Why U.S.-Russia prisoner swaps can take years of back-channel negotiations

Another American being held in Russia was released as part of negotiations to free her and two others from Belarus, according to the White House. This comes after the release of American teacher Marc Fogel, who touched down on U.S. soil after being in a Russian prison for nearly four years for possession of marijuana. These negotiations are a diplomatic tightrope, which can often take years of back-channel conversations. Roger Carstens, President Biden's chief hostage negotiator, joins to explain.

Topics

Israel and Hamas complete fifth hostage-prisoner swap

Release of three Israeli hostages and 183 Palestinian prisoners comes as next phase of ceasefire set to begin. Israel and Hamas completed their fifth hostage-prisoner swap under a fragile Gaza ...
The Guardian - Feb. 8
Software stocks are on fire. Here’s why the party can keep going this year.

Smaller software stocks have been on a tear this year, and the sector broadly stands to benefit from lower costs for AI.
MarketWatch - 2d
U.S. to send cybercriminal Alexander Vinnik to Russia in prisoner swap

The deal will see Alexander Vinnik returned to Russia in a swap for American teacher Marc Fogel.
CBS News - 6d
Mookie Betts trade: Five years after franchise-altering swap, how the Red Sox got there and what happened next

After repeatedly failing to agree to a long-term extension, the Red Sox shipped Betts out in February 2020
CBS Sports - Feb. 10
German couple face life in prison for killing Ukrainians to take baby

Yahoo News - Feb. 10
Why are women still being sent to prison as ‘a place of safety’? | Eva Wiseman

Reports reveal the true harm done by incarcerating women under the guise of protecting them. Every now and then I learn something about the world today that sticks into me like a fish hook and I ...
The Guardian - 2d
Live updates: Push for Ukraine-Russia peace deal takes spotlight; House to consider budget negotiations

President Trump said Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to begin negotiations immediately, with plans to meet in Saudi Arabia, which has unsettled some Republican Senators who ...
The Hill - 2d
Why is Trump using tariffs and when will they take effect?

Tariffs are a central part of Trump's political vision, but economists warn they could put prices up.
BBC News - Feb. 11
Lawyers for inmates ask judge to take over health care services in Arizona prisons

Lawyers for 25,000 people incarcerated in Arizona have asked a judge to take over health care operations in state-run prisons and appoint an official to run them
ABC News - 5d
Expert on why financial secrets can break trust in relationships

With Valentine's Day coming Friday, a recent survey reveals that 40% of Americans in committed relationships have kept a financial secret from their partner. CBS News business analyst Jill ...
CBS News - 5d
Why the bull market in stocks can live with higher inflation

Here’s why the U.S. stock market might not mind higher for longer interest rates.
MarketWatch - 5d
MLS turns 30: Can it be world's best league in next 30 years?

MLS is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025, and if its first 30 years were about survival, will the next 30 see it become soccer's biggest league?
ESPN - 8h
Christian convert released from Egyptian prison after three years of 'arbitrary' detention

Yahoo News - Feb. 9
Teen 'serial swatter' who made hundreds of fake threats sentenced to 4 years in prison

A California teenager who pleaded guilty to making hoax shooting and bombing threats to institutions around the country will serve four years in federal prison.
NBC News - Feb. 11
‘Serial Swatter’ Who Made Nearly 400 Threatening Calls Gets 4 Years in Prison

Alan W. Filion, 18, of Lancaster, Calif., pleaded guilty to making false threats of mass violence, which prosecutors said prompted large police deployments and, in some cases, unnecessary detentions.
The New York Times - Feb. 11
Federal appeals court upholds singer R. Kelly's convictions and 30-year prison term

A federal appeals court has upheld singer R. Kelly's racketeering convictions and a 30-year prison sentence, finding he exploited his fame for over a quarter century to sexually abuse girls and ...
ABC News - 6d
28-year-old American prisoner has been freed in Russia, Kremlin says

Kalob Byers, the 28-year-old American man detained in Russia on drug smuggling charges earlier this month, was released from detention, the Kremlin said on Monday.
ABC News - 1d
Tennessee murderer who likened himself to Michael Myers gets over 250 years total in prison

A man who has called himself a "serial killer" and likened himself to fictional boogeyman Michael Myers was sentenced to 159 years behind bars for three Tennessee slayings — on top of 102 years ...
NBC News - 9h
Heathrow expects third runway take offs in 10 years

