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
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.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android
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.
Indianapolis, IN
New Prime Video doc: Kyle Larson’s maniacal mission to race Indy 500, Coca-Cola 600 in same day
Kyle Larson focused on Indy 500
Arrow McLaren’s Kyle Larson discusses focusing on the Indianapolis 500.
INDIANAPOLIS — Despite knowing the odds were against him, that it would take perfect weather, impeccable timing, the travel gods aligning and everything he had within his soul, Kyle Larson went for “The Double” twice, a feat in racing only four other drivers have attempted.
“The Double” is a maniacal mission to complete 1,100 miles in one day at two of the most iconic races in cities more than 400 miles apart — the Indianapolis 500 first, then NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 in Concord, N.C.
Larson’s two-time attempt at “The Double” in 2024 and 2025 is the subject of a new Prime Video documentary, “Kyle Larson vs The Double,” which premieres May 21.
The film delves into the incredible challenges Larson faces, on and off the track, as he goes for one of the most elusive triumphs in racing — from 500 miles in an Indy car at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to jumping on a plane to North Carolina to compete for 600 miles in a stock car at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
“The logistical challenge of ‘The Double’ is staggering,” Prime Video says in the film’s press release, “managing the extreme physical toll of heat, dehydration, G-forces and mental exhaustion.”
Before Larson, four other drivers took on “The Double” — John Andretti in 1994; Robby Gordon in 1997, 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2004; Tony Stewart in 1999 and 2001; and Kurt Busch in 2014.
Stewart is the only driver to complete all 1,100 miles, finishing sixth in the Indy 500 and third in the Coca-Cola 600.
In Larson’s 2024 run at “The Double,” rain delayed the Indy 500, causing him to miss the start of the Coca-Cola 600. He finished 18th in Indy and was replaced by Justin Allgaier at Charlotte. Larson competed in both races in 2025, but crashes dashed his hopes of finishing 1,100 miles in one day.
The film goes beyond Larson’s mission on the track, taking a personal look at his life and career, his mindset, his sacrifices and the people around him who cheered him on.
“Sometimes, the most compelling stories in sports aren’t about crossing the finish line,” Prime Video says, “they’re about the sheer will and determination it takes to compete at the highest level.”
Watch ‘Kyle Larson vs The Double’ trailer
Follow IndyStar sports reporter Dana Benbow on X: @DanaBenbow. Reach her via email: dbenbow@indystar.com.
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