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
U.S., Iran trade attacks again after Trump threat
The U.S. and Iran exchanged fire again on Thursday after President Trump pledged Tehran would "pay the price" for not accepting a deal.
Bill Gates tells Congress that meeting Epstein was "a grave error in judgment"
Bill Gates told members of Congress on Wednesday that Jeffrey Epstein put his philanthropic work at risk, and that meeting him represented "a grave error in judgment."
Is China's Xi worried that North Korea wants "to confront the U.S."?
A veteran North Korea analyst says Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea was about keeping tabs on an emboldened Kim Jong Un who wants "to confront the U.S."
Trump says "I love the inflation" because U.S. is "taking out" Iranian oil
President Trump said the U.S. has taken out "millions" of barrels of Iranian oil in the dead of night, and said inflation will come down when the war ends.
Vance says Netanyahu has "certainly gotten some things wrong"
The vice president said President Trump "has been very clear about what is in our best interest" as the relationship with Israel is tested over the Iran war.
Florida man blames wrongful arrest on "error-prone" AI facial recognition
The wrongful arrest is just one of over a dozen in recent years linked to facial recognition technology.
U.S. launches more strikes on Iranian targets after Trump promises to hit Iran "hard"
The U.S. military launched an additional round of strikes on targets within Iran early Thursday morning local time, hours after President Trump vowed to hit Iran "hard."
Judge declines to halt "anti-weaponization fund" but warns DOJ not to "play possum"
A judge denied a request to block the DOJ's "anti-weaponization fund," noting Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche had already vowed not to move forward. But the judge warned: "Don't play possum with this court."
Here's who will face off in California's new House districts as Dems seek edge
California's Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom spearheaded a redistricting initiative that was intended to make up to five more districts more friendly to Democrats. Voters may have different ideas.
U.S.
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Far-right influencer arrested in Texas on charge of making terroristic threats
Jake Lang, a far-right influencer who was charged in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, was arrested in Dallas on a state charge of making terroristic threats.
In a tough economy, many U.S. teachers forced to work second jobs
According to a recent survey, 71% of U.S. public school teachers said they work at least one second job.
Florida man blames wrongful arrest on "error-prone" AI facial recognition
The wrongful arrest is just one of over a dozen in recent years linked to facial recognition technology.
America's birth rate has plunged. Are smartphones to blame?
The iPhone was introduced in 2007, the same year the U.S. birth rate started to slide. The issues could be linked, a new analysis finds.
Will SpaceX's blockbuster IPO soar or sputter? Past IPOs offer clues.
Splashy initial public offerings often skyrocket early on, only to return to earth with a thud, Wall Street analysts say.
MoneyWatch
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In a tough economy, many U.S. teachers forced to work second jobs
According to a recent survey, 71% of U.S. public school teachers said they work at least one second job.
America's birth rate has plunged. Are smartphones to blame?
The iPhone was introduced in 2007, the same year the U.S. birth rate started to slide. The issues could be linked, a new analysis finds.
Will SpaceX's blockbuster IPO soar or sputter? Past IPOs offer clues.
Splashy initial public offerings often skyrocket early on, only to return to earth with a thud, Wall Street analysts say.
Trump says "I love the inflation" because U.S. is "taking out" Iranian oil
President Trump said the U.S. has taken out "millions" of barrels of Iranian oil in the dead of night, and said inflation will come down when the war ends.
Honda recalls 880,000 vehicles over possible rear suspension issue
The recall affects certain Honda Pilot, Ridgeline, Passport, and Acura MDX vehicles sold in 23 states and the District of Columbia.
Politics
More Politics
Here's who will face off in California's new House districts as Dems seek edge
California's Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom spearheaded a redistricting initiative that was intended to make up to five more districts more friendly to Democrats. Voters may have different ideas.
Judge declines to halt "anti-weaponization fund" but warns DOJ not to "play possum"
A judge denied a request to block the DOJ's "anti-weaponization fund," noting Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche had already vowed not to move forward. But the judge warned: "Don't play possum with this court."
