2/20: CBS News Mornings
President Biden makes surprise trip to Ukraine to meet with President Zelenskyy; Brittney Griner returning to WNBA.
Brittney Griner
Brittney Griner will return to the WNBA
Griner will be re-signing with the Phoenix Mercury for a one-year contract, a source has confirmed to CBS News.
Brittney Griner makes second public appearance since Russian prison release
Griner is skipping the USA Basketball training camp in Minnesota so she can be with her wife and recover from her time in jail in Russia.
Four years since Russia detained Paul Whelan
Wednesday marks four years since U.S. marine veteran Paul Whelan was detained in Russia, accused of espionage. Joseph Dresen, senior program associate at the Wilson Center's Kennan Institute, joined CBS News to discuss Whelan's case and what it will take to bring him home.
Brittney Griner urges supporters to write letters to Paul Whelan in prison
The WNBA star asked social media followers to join her in sending letters to Whelan, who is still detained in Russia.
Brittney Griner opens up about return to U.S.
In her first Instagram post since returning home in a prisoner swap with Russia, WNBA star Brittney Griner thanked President Biden and everyone who helped advocate for her release. She said she'll return to play with her team, the Phoenix Mercury, this season. CBS News' Elaine Quijano and Michelle Miller have more.
Brittney Griner breaks silence after release from Russian prison
The WNBA star, who returned to the U.S. last week after a prisoner swap with Russia, shared photos of herself walking off the jet and embracing her wife, Cherelle.
Brittney Griner plays basketball for first time since leaving Russian prison
Griner hit the court at Fort Sam in Houston, where she is undergoing medical evaluations and spending time with family, her agent said.
Neda Shargi: "Bring my brother home"
Neda Shargi, the sister of Emad Shargi, an American who has been detained in Iran for more than four years, is asking the Biden administration to secure his release. She joins John Dickerson on "CBS News Prime Time" to discuss his case.
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 returns to basketball court
WNBA star Brittney Griner returned to the basketball court for the first time after being freed from a Russian prison. The Biden administration is still working to secure the release of Paul Whelan from Russia. Nancy Cordes has the latest.
Negotiations to avoid government shutdown
Lawmakers are racing to pass a government spending bill before current funding expires Friday night. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane and CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes join "Red and Blue" to discuss the latest on the negotiations, plus the White House's efforts to bring home U.S. Marine veteran Paul Whelan from Russian detention.
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.
Push to release Americans held in Venezuela
The release of Brittney Griner from Russian custody has renewed hope that other Americans held overseas could be brought home. CBS News' Tony Dokoupil and Lilia Luciano speak with Mark Denman, whose brother Luke is being held in Venezuela.
WNBA player on basketball's gender pay gap
Traveling to another country to play basketball and earn more money like Brittney Griner did is common among WNBA players. CBS News' Anne-Marie Green and Vladimir Duthiers spoke with Angel McCoughtry, a player who has competed with Griner in the Olympics, about the gender pay gap in basketball and why she says other countries treat female players "like NBA players."
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.
Face The Nation: Shargi Family, Hill, Krebs, Dimon
Missed the second half of the show? The latest on the Family of Emad Shargi urging Biden to do more to secure release from Iran; Fiona Hill and Chris Krebs on the Griner-Bout prisoner exchange; and Jamie Dimon opens a community branch in west Baltimore.
12/11: Face The Nation
This week on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," President Biden reaches a deal with Vladimir Putin to free an American, but where does this high-stakes diplomacy lead? We'll speak to Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff of California and the family of another American held in Iran. Plus, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, Fiona Hill and Chris Krebs join us.
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 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.
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.
Russians wanted to trade Whelan for an assassin last summer, U.S. official says
Moscow said at the time it wanted "a spy for a spy."
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.
Brittney Griner back in U.S. after prisoner swap
WNBA star Brittney Griner is back in the U.S. a day after being released from a penal colony in Russia. She is undergoing medical evaluations in Texas. Weijia Jiang reports.
