04/13/25 - The News

Sunday, April 13, 2025

Suspect arrested in arson fire that forced Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, family to flee residence

April 13, 2025 0

 A man scaled an iron security fence in the middle of the night, eluded police and broke into the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion where he set a fire that left significant damage and forced Gov. Josh Shapiro, his family and guests to evacuate the building, authorities said Sunday.



The man, captured later in the day, will face charges of attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault, authorities said.

Shapiro said he, his wife, their four children, two dogs and another family had celebrated the Jewish holiday of Passover at the residence on Saturday and were awakened by state troopers pounding on their doors at about 2 a.m. Sunday. They fled and firefighters extinguished the fire, officials said. No one was injured.

At a Sunday evening news conference in front of the badly damaged south wing of the governor’s residence, Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris identified the man in custody as Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg.

Shapiro says he is unbowed

Paris emphasized that the investigation is continuing. Authorities did not disclose the man’s motive, but an emotional Shapiro, who is viewed as a potential White House contender for the Democratic Party in 2028, said he is unbowed.

Shapiro said that if Balmer was trying to stop him from doing his job, then he’ll work harder, and he added that Balmer will not stop him from observing his faith.

“When we were in the state dining room last night, we told the story of Passover” and the exodus of the Jews from slavery in Egypt to freedom, Shapiro said. “I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempts to put on me by attacking us as they did here last night. I refuse to let anyone who had evil intentions like that stop me from doing the work that I love.

Police say suspect hopped security fence and forcibly entered residence

Authorities said the suspect hopped over a nearly 7-foot-high (2.1-meter-high) iron security fence surrounding the property, eluded officers who became aware of the breach and forcibly entered the residence before setting it on fire.

Lt. Col. George Bivens said Balmer had a homemade incendiary device — he would not describe what kind — and appeared to have carefully planned the attack. He was inside the residence for about a minute before he escaped, Bivens said.

Bivens said Balmer was later arrested in the area. Authorities did not say whether Balmer has a lawyer or where he was being held and calls to people believed to be relatives went unanswered or unreturned. One recent listed residence in Harrisburg was condemned in 2022.

Balmer has faced criminal charges over the past decade including simple assault, theft and forgery, according to online criminal court records.

‘We have to be better than this,’ Shapiro says

Shapiro said the fire was set in the very room where he and his family celebrated Passover with a seder with members of Harrisburg’s Jewish community on Saturday night.

“We don’t know the person’s specific motive yet,” Shapiro told the news conference. “But we do know a few truths. First: This type of violence is not OK. This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society. And I don’t give a damn if it’s coming from one particular side or the other, directed at one particular party or another or one particular person or another. It is not OK, and it has to stop. We have to be better than this.

The fire badly damaged the inside of the large room that is often used for entertaining crowds and art displays. Large west- and south-facing windows were completely missing their glass panes, shattered glass littered the pathways and doors stood ajar amid signs of charring. Window panes and brick around doors and windows were blackened and charred.

Inside, a charred piano, tables, walls, metal buffet serving dishes and more could be seen through broken windows and fire-blackened doors.

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Former LSU WR Kyren Lacy found dead in Houston at age 24

April 13, 2025 0

 Former LSU receiver Kyren Lacy was found dead Saturday night in Houston, an LSU official and his attorney confirmed to ESPN on Sunday.

A cause of death was not immediately known.

Lacy was accused of causing a crash that killed a 78-year-old man on Dec. 17 and then fleeing the scene without rendering aid or calling authorities. On Jan. 12, he turned himself in to authorities, was jailed and then released on $151,000 bail, according to police records.

Lafourche (Louisiana) Parish Sheriff's Office records indicated that Lacy was charged with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run with death and reckless operation of a vehicle. A grand jury was to begin hearing evidence in the case Monday.

"It is with profound sorrow that we confirm the tragic passing of Kyren Lacy. First and foremost, we ask that the public and the media give his family the space and time they need to grieve this unimaginable loss in peace," Lacy's attorney, Matthew Ory, said in a statement to ESPN's Mark Schlabach.

Ory added that he was "very confident the evidence, after being fully collected and reviewed, would lead to a declination of charges" and that, "we will be demanding a full and transparent review of how this investigation was conducted and why."

According to a news release from Louisiana State Police, Lacy was allegedly driving a 2023 Dodge Charger on Louisiana Highway 20 and "recklessly passed multiple vehicles at a high rate of speed by crossing the centerline and entering the northbound lane while in a designated no-passing zone."

"As Lacy was illegally passing the other vehicles, the driver of a northbound pickup truck abruptly braked and swerved to the right to avoid a head-on collision with the approaching Dodge," a Louisiana State Police news release said.

"Traveling behind the pickup was a 2017 Kia Cadenza whose driver swerved left to avoid the oncoming Dodge Charger. As the Kia Cadenza took evasive action to avoid impact with the Dodge, it crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a southbound 2017 Kia Sorento."

Police alleged that Lacy, 24, drove around the crash scene and fled "without stopping to render aid, call emergency services, or report his involvement in the crash."

Herman Hall, of Thibodaux, Louisiana, who was a passenger in the Kia Sorento, later died from injuries suffered in the crash, according to state police.

Lacy's agent, Rocky Arceneaux, said in a statement that his client was "fully cooperating with the authorities."

Lacy declared for the NFL draft on Dec. 19, two days after the crash, and did not play in LSU's win over Baylor in the Texas Bowl. He participated in March at LSU's pro day and was ranked as high as the No. 6 receiver prospect in the draft by ESPN's Mel Kiper in December. Lacy was not ranked among the top 10 available wide receivers in Kiper's most recent Big Board, which was published last month.

Lacy played three seasons at LSU after starting his career at Louisiana. Lacy had his best season last year when he caught 58 passes for 866 yards and a team-leading nine touchdowns.

