What is a Russian penal colony, and what are they like?
The vast network of labor camps was inherited by modern Russia: They used to be the Soviet Union's gulags, and there's little sign they improved since then.
Brittney Griner
U.S. slams Russia for moving Griner "to a remote penal colony"
Griner was sentenced to nine years in prison after being convicted for possession of a small quantity of cannabis oil.
Russia moves Brittney Griner to penal colony
Despite talks of a potential prisoner swap, Russia has transferred WNBA star Brittney Griner to a remote prison colony. As Ian Lee reports, the sprawling prison camps have a grim reputation.
U.S. diplomats granted access to Brittney Griner
U.S. Embassy officials in Russia visited imprisoned WNBA star Brittney Griner, who was sentenced to nine years in prison for drug possession. The U.S. is trying to get Griner and Marine veteran Paul Whelan released in a prisoner swap.
U.S. Embassy officials meet with Brittney Griner in Russia
"We are told she's doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.
Biden on Griner appeal, COVID boosters
A Russian court on Tuesday rejected an appeal by WNBA star Brittney Griner of her nine-year prison sentence for drug possession. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang joins John Dickerson on "Prime Time" to discuss President Biden's response to that news, as well as his latest push for people to get updated COVID-19 booster shots.
President Biden addresses economic concerns
President Biden announced a series of actions aimed at giving American families "more breathing room" in the current economy. CBS News' Lana Zak and Tanya Rivero speak with chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes about his announcement, plus the ongoing efforts to bring Brittney Griner home and Mr. Biden's meeting today with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Biden "not stopping" efforts to free Griner
Brittney Griner's nine-year sentence was upheld after a Russian court denied her appeal request. The WNBA star is expected to sent to a penal colony following the decision. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes joins "CBS News Mornings" to explain how the White House is responding. Plus she takes a look at what's on the agenda as Israel's president travels to Washington to meet with President Biden.
Russian court upholds Griner's 9-year sentence
American basketball star Brittney Griner suffered a major setback after her appeal was denied by a Moscow court, upholding her 9-year sentence. She'll now be sent to a penal colony -- a type of labor camp known for brutal conditions. Weijia Jiang reports.
Russian court upholds Brittney Griner's 9-year prison sentence
Griner has been sentenced for drug possession after vape canisters containing cannabis oil were found in her luggage.
Russian court upholds Brittney Griner's sentence
A Russian court has upheld WNBA star Brittney Griner's nine-year prison sentence. CBS News anchors Lana Zak and Lilia Luciano spoke with William E. Pomeranz, director of the Wilson Center's Kennan Institute, about her case and what could happen next.
Moscow court denies Brittney Griner appeal
A Moscow court heard American basketball star Brittney Griner's appeal against her nine-year prison sentence for drug possession and denied the request to suspend her sentence. Griner, an eight-time all-star center with the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury and two-time Olympic gold medalist, was convicted after police said they found vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport. Imtiaz Tyab reports.
Gayle King on her interview with Griner's wife
WNBA star Brittney Griner remains imprisoned in Russia, awaiting an October 25 appeals hearing. "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King joins us to discuss her exclusive interview with Griner's wife Cherelle.
Wife says after call with Brittney Griner "I cried…for two or three days"
Brittney Griner remains in a Russian prison ahead of an appeal hearing on Oct. 25.
Brittney Griner's wife on WNBA star's detention
"CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King sat down with the wife of WNBA star Brittney Griner, who is imprisoned in Russia on drug charges and has an appeal hearing on Oct. 25. Cherelle Griner told King she hopes the U.S. can negotiate her wife's release before she is moved to a labor camp.
Brittney Griner is a "hostage," wife says in first interview since sentencing
More of Gayle King's interview with Cherelle Griner will air on "CBS Mornings" on Thursday, October 6.
Exclusive: Brittney Griner's wife speaks out
Brittney Griner's appeal of her nine-year prison sentence in Russia has been scheduled for October 25. "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King sits down exclusively with her wife, Cherelle Griner, for her first interview since Griner's sentencing. She says she feels like her wife is a "hostage."
Seven Americans freed in prisoner swap with Venezuela
Seven Americans have been freed in Venezuela in exchange for two imprisoned nephews of President Nicolás Maduro's wife. Five of the Americans were Houston-based Citgo oil executives being detained on corruption charges. Felicia Schwartz, U.S. foreign affairs and defense correspondent for The Financial Times, joined CBS News' John Dickerson to discuss.
