"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.
ICE officer shoots man in leg in Minneapolis after shovel attack, officials say
The shooting Wednesday night in north Minneapolis came after ICE officers were attacked by men with shovels during an arrest operation, three U.S. officials told CBS News.
4 space station crewmates back on Earth after medical issue cut mission short
Crew 11 is splashed down off the coast of Southern California at 3:41 a.m. ET, closing out a 167-day stay in space.
Iran officials deny detained shopkeeper Erfan Soltani facing execution
Iranian shopkeeper Erfan Soltani is among thousands of people who were feared to be facing death sentences, but after a warning from Trump, officials claim he never was.
Senate GOP kills war powers effort to limit Trump on Venezuela, with Vance breaking tie
Two Republicans switched their votes after pressure from the White House.
Trump administration investigates 5 Democrats over their video to troops
Five congressional Democrats say they have received inquiries from the DOJ after they appeared in a video urging members of the military not to follow "illegal orders" — a move the lawmakers allege is political intimidation.
What to know about Havana Syndrome and a device that might be linked to it
Years after the first reports of Havana Syndrome emerged, U.S. officials have obtained and are testing a device that could be linked to the debilitating condition.
Exclusive
ICE agent who shot Renee Good suffered internal bleeding, officials say
Jonathan Ross, who shot Renee Good in Minneapolis last week, suffered internal bleeding after the incident, two officials said, though it's not clear how extensive the bleeding was.
U.S. completes first sale of Venezuelan oil, valued at $500 million
The Trump administration has not yet disclosed many details about the deal.
Trump administration to suspend immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries
The State Department announced it will stop giving out visas to nationals of dozens of countries who are seeking to move to the U.S. permanently.
U.S.
More U.S.
Part that broke in UPS cargo plane crash had failed 4 other times, NTSB says
Boeing warned plane owners in 2011 about a broken part that contributed to last year's UPS cargo plane crash that killed 15 people, but at that time the plane manufacturer didn't believe it threatened safety, the NTSB said.
Newsom blocks Louisiana from extraditing doctor accused of mailing abortion pills
California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he is blocking Louisiana's effort to extradite a California doctor accused of mailing abortion pills out of state.
Trump signs bill allowing whole milk to return to school lunches
Whole milk is heading back to school lunch cafeterias.
ICE officer shoots man in leg in Minneapolis after shovel attack, officials say
A shooting occurred Wednesday night in north Minneapolis after ICE officers were attacked by men with shovels during an arrest operation, three U.S. officials told CBS News.
Chicago mayor explains how he's tackling the city's life expectancy gap
In 2023, life expectancy in the Loop was 87.3 years, while in West Garfield Park, life expectancy was just 66.6 years, according to the city's Health Department.
MoneyWatch
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Bilt offers credit cards with 10% APR after Trump proposes interest cap
FIntech company Bilt pounced on the opportunity to roll out low-APR credi cards, as big banks push back on proposed rate cap.
Apple, Google face pressure to remove X and Grok from their app stores
Grok faces mounting scrutiny from government officials and advocacy groups after people used the AI chatbot to create sexualized images of minors and women.
Verizon says outage resolved after customers lost service for hours
A Verizon spokesperson told CBS News that an outage that customers reported beginning around noon Eastern Time had been resolved.
ChatGPT served as "suicide coach" in man's death, lawsuit alleges
Mother of Colorado man who committed suicide in 2025 alleges that OpenAI's AI chatbot told him death was a "beautiful place."
Chew on this: U.S. food prices are still up 19% since 2022
Food prices in December saw their biggest jump in more than three years, data shows, while the cost of eating out has also risen.
Politics
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ICE officer shoots man in leg in Minneapolis after shovel attack, officials say
A shooting occurred Wednesday night in north Minneapolis after ICE officers were attacked by men with shovels during an arrest operation, three U.S. officials told CBS News.
Chicago mayor explains how he's tackling the city's life expectancy gap
In 2023, life expectancy in the Loop was 87.3 years, while in West Garfield Park, life expectancy was just 66.6 years, according to the city's Health Department.
