The Latest Breaking News from Brittney Griner

President Joe Biden plans to meet with family members of two Americans jailed in Russia: basketball star Brittney Griner and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, the White House said on Thursday.

The separate meetings are to be the first in-person encounter between President Joe Biden and the families and are taking place amid sustained but so far unsuccessful efforts by the administration to secure the Americans’ release from Russia.

An official says the meetings are meant to “connect with them on a human level as they undergo an ordeal that the Russian government has imposed on them”

Senior administration officials say President Joe Biden plans to meet at the White House on Friday with the families of WNBA star Brittney Griner and Michigan corporate security executive Paul Whelan, both of whom remain jailed in Russia

Biden administration distances itself from Bill Richardson’s efforts, but Brittney Griner’s family welcomes the visit.

Bill Richardson helped in the prisoner swap that freed Trevor Reed earlier this year.

The United States distanced itself on Wednesday from a visit by former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson to Russia where WNBA star Brittney Griner and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan remain jailed.

Bill Richardson, who has worked to secure the releases of WNBA star Brittney Griner and another jailed American, Paul Whelan, visited Moscow this week and held meetings with Russian leaders

The Mercury star was convicted and sentenced to a nine-year prison sentence in Russia back in August.

Traders are expected to return to their desks after an event-filled, long Labor Day weekend. The market is still grappling with economic and geopolitical worries, and any incoming news and/or data could influence investor sentiment. Here's a recap of a few major headlines that hit the wire over the weekend.

WASHINGTON — Civil rights leaders warned about the dangers white supremacy poses to the US following a meeting with President Joe Biden.