Transcript: WSJ assistant editor Paul Beckett on "Face the Nation," Aug. 4, 2024
The following is a transcript of an interview with Wall Street Journal editor Paul Beckett on "Face the Nation" that aired on Aug. 4, 2024.
Russia
Deputy National Security Advisor Jonahan Finer on "Face the Nation" | full interview
Watch Ed O'Keefe's full interview with Deputy National Security Advisor Jonathan Finer that aired on August 4, 2024.
WSJ asst editor on getting journalist back from Russia
Wall Street Journal assistant editor Paul Beckett, who was tasked by the Journal with coordinating its effort to secure the release of reporter Evan Gershkovich, discussed the Journal's open and "loud" approach. "The Russians didn't give us much of a choice because they came out and said he is a spy — total nonsense. But what were we going to do, then, I mean, we had to very, very quickly and very loudly, make it very clear to the world that he works for the Wall Street Journal and The Wall Street Journal only," he said in an interview with Ed O'Keefe on "Face the Nation." But Beckett also said he thought the Biden administration "had an idea of what it would take to get him back from the moment he was seized. And I don't think that changed. For all our noise, I don't think the dynamic changed."
U.S. still working on freeing Marc Fogel from Russia, says Jon Finer
Deputy national security adviser Jon Finer says that the U.S. hasn't forgotten about Marc Fogel, an American schoolteacher detained in Russia who was not a part of last week's prisoner swap. "We think about Marc Fogel every single day. And not only think about him, we work on his case every single day," Finer told Ed O'Keefe on "Face the Nation" Sunday. "And we're going to do what we can to try to bring Marc home as soon as possible."
F-16 fighter jets arrive in Ukraine that Zelenskyy says will help war
Two F-16 fighter jets, sporting Ukraine's trident insignia on their tails and draped in camouflage netting, were a dramatic background for Zelenskyy's address to Armed Forces Day.
What the historic prisoner swap might mean for the future
Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan says Vladimir Putin, and other authoritarians, may be emboldened to wrongfully detain Americans abroad if they can benefit from prisoner swaps in the future.
What the historic prisoner swap might mean for the future
On Thursday 16 political prisoners, including U.S. Marine veteran Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, were released in a historic exchange with Russia that also freed 8 Russians held in other countries (including an assassin working for the Russian state who was convicted and jailed in Germany). Correspondent Seth Doane talks with former U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan, who says Vladimir Putin, and other authoritarians, may be emboldened to wrongfully detain Americans abroad if they can benefit from prisoner swaps in the future.
8/2: CBS News 24/7 Episode 2
Biden and Harris welcome home Americans released in Russia prisoner swap; Cleanup underway from storm damage in Nebraska.
Spies' children found out they were Russian on flight to Moscow
Artem and Anna Dultsev were undercover intelligence officers commonly known as "illegals." They were posing as Argentine expats when they were arrested in Slovenia.
8/2: CBS News 24/7 Episode 1
White House praises efforts to free U.S. citizens from detention in Russia; Group helps rescue horses amid Stone Canyon fire.
Several Americans still detained in Russia
Americans Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva are recuperating in the U.S. following a historic prisoner exchange with Russia. However, several U.S. citizens are still imprisoned in Russia. CBS News intelligence and national security reporter Olivia Gazis explains why some Americans might not have been included in the deal.
Prisoner swap mental health under spotlight
The Americans involved in the historic prisoner swap carried out by various countries will have to grapple with the weight of their experience while detained. Jason Rezaian, a journalist who was wrongfully imprisoned in Iran, joins CBS News with more on the mental health and economic impacts that come with being a political prisoner abroad.
Biden, Harris welcome home Americans released in Russia prisoner swap
A plane carrying Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva landed at a military base in Maryland after they were freed by Russia in a prisoner exchange.
8/2: CBS Morning News
Americans freed from Russia back on U.S. soil; Team USA women win big at Day 6 of Paris Olympics.
Global leaders behind the prisoner swap
Slovenia Prime Minister Robert Golob and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz were involved in chats with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris that led to the historic prisoner swap that freed three Americans and one legal permanent resident. CBS News' Willie James Inman reports on the political leaders involved in the deal.
Ukraine and Russia swap bodies of nearly 300 dead soldiers
DNA analysis will be used to identify the bodies before releasing them into the custody of the families for funerals and burials.
Americans still wrongfully held around world
As the three Americans freed from Russia are welcomed home with open arms, we're also monitoring other Americans detained around the world. CBS News' Anne-Marie Green has more.
Russian prisoners released in exchange
Russia and multiple Western countries engaged in the largest prisoner swap since the Cold War this week, with Americans Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva being freed from Russian imprisonment. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Elizabeth Palmer has more on what Russia received in the deal.
What to know about prisoner swap for Americans
Three Americans who had been held in Russian prisons, Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva, are back home following a historic, multi-country prisoner swap. CBS News White House reporter Willie James Inman has more.