Trump administration investigates 5 Democrats over their video to troops
Five congressional Democrats say they have received inquiries from the DOJ after they appeared in a video urging members of the military not to follow "illegal orders" — a move the lawmakers allege is political intimidation.
What to know about Havana Syndrome and a device that might be linked to it
Years after the first reports of Havana Syndrome emerged, U.S. officials have obtained and are testing a device that could be linked to the debilitating condition.
Trump administration to suspend immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries
The State Department announced it will stop giving out visas to nationals of dozens of countries who are seeking to move to the U.S. permanently.
HealthWatch
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Chicago mayor explains how he's tackling the city's life expectancy gap
In 2023, life expectancy in the Loop was 87.3 years, while in West Garfield Park, life expectancy was just 66.6 years, according to the city's Health Department.
Recalled "super greens" supplement linked to dozens of salmonella cases, CDC says
Illnesses linked to the New York-based Live it Up Super Greens brand powder were reported in 21 states from Aug. 22 to Dec. 30, 2025.
Trump administration said to reverse cuts in mental health, addiction programs
The Trump administration said to to have suddenly reversed slashes in grants for mental health and addiction treatment programs that a CBS News source said were valued at around $1.9 billion.
Wide variation found in funding for states' rural health proposals
Every state will receive at least $100 million annually from the federal Rural Health Transformation fund, but some scored millions more based on their plans and willingness to pass policies embracing MAHA initiatives.
ACA enrollment sinks sharply as coverage costs soar in 2026
Roughly 1.4 million fewer Americans have signed up for an Affordable Care Act plan as expiring tax breaks drive up premiums.
World
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What to know about Havana Syndrome and a device that might be linked to it
Years after the first reports of Havana Syndrome emerged, U.S. officials have obtained and are testing a device that could be linked to the debilitating condition.
Iranian mom searched morgue, sifting through hundreds of bodies, to find her daughter
Rubina Aminian's mother forced her way into a morgue in search of her daughter, who her family says was shot in the head at close range.
Trump says "killing in Iran is stopping," with "no plan for executions"
Potentially thousands have died from the crackdown to quash unrest amid protests.
U.S. says it's moving into next phase of Gaza peace plan, warns Hamas
Steve Witkoff said the U.S. expects Hamas to immediately return the final deceased hostage as part of its obligations under the deal.
Trump told Iranians help is coming, so what might it look like?
Experts tell CBS News what sort of options President Trump has to respond to Iran's brutal crackdown on protesters.
Entertainment
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Actor Timothy Busfield held without bond in New Mexico child sex abuse case
Another allegation against Busfield was reported to law enforcement the same day he turned himself in, according to a court filing.
Stars of "Sinners" talk about movie
"Sinners" stars Michael B. Jordan, Miles Caton and Wunmi Mosaku talk to "CBS Mornings" about the movie's recent success at the Golden Globes, the atmosphere on set and what they learned through the process.
Ali Larter talks what's ahead in "Landman"
Actor Ali Larter plays Angela Harris, the ex-wife of an oilman played by Billy Bob Thornton in the Paramount+ series "Landman." She talks to "CBS Mornings" about the series, working with Thornton and how she landed her role.
Actor Timothy Busfield turns himself in following child sex abuse allegations
In a video provided to TMZ on Tuesday, Timothy Busfield said the allegations "are all lies."
François Arnaud on "Heated Rivalry" series
Francois Arnaud joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about the popular series "Heated Rivalry," based on the "Game Changers" book series. It follows rising hockey stars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. What begins as a fling between two rivals turns into a yearslong journey of love, denial and self discovery. Arnaud plays Scott Hunter, a closeted gay professional hockey player in the same league who has fallen in love with a smoothie shop worker. He talks about the message in the series and how it developed into a hit show.
Technology
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Technology
Details on Verizon cell phone outage
A widespread Verizon outage hit the U.S. on Wednesday, leaving thousands of customers without service. CBS News' Karen Hua has more.
