Freed American Paul Whelan opens up about life inside a Russian labor camp
Paul Whelan, who was arrested in Russia in 2018, got little sleep and used secret cellphones to communicate with prisoners sent to the frontlines in Ukraine.
Paul Whelan
Freed American Paul Whelan's first interview
Paul Whelan, a Marine veteran who was imprisoned in a Russian labor camp for nearly six years until being released after a prisoner swap this summer, tells "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" in his first interview since being freed about the first moments he realized he was free.
Full interview: Paul Whelan
Watch Margaret Brennan's full interview with Paul Whelan, a portion of which aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Oct. 20, 2024.
Open: "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Oct. 20, 2024
This week on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Margaret Brennan speaks to Paul Whelan in his first interview being freed from a Russian prison. Plus, battleground state Secretaries of State Brad Raffensperger of Georgia and Jocelyn Benson of Michigan join as early voting begins.
Face the Nation: Lawler, Whelan
Missed the second half of the show? The latest on...Republican Rep. Mike Lawler of New York, who represents a district heavily targeted by Democrats, tells "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that "all of the rhetoric needs to stop", and Paul Whelan, a Marine veteran who was imprisoned in a Russian labor camp for nearly six years until being released after a prisoner swap this summer, tells "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" in his first interview since being freed about the first moments he realized he was free.
10/20: Face the Nation
This week on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Margaret Brennan speaks to Paul Whelan in his first interview being freed from a Russian prison. Plus, battleground state Secretaries of State Brad Raffensperger of Georgia and Jocelyn Benson of Michigan join as early voting begins.
Paul Whelan on his lowest point in Russian custody
Paul Whelan, the Marine veteran who was wrongfully detained in Russia for nearly six years, spoke to CBS News in his first interview since his release in August as part of a complex prisoner swap. Whelan described the frustration he felt when he learned in 2022 that he would not be freed as part of the deal that saw the release of basketball star Brittney Griner.
Paul Whelan's attorney on bringing him home
Marine veteran Paul Whelan is speaking out for the first time since his release from Russian imprisonment. Whelan spoke with "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan about the toll of life in captivity. Ryan Fayhee, Whelan's lawyer, joins CBS News to discuss.
Paul Whelan on how Brittney Griner helped him
Paul Whelan reflects on how WNBA star Brittney Griner helped lend support and advocated for his freedom after he was left behind in a one-for-one prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia in December 2022. Griner returned home after spending nearly 10 months in Russian custody for drug charges.
Paul Whelan says years-long Russian imprisonment "did play with my mind"
In his first sit-down interview since his release from Russia, Paul Whelan said being left behind twice in prisoner swaps played with his mind.
Paul Whelan says he has a form of PTSD
Paul Whelan, in his first sit-down interview since being freed in a historic prisoner swap with Russia, tells "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan that spending nearly six years being wrongfully detained played with his mind and he's now living with a form of PTSD.
Paul Whelan tells other American detainees, "We're coming for you"
The Marine veteran was released in August as part of a complex deal with Russia.
Paul Whelan's lawyer discusses his release
It's been just under two weeks since Paul Whelan and other Americans returned to the United States from Russia after a historic multi-nation prisoner swap. Whelan's attorney, Ryan Fayhee, joins "America Decides" to discuss the Marine veteran's release.
Freed Americans may still face IRS penalties
The Americans freed in a historic prisoner swap with Russia will likely face challenges as they return to ordinary life, including automatic IRS penalties. Diane Foley, president and founder of hostage advocacy group the Foley Foundation, joins CBS News to discuss the bill sitting in Congress to address the tax issue.
Former U.S. ambassador to Russia on relations
As the former U.S. ambassador to Russia, John Sullivan has rare insight when it comes to the inner workings of the Kremlin. He was also in Moscow the night Putin's army invaded Ukraine in 2022. Sullivan joins CBS News to discuss his new memoir, "Midnight in Moscow," and the future of U.S.-Russia diplomacy.
