Nightly News Full Broadcast – Aug. 1
Americans Return Home after Being Released in Largest Prisoner Swap with Russia since Cold War
Tonight, three Americans – Evan Grovich, Paul Whelan, and Konstantin Yaroshenko – were welcomed back to the United States after being released from Russian custody in a prisoner swap. The historic deal was marked by a ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, where President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke to the freed Americans.
Evan Grovich, a journalist with the Wall Street Journal, had been held in Russia for nearly 500 days, facing charges of espionage. Paul Whelan, a Marine veteran, was arrested in 2018 and held on similar charges. Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian citizen who holds a U.S. green card, was released in the swap.
The prisoner swap involved 24 individuals, including 15 Russians, and was brokered by the Biden Administration over a two-year period. The deal marks the largest prisoner swap between the two nations since the Cold War.
In his remarks, President Biden called the swap a "feat of diplomacy and friendship" and praised the efforts of his national security team. The White House confirmed that no money was exchanged and no sanctions were loosened as part of the deal.
Simone Biles Makes History with Second All-Around Gold Medal
Meanwhile, Simone Biles made history by winning her second gold medal in the all-around competition, despite a tough night and setbacks. The 25-year-old American gymnast overcame early stumbles to take the gold medal, her second in the all-around competition.
Biles credited her experience and maturity for her ability to rebound from setbacks, saying "to just go out there and achieve that goal, it meant the world to me."
Trump’s Controversial Comments on Kamala Harris Elicit Backlash
In other news, former President Donald Trump drew criticism for his comments on Vice President Kamala Harris’s racial identity. Trump repeated his claim that Harris only turned black "a number of years ago" and that she had always presented herself as Indian. Harris responded by saying that she is "always and forever" an American woman with Indian and Jamaican roots.
Russia Confirms Killing of Top Hamas Leader
Israel confirmed today that it had killed the military leader of Hamas, following the assassination of two other top militants in recent days. The killings mark a significant escalation in the conflict and come as the region remains tense and volatile.
Snoop Dogg Becomes Star Struck by Olympics
Celebrity rapper Snoop Dogg, known for his love of the Olympics, spent the day at the games, commenting on judo matches and riding in a train with LeBron James.
