8/2: CBS Morning News
Americans freed from Russia back on U.S. soil; Team USA women win big at Day 6 of Paris Olympics.
Russia
Biden, Harris speak on U.S., Russia prisoner swap
President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke to reporters on the tarmac of Joint Base Andrews in Maryland after welcoming home three Americans released as part of the prisoner swap with Russia. Mr. Biden said that "the toughest call on this one was for other countries, because I asked them to do some things that were against their immediate self-interest."
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.
Biden, Harris welcome home Americans released in Russia prisoner swap
A plane carrying Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva landed at a military base in Maryland after they were freed by Russia in a prisoner exchange.
Gershkovich, Whelan freed in U.S., Russia swap
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Marine veteran Paul Whelan were among two dozen prisoners freed as part of the biggest prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia since the end of the Cold War. The complex exchange took place in Turkey and involved more than six nations. Nancy Cordes has the latest.
World reacts to historic Russia prisoner swap
A historic prisoner swap on Thursday secured the release of 24 prisoners from six countries, including several Americans who had been detained in Russia. CBS News foreign correspondent Ramy Inocencio has more on the reaction from leaders from around the world. Then, Christopher O'Leary, senior vice president for global operations at the consulting firm Soufan Group, joins with analysis.
Largest prisoner swap since Cold War underway
Russia released three American citizens and a permanent resident from detention in a multi-nation prisoner swap on Thursday. CBS News' Olivia Gazis and Natalie Brand have the details. Then, Ian Bremmer, president and founder of consulting firm Eurasia Group, joins with analysis.
Russia prisoner swap: What was Harris' role?
With fewer than 100 days to go until the 2024 election, the White House touted Vice President Kamala Harris' role in the prisoner swap with Russia, while former President Donald Trump criticized the Biden team for giving away too much in the exchange. CBS News chief election and campaign correspondent Robert Costa reports.
Analyzing Harris' views on foreign policy
A prisoner exchange with Russia on Thursday has freed journalist Evan Gershkovich and U.S. Marine Paul Whelan. Julia Ioffe, founding partner and Washington correspondent for Puck News, joins "America Decides" to look at the role Vice President Kamala Harris played in their release.
The politics behind Russia prisoner swap
Vice President Kamala Harris says she and President Biden engaged in "complex" negotiations to release three U.S. citizens and one resident from Russian custody on Thursday. Leigh Ann Caldwell, co-author of The Washington Post's "Early Brief," and Brakkton Booker, national political correspondent for "Politico," join CBS News to dive into the politics behind the exchange.
Democrats, Republicans react to prisoner swap
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are reacting to Thursday's prisoner swap with Russia. Republican Rep. French Hill of Arkansas, co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on American Hostages and Americans Wrongfully Detained Abroad, joins "America Decides" to unpack the deal.
How Russia prisoner swap came together
Three American citizens and a permanent resident are on their way home Thursday after the U.S. secured their release from prison in Russia. CBS News' Olivia Gazis, Robert Costa and Ed O'Keefe have more.
WSJ bureau chief on prisoner swap
Thursday's prisoner swap with Russia is the largest of its kind since the Cold War. The deal ends more than a year-long nightmare for Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. Ann Simmons, Moscow bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal, joins "America Decides" to reflect on her colleague's release.
U.S., Russia prisoner swap is the latest in a long history of exchanges
Despite frosty relations, the U.S. and the former Soviet Union have swapped prisoners for decades.
Breaking down the historic prisoner swap
The families of three American citizens and one legal permanent resident are awaiting the return of their family members who have been held captive in Russia. Their release is part of a monumental prisoner swap that involved Germany, Russia and other nations. CBS News' Ed O'Keefe and Olivia Gazis report.
How the prisoner swap negotiation worked
The decision to involve other nations that provided leverage in a prisoner swap with Russia appears to have helped the U.S. negotiate terms for the historic exchange underway Thursday. Erin Banco, a POLITICO national security reporter, joins CBS News with more details.
Biden's efforts to free prisoners
President Biden's work to negotiate the release of Americans held captive in Russia reaped results Thursday with a historic deal involving several U.S. allies. William Pomeranz, senior fellow and former director of the Wilson Center's Kennan Institute, joins CBS News with more.
Harris' role in historic prisoner swap
President Biden thanked the U.S. allies involved in the historic prisoner swap deal announced Thursday. Three American citizens and one permanent resident were released as part of the deal. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes reports from the White House, and CBS News campaign reporter Nidia Cavazos has more on Vice President Kamala Harris' role in the negotiations.