U.S. launches more strikes on Iranian targets after Trump promises to hit Iran "hard"
The U.S. military launched an additional round of strikes on targets within Iran early Thursday morning local time, hours after President Trump vowed to hit Iran "hard."
Vance says Netanyahu has "certainly gotten some things wrong"
The vice president said President Trump "has been very clear about what is in our best interest" as the relationship with Israel is tested over the Iran war.
Exclusive
ICE mandates additional training for new hires after backlash
ICE has extended training for new officers and mandated additional instruction for those onboarded under a shortened process that has now been scrapped.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
FDA approves new sunscreen ingredient
The FDA approved a new ingredient for sunscreen that's been in use in Europe for years. Dr. Jon LaPook has more details.
New sunscreen option wins FDA approval after years of delay
A sunscreen ingredient that's been available in Europe, Japan and South Korea for years has finally been approved by the FDA for sale in the U.S.
Safety concerns over weight loss drug
There's a new safety concern about doctors prescribing one experimental weight loss treatment, retatrutide, that hasn't even been FDA approved yet. Adam Yamaguchi reports.
How an experimental weight-loss drug is being openly promoted by physicians
Doctors are jumping the gun to prescribe a medication lacking FDA approval that has gone viral on social media. "Why are we waiting?" one physician asked.
The promises and pitfalls of GLP-1 drugs
Approved 20 years ago as a diabetes treatment, GLP-1 drugs have been found to help patients reduce weight, changing the lives of more than 30 million people in the U.S. But there also have been troubling side effects reported.
World
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Is China's Xi worried that North Korea wants "to confront the U.S."?
A veteran North Korea analyst says Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea was about keeping tabs on an emboldened Kim Jong Un who wants "to confront the U.S."
Belfast protests erupt again after stabbing as police deploy water cannons
Police have used water cannons on protesters in Northern Ireland after violence erupted for a second night over a stabbing in Belfast.
U.S. launches more strikes on Iranian targets after Trump promises to hit Iran "hard"
The U.S. military launched an additional round of strikes on targets within Iran early Thursday morning local time, hours after President Trump vowed to hit Iran "hard."
Vance says Netanyahu has "certainly gotten some things wrong"
The vice president said President Trump "has been very clear about what is in our best interest" as the relationship with Israel is tested over the Iran war.
When will the Iran war end? Here's what Trump has said.
President Trump has offered timelines of days and weeks for the Iran war, but a solution remains elusive.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
G Flip on song becoming a hit in "Off Campus"
Musician G Flip first rose to fame in Australia but has become a global star since their song "Bed of Fire" appeared in the series "Off Campus." They speak to "CBS Mornings" about how the song's popularity has impacted their music, family support and advice for young artists.
Amazon's best books of the year so far
Amazon Books editorial director Sarah Gelman joins "CBS Mornings" to reveal Amazon's best books of the year so far and why they made the list.
Pope Leo met with Bad Bunny in Spain
Pope Leo XIV met with music superstar Bad Bunny in Spain as the pontiff continues his multi-city tour. CBS News' Chris Livesay reports.
Taylor Swift wedding fuels prediction markets
Bettors have wagered millions of dollars on platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi as rumors swirl surrounding the wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Jo Ling Kent has more.
Broadway stars at the Tony Awards
Hollywood stars like Daniel Radcliffe and Rachel Dratch took to the stage this Broadway season. CBS News' Taylor Masi spoke with some of the stars at the 2026 Tony Awards.
Technology
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Technology
Diving into smart glasses' pros and cons
Major tech players are racing to put AI on your face, literally, with smart glasses. Ziad Asghar, senior vice president and general manager of XR, Wearables and Personal AI for Qualcomm, joins CBS News to discuss.
America's birth rate has plunged. Are smartphones to blame?
The iPhone was introduced in 2007, the same year the U.S. birth rate started to slide. The issues could be linked, a new analysis finds.
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.
OpenAI announces plan to go public
Last week, Anthropic, valued at almost a trillion dollars, filed to go public. Yesterday, its chief rival OpenAI confidentially filed for an initial public offering. Later this week, SpaceX is set to go public in what could be the largest IPO ever. Jon Krohn, the co-founder and CEO of Y Carrot, joins CBS News to discuss.
