francis’s push to make the Vatican more environmentally friendly, supporting the transition to solar panels and electric vehicles. He has prioritized climate change as a key issue in his papacy. Additionally, Leo seeks to expand women’s inclusion in Church leadership, having overseen Francis’s groundbreaking decision to allow three women into the voting bloc for bishop nominations—a significant step forward, as women are still barred from becoming priests.
Pope Leo XIV and Pope Francis diverge on LGBTQ inclusion within the Catholic Church. Francis sought to recognize same-sex marriages in Catholic churches, sparking controversy among members. While Leo XIV has not recently addressed the issue, his past actions suggest opposition. He previously spoke out against gender education in Peru, arguing that it promotes “genders that don’t exist,” and in 2012, he criticized Western media for fostering acceptance of same-sex relationships and non-traditional families.
While the Pope holds no direct political power over American policy, his global influence is undeniable. With hundreds of millions of followers worldwide, his stance on key issues can shape discourse and even impact decisions within the U.S. government. As the current administration identifies as Catholic, the Pope’s positions may hold considerable weight, making it crucial to track his leadership, especially in times of political uncertainty.
Steven Spielberg’s Empire of the Sun, featuring a young Christian Bale, vividly captures the chaos and uncertainty of war. Set during the Japanese occupation of China, just after the outbreak of WWII, the film follows Jim, a privileged British boy living in Shanghai, whose world is shattered when Japanese troops invade. Separated from his parents, he is thrust into a harsh POW camp, where he must endure years of struggle and survival.
Beyond its gripping historical narrative, Empire of the Sun offers a profound exploration of empathy, illustrating how war’s devastation extends beyond the battlefield—affecting not just soldiers, but civilians trapped in its wake.
An estimated 20 million Chinese soldiers and civilians lost their lives during the Sino-Japanese War, which later merged into World War II (1937-1945). The conditions in prison camps were brutal and inhumane, drawing comparisons to the Nazi concentration camps in Germany. The rise of fascism in Italy, Germany, and Japan offers valuable lessons for modern-day society, as conflicts around the world continue to bring tragedy to countless lives.
Wars and mass killings continue to devastate Ukraine, Palestine, the Congo, Sudan, and many other nations. The Geneva Academy reports over 45 armed conflicts spanning four continents, raising alarms for the U.N. and NATO. As violence escalates, global stability weakens, yet meaningful action remains elusive.
There’s no universal solution to ending violence worldwide—many obstacles stand in the way, from dictatorships and terrorism to economic instability and political turmoil. In some regions, fear silences voices, preventing people from challenging their own governments. Strict censorship laws in countries like North Korea and Russia further suppress dissent, making open criticism dangerous.
Empire of the Sun exposes the devastation caused by war-driven nations, where dictators seize power and leave destruction in their wake. The fight for control silences voices, preventing people from standing up to oppression. Many flee rather than endure harsh conditions at home, fueling mass migrations—Latin American immigration to the U.S. has surged 40% to over 200%, while thousands from Africa have moved to Europe in recent decades.
Political upheaval, economic hardship, and climate crises drive many to leave their home nations. The journey requires immense sacrifice, but staying behind often means enduring unbearable conditions. War and chaos leave people with little choice but to flee in search of stability. Instead of just focusing on migrants, more attention should be given to the root causes of instability in their home countries. If democracy is to stand strong, global unrest cannot be ignored. As Americans, we often take our security and freedoms for granted, overlooking the immense struggles faced elsewhere.
With growing anti-vaccine skepticism, measles and tuberculosis cases have surged across Texas, New Mexico, and Kansas, creating new public health challenges for the current administration. Reports indicate this is the largest measles outbreak in the U.S. in a decade. Meanwhile, a brewing mental health crisis remains largely overlooked by major health departments, with its long-term effects yet to be fully understood.
Before delving into the mental health aspect of public health, it’s crucial to highlight the role of medicine and global collaboration in combating infectious diseases. The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) and oral polio vaccine (OPV), introduced in the 1950s and 60s, played a vital role in eradicating polio from the U.S. by 1979 and from the Western Hemisphere by 1991. This success was driven by strong public health initiatives and coordinated efforts, demonstrating the power of medical advancements. However, polio has not been completely eliminated, underscoring the continued need for vigilance and prevention.
Countries like Nigeria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan remain at high risk for polio due to limited healthcare and vaccine access, leaving many vulnerable to severe illness or paralysis. In 2022, an unvaccinated man in New York contracted polio, prompting swift action from public health teams to analyze wastewater in Rockland County and nearby areas. This incident underscores the fragility of public health and the critical importance of collective responsibility in protecting ourselves and future generations.
Public health discussions in the media largely revolve around RFK Jr.’s focus on food, chronic illness, and healthy living, or the consequences of cuts to vaccine and cancer research. Meanwhile, mental health remains overlooked, despite its growing urgency in the post-COVID era. Advancements in AI and technology have quietly contributed to the worsening crisis, while issues like homelessness and the opioid epidemic further signal an alarming mental health crisis fueled by current conditions in the United States.
