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Pennsylvania teacher arrested in Russia on drug charges is wrongfully detained: US officials

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Pennsylvania teacher arrested in Russia on drug charges is wrongfully detained: US officials


A Pennsylvania history teacher arrested in Russia on drug charges has been officially designated as wrongfully detained, US officials announced Friday.

Marc Fogel, a husband and father of two, was arrested in 2021 when he and his wife flew to Russia to teach. He was caught at the airport with what his family said was medically prescribed marijuana that he took for chronic back pain.

Fogel is currently serving a 14-year prison sentence.

The US State Department determined in October that Fogel was wrongfully detained but just confirmed the designation Friday.

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Marc Fogel, a history teacher from Pennsylvania, is serving a 14-year prison sentence after being arrested in 2021 at a Russian airport.

Fogel was omitted from a prisoner swap in August that included the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, corporate security executive Paul Whelan and others.

“The United States has been working to secure Marc Fogel’s release for some time,” the State Department said in a statement. “We have long called for his humanitarian release and tried to include him in the August 1 deal, but were unable to.”

In August, a prisoner swap between Russia and the US brought home Marine veteran Paul Whelan. AP
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was detained in Russia in March 2023 and released in August. Russia State TV via Reuters

Fogel’s wife, Jane, and his sons, Ethan and Sam, said in a statement that “The State Department has finally acknowledged what we have known all along — that our husband and father, Marc Fogel, has and continues to be wrongfully detained.

“Now that we have the full force of the U.S. government behind us, we must do everything in our power to bring Marc home as quickly and safely as possible.”

Family members of Marc Fogel rallied outside the White House for his release in July 2023. AP

The designation means the federal government is now legally required to work for his release. His case will be transferred to the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, which deals with hostage and detainee releases.

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In making the determination, the State Department considers factors, including if there is credible information that the person is innocent and if the country holding the prisoner is seeking to influence US policy or get concessions from the US government.

With Post wires



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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania lawmakers push for data center regulations as development accelerates

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Pennsylvania lawmakers push for data center regulations as development accelerates


Pennsylvania lawmakers are in the middle of budget season, trying to push through legislation. Some of the bills they’re prioritizing are some of the most important to folks in the Pittsburgh region related to data centers. KDKA-TV’s Lauren Linder reports.



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June 18 Playbook: A Pessimistic Pennsylvania

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June 18 Playbook: A Pessimistic Pennsylvania


🤠 G’day Thursday. Headlines. Pennsylvanians Pessimistic About Trump, Economy and State of Federal Government. PA’s Rainy Day Fund and 2026-27 Budget. U.S. Steel Workers Remain Divided Over Benefit of Nippon Steel Takeover. The Curse of the Rocky Statue 🎶 Your Morning Pick Me Up. Here and Now. Letters to Cleo…



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Showers Thursday morning, warm and gusty for the afternoon

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Showers Thursday morning, warm and gusty for the afternoon


Tomorrow’s front looks weaker with just a few showers early in the morning…

EVENING: Increasing clouds, summer-like. Temps near 80.

TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy and warm. Low 68.

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THURSDAY: Scattered showers between 6-10am. Clearing, windy and warm for the afternoon. High 88.

Wednesday felt a little more like summer as temperatures reach 85 degrees. The humidity still remains tolerable this evening as clouds increase from an approaching front.

The cold front arrives Thursday morning, leading to a broken line of scattered showers between 6-10am. Once the front clears, gusty winds between 20-30mph will develops with afternoon temperatures near 88 degrees. A little unusual for a post cold front!

The upcoming weekend will be dry with low humidity and lots of sunshine. It should be a great weekend to spend with Dad! We’ll keep you posted, but the next chance for rain will be another front next Monday.

– Meteorologist Eric Finkenbinder

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