By MARC LEVY, Associated Press

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A man who authorities said 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 had planned to beat Gov. Josh Shapiro with a hammer if he found him, according to court documents released Monday.

The fire left significant damage and forced Shapiro, his family and guests to evacuate the building early Sunday. The man, arrested later in the day, faces charges including attempted homicide, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault, authorities said.

During a police interview, authorities said Cody Balmer told them after he was taken into custody that he would have beaten Shapiro with a small sledge hammer if he had found him, the documents say. Balmer had walked an hour from his home to the governor’s residence, and during the police interview, “Balmer admitted to harboring hatred towards Governor Shapiro,” according to a police affidavit, but it wasn’t noted why.

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 Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg.

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 Sunday. One recent listed residence in Harrisburg was condemned in 2022. One recent listed residence in Harrisburg was condemned in 2022.

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 iron security fence surrounding the property, eluded officers who became aware of the breach and forcibly entered the residence before setting it on fire. He used beer bottles filled with gasoline to make the Molotov cocktails, documents say,

Lt. Col. George Bivens said Balmer 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.

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.

Today is Monday, April 14, the 104th day of 2025. There are 261 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was shot and mortally wounded by John Wilkes Booth during a performance of the play “Our American Cousin” at Ford’s Theatre in Washington; Lincoln was taken to a boarding house across the street and died the following morning at 7:22 am.

Also on this date:

In 1828, the first edition of Noah Webster’s “American Dictionary of the English Language” was published.

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In 1912, the British liner RMS Titanic collided with an iceberg in the North Atlantic at 11:40 p.m., ship’s time, and began sinking. (The ship went under two and a half hours later, killing over 1,500 people.)

In 1910, William Howard Taft became the first U.S. president to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a baseball game as the Washington Senators beat the Philadelphia Athletics 3-0.

In 1935, the devastating “Black Sunday” dust storm descended upon the central Plains as hundreds of thousands of tons of airborne topsoil turned a sunny afternoon into total darkness.

In 1981, the first test flight of America’s first operational space shuttle, the Columbia, ended successfully with a landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

In 2021, A white former suburban Minneapolis police officer, Kim Potter, was charged with second-degree manslaughter for killing 20-year-old Black motorist Daunte Wright in a shooting that ignited days of unrest. (Potter would be found guilty and serve 16 months in prison.)

Today’s Birthdays:

Former NYPD detective Frank Serpico is 89.
Actor Julie Christie is 85.
Rock musician Ritchie Blackmore is 80.
Actor Peter Capaldi is 67.
Actor Brad Garrett is 65.
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Golf Hall of Famer Meg Mallon is 62.
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Actor Abigail Breslin is 29.

Which clear backpack is best?

In an increasingly dangerous and unpredictable world, many locations have adapted their security measures to enforce the use of clear backpacks. Luckily, the market adapted quickly and there are plenty of excellent clear backpack options available.

One of the best clear backpacks available is the K-Cliffs Heavy-Duty Clear Backpack. It’s one of the sturdiest and roomiest options on the market with tons of extra pockets. Plus, it comes in several colors so you can match your outfit or showcase your personality.

What to know before you buy a clear backpack

PVC

Clear backpacks are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a type of plastic polymer. PVC is strong and durable enough to withstand the rigors of daily use while being light and pliable enough to contort for easy storage.

What to look for in a quality clear backpack

Storage zones

Depending on the specific clear backpack you purchase, you could have access to as little as one storage compartment or nearly a dozen, possibly more.

Main compartments: Clear bags usually include a main pocket, a medium-sized pocket on the front and two side mesh pockets. The front pocket helps you organize your items, while the mesh pockets are typically used for water bottles or other large items.
Extra compartments: The better your clear backpack, the more likely it is that you’ll have extra storage zones placed around the backpack. These could include things like extra pouches for pencils, laptops or other small items. Some might also have slots for a music player to be placed with holes for headphones to run through.