Countries where the U.S. warns Americans may be wrongfully detained
The State Department this summer added a risk indicator to its travel advisories for Russia and several countries.
U.N. court ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and a Hamas leader
The leaders are accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes over the war in Gaza and the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
Police report details woman's allegations against Pete Hegseth
A woman told police she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Pete Hegseth, according to a detailed, newly-released police report. He is now President-elect Trump's choice for defense secretary.
Russia hits back after Ukraine's strike using U.S. long-range missiles
Dnipro appeared to bear the brunt of Moscow's first retaliatory strike after Ukraine fired U.S.-made missiles into Russia, but it's unclear what weapons Russia used.
House Ethics Committee will keep Matt Gaetz report under wraps
Rep. Susan Wild said there was "no consensus" on the issue and the committee agreed to reconvene on Dec. 5.
How could U.S. military be used for Trump's mass deportation plan?
Trump signaled this week that he would enlist the help of the U.S. military for his massive deportation operation.
Bryan Kohberger can face death penalty if convicted, judge rules
Bryan Kohberger is charged with four counts of first degree murder in the 2022 stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students.
Are food recalls and outbreaks on the rise?
The FDA says America's food supply is still "one of the safest in the world," despite some recent high-profile recalls and outbreaks.
American among 4 tourists dead after drinking tainted booze in Laos
The American died in the tourist town of Vang Vieng, Laos, the State Department confirmed.
Chris Stapleton wins 4 CMAs but Morgan Wallen named entertainer of the year
Chris Stapleton took home four Country Music Association Awards and hardly left the stage on Wednesday night, while an absent Morgan Wallen won the night's biggest prize, entertainer of the year.
U.S.
More U.S.
Alabama set to carry out nation's third nitrogen gas execution
An Alabama prisoner convicted of the 1994 murder of a female hitchhiker is slated Thursday to become the third person executed in the U.S., and Alabama, by nitrogen gas.
Capitol rioter with "kill list" convicted of plot to murder FBI agents
Edward Kelley distributed a "kill list" and videos containing images of FBI employees to another person as part of his "mission," prosecutors say.
Justice Department calls for breakup of Google and sale of Chrome
The proposed breakup calls for Google to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser and impose restrictions designed to prevent its Android smartphone software from favoring its search engine.
Are food recalls and outbreaks on the rise?
The FDA says America's food supply is still "one of the safest in the world," despite some recent high-profile recalls and outbreaks.
How collecting pine cones helps renew Oregon forests after wildfires
Conservationists are teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and logging companies to clear scorched land and make room for new reforestation projects.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Justice Department calls for breakup of Google and sale of Chrome
The proposed breakup calls for Google to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser and impose restrictions designed to prevent its Android smartphone software from favoring its search engine.
Are food recalls and outbreaks on the rise?
The FDA says America's food supply is still "one of the safest in the world," despite some recent high-profile recalls and outbreaks.
Sheetz is cutting gas prices by 40 cents a gallon before Thanksgiving
As millions of Americans get ready to hit the road ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, Sheetz is offering a deal on fuel.
Reddit is down for many users, reports say. Here's what to know.
Reddit says it's investigating after users on Wednesday reported problems connecting to the online forum.
Has life in the U.S. become too political? You can buy a house in Italy for $1.
A village in Sardinia is trying to entice politics-weary Americans to buy cheap homes in Italy.
Politics
More Politics
Alabama set to carry out nation's third nitrogen gas execution
An Alabama prisoner convicted of the 1994 murder of a female hitchhiker is slated Thursday to become the third person executed in the U.S., and Alabama, by nitrogen gas.
Police report details woman's allegations against Pete Hegseth
A woman told police she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Pete Hegseth, according to a detailed, newly-released police report. He is now President-elect Trump's choice for defense secretary.
Analysis: Election conspiracies persist, even with different outcomes
Conspiracies persist, although it is effectively impossible to steal a major election in the United States.
How could the U.S. military be used for Trump's mass deportation plan?
