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Suspect charged after arson fire at Pennsylvania governor’s residence

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Suspect charged after arson fire at Pennsylvania governor’s residence


Pennsylvania man charged after setting fire at governor’s mansion during Passover

A man has been charged with multiple offenses after allegedly breaking into the official residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and setting a fire in the early hours of April 13, 2025.

As reported by various media outlets, Cody Balmer, 38, is accused of entering the Harrisburg mansion by scaling a fence and starting a fire in a room used for public gatherings.

The fire led to visible damage but no injuries.

Governor Shapiro, his family, and guests evacuated safely after being alerted by state troopers around 2 a.m.

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According to authorities, Balmer used homemade incendiary devices made from beer bottles filled with gasoline to start the fire.

He is currently facing charges including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault.

Homemade device used to start fire at historic mansion

Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris confirmed that the attack was methodically carried out and remains under investigation.

Balmer was inside the mansion for less than one minute before fleeing the scene.

According to police, Balmer entered the property by climbing a 7-foot fence monitored by surveillance cameras.

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Officers began a search after identifying a breach, but were unable to locate Balmer before the fire was set.

Authorities reported finding two broken beer bottles containing gasoline at the scene.

The fire charred walls, furnishings, serving dishes, and a piano in the southern wing of the residence.

Damage to window panes and brick around entryways was also documented.

Suspect turned himself in and expressed intent to harm governor

Court documents revealed that Balmer later turned himself in to police and said he had planned to harm Governor Shapiro with a small sledgehammer if he encountered him.

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A former partner of Balmer contacted police after he allegedly confessed the crime to her.

According to a police affidavit, Balmer admitted he “harbored hatred” toward Shapiro.

No further motive has been made public.

Records indicate Balmer has previous convictions for theft and forgery, and a pending charge of simple assault from 2023.

Balmer was transported to a hospital for a medical issue unrelated to the incident or his arrest.

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He remains under police supervision and will be arraigned following his discharge from medical care.

Governor and family evacuated safely during holiday observance

Governor Shapiro said his family, including his wife, four children, and two dogs, were celebrating Passover at the time of the attack.

The fire occurred in the same room where they had hosted a Seder hours earlier.

Shapiro stated: “Last night we experienced an attack not just on our family but on the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

He thanked the Pennsylvania State Police, Harrisburg Fire Department, and other agencies for their response and continued support.

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Shapiro added: “We celebrated our faith last night proudly and in a few hours we will celebrate our second Seder of Passover again proudly.

No one will deter me or my family or any Pennsylvanian from celebrating their faith openly and proudly.”

Law enforcement continues investigation and reviews security

Col. Paris said a multi-agency investigation is ongoing.

No additional suspects are currently expected, and no conspiracy charges are being considered at this time.

The governor’s security detail and responding firefighters were credited with preventing injuries and further damage.

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A comprehensive review of security measures at the residence is underway, including surveillance and patrol protocols.

District Attorney Fran Chardo confirmed charges were being filed and said a probable cause affidavit would outline further details.

Federal involvement remains under review, and additional charges may be considered.

Suspect charged after arson fire at Pennsylvania governor’s residence: Summary

A fire was set inside Pennsylvania’s governor’s mansion on April 13, 2025.

The suspect, Cody Balmer, entered the residence by climbing a perimeter fence and ignited the fire using beer bottles filled with gasoline.

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Governor Josh Shapiro, his family, and guests evacuated safely.

The fire caused visible damage to a state reception room.

Authorities said Balmer later turned himself in.

He faces state charges including attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault.

Police said the incident lasted several minutes and was captured on surveillance.

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A review of security operations is ongoing. No motive has been confirmed.

Balmer reportedly expressed hostility toward the governor in a police affidavit. He has previous convictions.

Balmer was hospitalized after a medical event not related to the incident. He remains under supervision.

The investigation includes state and federal agencies. A full complaint and probable cause affidavit are expected to be made public.



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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 2 Day results for Feb. 27, 2026

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The Pennsylvania Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from Feb. 27 drawing

11-18-39-43-67, Mega Ball: 23

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Pick 2 numbers from Feb. 27 drawing

Day: 4-7, Wild: 5

Evening: 8-8, Wild: 0

Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Feb. 27 drawing

Day: 6-7-7, Wild: 5

Evening: 0-0-3, Wild: 0

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Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Feb. 27 drawing

Day: 7-2-1-4, Wild: 5

Evening: 5-7-3-1, Wild: 0

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from Feb. 27 drawing

Day: 8-4-5-4-4, Wild: 5

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Evening: 1-1-9-8-7, Wild: 0

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 5 numbers from Feb. 27 drawing

04-14-16-20-38

Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Treasure Hunt numbers from Feb. 27 drawing

02-04-08-13-30

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Check Treasure Hunt payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Match 6 Lotto numbers from Feb. 27 drawing

10-12-23-31-33-46

Check Match 6 Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from Feb. 27 drawing

03-04-13-28-42, Bonus: 02

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

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Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

  • Sign the Ticket: Ensure your ticket has your signature, name, address and phone number on the back.
  • Prizes up to $600: Claim at any PA Lottery retailer or by mail: Pennsylvania Lottery, ATTN: CLAIMS, PO BOX 8671, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
  • Prizes from $600 to $2,500: Use a Claim Form to claim at a retailer or by mail: Pennsylvania Lottery, ATTN: CLAIMS, PO BOX 8671, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
  • Prizes over $2,500: Mail your signed ticket with a Claim Form or in person at a Lottery Area Office (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Lottery Headquarters is currently not open to the public. Visit the PA Lottery website for other office locations near you.