What the historic prisoner swap might mean for the future
Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan says Vladimir Putin, and other authoritarians, may be emboldened to wrongfully detain Americans abroad if they can benefit from prisoner swaps in the future.
Several Americans still detained in Russia
Americans Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva are recuperating in the U.S. following a historic prisoner exchange with Russia. However, several U.S. citizens are still imprisoned in Russia. CBS News intelligence and national security reporter Olivia Gazis explains why some Americans might not have been included in the deal.
Prisoner swap mental health under spotlight
The Americans involved in the historic prisoner swap carried out by various countries will have to grapple with the weight of their experience while detained. Jason Rezaian, a journalist who was wrongfully imprisoned in Iran, joins CBS News with more on the mental health and economic impacts that come with being a political prisoner abroad.
Global leaders behind the prisoner swap
Slovenia Prime Minister Robert Golob and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz were involved in chats with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris that led to the historic prisoner swap that freed three Americans and one legal permanent resident. CBS News' Willie James Inman reports on the political leaders involved in the deal.
Americans still wrongfully held around world
As the three Americans freed from Russia are welcomed home with open arms, we're also monitoring other Americans detained around the world. CBS News' Anne-Marie Green has more.
What to know about prisoner swap for Americans
Three Americans who had been held in Russian prisons, Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva, are back home following a historic, multi-country prisoner swap. CBS News White House reporter Willie James Inman has more.
Jake Sullivan on Russia prisoner swap
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan explains how the United States worked with allies to free three Americans in the prisoner exchange with Russia. Sullivan added the work continues to free other Americans who remain in Russia, like Marc Fogel.
Americans arrive in U.S. after prisoner swap
Three Americans — Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva and Paul Whelan — landed Thursday in the U.S. after being detained in Russia. It was part of one of the largest prisoner swaps since the end of the Cold War.
Whelan describes journey home from Russia
Three Americans who were wrongfully imprisoned in Russia, Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva, are back on U.S. soil. They made a brief stop at Joint Base Andrews, before arriving in San Antonio to undergo medical assessments. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes has more.
Released Americans welcomed home by Biden, Harris
A plane carrying three wrongfully detained Americans released by Russia landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland late Thursday night. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Marine veteran Paul Whelan and Russian-American radio journalist Alsu Kurmasheva were welcomed home by President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
CBS News poll finds Americans want Trump's focus more on prices, not tariffs
Most Americans say the matter of Trump administration officials discussing U.S. military plans on the Signal app is serious.
Iran has rejected direct negotiations with the U.S. after Trump letter
Indirect negotiations have been unsuccessful for years since Mr. Trump initially withdrew the U.S. from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers in 2018.
Richard Chamberlain, star of "Shogun" and "The Thorn Birds," dies at 90
The actor died Saturday, March 29, in Waimanalo, Hawai'i of complications following a stroke. He was two days shy of his 91st birthday.
UAW president Shawn Fain says "tariffs are a tool in the toolbox"
Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers union, praised President Trump's move to impose tariffs on vehicles, while noting that "tariffs aren't the total solution."
Sen. Warner: Trump's approach to Greenland is part of "a crazy foreign policy"
Sen. Mark Warner criticized President Trump's approach to Greenland on Sunday as part of what he called a "crazy foreign policy."
Comedian Amber Ruffin pulled from White House Correspondents' Dinner
In an email to members, White House Correspondents Association President Eugene Daniels said that the WHCA board had "unanimously decided we are no longer featuring a comedic performance this year."
Prince Harry accused in bullying campaign against chair of his charity
Prince Harry and his co-founder, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, abruptly resigned this week as patrons of Sentebale, the charity they established in honor of the late Princess Diana.
Protesters rally at Tesla showrooms in U.S., Europe to protest Elon Musk
Protesters are trying to escalate a movement targeting Tesla dealerships and vehicles in opposition to Elon Musk's role in DOGE.
Specialized U.S. Navy dive team, engineers join recovery search for 4 soldiers
A specialized U.S. Navy dive team and a group of Polish engineers have joined the recovery operation for the four U.S. soldiers who went missing in Lithuania.