Jake Sullivan on prisoner swap
National security adviser Jake Sullivan grew emotional while briefing reporters at the White House Thursday on the historic prisoner swap that led to the release of three American citizens and one legal permanent resident held captive in Russia. Sullivan also lauded President Biden's role in the negotiations and said the U.S. will build on the diplomatic efforts.
Russian assassin among those walking free in U.S.-Russia prisoner swap
A Russian assassin jailed for life in Germany is among the Russians being released as part of the U.S.-Russia prisoner exchange.
Biden celebrates historic prisoner swap
President Biden addressed the nation Thursday alongside the family members of several prisoners who have been freed as part of a multi-nation negotiation that impacted 24 prisoners. John Dickerson anchored CBS News' special report.
Historic U.S.-Russia prisoner swap
Several countries involved in a historic prisoner swap successfully negotiated the release of 24 prisoners, including three American citizens and one legal permanent resident, and others from Russia, Germany and three other Western countries. CBS News' Olivia Gazis and Elizabeth Palmer break down the news, and William B. Taylor, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, joins CBS News with his analysis of the diplomatic feat.
U.S.-Russia prisoner swap's complexities
The prisoner swap taking place Thursday to free Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and others is a complex one that involves multiple countries. CBS News intelligence and national security reporter Olivia Gazis has more on the details of the exchange. Following Gazis' reporting, William E. Pomeranz, senior fellow and former director of the Wilson Center's Kennan Institute, and former U.S. ambassador to Russia John Sullivan joined CBS News to discuss how an exchange like this works.
Congress reacts to U.S.-Russia prisoner swap
Reaction is coming in from lawmakers on Capitol Hill about the major U.S.-Russia prisoner swap taking place Thursday that will free Americans Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and others. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane has more.
Former U.S. ambassador to Russia on prisoner swap
John Sullivan, the former U.S. ambassador to Russia, joined CBS News to discuss Thursday's prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia that includes Americans Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan. Following Sullivan's comments, CBS News senior foreign correspondent Elizabeth Palmer provided information on the Americans still held by Russia.
Israel and Hezbollah both claiming ceasefire violations on Day 2
Less than two full days into a ceasefire, Israel's military and Hezbollah were both claiming isolated breaches of the deal.
Trump says Mexican leader agrees to "effectively closing" southern border
Trump's claims President Claudia Sheinbaum "agreed to stop migration through Mexico." She says she "explained" what Mexico was already doing.
Bidens spending last Thanksgiving as president on Nantucket
"Whatever bumps and bruises we were suffering, we put it all aside and celebrated Thanksgiving in Nantucket," President Biden wrote in his 2017 book "Promise Me, Dad."
1,400 tons of drugs, "narco subs" found on new Pacific trafficking route
More than 400 people were arrested in the operation targeting oceans, coasts, rivers and ports around the globe in October and November.
Canada weighing how to retaliate if Trump imposes 25% tariffs
A full-blown trade war between the U.S. and Canada could lead to a recession in both countries, economist says.
What businesses are open and closed on Thanksgiving Day?
Need to shop on Thanksgiving? Here's what stores, restaurants, and other businesses are open and closed on Turkey Day.
Chilling details emerge after Montana camper's brutal murder
Dustin Kjersem's death was initially reported as a bear attack after his girlfriend found his body in a tent on Oct. 12.
Alabama A&M says player is stable, hours after announcing his death
Linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr. sustained a head injury in an October game against Alabama State and has been hospitalized since.
Stowaway caught after getting aboard Delta flight from NYC to Paris
The woman boarded Delta Flight No. 264 from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, CBS News learned. She was discovered while the plane was in midair and was taken into custody in Paris.
U.S.
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Taylor Swift's Eras Tour book hits stores Friday. Here's what to know.
Taylor Swift's Eras Tour book goes on sale Friday. Here's the only place to buy it, how much it costs and what you'll get.
Canada weighing how to retaliate if Trump imposes 25% tariffs
A full-blown trade war between the U.S. and Canada could lead to a recession in both countries, economist says.
Alabama A&M says player is stable, hours after announcing his death
Linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr. sustained a head injury in an October game against Alabama State and has been hospitalized since.
How to navigate tough conversations at the Thanksgiving table
A seventh grade media literacy class in New York is learning how to have difficult but empathetic questions as they combat misinformation.
Former TV host Charlie Rose settles sexual harassment lawsuit
In settling, the three plaintiffs said they assign no "ill intent" to Rose and realize now that his conduct could be subject to interpretation.
MoneyWatch
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Taylor Swift's Eras Tour book hits stores Friday. Here's what to know.
