"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.
House votes to rein in Trump on Iran as war loses GOP support
In May, the Senate advanced a similar measure to force the president to end the prolonged conflict with Iran.
Live
Iran attacks Kuwait airport as Israel, Lebanon reach tentative ceasefire
Israel and Lebanon agreed Wednesday to renew their fragile ceasefire and create a number of "pilot" security zones inside Lebanon where Hezbollah would be banned.
Senate advances reconciliation bill, dropping ballroom funds
Senate Republicans moved forward with a package to fund the Department of Homeland Security's immigration agencies Wednesday.
Bessent testifies he told Pulte he was "going to kick his a**," not punch him
Bill Pulte, President Trump's pick for acting director of national intelligence, is being met with some skepticism on Capitol Hill.
Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire if Hezbollah cuts off attacks
The Israeli and Lebanese governments have agreed to implement a ceasefire, after weeks of deadly fighting between Israel and Hezbollah had imperiled broader negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to end their conflict.
Flesh-eating New World screwworm found in Texas calf, USDA says
The USDA said the only animal affected was a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, after larvae were identified in its umbilical area.
SPLC asks judge to weigh sanctions against DOJ for sending out unsigned indictment copy
The Southern Poverty Law Center asked a judge to consider sanctioning federal prosecutors, after the DOJ shared an unsigned and unstamped copy of a superseding indictment with members of the media.
NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
Air traffic controller calls pilot "insane" after close call at Florida airport
Air traffic control also referred to the pilot of a small plane as "Mad Max."
U.S.
More U.S.
Flesh-eating New World screwworm found in Texas calf, USDA says
The USDA said the only animal affected was a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, after larvae were identified in its umbilical area.
NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
Victim of "horrifying" Chelsea murder identified after 26 years
"Chelsea Jane Doe" has been identified as Tiffany Bradley of Pennsylvania.
American Airlines suspends 6 routes because of high jet fuel costs
American Airlines said it is temporarily cutting six routes amid rising jet fuel costs, including several flights to Los Angeles.
Bessent testifies he told Pulte he was "going to kick his a**," not punch him
Bill Pulte, President Trump's pick for acting director of national intelligence, is being met with some skepticism on Capitol Hill.
MoneyWatch
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American Airlines suspends 6 routes because of high jet fuel costs
American Airlines said it is temporarily cutting six routes amid rising jet fuel costs, including several flights to Los Angeles.
Ford recalls nearly 420,000 vehicles over faulty seat belts
Safety watchdog said seat belts in certain Ford Expedition and Lincoln vehicles may inadvertently lock, preventing them from functioning properly.
These are the best airlines in 2026, according to The Points Guy
The Points Guy's annual ranking gives extra weight to affordability this year as higher fuel costs and airline fees squeeze travelers.
Outback Steakhouse sued for $1.5M over alleged mashed potato slip-and-fall
A Virginia woman alleges she suffered serious injuries after slipping on what appeared to be mashed potatoes at an Outback Steakhouse.
Social Security checks could be cut by $500 a month in 2032, report finds
Beneficiaries would continue receiving payments if Social Security's trust fund is depleted, but checks could shrink by about 24%, according to a new report.
Politics
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SPLC asks judge to weigh sanctions against DOJ for sending out unsigned indictment copy
The Southern Poverty Law Center asked a judge to consider sanctioning federal prosecutors, after the DOJ shared an unsigned and unstamped copy of a superseding indictment with members of the media.
Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire if Hezbollah cuts off attacks
The Israeli and Lebanese governments have agreed to implement a ceasefire, after weeks of deadly fighting between Israel and Hezbollah had imperiled broader negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to end their conflict.
House votes to rein in Trump on Iran as war loses GOP support
In May, the Senate advanced a similar measure to force the president to end the prolonged conflict with Iran.
Connie Chan and Scott Wiener advance in race to succeed Pelosi, CBS News projects
Voters in San Francisco on Tuesday advanced San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan and state Sen. Scott Wiener in the race to succeed former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in California's 11th Congressional District, CBS News projects.