Meta launches program to train workers for data center jobs
Meta pledged to invest $115 million to train electricians, plumbers and other workers needed to operate data centers.
Science
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World's largest whale graveyard found by sub at bottom of ocean
The researchers saw many strange animals — many believed to be new to science — living off the whale carcasses.
NASA names 4 astronauts for next Artemis mission
NASA's Artemis III astronauts plan to carry out rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Great white shark captured on video in Mediterranean in rare sighting
Great white sharks are classified as "critically endangered" in the Mediterranean Sea, and underwater sightings are incredibly rare.
El Niño could bring more widespread coral bleaching, NOAA warns
The expected arrival of El Niño this summer could trigger another mass coral bleaching event, which would be the fifth on record, researchers said.
Scientists find yeast in frozen mummy's guts, use it to make bread
More than 5,300 years ago, Oetzi the Iceman was strolling through the Alps on the border of Austria and Italy when he was killed by an arrow in the back.
Crime
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Florida man blames wrongful arrest on "error-prone" AI facial recognition
The wrongful arrest is just one of over a dozen in recent years linked to facial recognition technology.
Gates speaks out before Epstein testimony
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates spoke to reporters on Capitol Hill Wednesday before testifying for members of the House Oversight Committee about his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Taurean Small reports.
Inside the White House Epstein files reaction
The release of the Epstein files triggered a "freakout" inside the White House for President Trump's top advisers, a new report from The New York Times shows. CBS News' Nancy Cordes has more.
Pilot accused of flying without valid license
An Air Canada pilot is accused of flying 900 flights over 17 years without a proper license. The man used false documents after being promoted to captain in 2009 until his retirement last year, authorities said. He did have a valid commercial pilot license, but never got the license required to act as a captain.
Bill Gates testifying on ties to Epstein
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is expected to testify before members of the House Oversight Committee in a closed-door interview to discuss his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Taurean Small reports.
Space
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NASA chief defends choice of all-male crew for Artemis III mission
NASA's Jared Isaacman says the crew was selected solely based on their experience, expertise and availability for flight assignment.
NASA names 4 astronauts for next Artemis mission
NASA's Artemis III astronauts plan to carry out rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Space station crew briefly moves to "safe haven" amid concerns over leaks
Out of an abundance of caution, NASA briefly directed five of the seven crew members aboard the International Space Station to wait inside the docked SpaceX Crew Dragon "Freedom" spacecraft.
Sun erupts with 3 solar flares, raising chances of northern lights for U.S.
Three solar flares burst from the sun this week, raising the chances of seeing the northern lights for people across the United States.
NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
Latest Galleries
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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.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
New survey results on U.S. financial stress
A new poll from Edward Jones and Gallup of more than 5,000 adults found only 16% felt financially "fulfilled." More than half said they feel financially "conflicted," experiencing both stability and uncertainty. 32% were financially stressed. Washington Post columnist Michelle Singletary joins "The Daily Report" to discuss her article about the poll.
Constitutional questions around SNAP rules
A federal judge has halted an effort by the Trump administration to force states to comply with conditions tied to SNAP food benefits. Twenty Democratic states sued over requirements surrounding gender ideology, immigration and fair opportunities in sports for women and girls. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson answers constitutional questions about the case.
FDA approves sunscreen ingredient
The Food and Drug Administration approved the chemical compound bemotrizinol in sunscreens sold in the U.S. It's the first time in over 25 years that the FDA has approved a new sunscreen ingredient. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Céline Gounder has more.
Ret. Maj. Lyons on new U.S. strikes against Iran
The U.S. launched strikes against Iran on Wednesday night following the downing of an Apache helicopter earlier in the week. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has the latest. Then, Ret. Army Maj. Mike Lyons joins with analysis.
More details on U.S. strikes in Iran
U.S. Central Command said the U.S. launched a new round of what it called self-defense strikes against Iran on Wednesday. Two U.S. officials familiar with the strikes told CBS News the targets include amminuition depots, command and control centers and warehouses. CBS News' Charlie D'Agata and Courtney Kealy have more.