Marc Fogle Back In Pittsburgh

February 19, 2025 3:28 am

PITTSBURGH —(WPXI)- A Butler County native who was imprisoned in Russia for more than three years is back in Pittsburgh. Police and airport officials said Marc Fogel landed at Pittsburgh International Airport late Tuesday afternoon. Fogel’s family also confirmed he’s back in Pittsburgh, saying that he’s happy to be back and is adjusting. His return comes just days after completing the “medical phase” of the State Department’s transition protocol, according to a statement issued on Saturday. He was in Texas undergoing medical evaluations. Fogel, a Butler County native, had been serving a 14-year sentence in a Russian penal colony for having a small amount of medical marijuana prescribed by a doctor for chronic back issues. He was teaching in Russia when he was detained at an airport in 2021. Fogel returned to the U.S. on Feb. 11 after being released from prison in exchange for Alexander Vinnik, according to the Associated Press. Sasha Phillips, the Fogel family attorney, issued a statement requesting privacy for Marc. “After an extended period of being held hostage, Marc has finally returned to Pittsburgh, but his journey to recovery is only just beginning. He has been strongly advised to limit public exposure as he embarks on the slow and challenging process of healing from the harrowing trauma experienced by him and his loved ones,” the statement reads in part. Fogel’s Saturday statement read in part, “I cannot wait to rejoin our community but this will take a bit of time and I ask for some patience in replying to you all. I look forward to reaching out to all of you in due time.”

Greek Orthodox Priest Sentenced On Theft Charges

February 18, 2025 12:55 pm

A standing room only crowd of more than 50 people packed a courtroom to hear the sentencing of a Greek Orthodox priest that pleaded guilty to stealing funds from the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in North Strabane Township. Fr. George Athanasiou, 38,  a preist at the church received a sentence of 5 years probation with one year on electronic home monitoring. He has already paid $155,000 in restitution to the church. Rev. Fr. Dimitrios Kyritsis was pleased with all the court took into account for the sentencing and said everyone is in a process of healing and particularly prayed for Fr. Athanasiou’s personal mental and spiritual health. Athanasiou said that he is looking forward to his healing from a gambling addiction and wants to help the community at large with gambling addictions. In addition to his probation and restitution, Athanasiou was ordered to perform 300 hours of community service.

Bitter Cold Grips Region

February 17, 2025 4:44 am

PITTSBURGH — Gear up for the coldest day of the week as you head out Tuesday, with single-digit temperatures and below-zero wind chills to start the day. Washington will see wind chills as low as -5 to -10 degrees possible. A Cold Weather Advisory has been issued for Butler, Armstrong, Clarion, Indiana, and the ridges of Westmoreland and Fayette counties until 10 a.m. Tuesday. Wednesday will also be cold with wind chills near zero — which will set the stage for the next system heading our way Thursday, bringing the chance for snow.

Threat Determined ‘Not Credible’ At Bentworth

February 18, 2025 4:54 am

The Bentworth School district sent a letter to parents and guardians in the district Monday informing them of ‘a potential student threat’.  In the letter, the district says the situation was reported around 5 p.m. through the Safe2Say system and State Police were immediately notified.  A thorough investigation was conducted and police informed the district that ‘the matter has been fully resolved and determined to be not credible’.  The district says its own investigation will continue and they will follow their student discipline policy.  No other details were released. Superintendent Scott Martin thanked the student and their family for bringing “this concerning information to our attention so quickly”.

Massive Fire At Aerospace Manufacturer

February 18, 2025 10:37 am

JENKINTOWN, Pa. (AP) — Officials say schools are closed and residents have been ordered to shelter-in-place after a large fire broke out at an aerospace manufacturer’s facility in a town north of Philadelphia. Abington Township Police say the fire broke out at SPS Technologies in Jenkintown on Monday night and witnesses said there was an explosion and flames could be seen inside. Police say the building was evacuated, all employees were accounted for and no injuries were reported. SPS Technologies describes itself as a developer, manufacturer and global supplier of a line of aerospace fasteners and precision components. Schools in the area are closed and officials say the shelter-in-place order is in effect because smoke and particulates are filtering across the area.

Washington Area Humane Society At Full Capacity

February 18, 2025 1:57 am

EIGHTY FOUR, Pa. – (WPXI) – The Washington Area Humane Society said it’s looking to find new homes for its animals as the shelter is at full capacity. Its executive director said that in the past month, they’ve taken in around 17 puppies. Nine of them were surrendered by someone facing eviction. Six of the puppies were found in a cardboard box along Chestnut Street. Some have already been adopted. You can view the shelter’s available animals online or in person during viewing hours. If you are interested in viewing in person, you must submit an application first. The shelter said all of the animals it adopts out are spay/neutered, up-to-date on vaccines, tested (Lyme, Heartworm, FIV/FELV, Giardia), microchipped and flea and tick treated.

Southwest Airlines Slashing Corporate Workforce

February 18, 2025 4:58 am

(AP) – Southwest Airlines is eliminating 1,750 jobs, or 15% of its corporate workforce, in the first major layoffs in the company’s 53-year history. The Dallas-based airline said Monday that the job cuts would be focused almost entirely on “corporate overhead and leadership positions,” including senior leadership and directors. Eleven senior leadership positions, representing 15% of the company’s senior management committee, are also being eliminated. Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said the job cuts are part of a plan by the airline to slash costs and transform the company into a “leaner, faster, and more agile organization in a statement.

U.S. & Russian Officials Meet Over Ukraine War

February 18, 2025 5:04 am

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — The top diplomats from Russia and the U.S. met in Saudi Arabia to discuss improving ties and negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine. Tuesday’s talks represented a rapid and major change in American foreign policy under President Donald Trump. No Ukrainian officials were present at the meeting. It came as the beleaguered country is slowly but steadily losing ground against more numerous Russian troops in a grinding war that began nearly three years ago. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country won’t accept any outcome from this week’s talks if Kyiv doesn’t take part. European allies have also expressed concerns they are being sidelined. Beyond Ukraine, the meeting has been expected to focus on thawing relations between Russia and the U.S.

Social Security Head Steps Down Over DOGE Access

February 18, 2025 5:00 am

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Social Security Administration’s acting commissioner has stepped down from her role at the agency over Department of Government Efficiency requests to access Social Security recipient information. That’s according to two people familiar with the official’s departure who were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. Acting Commissioner Michelle King’s departure from the agency —after more than 30 years of service — was initiated after King refused to provide Department of Government Efficiency staffers at the Social Security Administration with access to sensitive information, the people said.

DOGE Seeks Access To Taxpayer Data At IRS

February 18, 2025 5:02 am

WASHINGTON (AP) — Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency is seeking access to troves of sensitive taxpayer data at the IRS. That’s according to two people familiar with the inner workings of the plan who were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. If successful, Musk and his group would have access to millions of tightly controlled files that include taxpayer information, bank records and other sensitive records. The people who spoke to The Associated Press and requested anonymity said DOGE is specifically seeking access to an IRS system, that enables employees “to have instantaneous visual access to certain taxpayer accounts.” Advocates fear that the potential unlawful release of taxpayer records could be used to maliciously target Americans.