Countries where the U.S. warns Americans may be wrongfully detained
The State Department this summer added a risk indicator to its travel advisories for Russia and several countries.
Paul Whelan
Russians wanted to trade Whelan for an assassin last summer, U.S. official says
Moscow said at the time it wanted "a spy for a spy."
White House on Griner's return, Sinema's move
Brittney Griner is back in the U.S. after Russia released her in a prisoner swap. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes joins Lana Zak and Tanya Rivero with more on Griner's return, President Biden's conversation with Paul Whelan's family, and how the administration is reacting to Senator Kyrsten Sinema leaving the Democratic Party to become an independent.
Detained Marine's sister on prisoner swap: "I don't look for apologies, I look for action"
Elizabeth Whelan said she is pleased to see Brittney Griner come home and that "any wrongfully detained American that comes back from overseas is a win for America."
Paul Whelan's sister on Griner's release
Paul Whelan's sister Elizabeth Whelan joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about what her brother is facing while being detained in Russia. She also gives her thoughts on Brittney Griner's release and her phone call with President Biden.
WNBA star Brittney Griner's homecoming after prisoner swap with Russia
After nearly 10 months in Russian prisons, Brittney Griner has landed in the United States as part of a prisoner swap with Russia. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes has more about her journey and why the Biden administration could not bring home a second American, Paul Whelan, who's been locked up in Russia even longer.
Some officials express concern over prisoner swap
The Biden administration is receiving some criticism for the release of convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout as part of a prisoner swap for WNBA star Brittney Griner. Some U.S. officials are worried about the national security implications of Bout's return to Russia. CBS News chief national affairs and justice correspondent Jeff Pegues discusses the situation.
Paul Whelan still detained after prisoner swap
Marine veteran Paul Whelan remains in Russian prison after WNBA star Brittney Griner was freed in a prisoner swap with Viktor Bout, nicknamed the ""Merchant of Death."" Ryan Fayhee, attorney for the Whelan family, spoke to CBS News on Whelan's condition.
House passes Respect for Marriage Act
The U.S. House has passed legislation to protect same-sex and interracial marriages. Scott MacFarlane, CBS News congressional correspondent, joined "Red and Blue" to discuss the bill and the latest on Capitol Hill.
Lawmakers react to Griner's release
News of basketball star Brittney Griner's release from a Russian penal colony as part of a prisoner swap is being met with both praise and criticism from lawmakers on Capitol Hill. The partisan reactions to the news comes at the same time the House formally passed the Respect For Marriage Act, sending the bill to President Biden's desk. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the latest from Capitol Hill.
Blinken addresses concerns over prisoner swap
Basketball star Brittney Griner is heading back to the U.S. in a prisoner swap with Russia. In exchange for Griner, the U.S. released Viktor Bout, a convicted arms dealer known as the "Merchant of Death." Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with CBS News senior foreign affairs correspondent and "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan about the decision. Brennan and CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe join "Red and Blue" to discuss the reaction to the deal.
WNBA players celebrate Brittney Griner's release from Russian prison
"No more days. She's coming home," the Mercury, Griner's WNBA team, said.
Blinken on Brittney Griner's release
WNBA star Brittney Griner is heading home after 10 months in Russian custody. In his first interview since her release, Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks with CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent and "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan about the deal and what this means for other Americans being held abroad.
Do prisoner swaps encourage hostage-taking?
Brittney Griner's release from a Russian prison reignited the debate over the effectiveness of prisoner swaps.
Brother calls Paul Whelan's detention "a catastrophe" after prisoner swap
"How do you continue to survive ... when you know that your government has failed twice to free you from a foreign prison?" he said in a statement.
Who is Paul Whelan? Prisoner swap puts focus on Marine still held in Russia
Paul Whelan, a 52-year-old retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran, has been imprisoned in Russia on espionage charges since his arrest at the end of 2018.
White House on release of Brittney Griner
CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe joins the show to discuss what was said about the release of Brittney Griner during Thursday's White House press briefing. He also weighs in on the deal itself and how it's being received.
Biden announces Brittney Griner is freed
President Biden spoke at the White House after WNBA star Brittney Griner was released by Russia in a prisoner swap. "She's safe, she's on a plane, she's on her way home," Biden said. He said the U.S. continues to seek the release of another detained American, Paul Whelan. Brittney Griner's wife, Cherelle, also spoke and thanked those who helped negotiate the release. Watch their full remarks in this CBS News Special Report
Blinken: U.S. "actively engaged" with Russia over prisoner swap
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said U.S. officials continue to engage Russia over the release of Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trump calls for release of any Epstein files naming Democrats: "Embarrass them"
As prosecutors contend with a massive trove of Epstein files, President Trump suggested Friday the Justice Department is spending too much time on the issue — but said Democrats should be named.
Karoline Leavitt announces she is pregnant with her second child
Karoline Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, welcomed their first child, also named Nicholas, in July 2024.
California mother pleads not guilty to murder of 9-year-old daughter Melodee Buzzard
The body of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard was found by authorities in Utah on Dec. 6 after she went missing in October.
Second actor accuses Tyler Perry of sexual assault in new lawsuit
It marks the second lawsuit in recent months accusing the filmmaker and studio mogul of leveraging his power in Hollywood to make sexual advances.
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.
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.
U.S.
More U.S.
3 wounded in shooting at rural Idaho sheriff's office, officials say; suspect killed
The suspected gunman was shot and killed by law enforcement, authorities said.
Second actor accuses Tyler Perry of sexual assault in new lawsuit
It marks the second lawsuit in recent months accusing the filmmaker and studio mogul of leveraging his power in Hollywood to make sexual advances.
Planning to return unwanted Christmas gifts? You may be charged fees.
Several major retailers are now charging customers to return items even if they are unopened and in perfect condition.
Karoline Leavitt announces she is pregnant with her second child
Karoline Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, welcomed their first child, also named Nicholas, in July 2024.
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.
MoneyWatch
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Planning to return unwanted Christmas gifts? You may be charged fees.
Several major retailers are now charging customers to return items even if they are unopened and in perfect condition.
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.
Politics
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Trump calls for release of any Epstein files naming Democrats: "Embarrass them"
As prosecutors contend with a massive trove of Epstein files, President Trump suggested Friday the Justice Department is spending too much time on the issue — but said Democrats should be named.
Karoline Leavitt announces she is pregnant with her second child
Karoline Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, welcomed their first child, also named Nicholas, in July 2024.
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.
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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Second actor accuses Tyler Perry of sexual assault in new lawsuit
It marks the second lawsuit in recent months accusing the filmmaker and studio mogul of leveraging his power in Hollywood to make sexual advances.
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.
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.
Latest Galleries
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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
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
Boy goes viral after sharing bird imitating talent
Steve Hartman follows up on the story about a boy he met "On the Road" who can perfectly imitate bird calls.
Returning unwanted gifts may now come with fees
Hassle-free returns may be a thing of the past, and if you're staring at a stack of unwanted Christmas gifts, you may have to think twice before mailing them back. Dave Malkoff reports.
How to save on energy bill as heating costs surge
The cost of heating a home is going through the roof, but there are steps you can take to try to keep your energy bills down. Ash-har Quraishi has details.
Doctor hopes flu peak is near as cases surge
Flu season is in full swing, with close to 5 million cases and nearly 2,000 deaths, including at least three children, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Kati Weis reports.
Details about U.S. strikes on ISIS in Nigeria
Details are emerging about the Christmas Day military strikes in northern Nigeria. The U.S. launched what President Trump called a "powerful and deadly" strike on ISIS targets in the West African nation. Willie Inman has more.