Tom Riese
@tomlriese.bsky.social
Harrisburg reporter for @wesa.fm, Pittsburgh. Past: WVIA, Philly and York. write to: triese@wesa.fm
Reposted by Tom Riese
The heart health condition officials say caused Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman’s fall Thursday could have been deadly if it wasn’t immediately treated, according to cardiologists. And the first-term Democrat’s life was likely saved by an implant given to him after a stroke more than 3 years ago.
Pa. Sen. John Fetterman's heart condition could have posed deadly threat, experts say
The heart health condition officials say caused Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman’s fall Thursday could have been deadly if it wasn’t immediately treated, according to cardiologists.
www.wesa.fm
November 14, 2025 at 10:17 PM
The heart health condition officials say caused Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman’s fall Thursday could have been deadly if it wasn’t immediately treated, according to cardiologists. And the first-term Democrat’s life was likely saved by an implant given to him after a stroke more than 3 years ago.
Follow along for budget impacts as House and Senate vote to pass a $50.1B state spending plan, nearly 4.5 months late:
November 12, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Follow along for budget impacts as House and Senate vote to pass a $50.1B state spending plan, nearly 4.5 months late:
“I’m not gonna sugar coat it. It’s bullshit.” - Butler County commissioner Kevin Boozel on the nearly 4 month state budget impasse. Read more from folks who know this process well ⬇️
www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
Tempers flare but deal elusive in nearly 4 month Pa. budget stalemate
As the impasse over Pennsylvania’s state budget nears four months, many of the details about the sticking points are still unknown. But lawmakers are more openly showing their anger.
www.wesa.fm
October 24, 2025 at 2:57 PM
“I’m not gonna sugar coat it. It’s bullshit.” - Butler County commissioner Kevin Boozel on the nearly 4 month state budget impasse. Read more from folks who know this process well ⬇️
www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
Ever wonder what would happen (or might not happen) if one or more of the SCOPA justices aren’t retained in two weeks? www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
Pennsylvania Supreme Court would be left short-handed if retention effort fails
For all the political debate about whether or not to retain state Supreme Court justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty or David Wecht this fall, one question rarely gets discussed: If voters deci...
www.wesa.fm
October 20, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Ever wonder what would happen (or might not happen) if one or more of the SCOPA justices aren’t retained in two weeks? www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
SCOTUS is expected this month to decide if it will hear a case that formally asks to overturn the landmark same-sex marriage ruling. Pennsylvania activists and legal experts explain what would happen if the court takes that step www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
Pa. LGBTQ advocates urge state to head off future threat to same-sex marriage rights
The push by advocates comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to decide whether to hear a case that could change the fate of same-sex marriage.
www.wesa.fm
October 15, 2025 at 1:37 PM
SCOTUS is expected this month to decide if it will hear a case that formally asks to overturn the landmark same-sex marriage ruling. Pennsylvania activists and legal experts explain what would happen if the court takes that step www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
Reposted by Tom Riese
As Pennsylvania's state budget impasse blew past 100 days, state legislators argued whether a loan program offered by Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity was a lifeline for groups who rely on state funding, or a political stunt that could further delay a final deal.
With governor race as backdrop, Garrity loan program becomes part of budget impasse
There was little sign of a breakthrough when Pennsylvania's state budget impasse blew past its 100th day last week. Instead, state legislators found something new to argue about: whether a loan progra...
www.wesa.fm
October 13, 2025 at 1:35 PM
As Pennsylvania's state budget impasse blew past 100 days, state legislators argued whether a loan program offered by Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity was a lifeline for groups who rely on state funding, or a political stunt that could further delay a final deal.
Reposted by Tom Riese
Despite Gov. Josh Shapiro’s insistence this week that Pennsylvania state budget negotiations are “incredibly close” to ending an impasse entering its fourth month, county leaders and service agencies in SW Pennsylvania say they’re preparing to scale down operations without dedicated state funding.