The chief executive of the UK's largest airport will unveil plans to develop terminals two and five.
BBC News - 6d
Super Bowl prices are down this year. StubHub explains why

If you’re still planning to attend the Super Bowl on Sunday, you can expect a price drop compared to last year
ABC News - Feb. 7
Here’s why you’ll likely pay more for Valentine’s Day chocolates this year

If you’re about to head to the store to buy chocolates for your valentine, be prepared to shell out more than you did last year as candy makers continue to deal with the high cost of cocoa.
MarketWatch - 5d
Why Timothée Chalamet spent years studying Bob Dylan

Timothée Chalamet had years to immerse himself in Bob Dylan's life. The actor explains what it was like.
CBS News - 2d
UFC 312: Middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis believes he can 'absolutely' take down Khamzat Chimaev

Du Plessis does not fear the top title challenger's A-game
CBS Sports - Feb. 8
Why Does Elon Musk Think He Can Treat the U.S. Government Like Twitter?

My latest five-whys looks at Musk’s motivations.
Inc. - Feb. 6
Leland Vittert readies his show's move to prime time on NewsNation: We can delve 'more into the "why"'

He's making the move to prime time, but Leland Vittert says his approach as anchor of NewsNation's "On Balance" is staying the same: "We're still going to be the fairest show on television." "We ...
The Hill - Feb. 10
Here's why teams can start talking to Aaron Rodgers despite him still being under contract with Jets

The Jets' actions Thursday have opened the green light for Rodgers
CBS Sports - 5d
The Guardian view on supporting vaccines: humans can work miracles – so why wouldn’t we? | Editorial

Global immunisation programmes are under risk as the US slashes its aid programme and the UK considers cutting funding. It is easy to become so used to scientific and social advances that we take ...
The Guardian - 4d
Why is Trump behaving like a bully over tariffs? Because he can | Gene Marks

The huge size of the US economy means that the president can throw his weight around – and we can’t say we weren’t warned. Why is Donald Trump so obsessed with tariffs? If you ask me, it’s ...
The Guardian - 3d
Nimbys. Naysayers. Traitors. Children take note, why learn oracy when insults will do? | Catherine Bennett

Keir Starmer’s rhetoric against green campaigners appears to have taken a playground turn . Before the last election, in what was billed as his “most personal interview yet”, Keir Starmer said: ...
The Guardian - Feb. 9
Here's why Eagles will take down Chiefs in 2025 Super Bowl, secure fifth NFL championship in franchise history

Here's why the Eagles will leave the Big Easy with a massive win
CBS Sports - Feb. 9
Agent's Take: Why Browns dealing Myles Garrett won't be easy; what trade compensation for star could look like

Garrett, eyeing a fresh start, is in line to be NFL's highest-paid non-QB again
CBS Sports - Feb. 11
Can Super Micro really do $40 billion in revenue next year? Some analysts are skeptical.

Super Micro’s stock is surging following a robust revenue outlook for next fiscal year. But analysts worry about stiffer competition in the market, among other issues.
MarketWatch - 6d
Apple launches first major health study in 5 years. Here's how you can opt in

Apple launched the new project called Apple Health Study with Brigham and Women's Hospital.
CNBC - 6d
30-year-old takes on loneliness crisis with a social networking app that's already raised $646,000

Nicola Gunby felt isolated when she moved to London — one of the biggest cities in the world. It led her to create a new social networking platform.
CNBC - Feb. 10
With the Milan Cortina Olympics one year away, here are some Americans who will take center stage

The U.S. brings top talent to Milan Cortina 2026, featuring returning gold medalists and rising stars at the most picturesque Winter Olympics yet.
NBC News - 6d
Zelensky proposes swap of seized territory with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is proposing an exchange of seized territory with Russia as part of any potential negotiations to end the war. Ukraine holds control of a small pocket of ...
The Hill - Feb. 11
Why a Majority of Senior Executives Say They’re Likely to Switch Jobs Within 2 Years

A new survey points to a looming surge in C-suite executive turnover.
Inc. - Feb. 7
The seven-year wait for a dentist: why Linda Colla pulled out her own teeth

In chronic pain, unable to find an NHS practice and priced out of private care, Colla – like millions of Britons – felt she had no choice but to take matters into her own hands. Linda Colla holds ...
The Guardian - 6d
Three reasons Nvidia’s stock is still compelling, and why it could rise 30% in the next year

A screen of the S&P 500 still has Nvidia standing out, despite this year’s DeepSeek disruption for the stock.
MarketWatch - 6d