Inside the U.S.-Russia prison swap
A major prisoner swap is taking place Thursday between the U.S. and Russia that includes Americans Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan among others. Lindsey Reiser anchored CBS News' special coverage of the exchange.
Paul Whelan
Plane with Russian prisoners lands in Turkey
Americans Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva are expected to be part of a major prisoner swap Thursday that the U.S. and Russia have agreed to. The plane believed to be holding the prisoners from Russia has landed in Turkey. Michael George anchored CBS News' special coverage of the release.
What to know about Gershkovich and Whelan
A major prisoner swap is underway between the U.S. and Russia that includes Americans Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva. Michael George anchored CBS News' special coverage of the release.
Prisoner swap for Gershkovich, Whelan underway
The Biden administration has agreed to a prisoner swap with Russia to secure the release of U.S. citizens Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva. Nate Burleson anchored CBS News' special report.
What we know about U.S.-Russia prisoner swap
Americans Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan along with Russian-American radio journalist Alsu Kurmasheva are expected to be part of a prisoner exchange the Biden administration has agreed to with Russia. The exchange is expected later Thursday. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes has more.
U.S., Russia agree to prisoner swap
The Biden administration has agreed to a prisoner exchange with Russia and is expected to soon secure the release of three American citizens imprisoned in Russia including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Marine veteran Paul Whelan, and Russian-American radio journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, a senior administration official confirms. Others are believed to be part of the deal. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes has more.
Russia sentences American man to 12.5 years in prison on drug charges
A court in Russia has sentenced U.S. national Robert Woodland to more than 12 years in prison on drug charges, his lawyer says.
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich's trial starts in Russia
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich went on trial behind closed doors in Russia on espionage charges he, the Journal and Washington vehemently deny. A conviction is considered almost certain.
Russian state media say jailed U.S. soldier has entered a guilty plea
Russian media say U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, who has been jailed for two weeks, is cooperating with authorities and has pleaded guilty to theft.
Russian court says American man jailed for drunken "petty hooliganism"
A Moscow court says a U.S. man has been jailed for drunkenly crashing through a kid's library window, as an American soldier is also detained.
Russian court extends Evan Gershkovich's pretrial detention yet again
U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich will remain "wrongfully detained" by Russia - with no sign yet of a trial on espionage charges – until at least June.
Fear for L.A. woman jailed and accused of treason in Russia
Russian officials say a dual U.S.-Russian from L.A. is suspected of treason for "proactively collecting funds" for Ukraine's army.
Blinken speaks with Paul Whelan, American detained in Russia, for third time
It's the third time Secretary of State Antony Blinken has spoken with Paul Whelan, who has been detained in Russia since 2018.
Putin signals he's open to prisoner swap for release of WSJ reporter
Russian President Vladimir Putin implied he wanted to make a prisoner swap in an interview with Tucker Carlson.
Biden meets with Paul Whelan's sister after Russia rejects offer to free him
The State Department recently said the U.S. made a "significant" proposal for the release of Americans Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich that was rejected by Russia.
Russia says it has detained a U.S. citizen on drug charges
A Russian court says a U.S. national identified as Robert Romanov Woodland has been detained on drug charges that carry a possible 20-year prison sentence.
Paul Whelan issues plea to Biden: "He's the man that can bring me home"
Whelan was first detained by Russian authorities in December 2018 while attending a friend's wedding. He was convicted in 2020 of espionage and sentenced to 16 years of hard labor.
Paul Whelan pleads with Biden to secure release
Paul Whelan, the Marine veteran who was first detained by Russian authorities in December 2018, issued a desperate plea to President Biden in a phone interview with WTOP-TV on Christmas Eve from the remote Russian penal colony where he is serving a 16-year sentence. Nicole Sganga has more.
Paul Whelan tells BBC he feels left behind
American Paul Whelan, who U.S. officials say is being wrongfully detained by Russia in a remote prison, told BBC News Eastern Europe correspondent Sarah Rainsford in a rare interview by phone that he feels the United States left him behind.
"They've left me behind," Paul Whelan says from inside Russian prison
American Paul Whelan, imprisoned in Russia for 5 years, says it's "unfathomable to me that they've left me behind."
Putin speaks about detained Americans
Russian President Vladimir Putin said the Kremlin is in dialogue with the U.S. on the potential release of two Americans being held in Russia, Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan. CBS News contributor Mary Ilyushina reports on what Putin said during his year-end news conference.
Putin says he hopes to "find a solution" with U.S. on detained Americans
Vladimir Putin held his first end-of-year news conference since Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022.