Apple, Google face pressure to remove X and Grok from their app stores
Grok faces mounting scrutiny from government officials and advocacy groups after people used the AI chatbot to create sexualized images of minors and women.
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.
ChatGPT served as "suicide coach" in man's death, lawsuit alleges
Mother of Colorado man who committed suicide in 2025 alleges that OpenAI's AI chatbot told him death was a "beautiful place."
"Are You Dead," viral Chinese app, changing its name
The Chinese mobile app "Are You Dead?" which sounds an alarm if a user doesn't check in every 48 hours, says it will drop its catchy name after it drew international media attention.
Science
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Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
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.
Crime
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Au pair testifies ex-lover plotted murders of wife and stranger
Juliana Peres Magalhães testified that she turned against her former lover in a double homicide scheme involving his wife because she "wanted the truth to come out."
ICE officer shoots man in leg in Minneapolis after shovel attack, officials say
A shooting occurred Wednesday night in north Minneapolis after ICE officers were attacked by men with shovels during an arrest operation, three U.S. officials told CBS News.
Actor Timothy Busfield held without bond in New Mexico child sex abuse case
Another allegation against Busfield was reported to law enforcement the same day he turned himself in, according to a court filing.
Indicted Virginia coach still missing
The search continues in Virginia for a high school football coach charged with possessing child sexual assault material and using a computer to solicit a minor. CBS News breaking news correspondent Shanelle Kaul has the latest.
Au pair testifies in man's murder trial
A trial is underway in northern Virginia for a man accused of plotting his wife's murder with help from his affair partner - the family's au pair. The former au pair was the first witness called to testify against Brendan Banfield. Jericka Duncan reports on the case.
Space
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4 space station crewmates back on Earth after medical issue cut mission short
Four space station Crew 11 fliers splashed down off the Southern California coast at 3:41 a.m. ET, closing out a 167-day stay in space cut short by a medical issue.
Former NASA astronaut on ISS undocking
The members of SpaceX Crew-11 undocked from the International Space Station on Wednesday, beginning their journey back to Earth. The crew is leaving a month early after NASA announced that an unnamed team member experienced an undisclosed "medical concern." Clayton Anderson, a former NASA astronaut who spent time on the ISS, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
ISS astronauts prepare for early return
Crew-11 is preparing for an unprecedented early return to Earth over concerns for an astronaut's medical condition aboard the International Space Station. Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut and engineering professor at Columbia University, joins with more.
Former astronaut on ISS crew coming home early
Four members of Crew-11 are preparing to return to Earth from the International Space Station later this week after a "medical concern" prompted NASA to cancel a scheduled spacewalk. Former astronaut Dr. Scott Parazynski joins with his reaction.
Space station changes command, setting stage for Crew 11 departure
Outgoing space station commander Mike Fincke, a member of the returning Crew 11, turned the station over to cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, saying the combined crew had developed deep friendships.
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
Officials: Federal officer shoots man in leg
The Department of Homeland Security says a federal law enforcement officer shot a person in the leg on Wednesday night during an immigration operation in Minneapolis. Minnesota officials provided an update. Jessi Mitchell anchors this Special Report.
Details on Verizon cell phone outage
A widespread Verizon outage hit the U.S. on Wednesday, leaving thousands of customers without service. CBS News' Karen Hua has more.
Judge weighs law banning masks for ICE agents
Legal representation for the state of California and the federal government were in court on Wednesday over the Golden State's new law that bans federal agents from wearing face coverings during operations. CBS News correspondent Nidia Cavazos reports.
Next steps in Iran after Trump says killing stopped
President Trump says his administration has been notified that the killings and executions of anti-government protesters in Iran have stopped. CBS News Middle East reporter Courtney Kealy has more.
Chicago believes again as the Bears catch fire
It's a long winter in Chicago when the Bears are bad, but walk into any bar in the city, especially after last week's comeback win over the Packers, and the winter is gone. Tony Dokoupil has details.