Flu cases are spiking in Western Pennsylvania and hospitals are dealing with increased patient traffic.

Some people have tried to fight the flu by turning to alternative practices. While most homeopathic remedies are ineffective, there are some practices that can shorten your sick time, experts say.

Megan swift joins host Zac Gibson with more details.

This is ‘From the Newsroom.’

Marc Fogel, the 63-year-old Butler native and former Oakmont teacher, was released Tuesday and is back in the United States.

Fogel, an American history teacher, spent 1,278 days in a Russian penal colony after being was arrested in Moscow on Aug. 14, 2021, for taking prescribed medical marijuana into the country where he was about to begin his tenth and final year teaching at the Anglo-American School.

He was left behind in a prisoner exchange in August during the Biden administration. He finally received “wrongfully detained” status from the U.S. government in December.

Now, a month into the second Trump administration, the White House secured Fogel’s release.

TribLive community editor Lori Falce and reporter Megan Swift spoke with host Zac Gibson about the stunning turn of events.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

Seton Hill University in Greensburg has decided to place its student-run newspaper on indefinite hiatus.

While the Setonian’s shuttering came as a surprise to some students, university representatives and the organization’s longtime adviser said the newspaper needs to change and the journalism major needs to regain student interest.

TribLive reporter and former Editor-in-chief at Penn State’s The Daily Collegian, Megan Swift, discusses the story and looks at traditional journalism’s adaptability in today’s digital age with host Zac Gibson.

This is ‘From the Newsroom’

President Donald Trump made his return to the White House when he was sworn in last week.

In his first week, he signed more executive orders than any other president. These swift actions signaled the beginnings of the second Trump administration’s attempts to make good on promises made during campaign season.

The executive orders range in variety and focus from “ending illegal discrimination and restoring merit-based opportunity,” which ended federal DEI programs and identified them as illegal, to withdrawing from the World Health Organization.

During the inaugural prayer service on Jan. 21, Washington’s Bishop of the Episcopal church Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde took time during her sermon to give advice and remind Trump of his duty to all the people of the country.

TribLive Community Engagement Editor Lori Falce and Zac Gibson discuss Budde’s sermon and the new tone in Washington.

This is From the Newsroom.

It’s been brutally cold this week in Western Pennsylvania.

But, for some people, the job doesn’t stop just because the temperature drops.

Justin Vellucci joins host Zac Gibson bringing the experience of Western Pennsylvania’s winter weather workers. This episode centers on stories and strategies from those workers to survive and thrive in the elements.

This is ‘From the Newsroom.’

We’re halfway through January — which is the time many people start to slack on their new year’s resolutions or forgo them altogether. In fact, the second Friday in January is known as “Quitters Day,” the day that most people give up their resolutions.

One common resolution that has gained traction and trendiness over recent years is “Dry January,” where individuals abstain from alcohol for the first month of the year.

JoAnne Harrop, a TribLive reporter and author of “A Daughter’s Promise,” joins host Zac Gibson to talk through research and interviews explaining how Dry January could lead to sobriety year-round.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

Citing national security concerns, President Joe Biden blocked the $15 billion international sale of U.S. Steel to Japanese company Nippon Steel on Jan. 3, 2025.

In a joint statement after the announcement U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel called Biden’s action political. The companies then filed a federal lawsuit against the administration and a U.S. competitor on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, in hopes of salvaging the deal.

TribLive reporter Jack Troy joins digital producer Zac Gibson with details.

This is From the Newsroom.

The year 2024 saw many striking moments.

A passionate and polarizing presidential race, the world cheering on their favorite athletes, international conflicts that caused strife and the cultural shifts.

In Western Pennsylvania, TribLive has been there for all of 2024’s most impactful moments.

Sean Stipp, TribLive Director of Visuals, spoke with host Zac Gibson about TribLive’s year in review in photos.

This is From the Newsroom.

Last week crews launched a search and rescue mission for 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard, who fell into a sinkhole after going out to look for her pet.

Pollard was searching for her cat Dec. 2 behind Monday’s Union Restaurant in Unity when he ground gave way beneath her, and she fell straight down about 30 feet into a sinkhole that opened into the abandoned Marguerite Mine.

Her body was recovered Friday about 12 feet southwest of the sinkhole where she fell, authorities said.

Reporter Patrick Varine was at the scene for several days. He joins host Zac Gibson to talk about this recent tragedy.

Jonathan Tourney and Taylor Orlowski were killed on Christmas weekend last year when the speeding SUV they were in with four other teens crashed on a dark road in Allegheny County’s North Park.

Those closest to the teens searched for ways to cherish their loved ones’ memories as they struggle to move forward.

Reporter Justin Vellucci joins Zac Gibson to talk about the tragic event, the subsequent court hearings and how the parents and loved ones of these teens honor their “Forever Young” family members.

This is From the Newsroom.