Brittney Griner: Russian court schedules start of trial for Friday, her ...

(CNN) A Russian court on Monday scheduled Brittney Griner 's trial to start Friday, according to her lawyer, and ruled the WNBA star's detention be extended six months pending its outcome.

Griner -- who has been held in Russia since her arrest at a Moscow airport on allegations of attempted drug smuggling -- attended the preliminary hearing in person Monday, arriving at court handcuffed and flanked by guards in black vests, according to a photo by AFP photographer Kirill Kudryavstev.

Her lawyer, Alexander Boykov, previously told CNN the hearing would occur behind closed doors at the Khimki court, just outside Moscow.

Griner, 31, a Phoenix Mercury player who plays in Russia during the WNBA's offseason, was arrested February 17. Russian authorities claimed she had cannabis oil in her luggage and accused her of smuggling significant amounts of a narcotic substance, an offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

The US State Department, however, has classified Griner as "wrongfully detained," a department official told CNN in May.

WNBA star Brittney Griner arrives at a hearing at the Khimki court outside Moscow on Monday.

Griner's detention, which has been repeatedly extended, has sparked a wave of support among dozens of organizations in the US that have joined Cherelle Griner, Brittney Griner's wife, in urging President Joe Biden to strike an exchange deal with Russian authorities to release Griner and bring her home safely as soon as possible.

More than 40 organizations -- including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, the National Urban League and the Women's National Basketball Players Association -- signed a letter to President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris calling for action to get Griner released.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Cherelle Griner one-on-one last Wednesday, according to a senior State Department official. And US national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday he and Blinken spoke with Cherelle "in the last few days ... to convey that we just can't even begin to imagine what the family must be going through" and what "Brittney must be going through."

Cherelle Griner said last week she hasn't talked to her wife since February 17.

"I've got no higher priority than making sure that Americans who are being illegally detained in one way or another around the world come home," Sec. Blinken told CNN's "State of the Union" at the Group of 7 summit Sunday

"That includes Paul Whelan, that includes Brittney Griner, that includes people in a number of other countries," he added. Whelan is a US citizen who was detained in Moscow in 2018 and arrested on espionage charges. He has denied the charges.

"I can't comment in any detail on what we're doing, except to say this is an absolute priority," Blinken said.

While Griner's trial has been scheduled, that should not prevent US officials from trying to negotiate her release, her agent said on Twitter , calling Monday's hearing "administrative in nature and not on the merits."

"The negotiation for her immediate release regardless of the legal proceedings should remain a top priority," Lindsay Kagawa Colas wrote, "and we expect @POTUS and @VP to do everything in their power, right now, to get a deal done to bring her home."

The US Embassy in Moscow will send a US diplomat to Brittney Griner's hearing on Friday, a US official told CNN.

A State Department spokesperson reiterated that the Griner is "wrongfully detained," and said that support for her and her family will continue. "The US government will continue to provide appropriate support to Ms. Griner and her family. We will continue to press for her release."

Griner was named an honorary WNBA All-Star Game starter last week, with the All-Star Game scheduled to take place on July 10 in Chicago.

Griner's detention abroad is still "tough on our team," Phoenix Mercury head coach Vanessa Nygaard told reporters before the team's game Monday against the Indiana Fever.

She expressed hope Griner will return home soon and that President Joe Biden will "take the steps to ensure that she comes home."

Brittney Griner: It's been 130 days since the WNBA star was ...

Phoenix (CNN) Cherelle Griner, the wife of WNBA star Brittney Griner , told CNN on Thursday she wants US officials to do whatever they have to do to bring the basketball legend home -- and she needs to see them do more.

In the only interview she is giving on the eve of her wife's trial in Russia, Cherelle Griner sat in the Phoenix Mercury locker room and called for more action.

"It's really, really difficult. This is not a situation where the rhetoric is matching the action," she said. "I do have to unfortunately push people to make sure that the things they're telling me is also matching their actions and so it's been the hardest thing to balance because I can't let up. It's over 130 days and BG's still not back."

Brittney Griner, 31, who has played in Russia during the WNBA's offseason, was arrested February 17 at a Moscow airport. Russian authorities claimed she had cannabis oil in her luggage and accused her of smuggling significant amounts of a narcotic substance, an offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Earlier this week, a Russian court scheduled her trial to start Friday , according to her lawyer, and ruled her detention be extended six months pending its outcome. The US Embassy in Moscow will send a diplomat to Friday's hearing, a US official has told CNN.