Carrying methods

Clear backpacks, like other backpacks, have two straps and a handle to use for carrying. It’s important to consider where you’ll be carrying the backpack and for how long. This will help you to determine which carrying methods you should look for on a backpack.

Straps: Clear backpack straps are generally made of durable materials like nylon and should be adjustable to adjust for fit and comfort. Some clear backpack straps might have padding on the inside, but this usually makes them more expensive.
Handle: Not all clear backpacks have handles, though most do. Those that do tend to have small handles that serve as a secondary carrying option for shorter treks and aren’t usually built to prioritize comfort or grip.

How much you can expect to spend on a clear backpack

Unlike regular backpacks, clear backpacks are exceptionally affordable. Clear backpacks rarely exceed $30, but you can find them for up to $200, depending on the number of features.

Clear backpack FAQ

What are some of the common locations that require the use of a clear backpack?

A. Some of the most common locations that require a clear backpack are schools — typically elementary schools, middle schools and high schools. However, most colleges won’t have clear backpack requirements. Entertainment venues like those for sporting events and concerts are next on the list before finally arriving at local, state and federal government buildings.

Are there additional restrictions clear backpacks need to adhere to?

A. Generally, no. Most locations that require the use of a clear backpack won’t need the clear backpack to adhere to additional requirements. That said, a handful of venues might have additional size restrictions, so make sure to check the security rules of your intended venue.

How can you make a clear backpack last as long as possible?

A. Because of the nature of PVC, there are a few things you need to do to help the backpack last.

First and foremost, avoid placing sharp objects like open blades, scissors and sharp pencils in clear backpacks. The PVC can easily have holes punched through it if you’re not careful. PVC will also weaken when exposed to extreme temperature ranges so avoid them when possible.

To clean a clear backpack, simply wipe it with a mild soap and water-soaked cloth before thoroughly drying it or hanging it to air dry. Do not use any chemical cleaners or allow strong chemicals of any kind to contact the PVC, as it can quickly weaken the clear backpack’s integrity.

What’s the best clear backpack to buy?

Top clear backpack

K-Cliffs Heavy-Duty Clear Backpack

What you need to know: This K-Cliffs clear backpack is one of the most durable options available, made better by the extra storage space it contains.

What you’ll love: Multiple pockets mean multiple opportunities for storage and if you’d like to add some personality, the trim comes in several colors.

What you should consider: One of the only knocks against this clear backpack is the zippers aren’t as high quality as they could have been.

Top clear backpack for the money

Trail Maker Deluxe Clear Backpack

What you need to know: If you don’t need to use a clear backpack with frequency, then this budget option makes a great pick.

What you’ll love: The straps included on this clear backpack are padded, which leads to a surprising amount of comfort. You’ll be able to carry things in it comfortably for longer.

What you should consider: The PVC used in this clear backpack is stiff when first purchased and needs some use/massaging to get it to loosen comfortably.

Worth checking out

Eastsport Two-Compartment Clear Backpack

What you need to know: This is another excellent choice for a clear backpack if you don’t need or don’t plan on using it very often.

What you’ll love: If you don’t like or don’t want to wear this clear backpack as an actual backpack, you can easily and comfortably carry it like a handbag.

What you should consider: This clear backpack doesn’t have the same amount of storage as other more popular clear backpacks have.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Which bike tires are best?

If you’re a regular bike rider, it can be easy to forget about the tires that get you from point A to point B. Without a quality pair of tires, your bike will be more prone to flats and slipping on rough or uneven terrain.

Choosing the right tires for your bike can be more complicated than it sounds, however. First you need to look at your bike and consider which type of tire you’ll need. For a quality road bike tire that’s perfect for commuting, check out the Continental Grand Prix 4000s II Cycling Tire.

