Americans are freed in a historic prisoner swap.

Plus, Simone and Katie dominate. Heavy metals are found in dark chocolate.

August 2, 2024 | VIEW IN BROWSER A Wall Street Journal reporter and three other Americans imprisoned in Russia return home in a prisoner swap. Plus, Katie Ledecky and Simone Biles make more Olympic history, and a study reveals many dark chocolate products contain heavy metals. The Latest Simone Biles wins gold, and Katie Ledecky becomes the most decorated female swimmer in Olympic history. Simone Biles won gold and teammate Suni Lee took bronze as Biles cemented her legend by becoming the first American woman to ever win two all-around Olympic gold medals. In the pool, Katie Ledecky added a silver medal in the 4x200 relay to give her 13 career medals, the most of any American woman in Olympic history. Here's what to watch for today, including sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson seeing her first action as track events begin. The U.S. currently leads the world with 37 medals in Paris. 🍫 Many dark chocolate products contain heavy metals, study finds — and one type stood out. After eight years of testing dark chocolate, a new study reveals many products were contaminated with lead and cadmium, two heavy metals toxic to human health. In particular, organic chocolates were "significantly more likely" to have higher levels of both metals than conventional options, researchers found. The popular products were bought from Amazon, Whole Foods, GNC and other stores. Read more, including why the metals show up in the first place. WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich was freed from a Russian prison in a major exchange. Four Americans held in Russia, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Marine veteran Paul Whelan, were released as part of a major multinational prisoner exchange the likes of which has not been seen since the Cold War. The massive deal, cut among seven nations, involved 24 people, including eight Russians imprisoned in the U.S., Germany, Slovenia, Norway and Poland. President Joe Biden and VP Kamala Harris greeted three of the Americans on the tarmac in Maryland this morning. "Welcome home," Biden told them. Here's the latest. Shop TODAY Budget-friendly deals, gift guides and more from Shop TODAY. Target announces a new denim trade-in program — here's how to save If you're in the market for a new pair of jeans, you might want to bring an old pair with you on your next Target run. From Aug. 4 through Aug. 10, the retailer is allowing you to bring in your used denim styles in exchange for 20% off any denim purchase with Target Circle. SHOP NOW Start TODAY Achieve your life and health goals with easy tips. Actor Jennie Garth reveals the 'weird' ingredient she puts in her smoothies, how she began lifting weights with her longtime trainer, her favorite time of day to work out, and her fitness goals. READ MORE What's For Breakfast? Allow us to do the meal-planning for you These 30 low-calorie breakfast recipes from a registered dietitian can promote weight loss and keep you full for the rest of the day. VIEW RECIPE ♡ SAVE RECIPE Daily Delight A little pick-me-up before you go. Italian gymnast Giorgia Villa has become a big cheese at the Paris Olympics. The 21-year-old not only helped Italy win silver for its first team gymnastics medal since 1928, she has become an internet sensation for posing with giant wheels of Parmesan cheese. In the pictures, Villa wears her leotard while posing with enormous wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano, a fitting endorsement for an Italian athlete. "Big parma is at it again!" one user joked on X. See the photos.  Thanks for letting us in your inbox! See you tomorrow. Written by Scott Stump | Edited by Philip Caulfield Enjoying This is TODAY? Invite a friend to subscribe here. Send us Feedback Follow us on Facebook More TODAY Newsletters Copyright © 2024 TODAY | 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112 MANAGE SUBSCRIPTION | UNSUBSCRIBE | PRIVACY | SEND FEEDBACK