Cherelle Griner told CNN she wants to see more from US officials and meet with them to be reassured that they are "at that phase where you're actually doing everything in your power to bring her home," she said.

Right now, Cherelle said that what the US government is saying isn't matching their actions. She referred to a day when she was supposed to speak to her wife and Brittney called the embassy in Moscow 11 times but wasn't connected with Cherelle. The State Department blamed the mistake on staffing restrictions imposed by Russian officials.

"You don't have my trust at that point until I see actions that are in BG's best interest," Cherelle said.

She also said she would "absolutely" like to meet with President Joe Biden and humanize Brittney to him so he can "see BG as we see BG."

"While everyone wants to tell me they care, I'd love for him to tell me he cares," she added.

State Department says it is 'actively engaged'

US national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Cherelle this week, Sullivan told reporters Tuesday aboard Air Force One.

"Brittney Griner is wrongfully detained, unjustly detained and we have made that clear as an official determination of the US government. Second, the Russian government should release her and allow her to be returned and reunited with her family and come home safe and sound," Sullivan said.

Sullivan declined to detail US efforts to resolve Griner's case, citing the "sensitive matter," but maintained that the Biden administration is "actively engaged."

'Don't be quiet,' families of other detained Americans told her

While Cherelle has not been able to speak to Brittney, the couple writes each other letters. Cherelle said Brittney recently reassured her that her time in detention hasn't driven her crazy after photos from Brittney's court appearance left her wife disheartened. Brittany wrote that she is exhausted and it was disconcerting to emerge into a courtroom where there were 100 or so media members and cameras, Cherelle said.

A photo from Kirill Kudryavstev of Agence France-Presse shows Brittney at her preliminary hearing Monday, arriving at court handcuffed and flanked by guards in black vests.

Brittney Griner at a Russian court Monday for a preliminary hearing.

Cherelle noted her wife, who is 6-foot-9, has a five-hour round-trip drive on court days, and when she is moved, she is in a "very, very, very tiny cage" with her long legs bent at the knee.

Cherelle said she's also met with families of people who have been or remain detained in Russia and other countries. She described the families are loving, genuine and broken people. "And the first thing they said was, you know, 'Do not be quiet about this. Do not let them forget about your loved one,'" she said.

It blew her mind when she learned that for some of those families it has been a three- or four-year ordeal, she added.

"My heart was breaking hearing it because I, I pray to God, you know, three years does not pass by and BG is still wrongfully detained in Russia," she said.

Make a trade if that is what's necessary, wife says

At first, it was hard for her to imagine that her wife could be used as a pawn, Cherelle told CNN. But she said realizes the answer to the question whether it is possible is "Yes." She said she thinks Russia can get something in return for letting Brittney go

"And at this point, I want them to. Whatever you want, please ask," she said with a laugh.

She said she hasn't listened much to what the measures are that are being contemplated to bring her wife home.

But if a prisoner swap is what's necessary then, "Yes, do it."

Mercury coach wants Griner to be a priority for Washington

In a pregame news conference Wednesday, Phoenix Mercury head coach Vanessa Nygaard said, "We've been hearing some more noise from the Biden administration that there is -- they're supporting us and they know this is a priority. Well, let's make it a priority. I know our Phoenix community feels deeply. Everywhere I go in Phoenix, everyone asks me about BG. ... We just need our government and everybody in power to really push for that (release)."

Nygaard also said that the team will be having a rally for Griner next week.

Griner is one of the best basketball players in the world. The center has won two Olympic gold medals and one WNBA title. She has been a six-time WNBA All-Star, three times as a starter. This season she will be honored as a starter in the All-Star game, scheduled for July 10.

Last season, she averaged a sterling 20.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game.

Photos this week: June 23-30, 2022

Gemunu Amarasinghe/AP Anti-abortion protesters gather outside the Supreme Court in Washington, DC, after Roe v. Wade was overturned on Friday, June 24. The week in 32 photos

Gemunu Amarasinghe/AP Anti-abortion protesters gather outside the Supreme Court in Washington, DC, after Roe v. Wade was overturned on Friday, June 24.

