October 14, 2025/
WATCH: CCTV footage captures attempted murder of Pennsylvania governor
The Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office released more than five minutes of CCTV footage that captured Cody Balmer setting fire to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s official residence in Harrisburg on April 13, 2025.
Balmer pleaded guilty on Tuesday to charges of attempted murder, aggravated arson and terrorism. He told law enforcement he intended to kill the governor with a sledgehammer and was motivated by Israeli military action in Gaza.
Shapiro, who is Jewish, has been vocal about his support for Israel after Hamas attacked civilians there on Oct. 7, 2023.
Events
Latest News Stories
Illinois prisons to publish annual data on contraband, safety and overdoses
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new law requires the Illinois Department of Corrections to publish annual data on contraband, substance...
WATCH: Trump says ‘dangerous’ Chicago next after addressing crime in D.C.
By Greg BishopThe Center Square President Donald Trump says Chicago is next on his list of cities to focus on cleaning up crime. In December, after Trump was elected to...
Gallego, others question Meta on policies for kids using AI
By Zachery SchmidtThe Center Square U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Arizona, along with nine other senators, wrote a letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg this week inquiring about the company’s policies...
Commission enacted to aid young IL farmers facing challenges
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker enacted a law launching the Farmland Transition Commission, a lifeline for young farmers...
Appeals court: Serious Chicago police disciplinary hearings must be public
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A panel of appellate court judges has ruled Chicago police officers facing serious misconduct allegations must...
WATCH: IL child welfare interns debate heats up; state financial audit released
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop talks live with...
Georgia ICE arrests up 367 percent from 2021, making for ‘safer streets, open jobs
By Tate MillerThe Center Square U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests surged by 367% in Georgia this year, with 4,500 illegal aliens arrested in the state between January 20 and...
Illinois quick hits: CUB challenges Ameren rate hike plan
By The Center SquareThe Center Square Disaster proclaimed in three counties A disaster proclamation has been issued for Cook, Jersey and Calhoun counties after severe weather last month. Gov. J.B....
Experts call for probe after Microsoft left out China ties in Pentagon security plan
By Tom JoyceThe Center Square Microsoft is facing renewed calls for a congressional investigation after ProPublica revealed the company omitted key details about its use of China-based engineers in a...
FBI raids the home of John Bolton
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The Maryland home of former UN Ambassador John Bolton has been raided by the FBI, according to multiple reports. FBI Director Kash Patel posted a...
Lake Land College Adopts New Strategic Plan: ‘Education that Fits Your Life’
Article Summary: The Lake Land College Board of Trustees has officially adopted a new strategic direction centered on the motto, "Education that Fits Your Life," signaling a shift toward more...
Clark County Board Delays Decision on Using Cannabis Funds for School Counselors
Article Summary: A proposal to direct county cannabis tax revenue to fund counseling services in Clark County schools has been put on hold until budget season. The Human Resource Center...
WATCH: Detransitioner gets a second chance at medical malpractice lawsuit against doctors
By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square A young woman whose detransition story has been one of the most widely covered in the nation will soon learn if a judge in North...
