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.
Letlow, Fleming advance to runoff in Louisiana GOP Senate primary, CBS News projects
Incumbent GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy, who had occasionally broken with the Trump administration, lost his bid for a third term.
At least 80 dead in Congo's Ebola outbreak as WHO declares public health emergency
At least 80 deaths have been reported in Congo's new Ebola disease outbreak in the eastern Ituri province, authorities said.
Live
Israel strikes Lebanon as Iran says it "cannot trust the Americans"
Two days of talks in Washington between Lebanon and Israel produced an extension of the current ceasefire by 45 days.
Thousands march in "Unite the Kingdom," far-right rally in central London
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Exorbitant World Cup ticket prices creating sticker shock for soccer fans
FIFA President Gianni Infantino joked that if someone does pay $2 million for a ticket to the World Cup final, "I will personally bring him a hot dog and a Coke."
Days after Trump's summit in Beijing, Putin will meet with China's Xi
Russia's Putin will travel to Beijing next week to meet China's Xi. The announcement came one day after President Trump returned from his own summit with the Chinese leader.
Colorado River crisis could force drastic water measures across the West
Approximately 40 million people across the West depend on the Colorado River for water every single day. But the region could soon face drastic measures as the river keeps shrinking.
Venezuela says it deported Alex Saab, a key Maduro ally, to the U.S.
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Iran men's soccer team heading to Turkey for World Cup preparations
Iran and the U.S. cut diplomatic ties in 1980, and the players are expected to use their time in Turkey to complete the necessary procedures for obtaining visas.
U.S.
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One man with two identities behind crimes from Monaco to New Mexico
In New Mexico, a man is charged with forgery & larceny – and convicted of putting out a hit on his estranged wife. Twenty-six years earlier, a fire in Monaco kills a billionaire and his private nurse. At the center of that mystery was the very same man — with a different name.
Letlow, Fleming advance to runoff in Louisiana GOP Senate primary, CBS News projects
Incumbent GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy, who had occasionally broken with the Trump administration, lost his bid for a third term.
A "Survivor" finalist's mission to prove his late sister was murdered
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Exorbitant World Cup ticket prices creating sticker shock for soccer fans
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Colorado River crisis could force drastic water measures across the West
Approximately 40 million people across the West depend on the Colorado River for water every single day. But the region could soon face drastic measures as the river keeps shrinking.
MoneyWatch
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Ice cream sold in 17 states recalled for potential metal fragments
No injuries have been reported because of the issue, the Food and Drug Administration said.
Trump talks up trade deals with China, but experts see no big wins for U.S.
President Trump's trip to China could bolster economic relations, but failed to deliver a breakthrough deal, some trade and energy experts said.
Which college majors offer the best long-term return on investment?
College grads outearn people without a degree within 15 years, even after paying for tuition, study finds.
How will Jerome Powell be remembered as he exits as Fed chair?
As Powell steps down after more than eight years leading the Federal Reserve, economists say he helped steer the U.S. through historic shocks but misread inflation.
Oklahoma becomes latest state to sue Roblox over child safety concerns
Oklahoma has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, making it the latest state to take legal action against the popular gaming platform over child safety concerns.
Politics
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Letlow, Fleming advance to runoff in Louisiana GOP Senate primary, CBS News projects
Incumbent GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy, who had occasionally broken with the Trump administration, lost his bid for a third term.
Thousands march in "Unite the Kingdom," far-right rally in central London
Police estimated that around 60,000 people attended the "Unite the Kingdom" march, making it one of the largest right-wing mobilizations seen in Britain in recent years.
Days after Trump's summit in Beijing, Putin will meet with China's Xi
Russia's Putin will travel to Beijing next week to meet China's Xi. The announcement came one day after President Trump returned from his own summit with the Chinese leader.
Trump-backed Rep. Julia Letlow advances to runoff in Louisiana GOP Senate primary
Rep. Julia Letlow, who was backed by President Trump in the primary against incumbent Sen. Bill Cassidy, has advanced to a runoff in the Louisiana Republican primary for Senate.
Trump says U.S. has killed Islamic State leader in Nigeria
President Trump announced Friday evening that U.S. and Nigerian military forces had killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a leader in the Islamic State group.
HealthWatch
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Version of hantavirus behind deadly outbreak matches known strain, France says
Genomic analysis showed the virus found aboard the MV Hondius shows no evidence of new characteristics so far.
At least 80 dead in Congo's Ebola outbreak as WHO declares public health emergency
At least 80 deaths have been reported in Congo's new Ebola disease outbreak in the eastern Ituri province, authorities said.
A hospital worker felt healthy. Then he had 3 heart attacks in 4 days.
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New York doctor who survived Ebola says he fears for healthcare workers
A New York doctor who contracted and survived Ebola more than a decade ago says he is worried for healthcare workers who are at the center of treating the latest outbreak.