Why are Russian and Belarusian athletes competing under "AIN"?
Athletes from Russia and Belarus have been banned from competing as countries in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Instead, their athletes will compete as neutral individuals, referred to as "AIN."
WSJ editor on release of Evan Gershkovich
Wall Street Journal assistant editor Paul Beckett talks about the moment reporter Evan Gershkovich was released in a massive prisoner swap with Russia. He said WSJ staff had been monitoring the talks about a potential deal and said the announcement brought "smiles of happiness, joy, tears of relief."
Jake Sullivan on Russia prisoner swap
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan explains how the United States worked with allies to free three Americans in the prisoner exchange with Russia. Sullivan added the work continues to free other Americans who remain in Russia, like Marc Fogel.
Americans arrive in U.S. after prisoner swap
Three Americans — Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva and Paul Whelan — landed Thursday in the U.S. after being detained in Russia. It was part of one of the largest prisoner swaps since the end of the Cold War.
Whelan describes journey home from Russia
Three Americans who were wrongfully imprisoned in Russia, Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva, are back on U.S. soil. They made a brief stop at Joint Base Andrews, before arriving in San Antonio to undergo medical assessments. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes has more.
Biden, Harris speak on U.S., Russia prisoner swap
President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke to reporters on the tarmac of Joint Base Andrews in Maryland after welcoming home three Americans released as part of the prisoner swap with Russia. Mr. Biden said that "the toughest call on this one was for other countries, because I asked them to do some things that were against their immediate self-interest."
Analytics firm connects bets made on war with signs of insider trading
More than $1 billion has been bet online on military decisions and outcomes this year on Polymarket. Some wagers have been suspiciously timed, with information seemingly coming from insiders.
Live
Trump says "Clock is Ticking" for Iran as shaky ceasefire continues
President Trump said "there won't be anything left of them" if Iranian leaders do not "get moving, FAST."
CBS News poll finds many voice frustration with Trump's economic approach
Gas prices, inflation weigh on Americans. Many see lack of clarity on what's happening in Iran.
At least 6 Americans in Congo were exposed to Ebola virus, sources say
The World Health Organization this week declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a "public health emergency of international concern."
Taiwan representative to U.S.: "We're not the ones creating all this trouble"
Taiwan's representative to the U.S. Alexander Yui said on Sunday that "we want peace and stability" as Taiwan became among the most closely-watched issues in last week's summit.
Video shows rescuers treating mountain climber who fell 50 feet
Rescuers airlifted an injured hiker who fell about 50 feet from the summit of Washington state's Mount Si on Saturday.
Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda declared global health emergency
At least 80 deaths have been reported in a new Ebola disease outbreak in Congo and Uganda, authorities said.
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.
Fighter jets crash in midair during air show at Idaho Air Force base
The Mountain Home Air Force Base said in a social media post that it was locked down following an incident during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show.
U.S.
More U.S.
At least 6 Americans in Congo were exposed to Ebola virus, sources say
The World Health Organization this week declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a "public health emergency of international concern."
Aaron Rai wins PGA Championship for his first major title
Sunday's win at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, is only his second PGA tour victory, after winning the 2024 Wyndham Championship.
Fighter jets crash in midair during air show at Idaho Air Force base
The Mountain Home Air Force Base said in a social media post that it was locked down following an incident during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Ambassador Alexander Yui, Taiwan's Representative to the U.S., join Margaret Brennan.
Video shows rescuers treating mountain climber who fell 50 feet
Rescuers airlifted an injured hiker who fell about 50 feet from the summit of Washington state's Mount Si on Saturday.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Is the answer to the housing crunch right in your own backyard?
Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, are small, fully-functional secondary homes located on the same property as a main home, usually in the backyard, filling a vital need where housing has proved scant or expensive.
CBS News poll finds many voice frustration with Trump's economic approach
Gas prices, inflation weigh on Americans. Many see lack of clarity on what's happening in Iran.
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.
Politics
More Politics
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Ambassador Alexander Yui, Taiwan's Representative to the U.S., join Margaret Brennan.
Senate GOP revising White House ballroom security funds plan
The Senate's rulemaker delivered a blow to GOP plans to fund security for President Trump's overhaul of the East Wing of the White House.
Transcript: Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Suozzi on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Republican of Pennsylvania, and Tom Suozzi, Democrat of New York, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 17, 2026.
Taiwan representative to U.S.: "We're not the ones creating all this trouble"
Taiwan's representative to the U.S. Alexander Yui said on Sunday that "we want peace and stability" as Taiwan became among the most closely-watched issues in last week's summit.
Transcript: Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Ambassador Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 17, 2026.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
HealthWatch
WHO: Ebola outbreak a global health emergency
Outbreaks of the deadly Ebola virus in two African countries have prompted the World Health Organization to declare a global health emergency. Imtiaz Tyab reports.
