"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."
Viktor Bout
Freed Russian arms dealer known as "Merchant of Death" running for office
Viktor Bout, the Russian arms dealer freed by the U.S. in a prisoner swap for Brittney Griner, is running as a candidate for a far-right party in local elections.
Griner on Russian detainment, WNBA season
Brittney Griner spoke at a press conference Thursday ahead of the WNBA season. The Phoenix Mercury star spoke about what gave her hope during the months she was wrongfully detained in Russian prisons and how she has prepared for her return to basketball. Griner, who had also played for a Russian basketball team, said she wouldn't play overseas again "unless I'm representing my country at the Olympics."
12/8: Red and Blue
U.S.-Russia prisoner swap frees Brittney Griner, Viktor Bout; House passes Respect for Marriage Act.
White House defends Griner-for-Bout swap
WNBA star Brittney Griner is still under medical supervision in Texas, but played basketball for the first time since being released from a Russian prison. The Biden administration is defending the deal that brought her home in exchange for a notorious Russian arms dealer. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes joined CBS News' John Dickerson to discuss.
Brittney Griner's wife shares first social media post since WNBA star's release
"As BG and I start our journey to heal our minds, bodies, and spirits— I wanted to personally say thank you," Brittney Griner's wife, Cherelle Griner, said on Instagram.
Hill and Krebs on the Griner-Bout prisoner swap
Fiona Hill, the former National Security Council senior director for European and Russian affairs, and Chris Krebs, the former director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, discuss the prisoner exchange of Brittney Griner and Viktor Bout.
Brittney Griner and concerns over "hostage diplomacy"
The White House celebrated, and defended, the return of WNBA star Brittney Griner to American soil, after the basketball star detained in Russia on drug charges was released as part of a prisoner swap for notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. Correspondent Christina Ruffini reports on new concerns raised over what has been described as "hostage diplomacy."
Brittney Griner undergoing evaluation in U.S.
Brittney Griner arrived in the U.S. early Friday following her release from Russia in a prisoner swap for arms dealer Viktor Bout. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang joined Catherine Herridge to discuss the latest.
McCaul says Biden administration "got played" by Russia
In his first interview since the controversial prisoner swap of WNBA star Brittney Griner for arms dealer Viktor Bout, Rep. Mike McCaul of Texas told CBS News senior investigative correspondent Catherine Herridge that he thinks the Biden administration "got played" by Russia, and that the original deal would have been a trade of Bout for both Griner and Marine veteran Paul Whelan.
Brittney Griner arrives in U.S. following prisoner swap
Her plane landed in San Antonio, Texas. Griner was freed from Russia in exchange for notorious international arms dealer Viktor Bout.
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.
This week on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 11, 2022
J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. CEO Jamie Dimon, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Adam Schiff, and more, will appear on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" this Sunday.
How Russia's propaganda machine has played the Griner prisoner swap
While securing the swap may have scored points for President Joe Biden at home, the same goes for Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
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.
Brittney Griner released in prisoner exchange
Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who was held for months in Russian prisons on drug charges, was released Thursday in a one-for-one prisoner swap for international arms dealer Viktor Bout, according to a U.S. official.
U.S. diplomat on Griner swap
Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan said the prisoner swap agreed with Russia, to exchange WNBA star Brittney Griner for notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout, was a "take-it-or-leave-it" offer tabled by a government "that isn't bound by law or morals."
Congress reacts to Griner prisoner swap
Lawmakers are weighing in on the White House's prisoner swap that got WNBA basketball star Brittney Griner released from a Russia prison. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane joins us from Capitol Hill with more on that, plus the latest on more classified documents were found in former President Donald Trump's storage unit in Florida.
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.
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.
U.S. swaps Viktor Bout for Brittney Griner
The U.S. agreed to release Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, nicknamed the "Merchant of Death," in exchange for Moscow freeing WNBA star Brittney Griner. Thomas Firestone, former resident legal adviser for the U.S. Embassy In Moscow, joins CBS News' Elaine Quijano and Tanya Rivero with more.
Who is Viktor Bout, the Russian "Merchant of Death"?
The Russian arms dealer has been released from U.S. prison in a one-for-one swap to free WNBA star Brittney Griner, a U.S. official confirmed.
Do prisoner swaps encourage hostage-taking?
Brittney Griner's release from a Russian prison reignited the debate over the effectiveness of prisoner swaps.
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.
Trump says Hamas must disarm very soon or "there will be hell to pay"
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also announced President Trump will receive the Israel Prize for his work on peace negotiations.