U.S.
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Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 30, 2025
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, UAW president Shawn Fain and Sen. Mark Warner join Margaret Brennan.
Sen. Warner says Trump's approach to Greenland is part of "a crazy foreign policy"
Sen. Mark Warner criticized President Trump's approach to Greenland on Sunday as part of what he called a "crazy foreign policy."
UAW president Shawn Fain says "tariffs are a tool in the toolbox"
Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers union, praised President Trump's move to impose tariffs on vehicles, while noting that "tariffs aren't the total solution."
Richard Chamberlain, star of "Shogun" and "The Thorn Birds," dies at 90
The actor died Saturday, March 29, in Waimanalo, Hawai'i of complications following a stroke. He was two days shy of his 91st birthday.
The buzz over annoying corporate buzzwords
Faith Salie shares a "disruptive action item" for business buzzword users to "on-board" (that is, if you don't want to be "smartsized" out of a job).
MoneyWatch
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The buzz over annoying corporate buzzwords
Faith Salie shares a "disruptive action item" for business buzzword users to "on-board" (that is, if you don't want to be "smartsized" out of a job).
A bad bet? The dangers of sports gambling addiction
Nearly $150 billion in online wagers were placed last year alone. With one in five problem gamblers attempting suicide, experts say the ease of access and number of betting opportunities on one's phone represent a growing public health crisis.
CBS News poll finds Americans want Trump's focus more on prices, not tariffs
Most Americans say the matter of Trump administration officials discussing U.S. military plans on the Signal app is serious.
Protesters rally at Tesla showrooms in U.S., Europe to protest Elon Musk
Protesters are trying to escalate a movement targeting Tesla dealerships and vehicles in opposition to Elon Musk's role in DOGE.
Trump's changes to the Social Security Administration have many seniors alarmed
The average wait time for Social Security calls has doubled in the last six months to 104 minutes.
Politics
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Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 30, 2025
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, UAW president Shawn Fain and Sen. Mark Warner join Margaret Brennan.
Russia targets Ukrainian military hospital as Trump lashes out at Putin
President Trump offered his most critical comments at Russian President Vladimir Putin for comments he made about the leader of Ukraine.
Sen. Warner says Trump's approach to Greenland is part of "a crazy foreign policy"
Sen. Mark Warner criticized President Trump's approach to Greenland on Sunday as part of what he called a "crazy foreign policy."
Transcript: Sen. Mark Warner on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 30, 2025
The following is the transcript of an interview with Sen. Mark Warner, Democrat of Virginia, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on March 30, 2025.
Transcript: Sue Gordon and Frank McKenzie on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 30, 2025
The following is the transcript of an interview with Sue Gordon, Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence in first Trump administration, and Ret. Gen. Frank McKenzie, a CBS News contributor, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on March 30, 2025.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
How the arts can create healthier communities
According to thousands of studies, researchers have determined that involvement in the arts can improve public health and promote healing from illness, as well as protect against such problems as cognitive decline, heart disease, anxiety and depression. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook talks with Broadway director Lear deBessonet, the force behind Arts For EveryBody, a national public health movement whose mission is to connect more people to the arts and create healthier communities.
FDA's top vaccine official forced out, decries RFK Jr.'s "misinformation and lies"
A Department of Health and Human Services official delivered an ultimatum to Dr. Peter Marks: either resign or be fired.
RFK Jr. to gut vaccine promotion and HIV prevention office, sources say
Much of the federal government's efforts to buoy lagging childhood vaccination rates have been run through the Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy.
Utah becomes first state to ban adding fluoride to public water systems
Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox signed a bill banning fluoride from public water supplies. The ban will take effect in May.
Kansas reports measles outbreak with 23 cases
23 measles cases have been confirmed in Kansas, marking an outbreak for the state, according to local health officials. Ohio has reported 10 cases.
World
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Russia targets Ukrainian military hospital as Trump lashes out at Putin
President Trump offered his most critical comments at Russian President Vladimir Putin for comments he made about the leader of Ukraine.