At least 6 Americans in Congo were exposed to Ebola virus, sources say
The World Health Organization this week declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a "public health emergency of international concern."
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.
Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda declared global health emergency
At least 80 deaths have been reported in a new Ebola disease outbreak in Congo and Uganda, authorities said.
A hospital worker felt healthy. Then he had 3 heart attacks in 4 days.
Tommy Bell thought he was in good shape. But a series of heart attacks painted a more complicated picture.
World
More World
At least 6 Americans in Congo were exposed to Ebola virus, sources say
The World Health Organization this week declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a "public health emergency of international concern."
Transcript: Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Suozzi on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Republican of Pennsylvania, and Tom Suozzi, Democrat of New York, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 17, 2026.
Taiwan representative to U.S.: "We're not the ones creating all this trouble"
Taiwan's representative to the U.S. Alexander Yui said on Sunday that "we want peace and stability" as Taiwan became among the most closely-watched issues in last week's summit.
Transcript: Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Ambassador Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 17, 2026.
Irish researchers find oldest English poem in medieval book in Rome
Researchers in Dublin discovered the oldest surviving English poem in a Roman library.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
5/17: Sunday Morning "By Design"
Jane Pauley hosts our annual look at design. Featured: Tiny homes in your backyard; Louis Vuitton; Adobe house construction; Finland's Marimekko; domino art; Philadelphia food favorites; chandeliers; Longwood Gardens; rare maps; and director Jon Favreau of "The Mandalorian and Grogu."
"Call Her Daddy" podcast host Alex Cooper announces pregnancy
"Call Her Daddy" host Alex Cooper said on Instagram that she and husband Matt Kaplan are expecting their first child.
Director Jon Favreau on "The Mandalorian and Grogu"
Jon Favreau, creator of the "Star Wars" series "The Mandalorian," has now brought the father-son relationship of Pedro Pascal's bounty hunter and his charge "Baby Yoda" to the big screen.
Extended interview: Jon Favreau
In this web exclusive, Jon Favreau, the creator of the "Star Wars" series "The Mandalorian," and director of the new film "The Mandalorian and Grogu," talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about the myth of "Star Wars," the influences on the story (including Japanese samurai films), and expanding the universe for a new audience. He also talks about working with Robert Downey Jr. on his film "Iron Man," and about cooking, the subject of his 2014 movie, "Chef."
Jon Favreau on "The Mandalorian and Grogu"
Director Jon Favreau, creator of the "Star Wars" series "The Mandalorian," has now brought Pedro Pascal's bounty hunter and his charge "Baby Yoda" to the big screen. He talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about the handmade feel of the "Star Wars" universe, and how father-son relationships have always been at the heart of the stories set in a galaxy far, far away. He also discusses bringing his improv roots to directing Robert Downey Jr. in "Iron Man."
Technology
More Technology
Technology
An adobe renaissance
For thousands of years, civilizations around the world have built houses out of earth – whether it be mud brick, wattle and dab or rammed earth. But adobe (the practice of making mudbricks) has now become today's "it" building material, from museums around the world designed using adobe, to do-it-yourselfers constructing homes from the very dirt beneath their feet. Correspondent Conor Knighton looks at the history of adobe, and how ancient adobe materials are being merged with 3-D printing techniques.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Science
More Science
New dinosaur weighing as much as 9 elephants identified by scientists
The long-necked herbivore is the largest ever found in Southeast Asia, researchers said.
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
Greater protections for endangered emperor penguins and how to manage growing tourism are topping the agenda at talks on Antarctica in Japan.
What's in the released UFO files?
The Pentagon released UFO documents on Friday, with President Trump telling the public to "have fun" deciding for itself what is going on. Carter Evans reports.
Crime
More Crime
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.
Space
More Space
SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
NASA maps show Earth's brightest and darkest regions at night
Researchers expected to find "a gradual increase in artificial light at night," but instead saw "much more nuanced patterns," NASA said.
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
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
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."
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Could birding keep your brain sharp in old age?
New research suggests birding may be good for the brain. There's evidence it could help guard the brain against dementia and age related cognitive decline. Bradley Blackburn reports.
5/17/2026: Betting on War; The Knowledge; Christopher Nolan
First, prediction market bets on war defy odds. Then, London's cabbies skeptical about robotaxis. And, Christopher Nolan: The 60 Minutes Interview.
5/17: CBS Weekend News
Fighter jets collide in midair at Idaho air show; Trump's approval ratings on the economy continue to fall in latest CBS News poll.
School using AI to reimagine learning
Alpha, a new school in San Francisco, isn't just embracing AI, it's letting it take the lead. Itay Hod has more.
WHO: Ebola outbreak a global health emergency
Outbreaks of the deadly Ebola virus in two African countries have prompted the World Health Organization to declare a global health emergency. Imtiaz Tyab reports.