The US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade on Friday, June 24, holding that there is no longer a federal constitutional right to an abortion.

It's the most consequential Supreme Court decision in decades, and it reverses nearly 50 years of precedent. Going forward, abortion rights will be determined by states unless Congress acts.

At least 21 states have laws or constitutional amendments already in place that would make them certain to attempt to ban abortion as quickly as possible, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which favors abortion rights. And an additional four states are likely to ban abortions as soon as possible without federal protections.

The vote was 5-4 in favor of overturning Roe, and it was made possible by a solid conservative majority, including three of Donald Trump's nominees.

"Roe was egregiously wrong from the start," Justice Samuel Alito wrote in his majority opinion. "Its reasoning was exceptionally weak, and the decision has had damaging consequences."

Justices Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan dissented, saying women's rights are under attack. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in a concurring opinion that he would not have overturned Roe; he only would have upheld Mississippi's law banning abortions after 15 weeks.

Here are some of the stories that made headlines over the past week, as well as some photos that caught our eye.

5 things to know for July 1: SCOTUS, Abortion, Ukraine, Brittney ...

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Today is the traditional getaway day for many people heading into the July 4 holiday weekend , and the 5 Things crew is hitting the road too. We'll see you back here on Tuesday after enjoying some fun in the sun and fireworks shows! If you need a little diversion before your holiday festivities begin, take CNN's Summer Quiz ! Here's what you need to know to

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1. Supreme Court

The Supreme Court ended its blockbuster term on Thursday with two major opinions on climate change and immigration. The court dealt a huge blow to the Biden administration by curbing the Environmental Protection Agency's ability to broadly regulate carbon emissions from existing power plants . But in a win for the White House, the court gave President Joe Biden the green light to end the Trump-era "Remain in Mexico" immigration policy , which allows officials to send non-Mexican migrants to Mexico to await their US immigration court hearings. These rulings come as the conservative Supreme Court continues to transform the legal landscape around an assortment of hot-button issues, including abortion, gun rights, and religious liberty.

2. Abortion

President Biden on Thursday called for dropping filibuster rules to pass abortion rights into law. Ending the filibuster -- the 60-vote threshold in the Senate needed to pass most legislation -- would mean bills could pass by a simple majority instead of being held up by a minority. However, despite Biden's newly announced support for the filibuster carveout, his best bet in doing so would be next year, and only if Democrats gain at least two Senate seats and hold the House of Representatives, an extremely tall task. Meanwhile, several Democratic-leaning states are implementing regulations that either further protect or expand abortion-related laws and policies. Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee , for example, issued a directive Thursday that bars state police from cooperating with out-of-state agency requests for abortion-related information.

JUST WATCHED Watch Biden call for filibuster rule change to codify abortion rights into law Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Watch Biden call for filibuster rule change to codify abortion rights into law 01:12

3. Ukraine

After a highly consequential summit this week, President Biden and NATO leaders pledged to support Ukraine for " as long as it takes ," although few were willing to offer an actual timeframe for an end to the conflict. Ukraine's allies ramped up their response to the war this week with new sanctions and more military aid, but it remains unclear whether these steps can change the battlefield momentum that currently favors Russia . Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged NATO leaders to help him regain the initiative during a virtual address to the summit, pleading for more modern weapons and sustained support to battle the Russians. On the ground, Russian forces left Snake Island in the Black Sea , after Zelensky on Thursday said Ukraine carried out a "remarkable operation." Russia, however, claimed it had withdrawn "as a gesture of goodwill."

JUST WATCHED Symbol of Ukrainian resistance at center of new dispute Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Symbol of Ukrainian resistance at center of new dispute 02:20

4. Brittney Griner

The trial in Russia of American basketball star Brittney Griner is expected to begin today after officials there claimed she had cannabis oil in her luggage in February, a week before Russia invaded Ukraine. Griner , a Phoenix Mercury player who plays in Russia during the WNBA's offseason, was arrested at a Moscow airport and has been detained for more than four months. Russian authorities accused her of smuggling significant amounts of a narcotic substance, an offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Her detention, which has been extended for six months pending the trial's outcome, has sparked a wave of support in the US. Griner's wife, Cherelle , is urging President Biden to strike an exchange deal with Russian authorities to release Griner and bring her home safely as soon as possible.