Bessent testifies he told Pulte he was "going to kick his a**," not punch him
Bill Pulte, President Trump's pick for acting director of national intelligence, is being met with some skepticism on Capitol Hill.
HealthWatch
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Upcoming billing change could make pregnancy pricier
Come January, pregnancy care physician billing codes will change from a bundled system to an à la carte one.
Possible flesh-eating screwworm case in Texas, USDA says
A possible case of the flesh-eating New World screwworm is being investigated in Texas, the USDA reported Wednesday.
WHO massively scales back number of suspected Ebola cases in Congo
While 330 Ebola infections are confirmed in central Africa and huge challenges remain, hundreds more suspected cases "have been cleared out," the WHO says.
Details on promising pancreatic cancer drug
A new drug was shown in trials to keep pancreatic cancer patients alive for twice as long as chemotherapy alone. Dr. Jon LaPook has more.
A nurse stole fentanyl and AI missed it, state records say
Sentri7, drug diversion software powered by artificial intelligence and used at hundreds of U.S. hospitals, did not catch a monthslong string of fentanyl thefts in Tennessee in 2025, according to a state document.
World
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Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire if Hezbollah cuts off attacks
The Israeli and Lebanese governments have agreed to implement a ceasefire, after weeks of deadly fighting between Israel and Hezbollah had imperiled broader negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to end their conflict.
North Korea announces opening of a new nuclear facility
State media photos showed what appeared to be a large centrifuge hall, indicating the plant is likely used to enrich weapons-grade uranium.
House votes to rein in Trump on Iran as war loses GOP support
In May, the Senate advanced a similar measure to force the president to end the prolonged conflict with Iran.
8 bagged bodies found with note in narco-trafficking hotspot
The discovery comes in the midst of a U.S.-backed military crackdown on the organized crime gangs in Ecuador.
Scientists find yeast in frozen mummy's guts, use it to make bread
More than 5,300 years ago, Oetzi the Iceman was strolling through the Alps on the border of Austria and Italy when he was killed by an arrow in the back.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Jon Hamm talks "Your Friends & Neighbors"
Jon Hamm previews "Your Friends & Neighbors" season 2 finale, saying "it is satisfying" and provides some answers for fans. He also talks about the relatability of the show's characters and reflects on "Mad Men."
André De Shields on Tony nomination
André De Shields speaks to "CBS Mornings" about starring in "Cats: The Jellicle Ball," which is a reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber's classical musical told through the lens of ballroom culture. De Shields talks about bringing ballroom to Broadway and his latest Tony nomination.
Tribeca at 25: NYC festival celebrates music, Broadway and New York stories
The 25th edition of the film and media festival opens on Wednesday, showcasing more than 100 world premiere documentaries and narrative features, as well as short films, live music, podcasts and conversations with leading entertainment figures.
Analyzing the YouTuber-to-filmmaker boom
The sci-fi horror flick "Backrooms" was the number one movie in the U.S. as of Tuesday. The filmmaker behind the movie, 20-year-old YouTuber Kane Parsons, is now the youngest director with a number one film globally. Brooks Barnes, The New York Times' chief Hollywood correspondent, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Peabo Bryson, singer known for Disney movie hits, dies at 75
Peabo Bryson, a two-time Grammy-winning singer and songwriter known for Disney movie hits "Beauty and the Beast" and "A Whole New World," has died at age 75.
Technology
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Technology
ChatGPT user describes AI-fueled delusions
CBS News spoke with five people who say they were led to believe they had developed an emotional connection to an AI chatbot. They are now involved in a digital support group for people who say they experienced AI-fueled delusions or spirals. ChatGPT user Micky Small joins "The Daily Report" to share her experience.
OpenAI CEO meets with lawmakers on Capitol Hill
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Republican and Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday to oppose proposals that would require developers to obtain government approval before releasing new artificial intelligence models. Jordan Rae Kelly, former director for cyber incident response on the National Security Council, joins with analysis.
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.