Prince Harry accused in bullying campaign against chair of his charity
Prince Harry and his co-founder, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, abruptly resigned this week as patrons of Sentebale, the charity they established in honor of the late Princess Diana.
Earthquake strikes near Pacific island of Tonga, days after Myanmar quake
A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Sunday near Tonga, a nation of more than 170 islands in the South Pacific Ocean.
Rocket carrying European orbital vehicle crashes after seconds after takeoff
The unmanned Spectrum rocket, an orbital rocket developed by German start-up Isar Aerospace, crashed and exploded 40 seconds after takeoff.
Damage from Myanmar earthquake assessed as death toll rises to 1,662
Officials are continuing to survey the destruction left in two major Myanmar cities and the Thai capital Bangkok, after a powerful earthquake hit the region Friday.
Entertainment
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Elton John on Brandi Carlile: She gave me "a fresh start"
To young Brandi Carlile, a girl coming of age and struggling with her own sexuality, Elton John was a flicker of hope in a confusing world. Today, the two music superstars are friends and collaborators, recording an album together, "Who Believes in Angels?"
Extended interview: Sir Elton John and Brandi Carlile
In this online exclusive, music superstars Sir Elton John and Brandi Carlile talk with correspondent Tracy Smith about the songwriting process and the challenge of collaborating on their first joint album, "Who Believes In Angels?" They also discuss their friendship, their families, and John's belief that "art has to be painful sometimes."
Elton John, Brandi Carlile on their dream collaboration
Years ago, Elton John was a flicker of hope in a confusing world to young Brandi Carlile, a girl coming of age and struggling with her own sexuality. Today, the two music superstars are not only friends, but also collaborators, recording an album together, "Who Believes In Angels?" They talked with correspondent Tracy Smith about pushing each other artistically, and the 78-year-old John's emotional response to the album's closing track, "When This Old World Is Done With Me."
Richard Chamberlain, star of "Shogun" and "The Thorn Birds," dies at 90
The actor died Saturday, March 29, in Waimanalo, Hawai'i of complications following a stroke. He was two days shy of his 91st birthday.
What is the future of the Kennedy Center?
President Trump named himself the storied Washington arts center's chairman and replaced board members with Trump allies. Since then, the center has been rocked with cancellations, resignations, and questions about its mission.
Technology
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Technology
Growing demand to power AI, cryptocurrency
As cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence advancements are made, U.S. demand for the energy needed to power massive mining and data centers grows. David Turk, former deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss how much energy the U.S. needs and the potential environmental impacts.
Waltz's Venmo showed his contacts — even after bombshell report on Signal chat
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles was among the contacts listed in Waltz's Venmo account.
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.
Lawsuit against OpenAI over newspaper copyright can proceed, judge rules
Several newspapers have sued OpenAI and Microsoft, seeking to end the practice of using their stories to train artificial intelligence chatbots.
What is Signal, the app used by Trump's team
The Senate Intelligence Committee heard testimony on Tuesday from key players involved in a group chat on the messaging app Signal, in which the U.S.'s highly sensitive plans to bomb Houthi targets in Yemen were discussed inadvertently with a journalist. President Trump said that his administration would investigate the government's use of Signal. CBS News contributor and former CIA official Andrew Boyd has more on what it is and how it's used.
Science
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Is carbon capture a solution to the climate crisis?
Carbon capture chemically removes CO2 from the air, to store or recycle into products. But is this technology – underwritten by the fossil fuel industry – an effective means to address climate change?
Is carbon capture a solution to the climate crisis?
As a tool to address rising greenhouse gas emissions, carbon capture chemically removes carbon dioxide from the air, to store or recycle into products. The company behind a new plant to be opened this summer claims the facility will remove 500,000 tons of CO2 a year. But is this form of carbon capture – underwritten by the fossil fuel industry – an effective means to address climate change? Correspondent David Pogue looks at the technology behind this initiative, and the controversy it has raised.
Bones of mammoths butchered for their tusks unearthed by archaeologists
Remains of five mammoths were found archaeologists from the Austrian Academy of Sciences said Thursday in a news statement.