Controversial FDA official leaving drug center post in latest departure at agency
Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg, leader of the Food and Drug Administration division responsible for regulating prescription and over-the-counter drugs, is leaving her post, a senior FDA official confirmed.
World
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Iran men's soccer team heading to Turkey for World Cup preparations
Iran and the U.S. cut diplomatic ties in 1980, and the players are expected to use their time in Turkey to complete the necessary procedures for obtaining visas.
Bulgaria wins Eurovision Song Contest clouded by politics and protests
This year's field of 35 contestants is the smallest since 2003.
Thousands march in "Unite the Kingdom," far-right rally in central London
Police estimated that around 60,000 people attended the "Unite the Kingdom" march, making it one of the largest right-wing mobilizations seen in Britain in recent years.
Former mayor and aide killed in shooting in Colombia weeks before election
Colombia's presidential elections are scheduled for May 31, marking the end of the term for Gustavo Petro, the country's first leftist president.
At least 80 dead in Congo's Ebola outbreak as WHO declares public health emergency
At least 80 deaths have been reported in Congo's new Ebola disease outbreak in the eastern Ituri province, authorities said.
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A "Survivor" finalist's mission to prove his late sister was murdered
"Survivor" 48 and 50 contestant Joe Hunter believes his sister Joanna, whose death was ruled a suicide, was murdered. He and their mother are working to be Joanna's voice and advocate for others who have experienced domestic violence.
Bulgaria wins Eurovision Song Contest clouded by politics and protests
This year's field of 35 contestants is the smallest since 2003.
"Survivor" superfan builds her own tribe
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"Dutton Ranch" stars on Texas transition
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Taj Mahal performs "Time"
Five-time Grammy winner and blues legend Taj Mahal is best known for hits like "Corinna" and "Statesboro Blues," and has collaborated with The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton during his career that spans six decades. His latest album, "Time," was recorded with his long-time bandmates "The Phantom Blues Band." Here's Taj Mahal performing "Time."
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Atlanta residents report Waymo traffic jams
Atlanta residents say they're waking up to traffic jams of self-driving Waymo vehicles confused by neighborhood signage.
Waymos get in Atlanta traffic jam
Atlanta residents woke up to Waymo traffic jams on Friday. The driverless cars took over a quiet cul-de-sac. Skyler Henry has more details.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
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Oklahoma becomes latest state to sue Roblox over child safety concerns
Oklahoma has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, making it the latest state to take legal action against the popular gaming platform over child safety concerns.
How the Trump-Xi summit could impact AI race
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New dinosaur weighing as much as 9 elephants identified by scientists
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How a growing El Niño will affect 2026 hurricane season in Atlantic, Pacific
The last time an El Niño pattern occurred was in 2023, when the Eastern Pacific hurricane season produced 20 tropical systems.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
Emperor penguins in focus as Antarctica talks start in Japan
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What's in the released UFO files?
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Crime
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One man with two identities behind crimes from Monaco to New Mexico
In New Mexico, a man is charged with forgery & larceny – and convicted of putting out a hit on his estranged wife. Twenty-six years earlier, a fire in Monaco kills a billionaire and his private nurse. At the center of that mystery was the very same man — with a different name.
A "Survivor" finalist's mission to prove his late sister was murdered
"Survivor" 48 and 50 contestant Joe Hunter believes his sister Joanna, whose death was ruled a suicide, was murdered. He and their mother are working to be Joanna's voice and advocate for others who have experienced domestic violence.
Details on charges against Mohammad Al-Saadi
Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, an Iraqi national, is facing federal charges for his alleged terror plots targeting Jewish institutions around the U.S.
Terror plot foiled, suspect under arrest
A terror plot targeting Jewish institutions in New York, California and Arizona has been foiled, and a man linked to the alleged scheme is under arrest on Friday. Prosecutors say the Iraqi suspect is tied to other global attacks and claim he wanted payback for the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran. Tom Hanson reports.
Iraqi man charged with terror plot: officials
An Iraqi national was arrested and charged with planning to carry out several terror attacks in the U.S., including at a New York City synagogue and other prominent Jewish centers in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
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SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
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NASA maps show Earth's brightest and darkest regions at night
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NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
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Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
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Latest CBS News Videos
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The Man with Two Names
After a conviction in the arson death of a billionaire in Monaco, Ted Maher changes his name and puts out a hit on his estranged wife in New Mexico. He denies it all. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty reports.
Joe Hunter's Mission
A "Survivor" contestant believes his sister was murdered and is determined to be her voice. "48 Hours" correspondent Natalie Morales reports.
Veterans reunite with vintage war planes
In Peru, Illinois, the veterans reunite with the vintage warplanes they once flew. Noel Brennan has the story.
World Cup prices shock fans
Anticipation is building for next month's World Cup Soccer Tournament, and so are costs, for both fans and the host cities. Adam Yamaguchi has more.
Colorado River in crisis
The Colorado River is on the brink of disaster. Its water is shared by seven states, which is a big part of the problem. Jonathan Vigliotti reports.