Taylor Swift's Eras Tour book goes on sale Friday. Here's the only place to buy it, how much it costs and what you'll get.
Canada weighing how to retaliate if Trump imposes 25% tariffs
A full-blown trade war between the U.S. and Canada could lead to a recession in both countries, economist says.
What businesses are open and closed on Thanksgiving Day?
Need to shop on Thanksgiving? Here's what stores, restaurants, and other businesses are open and closed on Turkey Day.
Has tipping reached a tipping point?
A November 2023 survey from the Pew Research Center found that 72% of people think tipping is expected in more places than it was five years ago.
How Trump's economic agenda could affect mortgage rates in 2025
Here's what a noted housing expert thinks will happen to mortgage rates next year as Donald Trump outlines his priorities.
Politics
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A look at Trump's campaign promise to recognize North Carolina's Lumbee Tribe
Then-candidate Donald Trump in September promised that he would sign legislation to grant federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe.
Bidens spending last Thanksgiving as president on Nantucket, a family tradition
"Whatever bumps and bruises we were suffering, we put it all aside and celebrated Thanksgiving in Nantucket," President Biden wrote in his 2017 book "Promise Me, Dad."
Trump says Mexican leader agrees to "effectively closing" southern border
Trump's claims President Claudia Sheinbaum "agreed to stop migration through Mexico." She says she "explained" what Mexico was already doing.
Zuckerberg meets with Trump at Mar-a-Lago
The tech CEO has been seeking to change his company's perception on the right following a rocky relationship with President-elect Donald Trump.
Ex-Sen. Bob Menendez seeks new trial
Former Sen. Bob Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey, was convicted of 16 felony counts in July.
HealthWatch
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New Mexico man awarded $412 million for botched penile injections
The man's attorneys said the punitive and compensatory damages total the largest amount to ever be awarded by a jury in a medical malpractice case in the U.S.
Why does eating turkey make you sleepy? Thanksgiving fatigue, explained.
Tired from your Thanksgiving feast? You're not alone. But is it the tryptophan in turkey that leads to our food comas? Here's what experts say.
Thanksgiving foods cats and dogs can (and can't) eat
Can cats and dogs eat turkey and other Thanksgiving foods? Here's what experts say about what is safe and not.
A toddler got a nasal swab test. So why was the bill $445?
An Illinois mom got stuck with a big bill after taking her 3-year-old to the ER but never seeing a doctor. "It's mind-blowing," she said.
Why we eat turkey on Thanksgiving, according to history
Why is Thanksgiving traditionally associated with turkey and other specific foods? We asked a history expert why we eat what we do on the holiday.
World
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Canada weighing how to retaliate if Trump imposes 25% tariffs
A full-blown trade war between the U.S. and Canada could lead to a recession in both countries, economist says.
Doctor suspected of killing 8 patients: "Lust for murder"
"The accused appears to have had no motive for killing the people other than the act of killing itself," prosecutors said.
Tennis star Iga Swiatek gets one-month suspension in doping case
Iga Swiatek is a 23-year-old from Poland who was ranked No. 1 most of the past two seasons but is now at No. 2.
Israel and Hezbollah both claiming ceasefire violations on Day 2
Less than two full days into a ceasefire, Israel's military and Hezbollah were both claiming isolated breaches of the deal.
1,400 tons of drugs, "narco subs" found on new Pacific trafficking route
More than 400 people were arrested in the operation targeting oceans, coasts, rivers and ports around the globe in October and November.
Entertainment
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Taylor Swift's Eras Tour book hits stores Friday. Here's what to know.
Taylor Swift's Eras Tour book goes on sale Friday. Here's the only place to buy it, how much it costs and what you'll get.
Former TV host Charlie Rose settles sexual harassment lawsuit
In settling, the three plaintiffs said they assign no "ill intent" to Rose and realize now that his conduct could be subject to interpretation.
Sean "Diddy" Combs denied bail again ahead of sex trafficking trial
Sean "Diddy" Combs' lawyers again asked the rapper be released on bond ahead of his trial, but the request was denied.
Grateful Dead remembers band member Phil Lesh
Members of the iconic band, the Grateful Dead, reflected on the impact bandmate Phil Lesh had on their lives and said they had hoped to play together again.
Grateful Dead bandmates remember Phil Lesh
Iconic band The Grateful Dead, is remembering one of the band's original members, Phil Lesh, who died in October at 84 years old. The surviving original members of the band credit Lesh for the impact he made in each of their lives and revealed they were hoping to play together one more time.