Trump signaled this week that he would enlist the help of the U.S. military for his massive deportation operation.
House Ethics Committee will keep Matt Gaetz report under wraps
Rep. Susan Wild said there was "no consensus" on the issue and the committee agreed to reconvene on Dec. 5.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
HealthWatch
New cases of bird flu in U.S.
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the latest on bird flu as new cases raise alarms among health officials. There have been 53 confirmed human cases across seven states this year. Health officials in California are reporting a possible case in a child who had no known contact with an infected animal.
Are food recalls and outbreaks on the rise?
The FDA says America's food supply is still "one of the safest in the world," despite some recent high-profile recalls and outbreaks.
McDonald's pulls espresso drinks from some U.S. menus
Lattes and other espresso-based drinks may not be available at some McDonald's restaurants due to a glitch with coffee machines.
Florida Gov. DeSantis' Canadian drug import plan goes nowhere after FDA approval
Florida sued the FDA over what it said was a "reckless delay" in approving its drug importation plan. Now, nearly a year after the FDA gave the state the green light, the program has yet to begin.
As "walking pneumonia" spreads, ER visits surge for sick babies
CDC data shows rates of Mycoplasma pneumoniae have surged in babies.
World
More World
Ancient amulet showing biblical king spearing devil is unearthed
The amulet was found during an ongoing excavation project in Hadrianopolis, an ancient city near Karabük, Turkey.
U.N. court ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and a Hamas leader
The leaders are accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes over the war in Gaza and the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
Russia hits back after Ukraine's strike using U.S. long-range missiles
Dnipro bears the brunt of Moscow's first retaliatory strike after Ukraine fires U.S.-made missiles into Russia, and Ukraine claims Moscow may have used an ICBM.
American among 4 tourists dead after drinking tainted booze in Laos
The American died in the tourist town of Vang Vieng, Laos, the State Department confirmed.
U.S. indicts Indian billionaire Gautam Adani in $265 million bribery scheme
Gautam Adani, one of the world's richest people, is accused of concealing that a solar energy project was being facilitated by an alleged $265 million bribery scheme.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Connie Nielsen on returning to "Gladiator"
Ahead of the sequel's release, Connie Nielsen joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about stepping back into the world of Ridley Scott's epic saga and her character's emotional journey.
Shelby Lynne on her journey and new album
After overcoming years of personal struggles, Grammy winner Shelby Lynne is back with her first album in years. She tells Anthony Mason why her return to recording came as a surprise, even to her.
Chris Stapleton wins 4 CMAs but Morgan Wallen named entertainer of the year
Chris Stapleton took home four Country Music Association Awards and hardly left the stage on Wednesday night, while an absent Morgan Wallen won the night's biggest prize, entertainer of the year.
Paul Mescal on what he learned from working with Denzel Washington
Paul Mescal discusses his experience working with Oscar winner Denzel Washington in "Gladiator II," and what it was like to work on intense scenes together.
Clay Aiken on his new holiday album
Award-winning singer Clay Aiken, who rose to fame on American Idol, joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to talk about his new holiday album, "Christmas Bells Are Ringing," and his rendition of Bing Crosby's "Do You Hear What I Hear?"
Technology
More Technology
Justice Department calls for breakup of Google and sale of Chrome
The proposed breakup calls for Google to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser and impose restrictions designed to prevent its Android smartphone software from favoring its search engine.
Reddit is down for many users, reports say. Here's what to know.
Reddit says it's investigating after users on Wednesday reported problems connecting to the online forum.
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.
Deepfakes of Elon Musk contribute to billions in fraud losses
A study found that Elon Musk is the most common celebrity used in deepfake scams.
SpaceX successfully tests Starship
SpaceX successfully launched its Super Heavy-Starship rocket from Texas for its sixth test flight Tuesday with its CEO Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump looking on. CBS News correspondent Jason Allen has more on the launch.