Dak Prescott: Hamstring improving, could play game 'if I had to'

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Chris Canty explains why the Cowboys' lack of playoff success will pressure them to consider trading Dak Prescott. (0:42)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott says he is progressing in his recovery from his season-ending hamstring injury.

So much so, in fact, that Prescott said he would be able to suit up right now if needed.

"If I had to play a game today, I definitely could do that," Prescott said Friday at the 35th annual Children's Cancer Fund gala. "It's about moving forward healthy to make sure I can play 17 times, 20 [games] -- whatever we get to when the time's right."

Signed to a four-year, $240 million contract extension in September that made him the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history in terms of annual average value, Prescott played just eight games before sustaining his season-ending injury.

With 11 touchdown passes and eight interceptions, Prescott was on pace for one of his worst statistical seasons.

Prescott, 31, said Friday that he plans to participate in organized team activities in some capacity after they begin next month.

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Trump’s Cringeworthy Cheryl Hines Snub Sparks MAGA Meltdown

April 13, 2025 0

 President Donald Trump snubbed Cheryl Hines at a UFC event on Saturday—sending the MAGA-sphere into a tailspin.



Footage from the evening’s fight at Kaseya Centre in Miami shows the president approach Hines’ husband, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., then hug him before airing the Curb Your Enthusiasm

The actress was unable to conceal her shock, frowning and sticking out her lip as she turned toward Kennedy, who smiled back blankly.

“Cheryl Hines getting blown off for a handshake by President Trump is just missing the Curb music,” one person wrote on X. Another added, “Lmfao trump ghosted Cheryl Hines so hard.”

A third user chimed in: “Was that intentional?! Does anyone know why?”

While Trump eventually circled back to greet her, the awkward episode shone fresh light on the rift between the pair.

The actress has in the past made little secret of her disdain toward the president and, in particular, his attitude toward women.

She previously took aim at Trump for his disparaging comments about Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’s wife, referring to the president’s statements as “ridiculous and disrespectful.”

While some online commentators revelled in the cringeworthy moment, others were quick to rush to the president’s defense.

“This is for everyone pushing the “He snubbed her” BS,” one person wrote. “President Trump was simply distracted before shaking Joe Rogan’s hand and immediately went back to shake Cheryl Hines hand.”

“Let’s just face it? People who dislike President Trump, LOOK for anything & everything for criticism,” another added. “I’m sure, Cheryl Hines criticism of President Trump IS BENIGN as compared to MSM, & Dems. Cheryl Hines will get over the “SUPPOSED SLIGHT”.”


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The Last of Us' season 2 release date, cast, how to watch with Max on Sling

April 13, 2025 0

 Joel and Ellie are still fighting their way through a cordyceps-pandemic-stricken post-apocalyptic world. Season 2 of the HBO video game-turned-hit-TV-series is back on Sunday, April 13. The first episode of the new season will air on Max, which you can add-on to a Sling subscription to watch all season.



Season 2 will pick up five years after the first season, as Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) try to settle down. The first season, which debuted in 2023, brought us drama, action and heartbreak all in one, so you don't want to miss a second of season 2. And if you need to recover with a comedy after this one, Max has you covered with the newest season of Hacks.

When does The Last of Us release on Max?

The first episode of The Last of Us Season 2 will premiere on Max on Sunday, April 13 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The season will have seven episodes total, with one being released every Sunday after April 13. The season 2 finale will air on Sunday, May 25.

How much does the Sling + Max bundle cost?

Sling TV has several add-on packages that allow you to customize your at-home streaming experience with more sports, movies and entertainment. Get your first month of Sling for 50% off right now and get $5 off per month after that when you sign up for the Sling Blue and Max bundle. Your first month of Sling Blue and Max add-on will start at $34.99 (normally $57.97) and includes access to the Max app, HBO Channels and On Demand. Prices will vary depending on other add-ons and offers you select. Here is a break down the differences between Sling Orange and Sling Blue.

What is the difference between Sling Orange and Sling Blue?

  • Sling Blue: With more than 45 channels, Sling Blue caters to a wider audience with major networks like FOX, NBC, Bravo and National Geographic. This package is perfect for those who enjoy a nice mix of news, reality television and lifestyle programming. Sling Blue allows streaming on up to three devices. Save 50% on your first month and pay just $23.
  • Sling Orange: The Sling Orange package has over 30 channels, including popular networks like ESPN, Disney Channel, CNN and HGTV. This is a popular pick for families and sports fans who want access to live game coverage and kid-friendly content. Sling Orange allows streaming on one device. Save 50% on your first month and pay just $23.
  • Last of Us Season 2 Cast:

    • Pedro Pascal as Joel
    • Bella Ramsey as Ellie
    • Gabriel Luna as Tommy
    • Rutina Wesley as Maria
    • Kaitlyn Dever as Abby
    • Young Mazino as Jesse
    • Isabela Merced as Dina
    • Jeffrey Wright as Isaac
    • Danny Ramirez as Manny
    • Ariela Barer as Mel
    • Tati Gabrielle as Nora
    • Spencer Lord as Owen
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LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy passes away, family member confirms

April 13, 2025 0

 Former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy has passed away at the age of 24 in Houston, a family member has confirmed.



His death is a suspected suicide, a source said.

Lacy was arrested earlier this year on charges related to a deadly hit-and-run crash in Lafourche Parish.

A grand jury was set to start hearing evidence in the case tomorrow morning.

In LSU’s most recent season, Lacy led the Tigers in receiving touchdowns (9) and was second on the team in catches (58) and receiving yards (866). During his five-year collegiate career at the University of Louisiana and LSU, he caught 162 passes for 2,360 yards and scored 26 touchdowns.

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