What to know before you buy a bike tire

Types of bike tires

Road bike tires: Road bike tires are designed to be particularly thin and lightweight. They usually have a smooth surface and very little tread so they’ll move more efficiently on even pavement. These tires can vary from competition-level wheels that emphasize speed to commuter bikes with a small amount of tread so they can be taken on gravel or rough pavement.
Mountain bike tires: These bike tires can be easily recognized by their width and aggressive tread pattern. These tires can tackle almost any surface, but aren’t as fast or as lightweight as their road-oriented counterparts. They also need more air to inflate, but their thickness provides shock absorption.
Other types: You may see other bike tires that are designed specifically for gravel or bikepacking. These typically resemble a combination of the other two styles. There are also bicycles with fat and knobby tires that are designed specifically for handling packed snow and icy conditions.

Determining bike tire sizes

The easiest method for determining the right bike tire size is to look at your old bike tires. You’ll typically see a series of numbers printed on the side of the tire, an area known as the sidewall. For mountain bikes, you may see something like 2.2 or 2.4. This means that the width of the tire is 2.2 or 2.4 inches. A larger number like 26, 27.5 or 29 is going to signify the diameter of a mountain bike tire. Most road bikes have a diameter of around 25 to 29 inches with a width of around 1 inch, but be aware that road bike tire measurements could appear in millimeters or “C,” which is an archaic French measurement system.

What to look for in a quality bike tire

Tube vs. tubeless

Most modern bike tires are clinchers, meaning they’re constructed with an outer tire component and an inner tube that fit together. In recent years, however, tubeless bike tires have grown in popularity. Although they’re typically more expensive than traditional clincher tires, tubeless tires are more lightweight and better at preventing flats.

Knobs

The knobs on a bike tire refer to the individual bumps that make up the texture and pattern of the tread. Knobs can appear in a wide variety of different shapes and sizes that are often specialized for specific terrains. Taller knobs result in better traction and control, but they can also reduce your speed.

Foldable bike tires

Just as their name suggests, folding bike tires can be removed and folded into a compact and portable size. This can be a great feature if you enjoy long-distance rides and you want to bring a spare tire or two, just in case. When folded, these tires are small enough to fit into a large coat pocket, purse or backpack.

How much you can expect to spend on a bike tire

The cost of a bike tire can vary dramatically, depending on the quality and the type of riding you do. Mountain bike tires typically cost around $20-$75, while road bike tires are usually $20-$100.

Bike tire FAQ

How do I know when it’s time to replace my bike tires?

A. You’ll know it’s time to replace your bike tires when it seems like they’re constantly losing air or the tread has worn away. Bike tires also need replacing when it seems like your stopping power has been affected.

Are bike tires sold in pairs?

A. Bike tires are almost always sold individually because many riders like to have two different tires on their bikes.

What are the best bike tires to buy?

Top bike tire

Continental Grand Prix 4000s II Cycling Tire

What you need to know: This versatile road bike tire is durable and suitable for both commuting and racing.

What you’ll love: Handmade in Germany, this lightweight bike tire features a puncture-resistant construction and technology that absorbs vibrations to make your ride smoother.

What you should consider: A few users had trouble fitting this tire onto their bike.

Top bike tire for the money

Schwinn Replacement Bike Tire

What you need to know: Backed by an iconic road bike manufacturer, this tire has a smooth tread that’s suitable for a variety of terrains.

What you’ll love: This replacement bike tire is budget-friendly and appropriate for cruisers, hybrid bikes and commuters. The shallow knobs are great for pavement and light dirt or sand terrains. The steel-bead construction and puncture guard can also prevent flat tires.

What you should consider: Though sold by and branded as Schwinn, these tires are manufactured by Innova. Some people also said that these tires were heavy.

Bike tire worth checking out

Bell Sports Mountain Tire

What you need to know: This mountain bike tire is foldable and well-suited for all pavement surfaces and smooth trails.

What you’ll love: A solid mid-tier option, this mountain bike tire has an integrated layer of Kevlar that provides extra durability and puncture resistance. The tall knobs are also ideal for gripping groomed trails and gravel.

What you should consider: This bike tire probably couldn’t handle particularly rugged or serious mountain terrain.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.