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.
Live
July 4th celebrations mark America's 250th birthday. Follow live updates.
Americans are celebrating 250 years of independence this Fourth of July with events including the largest fireworks display in history.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce married in ceremony officiated by Adam Sandler
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were married as they celebrated their wedding with hundreds of guests Friday at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Serena Williams withdraws from Wimbledon doubles match with sister Venus
Serena Williams cited a knee injury behind her decision to withdraw from a doubles match at Wimbledon.
Prince Harry to travel without Meghan to London amid security flap
Meghan and his children may eventually join him on the rest of the trip outside London, the source said.
Live
Mourners chant for revenge as dayslong funeral of Iran's slain leader begins
The flag-draped casket of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was put on display in Tehran with millions expected to attend his dayslong funeral.
Trump pardons pollution violators prosecuted for "fixing their car"
CBS News previously reported President Trump was weighing pardons of a slate of people convicted of emissions and clean air-related violations.
250 essential American songs to mark nation's birthday
What are the essential American songs? To mark the nation's 250th birthday, we asked that question to Sunday Morning's familiar faces, from performers to artists and writers to community leaders.
CBS to host "The Great American Block Party 250" special on July 4
CBS will host a primetime special celebrating America's 250th birthday on Saturday, July 4, with exclusive performances and the largest fireworks show in history.
Maps show this July 4th could be hottest ever in parts of U.S.
Extremely dangerous heat, coupled with humidity, could result in heat index readings of 100 to 115 degrees from the Midwest to the East Coast, forecasters said.
U.S.
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DNA technology leads to identification of Revolutionary War soldier
The remains of a Revolutionary War soldier were identified as a young man from Maryland just before America's 250th anniversary.
Serena Williams withdraws from Wimbledon doubles match with sister Venus
Serena Williams cited a knee injury behind her decision to withdraw from a doubles match at Wimbledon.
Live
July 4th celebrations mark America's 250th birthday. Follow live updates.
Americans are celebrating 250 years of independence this Fourth of July with events including the largest fireworks display in history.
6 presidential speeches that shaped American history
These six presidential speeches are some that have most reverberated through the ages, and whose impacts are still felt today.
Trump warns of "communist menace" in speech at Mount Rushmore
The president kicked off America's 250th anniversary celebrations with a speech at Mount Rushmore where he warned of a resurgence in communism.
MoneyWatch
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More than 100,000 fireworks recalled ahead of July 4
Federal safety regulators are urging consumers to stop using the recalled fireworks and return them for a full refund.
How to save money on air conditioning as electric bills climb
As Americans endure another bout of extreme heat, experts say small thermostat adjustments and other energy-saving steps can help reduce soaring cooling costs.
Here's who won — and lost — under Trump's "big, beautiful bill"
A year after President Trump signed the sweeping tax and spending package, its effects on households, businesses and federal programs are increasingly evident.
U.S. says it's monitoring oil markets for price-fixing, urges states to do same
Antitrust regulators suggested that state attorneys general could assist in investigating unlawful conduct by companies.
What's open and closed on July 3 and July 4? See which stores are operating.
Major retail stores will be open on Friday, although some may have modified hours on Saturday, July 4.
Politics
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6 presidential speeches that shaped American history
These six presidential speeches are some that have most reverberated through the ages, and whose impacts are still felt today.
Trump warns of "communist menace" in speech at Mount Rushmore
The president kicked off America's 250th anniversary celebrations with a speech at Mount Rushmore where he warned of a resurgence in communism.
Trump announces pardons for pollution violators prosecuted for "fixing their car"
CBS News previously reported President Trump was weighing pardons of a slate of people convicted of emissions and clean air-related violations.
Trump gifted lavish ring from Belgian diamond group that won tariff relief
The gift comes months after Belgium's diamond industry won the removal of U.S. tariffs on diamond imports.
Inside the security operations for July Fourth celebrations in D.C.
The Fourth of July celebrations in Washington, D.C., are deemed a "national special security event," which is the highest possible designation.
HealthWatch
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1 symptom leads to dad's cancer diagnosis: "I was like, 'Wait, what?'"
Eric Dillon thought the pain in his shoulder was a minor injury. It took two years to get the real answer.
Why tick season is expected to be worse than normal
The CDC is reporting the highest rate of emergency room visits from tick bites since 2017 in many parts of the U.S.
Investigation
What a Brooklyn bodega reveals about the craze for an experimental weight-loss drug
It isn't approved by the FDA, but we found an experimental weight-loss drug called retatrutide for sale at a local convenience store.
Actor Danny Glover reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis
Actor Danny Glover spoke about his Alzheimer's diagnosis in an interview with NBC's "Today" show, revealing that he has been living with the disease for several years.
Medicare to help pay for some GLP-1 drugs
Starting Wednesday, Medicare will help pay for some GLP-1 medications for weight loss. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Celine Gounder explains what this means for patients.
World
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Egypt uncovers lost Byzantine-era city in the western desert
The fourth-century residential city in the western desert is one of two major archaeological finds announced by Egypt on Saturday.
Prince Harry to travel solo to London amid security flap
Meghan and his children may eventually join him on the rest of the trip outside London, the source said.