Viral video prompts fraud probe at Minnesota day care centers
While many of the Minnesota day care centers in the video were cited and fined for safety violations, investigators previously found no evidence of fraud.
"Bomb cyclone" hits Midwest, takes aim at East Coast. Maps show forecast.
A powerful winter storm system moving across the northern United States could become a "bomb cyclone" over the Northeast region.
U.S. military conducts 30th strike on alleged drug boat, killing 2
The U.S. military has hit at least 30 alleged drug vessels in the region since early September, killing 107 people.
Homeland Security agents in Minneapolis investigating "rampant fraud"
Homeland Security agents are in Minneapolis on Monday "conducting a massive investigation on childcare and other rampant fraud," Secretary Kristi Noem said.
Second pilot involved in New Jersey helicopter crash dies, police say
A second helicopter pilot critically injured in a midair collision in Hammonton, New Jersey has died from his injuries, police said Monday.
Trump says U.S. hit "big facility" linked to alleged drug boats
President Trump said the U.S. hit a "big facility" last week linked to alleged drug boat operations, as tensions ratchet up with Venezuela.
Transcript from closed hearing for Charlie Kirk murder suspect released
A Utah judge has ordered the release of a transcript from a closed-door hearing in October over whether the man charged with killing Charlie Kirk must be shackled during court proceedings.
National Guard deploying to New Orleans as city marks 1 year since terror attack
The Guard members will stay through Carnival season, when residents and tourists descend on the Big Easy to partake in costumed celebrations and massive parades before ending with Mardi Gras.
U.S.
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National Guard deploying to New Orleans as city marks 1 year since terror attack
The Guard members will stay through Carnival season, when residents and tourists descend on the Big Easy to partake in costumed celebrations and massive parades before ending with Mardi Gras.
Transcript from closed hearing for Charlie Kirk murder suspect released
A Utah judge has ordered the release of a transcript from a closed-door hearing in October over whether the man charged with killing Charlie Kirk must be shackled during court proceedings.
Photos show motorcycle collection tied to Olympian-turned-alleged-drug-kingpin
Authorities in Mexico have seized a large collection of motorcycles believed to be owned by Ryan Wedding, the former Olympian wanted for allegedly running a major drug trafficking operation.
Viral video prompts fraud probe at Minnesota day care centers
While many of the Minnesota day care centers in the video were cited and fined for safety violations, investigators previously found no evidence of fraud.
Georgia execution paused over questions about clemency process
Stacey Humphreys, 52, was convicted of malice murder and other crimes in the 2003 shooting deaths of Cyndi Williams, 33, and Lori Brown, 21, in Cobb County, northwest of Atlanta.
MoneyWatch
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Beyoncé is now a billionaire, according to Forbes
The Grammy-winning artist Beyoncé became the fifth musician to achieve the wealth milestone, Forbes said Monday.
These 9 states are cutting income taxes in 2026. See where.
Income tax cuts are taking effect in multiple U.S. states on Jan. 1, 2026, a new analysis says.
OpenAI hiring for head safety executive to mitigate AI risks
The company's investment in safety prevention comes amid growing concerns over the potential harm of artificial intelligence.
Bank of America CEO warns market "will punish people" without independent Fed
Bank of America Chairman and CEO Brian Moynihan stated last week that, as President Trump seeks a new chair of the Federal Reserve, maintaining the banking system's independence is paramount.
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.
Politics
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Viral video prompts fraud probe at Minnesota day care centers
While many of the Minnesota day care centers in the video were cited and fined for safety violations, investigators previously found no evidence of fraud.
U.S. military conducts 30th strike on alleged drug boat, killing 2
The U.S. military has hit at least 30 alleged drug vessels in the region since early September, killing 107 people.
Trump says U.S. hit "big facility" linked to alleged drug boats
President Trump said the U.S. hit a "big facility" last week linked to alleged drug boat operations, as tensions ratchet up with Venezuela.
Trump claims progress toward peace, but Russia signals more war ahead
Hours after Trump declares Russia and Ukraine "closer than ever" to peace, Moscow claims a failed drone strike will alter its negotiating position.
Trump says Hamas must disarm very soon or "there will be hell to pay"
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also announced President Trump will receive the Israel Prize for his work on peace negotiations.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Advances in treatment for Alzheimer's disease
The number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease is expected to double from 7 million in 2020 to 14 million by 2060, according to the CDC. However, advances in treatment options are giving more people hope in slowing the decline. Dr. Jon LaPook breaks it down.