Russian court sets Brittney Griner appeal date for Oct. 25
A Russian court has set a date for American basketball star Brittney Griner's appeal against her nine-year prison sentence for drug possession.
Biden meets with Brittney Griner's family
President Biden met at the White House on Friday with family members of WNBA star Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, both of whom remain jailed in Russia. This was the first in-person encounter between Mr. Biden and the families and happened amid unsuccessful efforts by the administration to secure the Americans' release. Christina Ruffini has the latest.
Biden meets with families of Brittney Griner, Paul Whelan
President Biden met with the families of Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan Friday, both of whom are detained in Russia. The meeting comes as the Biden administration works to free the former U.S. Marine and WNBA star. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes explains the measures being taken to secure their releases.
Biden meets with family members of Griner, Whelan
President Biden met with family members of WNBA star Brittney Griner and Marine veteran Paul Whelan as the administration works to secure their release from Russian prisons. The U.S. has offered a prisoner swap, but said Russia has not responded to the offer. Nancy Cordes shares more.
Biden meets with Griner and Whelan families
President Biden is meeting today with the families of two Americans jailed in Russia. It's the first time Mr. Biden is speaking face to face with the loved ones of WNBA star Brittney Griner and Marine veteran Paul Whelan. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes joins us with more.
Biden to meet with Griner and Whelan families
The families of WNBA star Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan will meet with President Biden at the White House on Friday. Both Griner and Whelan are imprisoned in Russia as the Biden administration tries to negotiate a prisoner swap.
Trevor Reed on freedom after Russian prison
Trevor Reed, who was imprisoned in Russia for nearly three years and was released in a prisoner swap in April, joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss his experience in Russian labor camps and why it's crucial to secure the release of American basketball star Brittney Griner and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan.
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Iran war keeps Strait of Hormuz paralyzed and gas prices on the rise
The Iran war could escalate further as President Trump threatens to hit key oil infrastructure if Tehran doesn't drop its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz.
Kouri Richins, mom who wrote grief book, found guilty of murdering her husband
Jurors delivered their verdict Monday in the trial of Kouri Richins, a Utah mother accused of murdering her husband and later publishing a children's book about grief.
Trump urges other nations to help open Strait of Hormuz
In remarks ahead of a meeting with the Kennedy Center board of trustees, Mr. Trump provided an update on the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Judge blocks parts of RFK Jr.'s vaccine agenda, including revised schedule
A judge blocked a set of changes to the childhood vaccine schedule recommended by allies of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, dealing a setback to the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul federal vaccine policy.
Alleged pipe bomber argues charges should be tossed under Jan. 6 pardons
A man who was accused of planting pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC on the eve of the Jan. 6 attack is arguing he is covered by President Trump's sweeping pardons of alleged Jan. 6 rioters.
Ex-wife told 911 the Michigan synagogue attacker was "not stable" before incident
A person believed to be the ex-wife of the suspect in the attack at Michigan's Temple Israel told authorities that the suspect was "not stable" ahead of the attack, according to a 911 call obtained by CBS News Detroit.
Illinois Senate primary race is test of Pritzker's sway, Democrats' views of ICE, outside spending
The 2026 Democratic primary campaign for retiring Sen. Dick Durbin's Senate seat is largely a three-person race. Voters go to the polls Tuesday in Illinois.
Kennedy Center votes to shut down ahead of Trump-backed renovation project
The Kennedy Center's board of directors has voted to shut down operations for two years following this summer's July 4 celebrations.
Cuba plans to open up to investment from nationals in U.S. amid pressure from Trump
The Cuban government is planning to allow Cuban nationals who live abroad to invest in the island, a government official told NBC News, as the country faces economic collapse and pressure from the Trump administration.
U.S.
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Illinois Senate primary race is test of Pritzker's sway, Democrats' views of ICE, outside spending
The 2026 Democratic primary campaign for retiring Sen. Dick Durbin's Senate seat is largely a three-person race. Voters go to the polls Tuesday in Illinois.
Alleged pipe bomber argues charges should be tossed under Jan. 6 pardons
A man who was accused of planting pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC on the eve of the Jan. 6 attack is arguing he is covered by President Trump's sweeping pardons of alleged Jan. 6 rioters.
