Americans Return Home After Largest Prisoner Swap With Russia Since Cold War

What's Happening

Politics

Americans Return Home After Largest Prisoner Swap With Russia Since Cold War

What's going on: Last night, three Americans released as part of a prisoner swap with Russia arrived in the US. President Biden and VP Kamala Harris greeted Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Marine veteran Paul Whelan, and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. Their arrival came hours after the US announced a 24-person prisoner exchange involving six countries — one of the largest since the end of the Cold War. Whelan, Gershkovich, and Kurmasheva had been detained in Russia on espionage charges denounced by the US. As part of the exchange, eight Russian citizens were released, including Vadim Krasikov — a convicted hit man believed to be linked to Russian intelligence.

What it means: The prisoner swap, which took months of back-channel negotiations, marks a diplomatic success for Biden as he enters his last few months in office. While the Biden administration has engaged in numerous prisoner exchanges in recent years, this one is the most complex by far. Even as the deal is hailed as a win around the world, it has opened the president up to criticism. Some experts warn that such swaps might encourage hostile governments to take American citizens as prisoners in order to gain leverage over the US and bring back dangerous actors. The deal also isn't expected to thaw icy US-Russia relations, or move the needle on ending the war in Ukraine.

Related: How Evan Gershkovich’s Mother Helped Secure His Release (WSJ Gift Link)

Health

Cancer Rates Rising for Gen X and Millennials

What's going on: New research from the American Cancer Society found younger generations — specifically Gen Xers and millennials — have a higher risk of developing 17 cancers than older generations. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 24 million cancer patients, born between 1920 and 1990, who were diagnosed with 34 of the most common types of cancer. The analysis found that younger generations had two to three times higher incidence rates for certain cancers, including kidney, pancreatic, and small intestine, compared to baby boomers. The study noted the risk of death also increased among younger adults battling cancers such as colorectal and gallbladder.

What it means: This study seemed to confirm what researchers have been sounding the alarm about for years — but they still don't know what's driving the increased cancer rates among young adults. Many experts suggest that environmental and lifestyle factors, including obesity, could be to blame. As researchers continue to look into the potential causes, some doctors pinpoint the need to develop more cancer screenings and recommendations. Meanwhile, The Washington Post reports other medical experts fear more screenings could lead to false positives and unnecessary treatment.

Related: Most Americans Don’t Know They Can Get Screened for this Common Type of Cancer (CBS)

Travel

Could This New Proposal Reduce Travel Stress for Parents?

What's going on: Yesterday, the Transportation Department proposed a new rule that would require domestic and international airlines to seat children 13 and under next to their parents at no extra cost. (Yes, that's not a widespread thing already.) White House officials said the new rule could help families save up to $200 per round trip. Under the rule, airlines would have to offer a refund if neighboring seats aren’t available for families. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said keeping families together onboard “ought to be standard practice.”

What it means: Families shouldn't expect immediate changes. The proposal, which is part of President Biden's larger war on “junk fees,” still has to go through a public comment period. The effort is also likely to face legal challenges, with companies like Allegiant, Delta, Southwest, and Spirit standing to lose revenue if the rule takes effect. It’s also worth noting that other Biden administration rules, including those targeting late credit card fees and hidden airline booking fees, have been caught up in the courts. In the meantime, at least four carriers, including American and JetBlue, already allow kids 13 and under to sit next to their parents for no additional fee.

Related: Spirit Airlines Just Got...Bougie? (CNN)

Quick Hits

🏃‍♀️ Sha’Carri Richardson made her Olympic debut…and left no crumbs.

🥇 While Simone Biles won on and off the mat at the Olympics, the internet is debating if her husband’s behavior is cringe or cute.

👀 Which celeb announced she's pregnant and filing for divorce in the same week?

⚠️ Paging Sephora tweens: The FDA has a new warning about this at-home skincare treatment.

🎤 The Britney Spears biopic is officially a go. But who should be so lucky to play her?

🇫🇷 The last place in the world where water should be described as dirty, shallow, and just plain dangerous.

Settle This

Olympic gymnast Giorgia Villa scored a major win for Italy after earning silver this week. But what fans are really eating up is her cheesy sponsorship. What fromage is she promoting?

Extra Credit

Listen

Maren Morris is hitting the reset button both in life and on her new EP, aptly titled Intermission. The mini-album marks a “new chapter” for the singer following her divorce from ex-husband and fellow songwriter Ryan Hurd as well as her announcement to “take a step back” from country music. And while Intermission has only five tracks, each one stands out with its raw vulnerability. From the tongue-in-cheek duet “cut!” with Julia Michaels (the friends previously collaborated in 2022 on Morris’s Humble Quest) to the heartbreaking “i hope i never fall in love” (described as “the afterglow of a s---show”), the Grammy winner knows she’s an emotional mess — and she isn’t afraid to show it. Whatever she does next, we're ready for Morris’ second act whenever she is.

Game Time

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