Flu cases skyrocket across the U.S
Nearly five million flu cases have been reported nationwide, the CDC estimates, and at least 1,900 people have died from the virus. "CBS Saturday Morning" has more on why this year's strain is breaking records.
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.
World
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U.S. military conducts 30th strike on alleged drug boat, killing 2
The U.S. military has hit at least 30 alleged drug vessels in the region since early September, killing 107 people.
Trump says U.S. hit "big facility" linked to alleged drug boats
President Trump said the U.S. hit a "big facility" last week linked to alleged drug boat operations, as tensions ratchet up with Venezuela.
Trump claims progress toward peace, but Russia signals more war ahead
Hours after Trump declares Russia and Ukraine "closer than ever" to peace, Moscow claims a failed drone strike will alter its negotiating position.
Trump says Hamas must disarm very soon or "there will be hell to pay"
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also announced President Trump will receive the Israel Prize for his work on peace negotiations.
Heavyweight boxing champ Anthony Joshua injured in Nigeria car crash
British heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was injured in a highway crash in Nigeria that killed two other people, Matchroom Boxing said.
Entertainment
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Beyoncé is now a billionaire, according to Forbes
The Grammy-winning artist Beyoncé became the fifth musician to achieve the wealth milestone, Forbes said Monday.
Actor accusing Tyler Perry exchanged texts with him years after alleged assault
Actor Mario Rodriguez alleged in the lawsuit filed last week in California that Tyler Perry sexually assaulted him during encounters between 2014 and 2019.
French split over Brigitte Bardot tribute due to her far right views
French politicians were divided on Monday over how to pay tribute to the late Brigitte Bardot who, despite her screen legend, courted controversy in later life with her far-right views.
MetroCard art: Swiping beauty from the mundane
On December 31, New York City will officially retire the transit system's MetroCard, that ubiquitous piece of plastic used to gain entrance onto subways and buses. But there is beauty in using MetroCards as the raw materials for art, as Thomas McKean has found in his collages and miniature sculptures depicting portraits of city life. Serena Altschul reports.
2025: The year's top books
"Sunday Morning" checks out the bestselling fiction and non-fiction of the past year.
Technology
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OpenAI hiring for head safety executive to mitigate AI risks
The company's investment in safety prevention comes amid growing concerns over the potential harm of artificial intelligence.
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.
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.
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.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
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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Transcript from closed hearing for Charlie Kirk murder suspect released
A Utah judge has ordered the release of a transcript from a closed-door hearing in October over whether the man charged with killing Charlie Kirk must be shackled during court proceedings.
Photos show motorcycle collection tied to Olympian-turned-alleged-drug-kingpin
Authorities in Mexico have seized a large collection of motorcycles believed to be owned by Ryan Wedding, the former Olympian wanted for allegedly running a major drug trafficking operation.
Victim in Christmas shooting in Southfield never called 911, police say
Police investigating the Christmas Day deaths of two people at an apartment complex say neither the victim nor her friend ever called 911, despite a history of domestic violence in the victim's relationship.
DOJ: D.C. pipe bomb suspect confessed
The Virginia man accused of placing pipe bombs outside the DNC and RNC headquarters on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots has confessed, according to a new court filing. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the details.
Homeland Security agents in Minneapolis investigating "rampant fraud"
Homeland Security agents were in Minneapolis on Monday "conducting a massive investigation on childcare and other rampant fraud," Secretary Kristi Noem said.
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
Shaq helps tall police recruit after failed exam
After completing the police academy earlier this year, 7-foot-3 Jordan Wilmore fell short of passing the state exam by one point. NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal learned about his story and offered his support. Jericka Duncan reports.
Young Americans weigh climate fears
Some young adults say their considering climate change and the future when deciding whether or not to have children. David Schechter reports.
Hero who disarmed Bondi Beach gunman speaks out
It's been two weeks since gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia, killing 15 people and wounding 40 others. Amid the tragedy, an act of heroism stands out -- shopkeeper Ahmed al Ahmed tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen. Anna Coren has an exclusive interview.
Viral video prompts Minnesota day care probes
As Homeland Security agents were in Minnesota conducting what DHS Secretary Kristi Noem called a "massive investigation on childcare and other rampant fraud," many of their targets came not from tips from the FBI, but from a video posted on social media over the weekend. CBS Minnesota's Jonah Kaplan reports.
Bystander recounts deadly helicopter crash
Two pilots have died of their injuries after their helicopters crashed over New Jersey. CBS Philadelphia reporter Ray Strickland spoke to a woman who says she comforted one of the pilots after the chopper crashed outside her home.