Kouri Richins, mom who wrote grief book, found guilty of murdering her husband
Jurors delivered their verdict Monday in the trial of Kouri Richins, a Utah mother accused of murdering her husband and later publishing a children's book about grief.
Kennedy Center votes to shut down ahead of Trump-backed renovation project
The Kennedy Center's board of directors has voted to shut down operations for two years following this summer's July 4 celebrations.
Trump requests delay of China trip because of Iran war
President Trump was planning to visit China at the end of March.
MoneyWatch
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Costco recalls meatloaf meal due to salmonella risk
Costco is recalling a meatloaf and potato meal kit because one of its ingredients may be contaminated with salmonella.
Hyundai stops sales of some 2026 models after a child's death
Hyundai's announcement came after a child died in an incident involving a Palisade vehicle, which the car maker said is still under investigation.
With gas prices still rising, experts recommend 3 ways to save fuel
Small adjustments, like maintaining a steady speed while driving, can help maximize fuel efficiency, experts say.
Gas prices edge higher with Brent crude remaining above $100 per barrel
Gas prices have jumped almost 79 cents per gallon from a month ago, raising fresh inflation concerns.
The Iran war is making it harder for Fed officials to cut interest rates
Some economists think the Fed, facing inflationary pressures from rising energy prices, may not cut interest rates at all this year.
Politics
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Illinois Senate primary race is test of Pritzker's sway, Democrats' views of ICE, outside spending
The 2026 Democratic primary campaign for retiring Sen. Dick Durbin's Senate seat is largely a three-person race. Voters go to the polls Tuesday in Illinois.
Alleged pipe bomber argues charges should be tossed under Jan. 6 pardons
A man who was accused of planting pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC on the eve of the Jan. 6 attack is arguing he is covered by President Trump's sweeping pardons of alleged Jan. 6 rioters.
Kennedy Center votes to shut down ahead of Trump-backed renovation project
The Kennedy Center's board of directors has voted to shut down operations for two years following this summer's July 4 celebrations.
Trump requests delay of China trip because of Iran war
President Trump was planning to visit China at the end of March.
Judge blocks parts of RFK Jr.'s vaccine agenda, including revised schedule
A judge blocked a set of changes to the childhood vaccine schedule recommended by allies of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, dealing a setback to the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul federal vaccine policy.
HealthWatch
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Judge blocks parts of RFK Jr.'s vaccine agenda, including revised schedule
A judge blocked a set of changes to the childhood vaccine schedule recommended by allies of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, dealing a setback to the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul federal vaccine policy.
Changes in organ donor status can fall through cracks in the system
Patchwork state policies and limited federal oversight have led to a fragmented system for tracking organ donor status.
A dad's colon cancer spread to lungs. He says what happened next was a miracle.
Spencer Laird was diagnosed with colon cancer at 26. At 30, he was told it had returned and spread to his lungs, with one tumor the size of a golf ball.
Dr. Oz pledges to tackle hospice fraud: "Do not steal from the American people"
The Trump administration's Medicare boss reacts to CBS News investigation into California's hospice fraud problems.
Millions of Americans skip meals, stretch medication to afford health care
Even people with six-figure incomes are making financial sacrifices to pay for medical care, a new study finds.
World
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At least 23 dead in suspected suicide bombings in Nigeria, police say
At least 23 people were killed and more than 100 wounded in suspected suicide bombings in Maiduguri, Nigeria, police said. It was one of the deadliest attacks in the conflict-battered city in recent history.
Pakistani strike hits rehab hospital in Afghanistan, Taliban says
The Taliban in Afghanistan claim that a Pakistani military airstrike on a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul has killed over 400 people, but Pakistan alleges the site was a weapons depot.
Trump requests delay of China trip because of Iran war
President Trump was planning to visit China at the end of March.
Cuba plans to open up to investment from nationals in U.S. amid pressure from Trump
The Cuban government is planning to allow Cuban nationals who live abroad to invest in the island, a government official told NBC News, as the country faces economic collapse and pressure from the Trump administration.
Cuba begins restoring power after energy grid collapses in nationwide blackout
The latest blackout in Cuba comes over a week after another massive outage affected the island's west, leaving millions without power.
Entertainment
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Kennedy Center votes to shut down ahead of Trump-backed renovation project
The Kennedy Center's board of directors has voted to shut down operations for two years following this summer's July 4 celebrations.