Venus will pass between the Earth and sun on Saturday
Our planet's closest and brightest neighbor will pass approximately between the Earth and sun this week, in what's called an inferior conjunction.
New evidence about dark energy may be "cusp of a major discovery"
The new findings come from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), which sits on a telescope at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona.
Crime
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Survivors speak up to help convict man of murder, sexual assault
David Pearce was convicted of first-degree murder for the deaths of Christy Giles and Hilda Marcela Cabrales after a night of partying in Los Angeles. He was also found guilty of raping seven other women who came forward to testify at his trial.
Utah law to protect child influencers
Utah is establishing legal protections for children who are social media influencers. This comes as cases of abuse emerge among parents with kids in the industry. Tiffany Li, a technology attorney, joins CBS News with more details.
Case of stepson allegedly held captive
A judge held a hearing in the case against a Connecticut woman accused of keeping her stepson captive for 20 years. This comes as the man's biological mother speaks out about the alleged abuse.
Second South Carolina inmate on death row chooses firing squad
Mikal Mahdi, who pleaded guilty to murder for killing a police officer in 2004, is scheduled to be executed April 11.
Lawyers say execution of morbidly obese inmate could be botched
Lawyers for convicted murderer Michael Tanzi say that his weight and health conditions could cause a lethal injection cocktail to fail.
Space
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Rocket carrying European orbital vehicle crashes after seconds after takeoff
The unmanned Spectrum rocket, an orbital rocket developed by German start-up Isar Aerospace, crashed and exploded 40 seconds after takeoff.
Mae Jemison on making history in space and inspiring change on Earth
Dr. Mae Jemison, the first woman of color in space, shares wisdom and encouragement with "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King ahead of King's upcoming Blue Origin launch.
When, where to see the March partial solar eclipse
Astronomy fans figuring out where and what time to see the March 29, 2025, partial solar eclipse can check out a map from NASA.
William Shatner offers Gayle King advice before women-led space flight
William Shatner, who became the oldest person to travel to space at age 90, is offering encouragement and practical advice to Gayle King and the all-female crew launching April 14.
Democrats warn of cuts to space office
Democratic members of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee are warning that Department of Government Efficiency cuts to the Office of Space Commerce at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration could harm American interests. CBS News' Natalie Brand reports.
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.
Husband pieces together wife's last movements to find out how she was killed
A look into a grieving husband Jan Cilliers' investigative work after his wife Christy Giles and her friend Hilda Marcela Cabrales died after a night out.
The Scott Peterson case: New evidence?
Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.
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.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
CBS News poll: Americans want focus on prices, not tariffs
A CBS News poll released Sunday finds that Americans' approval of President Trump's handling of the economy has ticked down, and most say he's focusing too much on tariffs and not lowering prices. CBS News director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto breaks down the poll.
Ex-Trump intelligence official on Signal chat
Sue Gordon, who served as principal deputy of National Intelligence in the first Trump administration, and Ret. Gen. Frank McKenzie, a CBS News contributor, speak to "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" about the Signal group chat that mistakenly included a journalist.
Warner: Trump's approach to Greenland is part of "a crazy foreign policy"
Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, tells "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that the Trump administration is enacting "a crazy foreign policy" as it eyes acquiring Greenland, turning "Canada into an enemy" and "suddenly wanting to buddy up with Putin in Russia or with Xi in China."
Arrington on potential Medicaid cuts
Republican Rep. Jodey Arrington of Texas, the chairman of the House Budget Committee, tells "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that the budget measure with $880 billion in funding reductions, which could lead to potential cuts to Medicaid, is necessary because "if we don't make these cuts, these changes, this program and the federal budget in general is not sustainable."
Open: This is "Face the Nation," March 30, 2025
This week on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Major Garrett speaks to UAW president Shawn Fain as the Trump administration deals with upcoming tariffs with the markets sliding up and down and consumer confidence sliding. Plus, Sen. Mark Warner joins to discuss the Trump administration's mistake of its own making — sharing attack plans over an app.