Russia rejected "significant" deal for Americans' release, U.S. says
The State Department said "a number of proposals" have been made to secure the release of the wrongfully detained Americans.
Paul Whelan attacked by fellow prisoner at Russian labor camp, family says
Paul Whelan's family said a fellow prisoner hit him in the face and broke his glasses after he asked him to move out of the way.
American Paul Whelan appears in rare video from inside Russian prison
"You understand when I say that I can't do an interview, which means that I can't answer any questions," Whelan told a Russia Today reporter.
Zelenskyy says he will meet Trump on Sunday for Ukraine-Russia talks
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy says he and President Trump have agreed to meet in Florida on Sunday, signaling progress in talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Maps show winter storm forecast for ice and snow from Great Lakes to Northeast
Millions of Americans live in areas under winter storm alerts stretching from northern Minnesota to the Eastern Seaboard.
U.S. launches strikes on ISIS targets in Nigeria, Trump says
Strikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria come after President Trump spent weeks accusing the West African country's government of failing to rein in the persecution of Christians.
Veterans Affairs Department reimposing near total abortion ban
The Veterans Affairs Department is reimposing a near total ban on abortions for veterans and their families that was modified in 2022.
Israel police say 2 killed in car-ramming and stabbing attack by Palestinian
The attack began Friday afternoon in the northern city of Beit Shean, where the Palestinian man crashed his vehicle into people, killing one man and injuring a teenage boy.
Perry Bamonte, guitarist for The Cure, dies after "short illness" at 65
The band announced Perry Bamonte's death on their official website on Friday.
Iran seizes oil tanker smuggling fuel on Strait of Hormuz, Tehran says
Iran seized a foreign oil tanker as it traveled the strategic Strait of Hormuz carrying some 25,000 barrels of smuggled fuel, state media said.
Here's what is open on the day after Christmas, from retailers to banks
With President Trump declaring Dec. 26 a federal holiday, here's what's open and closed on Dec. 26.
15 hurt in stabbing, chemical liquid attack in Japan tire factory
More than a dozen people were injured in a stabbing attack in a factory in central Japan in which a liquid believed to be bleach was also sprayed, authorities said.
U.S.
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Two police officers injured, suspect killed during child custody exchange
Police were called to a shopping center late Friday morning. Two officers were shot and are in critical condition.
This week on "Sunday Morning" (Dec. 28)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
U.S. stocks hover at record highs after the Christmas holiday
Stocks are mostly flat in quiet morning trading on Friday as investors return from the Christmas holiday.
Veterans Affairs Department reimposing near total abortion ban
The Veterans Affairs Department is reimposing a near total ban on abortions for veterans and their families that was modified in 2022.
Maps show winter storm forecast for ice and snow from Great Lakes to Northeast
Millions of Americans live in areas under winter storm alerts stretching from northern Minnesota to the Eastern Seaboard.
MoneyWatch
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U.S. stocks hover at record highs after the Christmas holiday
Stocks are mostly flat in quiet morning trading on Friday as investors return from the Christmas holiday.
Here's what is open on the day after Christmas, from retailers to banks
With President Trump declaring Dec. 26 a federal holiday, here's what's open and closed on Dec. 26.
5 money moves to make in 2026, according to financial experts
As many Americans head into 2026 with mounting money worries, reviewing your finances now could help put you on firmer footing next year.
Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? See which businesses are operating.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
NHTSA investigating Tesla Model 3 emergency door handles
Traffic safety regulators are reviewing a motorist's complaints that the manual door handles on some Model 3 cars are hard to find, a potential hazard in a crash.
Politics
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Veterans Affairs Department reimposing near total abortion ban
The Veterans Affairs Department is reimposing a near total ban on abortions for veterans and their families that was modified in 2022.
U.S. launches strikes on ISIS targets in Nigeria, Trump says
Strikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria come after President Trump spent weeks accusing the West African country's government of failing to rein in the persecution of Christians.
Kimmel skewers Trump, tells U.K. viewers that "tyranny is booming" in U.S.
The message, aired on Channel 4 on Christmas Day, reflected on the impact of President Trump's second term in office thus far.
Kennedy Center Christmas Eve concert canceled after Trump's name added
A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled.
Trump promises to guard against "bad Santa" in Christmas Eve calls with kids
President Trump spent part of Christmas Eve bantering with kids, updating families on NORAD's Santa tracker and reminding one child that the big guy has a "serious appetite."