‘Unconscionable’ Pa. budget impasse forces area counties, local services to scale down
Despite Gov. Josh Shapiro’s insistence this week that Pennsylvania state budget negotiations are “incredibly close” to ending an impasse entering its fourth month, county leaders and service agencies ...
www.wesa.fm
October 2, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Despite Gov. Josh Shapiro’s insistence this week that Pennsylvania state budget negotiations are “incredibly close” to ending an impasse entering its fourth month, county leaders and service agencies in SW Pennsylvania say they’re preparing to scale down operations without dedicated state funding.
Here to catch you up on the food-stamp data dispute between USDA and Pennsylvania. Court docs filed Sunday and Monday give the latest picture @wesa.fm www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
Judge protects Pennsylvania — for now — from federal reprisal in food-stamp dispute
Pennsylvania joined the suit late, but the ruling temporarily prevents the U.S. Department of Agriculture from withholding hundreds of millions of dollars in benefits State officials say they are open...
www.wesa.fm
October 1, 2025 at 1:12 AM
Here to catch you up on the food-stamp data dispute between USDA and Pennsylvania. Court docs filed Sunday and Monday give the latest picture @wesa.fm www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
Reposted by Tom Riese
Three Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justices have raised more than $2.8 million to make the case that voters should keep them on the state’s top court this fall.
But newly filed campaign finance reports suggest those efforts may be overshadowed by outside interest groups on both sides of the debate.
But newly filed campaign finance reports suggest those efforts may be overshadowed by outside interest groups on both sides of the debate.
Financial reports show big-dollar donations in Pa. Supreme Court judicial retention contest
Three state Supreme Court Justices have raised more than $2.8 million to make the case that voters should keep them on the state’s top court this fall.
www.wesa.fm
September 25, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Three Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justices have raised more than $2.8 million to make the case that voters should keep them on the state’s top court this fall.
But newly filed campaign finance reports suggest those efforts may be overshadowed by outside interest groups on both sides of the debate.
But newly filed campaign finance reports suggest those efforts may be overshadowed by outside interest groups on both sides of the debate.
According a new filing PA has now been added to the lawsuit against the USDA over a demand for personal info on SNAP enrollees. Attys argued a penalty that could cost the state close to half a billion $ yearly could collapse the food-stamp program. www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
Pennsylvania joins legal fight over Trump Administration demand for food-stamp data
Pennsylvania has been added to a lawsuit over the Trump Administration’s demand for personal information on food-stamp recipients. State officials hope the legal maneuver will provide breathing room i...
www.wesa.fm
September 25, 2025 at 12:30 AM
According a new filing PA has now been added to the lawsuit against the USDA over a demand for personal info on SNAP enrollees. Attys argued a penalty that could cost the state close to half a billion $ yearly could collapse the food-stamp program. www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
The 24-year-old was inside his ex’s home, when he opened fire on police with a semi-automatic rifle. 3 regional police officers killed, 1 wounded w/ a sheriff deputy. Suspect also killed his ex’s dog. All due to the “hateful scourge of domestic violence,” county DA said.
A man was allegedly lying in wait in a cornfield wearing camouflage and opened fire. Police were investigating him over stalking and harassment of an ex-girlfriend, according to cnn.
September 18, 2025 at 8:37 PM
The 24-year-old was inside his ex’s home, when he opened fire on police with a semi-automatic rifle. 3 regional police officers killed, 1 wounded w/ a sheriff deputy. Suspect also killed his ex’s dog. All due to the “hateful scourge of domestic violence,” county DA said.
Now picked up nationally— many states could be affected
The agriculture department has demanded states hand over data on who gets food aid under the SNAP program. A letter obtained by WESA set Pennsylvania's deadline for Friday.
Trump admin. threatens to withhold $460M in food-stamp funding if Pa. doesn't share personal data
A long-simmering battle between Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and the White House over the state’s food-stamp program is set to come to a head by the end of this week.
n.pr
September 18, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Now picked up nationally— many states could be affected
ICYMI: Shapiro admin. has until tomorrow to decide if it will share the personal data of food-stamp recipients, or start losing $115.3M quarterly from the feds.