When are the Pennsylvania Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
  • Pick 2, 3, 4, 5: 1:35 p.m. and 6:59 p.m. daily.
  • Cash4Life: 9 p.m. daily.
  • Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily
  • Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. daily.
  • Treasure Hunt: 1:35 p.m. daily.
  • Match 6 Lotto: 6:59 p.m. Monday and Thursday.
  • Powerball Double Play: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Pennsylvania editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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Affordable Housing Centers of Pennsylvania Helps Homeowners Protect Their Investment Across Generations » NCRC

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Affordable Housing Centers of Pennsylvania Helps Homeowners Protect Their Investment Across Generations » NCRC


For the past 17 years, the Affordable Housing Centers of Pennsylvania (AHCOPA) has provided a range of programs designed to build wealth within low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities. AHCOPA provides services to approximately 3,000 people each year via their pre-purchase, post-purchase and mortgage prevention counseling programs.

When Kenneth Bigos joined AHCOPA as their Executive Director in 2013, he set out to expand the organization’s offerings beyond first-time homeownership counseling services. He identified estate planning as an urgent need for the region’s LMI communities as well. 

A 2022 Consumer Reports survey found that 77% of Black and 82% of Hispanic Americans do not have a will in place, which is needed to ensure that their home investment continues to build generational wealth. Consequently, the state court steps in upon the owner’s passing to decide how assets will be distributed, with property not being able to be transferred to an heir until that lengthy process is complete. In Philadelphia alone, there are approximately 10,000 properties with titles that have not been legally settled. 

In response to this, AHCOPA launched the Will Power program in 2022 by leveraging existing relationships with pro-bono lawyers in the creation of wills and trusts for community members. The program has created an opportunity to serve a larger portion of Philadelphia’s population. 

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While the first-time homebuyer program initially attracted people in their mid-30s, Will Power participants are generally in their late 60s, prompting AHCOPA to think about what housing support looks like across an individual’s lifetime.

“Elderly households are more vulnerable,” Bigos said. “To reach these homeowners, we had to develop relationships with trusted agencies, such as senior centers, churches and other institutions that we would not typically work with in our first-time homebuyer program.”

As a result of that  work, AHCOPA marked a major milestone in October 2025: the signing of 1,000 wills. Thanks to the success of Will Power and the first-time homebuyer program, AHCOPA has solidified its reputation as the go-to financial advisor for working-class residents. 

Looking ahead, they are planning to add a new program designed to support people beyond the initial purchase of their home, which will include coaching to help owners develop their financial literacy. This would encompass how to build savings to buy a first home and avoid foreclosure in the event of a crisis.

For Bigos, NCRC membership is key to ensuring the success of these programs, especially in terms of organizing at the federal, state and local levels advocating for continued funding. 

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“Engaging with decision makers is very important and being an NCRC member has helped facilitate those relationships,” Bigos said. “Their support has been very impactful.”

 

Jesse Rhodes is a Contributing Writer.

Photo courtesy of the AHCOPA team.



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How gambling revenue helps Pennsylvania fire departments

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How gambling revenue helps Pennsylvania fire departments


It is hard to imagine that money spent and collected at casinos and in slot machines around the state can wind up being used at local volunteer fire departments throughout the commonwealth, but it’s true.

In Pennsylvania, a portion of the state’s gaming revenue is allocated to support fire departments and emergency management services to the tune of about $30 million each year.

Departments can apply for those funds through a series of state grants, and most departments say that the money from gaming is vital to help them pay for equipment, vehicles and even improvements to their buildings.

“This time we put in for a grant to finish our second floor of our facility here,” said Derry Township Fire Chief Mark Piantine.

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Piantine says that gambling revenue has purchased many things for his department in the past like swift water rescue boats as well as a new equipment washing station. Now he hopes that money can give his company a place to sleep when they are working long shifts in bad weather.

“The last storm we had, the Snowmageddon here a couple of weeks ago, we had people staying overnight,” Piantine said. “They were laying across the seats of the trucks and on the floor sleeping because our second floor is not finished.”

Piantine says every little bit helps both their department and other departments, because when it comes right down to it, running a fire department is expensive.

“When you buy a regular pair of gloves, you may pay $25 for them. We buy a pair of gloves, they’re $75 to $100,” said Piantine. “You can buy a pair of boots for $50, ours cost $600.”

Just a few miles away, in the city of Latrobe, Chief John Brasile says that while the city does a lot for them financially, gaming revenue helps a lot. It even helps them make payments on their rescue unit.

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“We have about a year’s worth of payments left on it,” Brasile said. “And we use our money for debt reductions on that truck.”

“And that’s essentially from gambling revenue?” Chris DeRose asked.

“Yes. It comes from the State Fire Commissioners’ Office,” Brasile said.

“When is that truck paid off?” DeRose asked.

“About this time next year,” Brasile replied. “And then we can use that money for other stuff then. We would like to get new rescue tools for that truck and they’re expensive.”

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The fire departments KDKA has spoken with about using state grant money from gambling revenue say that gambling money is great, but it is not a cure-all. And in fact, on Thursday night, the Latrobe Fire Department was holding yet another fundraising event to help them once again raise money for new fire equipment.



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