HealthWatch
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Baby defies all odds after growing outside his mom's womb
Suze Lopez, a 41-year-old nurse who lives in Bakersfield, California, didn't know she was pregnant with her second child until days before giving birth.
FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy.
Aetna to cover IVF treatments for same-sex couples in national settlement
A federal judge has approved a preliminary agreement for a class action lawsuit requiring Aetna to cover fertility treatments for same-sex couples as they do with heterosexual couples.
Flu season is ramping up, and some experts are "pretty worried"
Doctors and scientists say this year's influenza season could be tougher than usual, with a new version of the flu virus, called H3N2, spreading quickly.
Finding hope through cancer clinical trials
#LillyPartner Cancer clinical trials can offer patients access to investigational treatments that can be explored as early as the time of diagnosis. Ovarian cancer survivor Alicia Dellario and Dr. Arjun Balar, senior vice president of global clinical development at Eli Lilly and Company, join "CBS Mornings" to talk about the potential benefits of cancer clinical trials -- and clarify common misconceptions. Visit cancerclinicaltrials.lilly.com for more information. (Sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company)
World
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Israeli police say 2 killed in car-ramming and stabbing attack by Palestinian
The attack began Friday afternoon in the northern city of Beit Shean, where the Palestinian man crashed his vehicle into people, killing one man and injuring a teenage boy.
8 killed, 18 wounded in mosque bombing in Syria
Images shared by Syria's state-run news agency showed blood on carpets, holes in the walls, shattered windows and fire damage.
Endangered wild cat seen in Thailand for the first time in 30 years
Flat-headed cats are among the world's most threatened wild felines.
Iran seizes oil tanker smuggling fuel on Strait of Hormuz, Tehran says
Iran seized a foreign oil tanker as it traveled the strategic Strait of Hormuz carrying some 25,000 barrels of smuggled fuel, state media said.
15 hurt in stabbing, chemical liquid attack in Japan tire factory
More than a dozen people were injured in a stabbing attack in a factory in central Japan in which a liquid believed to be bleach was also sprayed, authorities said.
Entertainment
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Perry Bamonte, guitarist for The Cure, dies after "short illness" at 65
The band announced Perry Bamonte's death on their official website on Friday.
Broadway actress Imani Smith stabbed to death in New Jersey, police say
Smith previously played young Nala in "The Lion King" on Broadway.
Former "Big Brother" houseguest Mickey Lee died on Christmas, family says
Mickey Lee, a former "Big Brother" houseguest known for her vibrant personality and bold gameplay, has died, her family announced in a social media post shared Friday.
Kimmel skewers Trump, tells U.K. viewers that "tyranny is booming" in U.S.
The message, aired on Channel 4 on Christmas Day, reflected on the impact of President Trump's second term in office thus far.
King Charles and royal family, minus Andrew, gather for Christmas
King Charles III led his family to church on foot ahead of his annual Christmas Day speech that is expected to focus on pilgrimage.
Technology
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Technology
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
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.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Instacart to end AI price tests for retailers following investigation
Instacart had drawn criticism for testing an AI-based system that enabled retailers to charge different prices for the same grocery items.
Science
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Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
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Crime
What's next on the Epstein files release?
Lawmakers may take action against the Department of Justice for the delayed release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson weighs in.
Two police officers injured, suspect killed during child custody exchange
Police were called to a shopping center late Friday morning. Two officers were shot and are in critical condition.
Broadway actress Imani Smith stabbed to death in New Jersey, police say
Smith previously played young Nala in "The Lion King" on Broadway.
15 hurt in stabbing, chemical liquid attack in Japan tire factory
More than a dozen people were injured in a stabbing attack in a factory in central Japan in which a liquid believed to be bleach was also sprayed, authorities said.
Terry Rozier seeks to have charges thrown out in NBA gambling case
His lawyers argued that Rozier's alleged involvement in the wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies is limited.
Space
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Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
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?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
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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
Zelenskyy to meet with Trump in Florida
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that he will meet with President Trump in Florida this weekend to discuss security guarantees. CBS News' Leigh Kiniry and Sam Vinograd have the latest.
Details on strikes targeting ISIS in Nigeria
U.S. forces launched strikes targeting ISIS forces in Nigeria on Christmas Day. CBS News White House reporter Willie James Inman has the latest.
What's next on the Epstein files release?
Lawmakers may take action against the Department of Justice for the delayed release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson weighs in.
Christmas return season begins
Americans have entered the 2025 gift returns era after the Christmas holidays. CBS MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady has more.
Catastrophic flooding in California
Catastrophic flooding and mudslides in California have turned deadly. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez reports.