Trump gifted lavish ring from Belgian diamond group that won tariff relief
The gift comes months after Belgium's diamond industry won the removal of U.S. tariffs on diamond imports.
Prince William appears on "New Heights" podcast ahead of Swift-Kelce wedding
Prince William will appear on the podcast hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce just hours before Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's anticipated wedding.
Venice mayor proposes new dynamic pricing tourist fee
The mayor of Venice says the city is seeking government approval to introduce a form of dynamic pricing to deal with tourism costs.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce tie the knot
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were married at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Friday. Comedian Adam Sandler officiated the ceremony, a representative for Swift confirmed. Jo Ling Kent has more details.
Empire State Building lights up for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding
The Empire State Building lit up in blue for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding Friday night.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce married
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are officially married, according to Swift's publicist. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Fans gather in NYC for Taylor Swift's wedding
New York has been waiting for Taylor Swift, as the pop icon may be preparing to marry NFL star Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden on Friday night. Carlos Greer, a senior reporter at Page Six, joins CBS News to discuss.
World awaits news on Taylor Swift's wedding
Taylor Swift fans are awaiting news on her highly anticipated wedding to football player Travis Kelce. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports from New York City.
Technology
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Technology
Why U.S. initially restricted Anthropic AI models
The Trump administration has lifted export restrictions on Anthropic's most advanced artificial intelligence models, Fable and Mythos, after weeks of negotiations over national security concerns. CNET Editor-in-Chief David Katzmaier joins to discuss.
White House lifted AI limits, Anthropic says
Tech giant Anthropic says that the federal government has now removed restrictions from its robust Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models. Axios reporter Madison Mills has more on artificial intelligence regulation.
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.
Sony to stop making physical discs for PlayStation starting in 2028
After January 2028, new games will be available exclusively in digital format from the PlayStation Store and at retailers, Sony said.
Consumers need protection from AI agents, lawmaker says
Sen. Mark Warner wants to create a federal registry of trusted AI agents and ensure autonomous bots operate like fiduciaries.
Science
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The American innovation that made millions of others possible
From the lightbulb to the airplane, to medical breakthroughs and the internet age, the past 250 years have been defined by America's intrepid intellect.
New White House UFO panel chair speaks out
The White House appointed former Harvard University astronomer Avi Loeb to lead its new panel on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, also known as UAPs and UFOs. Loeb shares his enthusiasm for his new role.
3 futurists predict what America will be like in the centuries ahead
From space to healthcare and artificial intelligence, what could the next 250 years of the United States look like?
NASA strives to save doomed telescope
NASA is in a race against time as the Swift Observatory telescope in orbit sinks closer to Earth. CBS News consultant William Harwood explains the $30 million salvage operation.
Fossil found in drawer turns out to be first dinosaur bone from Antarctica
Dinosaur fossils are rare to find in Antarctica because of the unforgiving ice caps. But millions of years ago, the region was populated by lush forests.
Crime
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Crime
Trump announces 6 new pardons
The four presidents carved into Mount Rushmore collectively issued over 1,100 pardons. President Trump, who is visiting there tonight, has outdone them all and is now adding more. Nancy Cordes reports.
Trump considering pardons and clemency
President Trump is considering pardons for a group of people convicted of emissions and clean-air-related violations and has discussed potential clemency for Sean "Diddy" Combs, according to sources familiar with his plans. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Trump weighing Diddy clemency, sources say
President Trump is considering pardons for a slew of individuals, including potential clemency for disgraced music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs and some offenders with pollution-related convictions, sources say. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi reports.
Olympian charged over alleged D.C. vandalism
U.S. Olympian David Hearn is facing a felony charge after being accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. CBS News senior Justice Department reporter Sarah Lynch has the details.
Man charged over Reflecting Pool vandalism
Former U.S. Olympian David Hearn was indicted on Thursday on a felony charge for allegedly tearing up roughly two feet of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool last month, amid the algae blooms and political mudslinging around the president's $16 million renovation. Nicole Sganga reports.
Space
More Space
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Latest Galleries
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Celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
6/27: CBS Weekend News
High winds and heat are fueling Utah's out-of-control wildfires; Iranian drones target Bahrain after U.S. strikes Iran.
Punch Brothers perform "New Bike"
Bluegrass band Punch Brothers was formed by mandolinist Chris Thile in 2006. Their upcoming all-instrumental album, "The Unsung Adventures of Punch Brothers," will be released on July 24. Here's Punch Brothers performing "New Bike."
Punch Brothers play "This Land Is Your Land"
Bluegrass band Punch Brothers was formed by mandolinist Chris Thile in 2006. In celebration of the Fourth of July, here's Punch Brothers performing their cover of Woody Guthrie's classic song, "This Land Is Your Land."
The last residents of Liberty Island
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognized works of art in the world, symbolizing American progress and the welcoming promise of immigration. Lady Liberty stands on a 15-acre island, now crowded by tourists — but once, a small group of residents called the island their home.
America's most iconic flag-raising moments
The iconic American flag is recognized around the world, representing the ideals and image of the nation. Author and photographer Roland Miller joins "CBS Saturday Mornings" to showcase some of the most famous flag moments in American history.