JUST WATCHED Brittney Griner's wife: Effort to free her doesn't match the rhetoric Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Brittney Griner's wife: Effort to free her doesn't match the rhetoric 01:32

5. Travel chaos

As the US heads into the busy July 4 holiday weekend, travel experts warn delays and cancellations are likely to impact flights over the next few days. More than 1,500 flights were canceled in the US this past weekend alone, and Delta Air Lines has already trimmed about 100 flights a day from its July schedule to "minimize disruptions." Delta also issued a waiver for July 4 travelers as it braces for passenger volumes "not seen since before the pandemic." And as airports fill up with the most travelers in years, weather will also be a big factor this weekend, impacting both airlines and fireworks displays. Most of the US will see the chance of rain through Monday, with the South and Northeast expecting thunderstorms in several areas.

BREAKFAST BROWSE

See what's streaming in July

"Stranger Things" Season 4 Volume 2 hit Netflix at midnight! Here's what else you should stream this month

UCLA and USC to join Big Ten conference

The two Southern California powerhouse universities -- UCLA and USC -- are completely shaking up the college sports landscape . (Fight on!)

Enormous chocolate factory shuts over salmonella outbreak

The biggest chocolate factory in the world is facing a not-so-sweet situation

'Extraordinarily rare' Princess Diana portrait goes on display in London

Interesting fact: Princess Diana went to an art studio for more than 30 sittings to complete this masterpiece

How two women with the exact same name became best friends

These women quickly realized they had more in common than their relatively unusual name

QUIZ TIME

Which company is being accused of turning off the AC in its stores to save money as its sales plummet?

A. IKEA

B. Bed Bath & Beyond

C. Best Buy

D. Petco

TODAY'S NUMBER

141

That's how many reports of rape Uber recorded on its platform in 2020, the rideshare company disclosed in a safety report released Thursday . About 91% of the victims of rape were riders and about 7% of the victims were drivers. Women made up 81% of the victims while men comprised about 15%, according to the 78-page report.

TODAY'S QUOTE

"The Navy accepts responsibility for what happened."

-- Navy Adm. Samuel Paparo, the commander of US Pacific Fleet, acknowledging a series of failures led to a , the commander of US Pacific Fleet, acknowledging a series of failures led to a fuel leak at a Hawaii military facility that sickened nearby families. In March, the Defense Department announced it would permanently close the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility after approximately 20,000 gallons of fuel spilled and hundreds of people complained about illnesses linked to the contaminated water.

TODAY'S WEATHER

JUST WATCHED Storms could impact holiday travel Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Storms could impact holiday travel 02:53

AND FINALLY

Bigfoot and Bamboo: The Unlikely History of Fireworks

5 things to know for June 28:Roe v. Wade, Jan. 6, Amtrak crash ...

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(CNN) Can you keep a secret? Not many people know that pilots and cabin crew have access to hidden capsule-like spaces on some planes -- usually right above the main cabin -- to rest and recharge. A passenger walking by would probably think it's a closet, but behind the door is a ladder that leads to a secret room with cozy bunk beds and changing areas.

Here's what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.

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1. Roe v. Wade

Most Americans disapprove of the Supreme Court's historic decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, according to a new poll conducted in the immediate wake of the ruling. A 59% majority of US adults disapprove, with 41% approving, the CBS News/YouGov poll showed. Most Americans also say they believe it's at least somewhat likely that the Supreme Court will eventually end or limit same-sex marriage (57%) and access to birth control and contraception (55%). Vice President Kamala Harris told CNN on Monday that the conservative court majority will likely revisit cases of precedent that ensure rights related to same-sex marriage and contraception. "This is not over," Harris said, adding the Biden administration is doing everything within its power to defend access to medication abortion.

2. January 6

The committee investigating the Capitol Hill insurrection on January 6, 2021, has added an unexpected public hearing today. Cassidy Hutchinson , an aide to former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and a witness to many critical events and conversations, is expected to testify publicly later today, according to two sources familiar with the matter. Hutchinson's live testimony would mark a significant moment in the committee's series of hearings as she has long been considered one of its most consequential witnesses who can speak to former President Donald Trump's reaction to the Capitol riot . The announcement of the hearing -- which will start at 1 p.m. ET -- came as a surprise as the committee had said it was not going to resume its hearings until mid-July.