Technology
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Zuckerberg meets with Trump at Mar-a-Lago
The tech CEO has been seeking to change his company's perception on the right following a rocky relationship with President-elect Donald Trump.
Australian parliament approves law to ban under-16s from social media
Australia's full legislature has now passed a bill that will soon ban children under the age of 16 from using most social media platforms.
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.
AI grandma tool helps fend off phone scams
British phone company Virgin Media O2 has developed an AI-generated grandmother to talk to scammers all day and waste their time so you don't have to. CBS News Confirmed executive producer Melissa Mahtani has more on the "grandma" and how you can protect yourself from phone scams.
Starbucks impacted by ransomware attack on software vendor
Starbucks managers forced to rely on manual systems to handle baristas' pay, but customers unaffected.
Science
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NASA shows off image of U.S. military's abandoned "city under the ice"
Scientists now have a clearer picture of Camp Century, an abandoned U.S. military base long hidden under the ice in Greenland, thanks to a NASA research team's good luck.
Divided U.N. negotiations for plastic treaty
Negotiators are far apart as the United Nations tries to work out the world's first treaty to curb plastic pollution. Issues creating roadblocks include limiting new manufacturing of plastic and the potential phasing out of some chemicals. For more on the talks, CBS News was joined by Erin Simon, vice president and head of plastic waste and business for the World Wildlife Fund in the U.S.
Honolulu hopes to identify long-unclaimed bodies with advanced DNA testing
Forensic pathologists hope advanced DNA testing technology will enable them to attach names to all the unidentified people at the Honolulu Medical Examiner's Office.
Dishing up space food
At the Johnson Space Food Systems Laboratory in Houston, NASA scientists develop dishes – freeze-dried, heat-stabilized, or irradiated – to serve on the International Space Station. Correspondent David Pogue checks out what's on the menu in Earth orbit.
How are U.S. winters permanently changing?
This winter, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted above-average temperatures throughout the U.S. because of a "slowly developing" La Niña pattern. CBS News Sacramento meteorologist Tracy Humphrey reports on the changing winter conditions.
Crime
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Doctor suspected of killing 8 patients: "Lust for murder"
"The accused appears to have had no motive for killing the people other than the act of killing itself," prosecutors said.
Chilling details emerge after Montana camper's brutal murder
Dustin Kjersem's death was initially reported as a bear attack after his girlfriend found his body in a tent on Oct. 12.
1,400 tons of drugs, "narco subs" found on new Pacific trafficking route
More than 400 people were arrested in the operation targeting oceans, coasts, rivers and ports around the globe in October and November.
Sean "Diddy" Combs denied bail again ahead of sex trafficking trial
Sean "Diddy" Combs' lawyers again asked the rapper be released on bond ahead of his trial, but the request was denied.
Accused "Pink Panthers" member among 11 nabbed in cocaine bust
Police in the Balkans arrested 11 alleged members of a criminal syndicate responsible for smuggling cocaine from South America to Europe, officials said.
Space
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Webb telescope captures stunning new image of the "Sombrero galaxy"
The Sombrero galaxy, named for its resemblance to the Mexican hat, is about 30 million light-years from Earth.
Blue Origin launches 6 tourists to the edge of space
Marc and Sharon Hagle, both making their second space flight, were among the passengers for the NS-28 mission.
Blue Origin launches 9th space tourism flight
The ninth Blue Origin space tourism flight launched from West Texas Friday morning. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood and space expert Scott Heidler offered analysis of the flight.
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.
Latest Galleries
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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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Giving thanks for a special home in America
This Thanksgiving, CBS News New York's Jessi Mitchell introduces us to a family who is spending their holiday giving thanks to not only their family, but the special place they call home.
Inside the real history of Thanksgiving
Historian Kenneth C. Davis, the bestselling author of "Don't Know Much About History" and "The World in Books," joined "CBS Mornings Plus" to discuss the history behind Thanksgiving and some of the traditions that go along with the holiday.
"Mornings Memory": Harvesting cranberries
Thanksgiving isn't complete without a side of cranberries, but it's pretty tough work to harvest them. That's what a CBS News crew discovered on this day in 2002.
Pro Volleyball Federation's Whitney Bower
Atlanta Vibe setter Whitney Bower, 23, joined "CBS Mornings Plus" to discuss the upcoming second season of the Pro Volleyball Federation and the draft of collegiate players held earlier this week.
Trump memorandum of understanding with DOJ
Officials with the Biden administration said Tuesday that President-elect Donald Trump's transition team has yet to agree to terms on a memorandum of understanding with the Justice Department, which will allow for the processing of security clearance requests. CBS News national security contributor Samantha Vinograd has more.