A study monitoring the screen time of 5,100 youth found that excessive technology use correlates with increased depression, social anxiety, aggression, and bullying. Given the brain’s malleability, prolonged screen exposure may heighten teens’ risk of mental health struggles, impacting their academics, social interactions, and potentially leading to isolation.
Professor Halpern from U.C. Berkeley acknowledges that A.I. could have therapeutic applications but emphasizes its limitations in deeply personal therapeutic relationships compared to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT, a straightforward practice where individuals document their thoughts and emotions, serves as a structured method for tracking mental health over time. While A.I. might enhance digital record-keeping, it lacks the depth needed for direct therapeutic engagement.
Halpern also expresses concern that people may misconstrue their A.I. companion as a genuine friend or source of emotional care. While chatbots are programmed to respond in a supportive manner, they draw on data rather than shared human experiences, making their interactions fundamentally different from those of a real therapist or confidant.
The ethical implications of A.I. in mental health care remain a topic of debate among doctors and patients alike. Meanwhile, the growing homelessness crisis is deeply connected to mental health struggles. Many homeless individuals, often coming from backgrounds of poverty and instability, face heightened risks of infectious diseases, cancer, suicide, homicide, and heart conditions.
Lack of financial resources and the stigma of being perceived as “unstable” frequently prevent them from receiving proper care. Psychiatric services for the homeless are often overlooked, as efforts tend to prioritize immediate necessities like shelter, food, and water. Additionally, barriers such as limited communication, lack of transportation, and systemic obstacles make seeking mental health support even more difficult.
A stark reality is that homeless individuals are disproportionately exposed to violence, and untreated mental health conditions—including depression and addiction—can not only worsen their own circumstances but also contribute to broader public safety concerns.
While homelessness presents immense challenges, there is hope—many organizations are dedicated to helping people rebuild their lives. One such group is Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota, which works to prevent evictions, provide housing for struggling families, youth, and individuals with disabilities, and collaborate with developers to ensure affordable, stable living conditions. Serving communities across the Twin Cities, Brainerd, and St. Cloud, thousands of dedicated employees and volunteers work tirelessly to support those in need during their most difficult moments.
The future of public health feels uncertain as the new administration begins to shape its policies. Infectious diseases remain a persistent threat, underscoring the importance of maintaining hygiene and holding health agencies accountable. Advocacy is crucial—contacting local representatives and senators can help emphasize the risks of cutting research on infectious diseases, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and more.
Mental health also demands greater attention, as homelessness rises and children struggle to navigate an increasingly technological world. While organizations work tirelessly, individual actions can make a meaningful difference. Simple steps, like reducing screen time for young people and consulting trusted physicians when issues arise, are vital.
Stay informed about your health, ask questions, and embrace the evolving nature of science and medicine. Public health is the cornerstone of healthy communities, and awareness is the first step toward supporting those in need. Whether addressing mental health or communicable diseases, accessible healthcare and reliable public health data are essential tools in combating illness and fostering well-being. Take care of yourselves and each other—every effort counts.
The United States is navigating truly unprecedented times. Like many others, I find myself questioning how we arrived at this point, where the newly appointed department heads of this administration appear to be chosen from the least qualified rather than the most capable. Instead of appointing experts who can implement meaningful programs to support marginalized communities, the current administration seems intent on ignoring pressing issues and systematically dismantling their departments piece by piece.
Before taking office, President Trump’s campaign messaging was consistently clear: he promised to “drain the swamp” and govern the country “like a business.” In a nation renowned for its corporate giants, the idea of a successful business founder leading the government seemed appealing on paper. The vision was that government agencies could enhance their services, better serve their constituents, and achieve greater efficiency while cutting costs—hallmarks of a well-run business.
Unfortunately, the primary goal of businesses isn’t to serve their customers better while earning profits on the side. Instead, businesses are fundamentally driven by the pursuit of profit, and when they grow large enough, there are often no boundaries they won’t cross to ensure those profits. If achieving record earnings means resorting to corporate layoffs and leaving countless individuals unemployed, the decision for them becomes all too clear.
The situation escalated when President Trump appointed Tesla CEO Elon Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), leveraging his corporate experience to reduce federal spending. DOGE quickly implemented sweeping changes, including laying off federal workers, weakening the Department of Education, shutting down DEI programs, and potentially gaining access to private data within government systems. While these actions were framed as efforts to enhance efficiency, they may ultimately backfire. Many workers have been left unemployed, leading to increased government spending on compensation. Meanwhile, local economies are shrinking, further straining America’s economic landscape and leaving the government with dwindling reliable income sources.
While a bloated government is far from ideal, a lean government that fails to adequately serve millions of citizens is equally unworkable. Government programs and services play a vital role in enhancing and supporting the lives of its people. Gutting these resources under the guise of efficiency not only strips individuals of their livelihoods but also abandons those in need.