Stars walk Vanity Fair Oscar Party red carpet
Oscar winners Jessie Buckley, Michael B. Jordan and other celebrities appeared on the red carpet for the Vanity Fair party after the awards show. See some of the red carpet looks.
Did "Sinners" get snubbed at the Oscars?
The 2026 Academy Awards were held in Los Angeles on Sunday. Entertainment Tonight host Kevin Frazier breaks down the winners and the biggest upsets.
Oscars 2026 best dressed
CBS News contributor Lauren Sherman breaks down some of the best looks from the 2026 Oscars, where looks from Chanel and Dior dominated the red carpet.
Lizzo announces children's book
Grammy award-winner Lizzo exclusively announced on "CBS Mornings" her latest project, a children's book called "Little Lizzo Meets Sasha B. Flute." She spoke with Gayle King about her inspiration for the book and message for young readers.
Technology
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Technology
U.S. hospitals, insurers turn to AI for claims
A constant battle in the U.S. health care system is the fight between insurers and providers over the cost of medical procedures and who foots the bill. Both sides are turning to artificial intelligence to make their case. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder explains.
Solar farm development faces pushback
A community in Alabama is pushing back against a solar farm that would power an artificial intelligence data center in the state. CBS News reporter Kati Weis has more.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Jury deliberates in social media trial
Jury deliberations are underway in a landmark social media trial about addiction claims. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has the details.
3 teens took part in a weeklong experiment to curb screen time. It worked.
For one week, three New Jersey high schoolers agreed not to take their phones to bed, and to try different tools to reduce screen time.
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Discovery of 1949 whale recording could unlock mysteries of ocean
The song is that of a humpback whale and was recorded by scientists in March 1949 in Bermuda, researchers said.
Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
Crime
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Alleged pipe bomber argues charges should be tossed under Jan. 6 pardons
A man who was accused of planting pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC on the eve of the Jan. 6 attack is arguing he is covered by President Trump's sweeping pardons of alleged Jan. 6 rioters.
Kouri Richins convicted of murdering husband
A jury on Monday found Kouri Richins, a Utah mom who wrote about grief, guilty of murder in the fatal poisoning of her husband. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has more.
Kouri Richins, mom who wrote grief book, found guilty of murdering her husband
Jurors delivered their verdict Monday in the trial of Kouri Richins, a Utah mother accused of murdering her husband and later publishing a children's book about grief.
Suspect in California teen's 2019 disappearance rearrested, indicted in her killing
Authorities have made an arrest in the cold case disappearance of California teenager Victoria Marquina.
Closing arguments in Kouri Richins trial
Closing arguments are expected to begin on Monday in Kouri Richins' murder trial. She's accused of giving her husband a deadly dose of fentanyl four years ago before she later published a children's book about grief. The case included 13 days of testimony, but the defense did not call any witnesses. If convicted, Richins could face life in prison.
Space
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Bill Nye on going from Boeing to science guy
Bill Nye the Science Guy sits down with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett to talk about his life and career.
NASA targets April 1 for moon mission launch
NASA's huge Space Launch System rocket has been repaired and is ready for rollout back to the launch pad next week.
1,300-pound NASA satellite to crash on Earth
Nearly 14 years after it was launched in 2012, NASA says a 1,300-pound satellite is expected to come crashing back to Earth on Wednesday. Most of it will burn up as it reenters the atmosphere, but NASA warns some debris could survive reentry.
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Why NASA is overhauling Artemis program
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Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Kouri Richins convicted of murdering husband
A jury on Monday found Kouri Richins, a Utah mom who wrote about grief, guilty of murder in the fatal poisoning of her husband. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has more.
3/16: The Takeout with Major Garrett
Trump calls for other countries to help open Strait of Hormuz; White House chief of staff Susie Wiles diagnosed with breast cancer.
An Oscar for a film meant to make us feel again
For years, CBS News' own Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp documented the bedrooms of children killed in school shootings. The resulting film, "All the Empty Rooms," just won an Oscar. Tony Dokoupil has more.
Tips for braving airport chaos this spring break
With the spring and summer travel seasons on the horizon, many are wondering how worried to be about long security lines at the airport. Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy website, joins to discuss.
Iran strikes U.S. oil tanker in Strait of Hormuz
Since the start of the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran just over two weeks ago, 500 tankers have been stuck by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. Imtiaz Tyab reports.