Science
More Science
How collecting pine cones helps renew Oregon forests after wildfires
Conservationists are teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and logging companies to clear scorched land and make room for new reforestation projects.
Restoring forests decimated by wildfires
Large wildfires fueled by climate change have destroyed tens of millions of acres of forests in the Pacific Northwest in recent years. Jonathan Vigliotti explores a major effort underway to restore those forests.
Giraffes need endangered species protection, U.S. officials say
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed new protections for giraffes, saying their populations are threatened by poaching, habitat loss and climate change.
Carcass of massive endangered whale washes ashore in Alaska
The carcass was comparable to the width of a college basketball court and female, according to biologists.
Energy Secretary Granholm on Trump presidency
Former leaders and climate experts have issued a letter calling the U.N.'s annual climate meeting "no longer fit for purpose." Recently, CBS News spoke with U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm about the summit and what the incoming Trump presidency means for clean energy and climate change. The conversation took place before the president-elect made his pick for energy secretary.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Man found guilty for Laken Riley murder
A judge on Wednesday found Jose Ibarra guilty on all 10 counts in the murder of University of Georgia student Laken Riley. Ibarra was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Capitol rioter with "kill list" convicted of plot to murder FBI agents
Edward Kelley distributed a "kill list" and videos containing images of FBI employees to another person as part of his "mission," prosecutors say.
Man convicted of murder in slaying of Laken Riley
A judge Wednesday found a Venezuelan migrant guilty on all counts in the murder earlier this year of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Manuel Bojorquez has the latest.
Bryan Kohberger can face death penalty if convicted, judge rules
Bryan Kohberger is charged with four counts of first degree murder in the 2022 stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students.
Florida man arrested in alleged plot to bomb New York Stock Exchange
South Florida native Harun Abdul-Malik Yener was charged with attempted use of an explosive to damage or destroy a building used in interstate commerce.
Space
More Space
Space
Trump, Musk attend SpaceX launch
President-elect Donald Trump attended SpaceX's sixth flight test of its Super Heavy-Starship on Tuesday with CEO Elon Musk. The burgeoning friendship between the two men played a key role in Trump's reelection, with Musk now set to run a government efficiency agency in the coming months. CBS News political reporter Jake Rosen and Politico aviation reporter Oriana Pawlyk join "America Decides" with more.
SpaceX launches Super Heavy-Starship, with Trump there to watch
President-elect Donald Trump was on hand with Elon Musk for the sixth test flight of SpaceX's huge Super Heavy-Starship rocket.
Far side of the moon once had erupting volcanoes, lunar soil shows
Researchers analyzed lunar soil brought back by China's Chang'e-6, the first spacecraft to return with a haul of rocks and dirt from the little-explored far side.
When you can see the Beaver Moon, 2024's final supermoon
November's full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, is the last supermoon of 2024. Here's when it peaks and why it's called the Beaver Moon.
Astronauts decline to answer questions about post-flight medical issue
Medical issues aside, the astronauts described a water leak in June that triggered a blizzard in the International Space Station's airlock.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala's secret photos
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case
A look at the evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case; plus, newly revealed letters from the man police say wanted to be like fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
ICC warrant for Netanyahu, Hamas officials
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over the conditions civilians in Gaza endured "from at least 8 October 2023 to 20 May 2024." A Hamas leader who Israel says it killed over the summer has also been charged with crimes against humanity.
Connie Nielsen on returning to "Gladiator"
Ahead of the sequel's release, Connie Nielsen joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about stepping back into the world of Ridley Scott's epic saga and her character's emotional journey.
Shelby Lynne on her journey and new album
After overcoming years of personal struggles, Grammy winner Shelby Lynne is back with her first album in years. She tells Anthony Mason why her return to recording came as a surprise, even to her.
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Mornings Deals, we show you items that might just become essentials in your everyday life. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
Previewing the NWSL final
The Washington Spirit and Orlando Pride will vie for the championship at CPKC Stadium, the first purpose-built venue for the league. Dana Jacobson previews the match up.