Microsoft VP explains its AI assistant Scout
Microsoft announced a slew of new AI products during its annual Microsoft Build developers conference in San Francisco. Scott Hanselman, a Microsoft vice president, speaks with CBS News about the product.
Meta unveils new AI business agent
Businesses can now expand their AI customer service with Meta's help. Senior technology reporter Abrar Al-Heeti joins CBS News to talk about that and some of the other big tech stories of the day.
Science
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El Niño could bring more widespread coral bleaching, NOAA warns
The expected arrival of El Niño this summer could trigger another mass coral bleaching event, which would be the fifth on record, researchers said.
Scientists find yeast in frozen mummy's guts, use it to make bread
More than 5,300 years ago, Oetzi the Iceman was strolling through the Alps on the border of Austria and Italy when he was killed by an arrow in the back.
Meteor lights up southern Michigan
Days after a meteor exploded over New England, another fireball was spotted, visible in the Midwest to the Northeast. Rob Marciano has more.
Ancient coin, mysterious markings found under Notre Dame cathedral
A team of archaeologists at the iconic cathedral is digging straight down and back in time, to Roman Paris 2,000 years ago.
NASA taps 2 companies to develop buggies for its moon base program
The FLEX Rover will be equipped to carry two astronauts and traverse hundreds of miles of lunar terrain.
Crime
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Crime
Coast Guard searching in Lynette Hooker case
A team of specialized Coast Guard divers and investigators have been searching the Sea of Abaco in the Bahamas for missing Michigan mother Lynette Hooker. Cristian Benavides reports.
FBI kills hostage-taker in California
A 15-hour standoff at a bank building in Bakersfield, California, ended Wednesday after all hostages were freed and the suspect was killed by the FBI. Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Details on suspect in bank hostage standoff
All hostages are safe and a suspect is dead after an hourslong standoff at a bank in California, police said on Wednesday. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has the details.
Update on California hostage situation
Authorities in Bakersfield, California, offered details Wednesday on the hourslong standoff with a suspect who barricaded himself in a bank "with several community members," according to police. The situation ended early Wednesday when FBI personnel shot the suspect, authorities said.
8 bagged bodies found with note in narco-trafficking hotspot
The discovery comes in the midst of a U.S.-backed military crackdown on the organized crime gangs in Ecuador.
Space
More Space
NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
Blue Origin vows to resume New Glenn launches despite explosion
Damage to Blue Origin's lone launch pad in the wake of last week's spectacular explosion was not as severe as initially feared, the company said.
NASA taps 2 companies to develop buggies for its moon base program
The FLEX Rover will be equipped to carry two astronauts and traverse hundreds of miles of lunar terrain.
Blue Origin assesses impact of New Glenn explosion
Blue Origin assess the impact of Thursday's New Glenn explosion, prompting concern about NASA moon program delays.
Blue micromoon makes rare appearance this weekend
A rare blue micromoon will appear in night skies this weekend. Here's what to expect.
Latest Galleries
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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
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Latest CBS News Videos
ChatGPT user describes AI-fueled delusions
CBS News spoke with five people who say they were led to believe they had developed an emotional connection to an AI chatbot. They are now involved in a digital support group for people who say they experienced AI-fueled delusions or spirals. ChatGPT user Micky Small joins "The Daily Report" to share her experience.
U.S.-Iran tensions on rise
Over the past 24 hours, the U.S. and Iran have executed some of the most intense fighting since the ceasefire went into effect, and unlike other cases where military targets were hit, a civilian area came under fire. CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean has more.
State of primary ballot count in California
Election results from California's primary races were still coming in on Wednesday. CBS News' Anthony Salvanto has the latest on the races.
Video store sees new demand for VHS tapes, DVDs
A Brooklyn video store is going old school and it's drawing a new generation of movie fans. Evyn Moon shows how DVD and VHS are making a comeback as people trade algorithms for aisle browsing.
6/3: The Takeout with Major Garrett
House passes measure that would rein in Trump on Iran; Trump says Iran talks are ongoing despite recent attack.