Documents obtained thru FOIA show the Trump administration gave PA (and likely other noncompliant states) until Friday to turn over SNAP user data -- SSNs, addresses and names -- or lose out on millions $ immediately... and again every three months. 👀 www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
Trump admin. threatens to withhold $460M in food-stamp funding if Pa. doesn't share personal data
A long-simmering battle between Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and the White House over the state’s food-stamp program is set to come to a head by the end of this week.
www.wesa.fm
September 18, 2025 at 12:19 PM
ICYMI: Shapiro admin. has until tomorrow to decide if it will share the personal data of food-stamp recipients, or start losing $115.3M quarterly from the feds.
A man was allegedly lying in wait in a cornfield wearing camouflage and opened fire. Police were investigating him over stalking and harassment of an ex-girlfriend, according to cnn.
JUST IN: Three officers were killed and two remain in critical but stable condition after a shooting in rural central Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris said.
The shooting suspect is dead after being shot by police, officials said.
The shooting suspect is dead after being shot by police, officials said.
3 officers killed in shooting in central Pennsylvania and 2 officers in critical condition, officials say | CNN
Three officers were killed and two remain in critical but stable condition after a shooting Wednesday afternoon in rural central Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris said.
www.cnn.com
September 18, 2025 at 4:19 AM
A man was allegedly lying in wait in a cornfield wearing camouflage and opened fire. Police were investigating him over stalking and harassment of an ex-girlfriend, according to cnn.
Reposted by Tom Riese
The USDA has given Pennsylvania until Friday to provide personal data about those who receive food assistance. And if it doesn’t get the data, it has threatened to withhold more than 10 cents of every dollar in food aid the state currently receives — nearly half a billion dollars each year.
Trump admin. threatens to withhold $460M in food-stamp funding if Pa. doesn't share personal data
A long-simmering battle between Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and the White House over the state’s food-stamp program is set to come to a head by the end of this week.
www.wesa.fm
September 17, 2025 at 5:17 PM
The USDA has given Pennsylvania until Friday to provide personal data about those who receive food assistance. And if it doesn’t get the data, it has threatened to withhold more than 10 cents of every dollar in food aid the state currently receives — nearly half a billion dollars each year.
Documents obtained thru FOIA show the Trump administration gave PA (and likely other noncompliant states) until Friday to turn over SNAP user data -- SSNs, addresses and names -- or lose out on millions $ immediately... and again every three months. 👀 www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
Trump admin. threatens to withhold $460M in food-stamp funding if Pa. doesn't share personal data
A long-simmering battle between Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and the White House over the state’s food-stamp program is set to come to a head by the end of this week.
www.wesa.fm
September 17, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Documents obtained thru FOIA show the Trump administration gave PA (and likely other noncompliant states) until Friday to turn over SNAP user data -- SSNs, addresses and names -- or lose out on millions $ immediately... and again every three months. 👀 www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
The GOP hopes voters remember how 3 justices voted on a congressional map 7 years ago that leveled the playing field for Democrats. But the leader of the state Dems says his party’s losses last year prove just how neutral those maps are: @wesa.fm www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
Will a 2018 map ruling come back to haunt 3 Pa. Supreme Court justices? Republicans hope so
Courts are supposed to be above politics, but partisan interests and concerns are already shaping this November's fight over whether to retain three Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices.
