Midwest
Paul Whelan's lawyer says it was 'painful' for Paul to 'see others released before him'
The lawyer for Paul Whelan, the former U.S. Marine who recently returned to American soil after being freed in a massive prisoner swap with Russia, says it was “painful for Paul to see others released before him.”
Attorney Ryan Fayhee made the comment to ABC News as Whelan reportedly is set to return to his home state of Michigan next week following a 19-day stay at the Brooke Army Medical Center outside of San Antonio, Texas.
“He’s continuing to undergo various medical related tests and treatment as any wrongfully detained American who comes home does, and he’s looking forward to beginning to rebuild his life, after five and a half years away,” Fayhee said. “And so he’s soon to return to Michigan and looking forward to being reacquainted with friends and family and getting his life in order.”
Fayhee added that it was “painful for Paul to see others released [from Russia] before him,” such as Brittney Griner and Trevor Reed.
BOYFRIEND OF AMERICAN BALLERINA SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IN RUSSIA SAYS SHE MUST ‘KEEP THE FAITH STRONG’
Former prisoners released by Russia, journalist Evan Gershkovich, right, former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, center, and U.S.-Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, left, smile after landing at Joint Base San Antonio-Kelly Field, Texas, on Aug. 2, 2024. (Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP via Getty Images)
“I believe that Paul’s arrest really led to the arrest of all the others that came after him… and they really all had to do with the Russians’ desire to extract some benefit out of the United States,” Fayhee also said.
Whelan, a corporate security executive from Michigan and former U.S. Marine, had been jailed in Russia since his December 2018 arrest on espionage-related charges that both he and the U.S. government dispute. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
GERSHKOVICH, OTHER PRISONERS FREED FROM RUSSIA ARE ON ROAD TO RECOVERY
Whelan received an American flag pin from President Biden after he landed on U.S. soil in early August. (Reuters/Nathan Howard)
Then in early August, Whelan landed back on U.S. soil following a prisoner swap between Russia and the West that also involved detained Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.
Since then, Whelan has been “focused on reading all the things about the efforts that his family… and the administration undertook to gain his release, so he can sort of put the pieces back together,” Fayhee told ABC News.
This image released by the White House shows Evan Gershkovich, left, Alsu Kurmasheva, right, and Paul Whelan, second from right, and others aboard a plane, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, following their release from Russian captivity. (White House via AP)
Fayhee also mentioned that he has been able to take Whelan out for a steak dinner since his return to the U.S. and that Whelan has been wearing an American flag pin he received from President Biden “on his collar every day since.”
Fox News’ Chris Pandolfo contributed to this report.
Read the full article from Here
The Detroit People Mover is back up and running after being closed for the past two months for repairs following storm damage.
According to the Detroit Transportation Corporation, the People Mover reopened to the public at 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
High winds on March 13 forced the People Mover to undergo a series of repairs, including undercarriage sheet metal removal, track cable communications and switch mechanisms.
Over the last 16 days, People Mover cars have been out for tests ahead of the reopening.
“Rider safety is always at the heart of what we do, and it is our responsibility as a public transit provider,” DTE CEO Melia Howard said in a statement. “The time was a necessary requirement to restore key, operational components and is an investment in the continued reliability of the system. We take pride in the role that the People Mover plays for residents, workers and visitors, and we look forward to being the go-to public transportation for both daily rides and special events which bring everyone together.”
MILWAUKEE – This week marks Teacher Appreciation Week and, as many teachers are honored throughout the week, one local educator is in the running for one of the nation’s top honors.
America’s Favorite Teacher
What we know:
Tina Gleason, a teacher at Golda Meir School in Milwaukee, is in the running to become “America’s Favorite Teacher” and needs the support of the community to earn the title.
Gleason is going up against thousands of teachers nationwide. But each week, that list narrows down.
This week wraps up the quarterfinals – where Gleason will rely on public vote to move on.
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Gleason has been teaching for 31 years. Almost half those years have been catered to STEM and sustainability education.
“I think it’s just an honor to be recognized,” said Tina Gleason. “I’m just excited to be in the running at all, I had no idea I’d make it to the quarterfinals.”
How to vote
What you can do:
Voting for the quarterfinals ends on May 7 at 9 a.m. A single vote is free – while a larger quantity requires a donation to The Planetary Society.
Help Tina Gleason become America’s Favorite Teacher by casting your vote here.
The Source: The information in this post was provided by America’s Favorite Teacher.
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