The Latest: ‘Tears of relief’: U.S. journalists Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva freed in historic U.S.-Russia prisoner swap

Aug. 1, 2024

Top stories

Russia, U.S. prisoner swap : Journalists Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, other Americans freed (Washington Post) / Video shows moment Gershkovich, Kurmasheva, Paul Whelan and other freed prisoners aboard plane leaving Russia (The Guardian) / ‘The deal that secured their freedom was a feat of diplomacy. … All have endured unimaginable suffering and uncertainty. Today, their agony is over.’ (President Joe Biden)

Jubilation inside The Wall Street Journal after Gershkovich is freed (New York Times) / ‘Today is a joyous day. There are many people who played a part in the safe return of our colleague Evan Gershkovich, and today I thank them wholeheartedly. My greatest thanks, though, must go to Evan himself. Read my letter in full.’ (Emma Tucker) / ‘The WSJ newsroom after Emma Tucker announced Evan Gershkovich had been released’ (Vaughn Sterling) / WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich is free (Wall Street Journal) / ‘A homepage I am sure the staff of the WSJ has been dreaming of publishing .’ (Elahe Izadi)

Kurmasheva, Russian-American journalist, freed in historic prisoner swap (USA Today) / Kurmasheva's arrest was a Russian mystery that's tough to solve (Washington Post) / Kurmasheva’s family celebrates her release at White House (Wall Street Journal)

‘Smiles of joy, tears of relief: Evan Gershkovich and others held in Russia are on their way home. It has been 16 months of wrongful imprisonment for Evan. We celebrate with his wonderful family and all the families reunited today.’ (Paul Beckett) / ‘President Biden standing with the families of American prisoners who are on the way home’ (Brian Stelter)

Inside the secret negotiations to free Evan Gershkovich (Wall Street Journal) / ‘What Evan wrote in his official request for presidential clemency: After his release, would Putin be willing to sit down for an interview ?’ (Joe Flint)

Trump’s hostility to Black journalists renews questions over how news media should cover his rhetoric (CNN) / 5 things Trump said in a combative interview at Black journalists' conference (POLITICO) / Harris Faulkner criticizes ABC's Rachel Scott for 'emotional' start to Trump interview (The Hill)

Fox News, in bid for Harris-Trump debate , is open to muting mics (Variety)

UK police examining allegations Washington Post publisher purposely deleted emails in phone hacking scandal (CNN)

John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois named anchors of ‘CBS Evening News’ (New York Times) / Steven Zeitchik joins The Hollywood Reporter as senior awards editor (Hollywood Reporter)

How the Murdoch family ended up in a legal fight over the future of Fox (Washington Post)

Don Lemon sues Elon Musk over canceled X deal (New York Times)

U.S. Copyright Office releases part one of AI report , calls for new legislation (Publishers Weekly)

What to do when sources won’t talk

“A simple ‘could not be reached for comment’ is not enough. Journalists should make an effort to explain to the audience not only that the source is unwilling to participate, but also the context and ramifications of that decision. That shows the reporter is holding the newsmaker accountable and explaining that by withholding information from the journalist, they are also shutting out the public.”

-- Fernanda Camarena and Mel Grau, Poynter faculty, excerpt from "Shut Out: Strategies for good journalism when sources dismiss the press" (Poynter)

How (and why) you should ask a colleague for help

“Instead of saying ‘Can you help me with this?’ try ‘I’d like to understand how you approach this kind of problem. Could you walk me through your thought process?’ This shows you value their expertise and want to learn , not just get a quick fix. Remember, most people enjoy feeling knowledgeable and helpful. By asking for advice, you’re giving them an opportunity to feel good about themselves.”

-- Melody Wilding, author at Harvard Business Review, excerpt from "How to ask for help without making yourself look bad" (Harvard Business Review)

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This newsletter is written & edited by the National Press Club Journalism Institute staff: Beth Francesco, Holly Butcher Grant, and Mitch Harle. Send us your questions and suggestions for topics to cover.

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