www.wesa.fm
September 10, 2025 at 1:04 PM
The GOP hopes voters remember how 3 justices voted on a congressional map 7 years ago that leveled the playing field for Democrats. But the leader of the state Dems says his party’s losses last year prove just how neutral those maps are: @wesa.fm www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
For southwest PA folks that may be following — Pittsburgh Regional Transit shared a statement Monday saying it’s considering the same move as SEPTA but didn’t sound thrilled about it
A messy fight over public transit could be coming to an end with only a temporary solution. The state Senate returns this afternoon, but a full budget deal is still elusive. Plus, a western PA rape crisis center has to cut hours due to the impasse @wesa.fm www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
www.wesa.fm
September 9, 2025 at 5:48 PM
For southwest PA folks that may be following — Pittsburgh Regional Transit shared a statement Monday saying it’s considering the same move as SEPTA but didn’t sound thrilled about it
A messy fight over public transit could be coming to an end with only a temporary solution. The state Senate returns this afternoon, but a full budget deal is still elusive. Plus, a western PA rape crisis center has to cut hours due to the impasse @wesa.fm www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
www.wesa.fm
September 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM
A messy fight over public transit could be coming to an end with only a temporary solution. The state Senate returns this afternoon, but a full budget deal is still elusive. Plus, a western PA rape crisis center has to cut hours due to the impasse @wesa.fm www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
Asked if she’d welcome the Guard in Philly, the campaign of Stacy Garrity didn’t respond directly, but said she supports Trump’s law and order policies. @wesa.fm
www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
Shapiro, Garrity strike different notes on National Guard deployments as Trump expands reach
Gov. Josh Shapiro told reporters in Philadelphia that violent crime is down in Pennsylvania, and any attempt to direct federal forces to U.S. cities is unconstitutional, as a federal judge ruled on Tu...
www.wesa.fm
September 3, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Asked if she’d welcome the Guard in Philly, the campaign of Stacy Garrity didn’t respond directly, but said she supports Trump’s law and order policies. @wesa.fm
www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
Talked to a number of people about the narrowing gap voter registrations here in PA. But maybe what’s just as notable as the GOP gaining on Dems is the consistent rise of independents — www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
August 28, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Talked to a number of people about the narrowing gap voter registrations here in PA. But maybe what’s just as notable as the GOP gaining on Dems is the consistent rise of independents — www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
Shapiro said Trump can’t alter PA’s vote-by-mail process even if he signs an executive order, as promised by a Monday social media post. @wesa.fm www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
Shapiro touts unemployment office improvements, criticizes Trump voting claims
Gov. Josh Shapiro said Pennsylvania’s long-troubled system for approving unemployment benefits has improved dramatically. At a Harrisburg press conference, the governor also pushed back on President D...
www.wesa.fm
August 19, 2025 at 11:37 PM
Shapiro said Trump can’t alter PA’s vote-by-mail process even if he signs an executive order, as promised by a Monday social media post. @wesa.fm www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
Pa. state Dems say Senate bills passed late Tuesday walk back promises of equity-gap payments to poorest school districts. My latest w/ education reporter Jillian Forstadt for @wesa.fm www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
Pa. Senate passes budget bill, but Democrats oppose GOP education, transit plans
More than six weeks past the state budget deadline, the Republican-led Senate returned to Harrisburg Tuesday afternoon to pass its own spending proposal — one that stands little chance in the Democrat...
www.wesa.fm
August 13, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Pa. state Dems say Senate bills passed late Tuesday walk back promises of equity-gap payments to poorest school districts. My latest w/ education reporter Jillian Forstadt for @wesa.fm www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
Reposted by Tom Riese
Investigators are beginning to piece together what led to a deadly explosion Monday at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works, which killed two workers and injured 10 others — including one person who was pulled from the rubble after the blast.
U.S. Steel: Workers were preparing maintenance job before Clairton Coke Works explosion
Though earlier reports cited witness accounts of multiple explosions, U.S. Steel on Tuesday said only one explosion occurred — at coke batteries 13 and 14 — followed by a pressure release from two oth...
www.wesa.fm
August 12, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Investigators are beginning to piece together what led to a deadly explosion Monday at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works, which killed two workers and injured 10 others — including one person who was pulled from the rubble after the blast.
After a vote this morning, it’s the 5th time the House has sent a public transit proposal to the Senate. More here ⬇️ www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
Pennsylvania's budget is 6 weeks late, and lawmakers can't agree on transit funding
Democrats have said they have no interest in passing a six-month, short-term budget, while Republicans have signaled that their return to Harrisburg this week may be to propose just that.
www.wesa.fm
August 11, 2025 at 3:23 PM
After a vote this morning, it’s the 5th time the House has sent a public transit proposal to the Senate. More here ⬇️ www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...