Suspect in custody in connection with arson at PA governor’s mansion
A suspect is in custody, charged with attempted murder, arson and other offenses in connection with the 2 a.m. arson attack on the official residence of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro in Harrisburg. Shapiro and Pennsylvania law enforcement officials announced details at a news conference at the residence yesterday. The suspect is 38-year-old Cody Balmer. It’s alleged he scaled a seven-foot security fence, broke into the governor’s mansion, and started a fire. Pennsylvania State Police woke up Shapiro, his wife, and four children and safely got them and other people out of the residence. Court documents said that Balmer planned to attack Shapiro with a hammer had he encountered the governor.
Mixed messages from Trump on tariffs
After saying on Friday that he was dropping tariffs against China on flat panel TVs, cell phones, various electronic parts and more, Trump yesterday said that the exemptions of certain products from the tariffs is just temporary. He didn’t say how long it will be before the tariffs go back in place. The Chinese said that the exemptions would be a small step in correcting a wrong policy. Chinese President Xi began a trip through Southeast Asia today designed to solidify trade and other relations with other countries. Xi’s first stop on the trip was Vietnam.
Russia staged a Palm Sunday attack on Ukraine
Russia yesterday staged an attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, killing 34 and injuring about 117. Russian missiles hit a civilian area, near where Ukrainians were gathering for Palm Sunday services. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said Russia wants to drag out the war while Ukraine has agreed to a ceasefire. He called for more pressure to be put on Russian President Putin. When questioned by White House reporters, Donald Trump did not condemn the Russian attack, but instead referred to it as a mistake.
Social Security changes in effect as of today
Social Security’s new security system has gone into effect although it’s been cut back from what Elon Musk and his people originally wanted to do that would have forced more than 4 million people to travel long distances to make in-person visits to a Social Security office. The revised plan will allow people to continue making requests and changes to their accounts over the telephone, and require in-person visits only from those people who are flagged as needing to prove their identify. Social Security said it expects about 70,000 people would be required to make in-person visits to offices under the revised system.
Helicopter company shuts down
 The Federal Aviation Administration says that the company whose helicopter crashed into the Hudson River last week killing all six people on board is shutting down all of its operations effective immediately. The FAA also said that it is launching an investigation of New York Helicopter Tours’ operator’s license and safety record. The FAA said it continues to support the investigation of the accident led by the National Transportation Safety Board and will hold a helicopter safety panel discussion on April 22.
Mcllroy wins Masters
Golfer Rory Mcllroy won the Masters tournament at Augusta National Golf Course in Augusta, Georgia, yesterday. Mcllroy was in a sudden death playoff with Justin Rose. Mcllroy had a one-shot lead over Rose going into the 18th hole and missed a five-foot putt, leading to a tie with Rose and the need for a sudden death playoff. Mcllroy is 35 years old and hails from Northern Ireland.