President Trump pledged to run America like a business, and his recent actions with DOGE suggest he’s following through—though perhaps in the same way he managed ventures like Taj Mahal Trump.
Major plagues have dominated the world for over hundreds of years. There was the Bubonic Plague of 1346 which ravaged 2/3 of Europe’s population at the time; the Great Plague of London in 1665; the Spanish flu of 1918, which millions of the world population died; the H3N2 virus that spread in the late 1960s; the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Diseases manifest in a wide range of forms, from mild illnesses like the common cold to severe conditions such as Ebola. In a more globalized society, public health has become more of a prevalent topic in the modern world.
Public trust in health authorities rapidly declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, as skepticism toward vaccines and certain policies grew. Controversies surrounding masks, school closures, and social distancing dominated discussions throughout the pandemic’s three-year peak. Vaccine hesitancy, in some cases, stems from historical injustices, such as the unethical Tuskegee Syphilis study, where Black participants were deliberately left untreated for decades.
Despite past unethical medical practices, vaccines have played a crucial role in eradicating diseases like polio and chickenpox in various parts of the world. In the U.S., the CDC reports a 97% reduction in chickenpox cases since the vaccination program began in the 1990s. This highlights the power of medical advancements and global collaboration in preventing illness, reducing health risks, and ultimately saving lives.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the new Health and Human Services director, aims to “Make America Healthy Again,” with a strong focus on eliminating harmful food dyes and chemicals from everyday products, including sugary drinks and snacks. While his push for healthier eating could positively address the rising obesity epidemic, his controversial stance on vaccines and medicine raises concerns about potential harm to public health.
RFK Jr. has long been associated with spreading vaccine misinformation, including his claim that measles and mumps vaccines contribute to autism—a notion based on a discredited 1998 study that was later retracted for lack of evidence. In November 2023, he spoke at an anti-vaccine conference in Georgia, suggesting NIH employees shift focus from infectious disease research to chronic illnesses. However, halting research on infectious diseases would not eliminate them; it would only delay responses and leave the public vulnerable to their harmful effects.
Misinformation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted public trust, aligning with some of RFK Jr.’s narratives. As of recent reports, only 63% of Americans believe the COVID vaccine is safer than the disease itself—a sharp decline from 75% in April 2021. Additionally, 16% still subscribe to the debunked theory that vaccines are linked to autism, despite repeated scientific refutations. This underscores a persistent misunderstanding of correlation versus causation, fueling skepticism around vaccination.
Here’s a clear example of why correlation doesn’t always mean causation: while high sodium intake and excessive calorie consumption are both associated with obesity, they are also linked to high blood pressure. However, determining which factor has a more direct impact on blood pressure is complex. The relationship between these variables remains nuanced, and surface-level observations may not capture the full picture. As research continues, the deeper connections between these factors will become clearer.
RFK Jr.’s public health mission emphasizes prevention, addressing chronic illnesses, and promoting healthier eating habits. However, his proposed cuts to systems tracking HIV/AIDS and infectious diseases could pose significant challenges to healthcare management. Public health resources remain critical in the U.S. and globally, especially in regions still battling diseases like malaria and yellow fever. In poorer countries, access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure is still a pressing need. Moving away from vaccines and global health initiatives risks undermining progress and leaving vulnerable populations at greater risk.
Next, I’ll explore the profound impact of public health initiatives on both the U.S. and the world. I’ll also highlight the often-overlooked issue of mental health, examining how it affects people of all ages—from children to the elderly—particularly in our increasingly digital society.
On March 28, 2025, the Associated Press reported that inflation had risen in the previous month, with consumer spending remaining sluggish. This occurred even before the April 2 tariffs took effect, further driving up prices and impacting the financial well-being of Americans.
If you’re feeling as confused as I am, here’s the breakdown: a tariff is a tax imposed on imports or foreign goods entering the U.S. While initially seen as a benefit to American consumers, the reality is that we end up bearing the cost of these tariffs instead.
What about American college students? It’s well known that they already face financial hardships while navigating their academic years. According to an interview in Teen Vogue with Adam Hersh, a senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute, tariffs are expected to drive up prices on everyday essentials. That morning coffee, once $8.00, could soon cost $10.00 due to the additional taxes businesses must pay in response to these tariffs, as The Guardian reports. This added financial strain could make it even harder for students to stay afloat.
The rising costs of imports that contribute to essentials like textbooks, pens, food, and housing could significantly impact students. So, what’s the best solution for working college students? The answer is simple.
It’s important to recognize the power we have in how we spend our money. Establishing a monthly budget allows us to reassess our expenses, distinguishing between necessities and luxury items. A strategic approach, like a once-a-month bulk shopping trip at Costco, could also help maximize savings and make budgeting more effective.
For students unsure where to turn for assistance during challenging times, Metro State University provides support for basic needs and various services, both on and off campus.
