On Saturday’s episode of The Excerpt podcast, USA TODAY White House Correspondent Michael Collins shares the story behind the delicate negotiations that led to the historic agreement freeing US prisoners in Russia. Vice President Kamala Harris officially becomes the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III reverses a decision to put the death penalty back on the table for the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks and two accomplices. U.S. hiring slows in July amidst high inflation and recession fears. A car fire in California’s Bidwell Park grows into the state’s fourth-largest wildfire. Climate change is causing Waikiki beach in Hawaii to disappear. The release of American prisoners from Russia involved a lot of behind-the-scenes negotiation, including the involvement of a mom of one of the prisoners who worked back channels to secure her son’s release. While many celebrated the prisoner swap agreement, families of those not included criticized the Biden administration. Analysts note Putin’s pattern of using innocent people as bargaining chips. Harris secures the Democratic presidential nomination, becoming the first black woman and Asian-American from a major party to do so. Austin rejects a plea deal with 9/11 attackers, sparking controversy. U.S. hiring slows in July amid inflation and recession concerns. A massive wildfire in California continues to grow. These events highlight ongoing global and domestic challenges.
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Unveiling the Saga of the Historical Prisoner Swap with Russia