JUST WATCHED GOP strategist reveals a big change in Trump voters during her focus groups Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH GOP strategist reveals a big change in Trump voters during her focus groups 02:05

3. Amtrak crash

At least three people were killed and at least 50 injured after an Amtrak train derailed Monday in Missouri, authorities said. The train was traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago and had about 243 passengers on board when it collided with a dump truck near the city of Mendon, about 100 miles northeast of Kansas City, according to the passenger rail company. Aerial footage of the crash showed the train toppled to the side as authorities responded to the scene. Preliminary reports indicate the incident happened at an uncontrolled intersection -- without warning lights or motion gates -- where a gravel road crossed the railroad tracks southwest of town. The collision was the second in two days in which an Amtrak train hit a passenger vehicle.

JUST WATCHED Video shows aftermath of Amtrak train derailment Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Video shows aftermath of Amtrak train derailment 02:05

4. Immigration

At least 46 migrants were found dead inside of a semitruck in San Antonio Monday, according to authorities, in a scene that Mayor Ron Nirenberg called a " horrific human tragedy ." Investigators were alerted to the scene after a worker in a nearby building heard a cry for help, San Antonio Police Chief Bill McManus said. The worker found a trailer with doors partially opened and saw a number of people deceased inside, McManus said. Sixteen people, including 12 children, were taken to nearby medical facilities for care. Those who were found alive were hot to the touch and suffering from heat stroke and exhaustion, officials said. There was also no sign of water in the trailer and no visible working air conditioning unit. High temperatures in the San Antonio area ranged from the high 90s to low 100s on Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

JUST WATCHED 'A horrific human tragedy:' 46 migrants found dead in a semi-truck Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH 'A horrific human tragedy:' 46 migrants found dead in a semi-truck 01:24

5. Ukraine

White House officials are losing confidence that Ukraine will ever be able to take back all of the land it has lost to Russia over the past four months of war, US officials told CNN, even with the more sophisticated weaponry the US and its allies plan to send. The officials emphasized that this more pessimistic assessment does not mean the US plans to pressure Ukraine into making any formal territorial concessions to Russia in order to end the war. There is also hope that Ukrainian forces will be able to take back significant chunks of territory in a likely counteroffensive later this year. Separately, Ukraine has requested a meeting of the UN Security Council today to discuss the Russian strike on a shopping mall as the death toll rose to at least 18. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the attack "one of the most defiant terrorist acts in European history."

JUST WATCHED See how a US volunteer fighter is training Ukrainians to use weapons Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH See how a US volunteer fighter is training Ukrainians to use weapons 02:34

BREAKFAST BROWSE

Meet Mr. Happy Face, the 'World's Ugliest Dog'

Some call him ugly, we prefer the word unique! Watch Mr. Happy Face get crowned "World's Ugliest Dog" here

X-ray finds 109 live animals in women's luggage at airport

Stop right there... Wildlife officials were called to the scene after porcupines, armadillos, turtles, lizards and snakes were found stuffed in two suitcases

White House announces public tours will resume full operating schedule

Magnificent ancient mosaic found near Tel Aviv returns home

Art buffs, this one is for you . Check out this stunning 1,700-year-old mosaic from the late Roman period.

Chris Hemsworth reflects on playing Thor ahead of 'Love and Thunder'

After 10-plus years in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the actor shared a sweet video reminiscing about his love for the role.

HAPPENING LATER

Ghislaine Maxwell to be sentenced for sex trafficking

Ghislaine Maxwell is set to be sentenced later today for her sex trafficking conviction connected to her role facilitating the late Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse of underage girls. Maxwell, 60, was convicted in December on five of six counts against her , including sex trafficking of a minor, transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and three related counts of conspiracy. Prosecutors have asked the judge to sentence Maxwell to 30 to 55 years in prison, which is on par with federal sentencing guidelines, though the probation department recommended 20 years.

IN MEMORIAM

Mary Mara, an actress known for roles on "ER" and "Ray Donavan," has died, her manager confirmed to CNN on Monday. She was 61. A preliminary investigation suggests , an actress known for roles on "ER" and "Ray Donavan," has died, her manager confirmed to CNN on Monday. She was 61. A preliminary investigation suggests Mara drowned while swimming in the St. Lawrence River in New York, according to police. There were no signs of foul play, police said. Mara had a list of credits that spanned television and film, but was arguably most recognizable for her roles on "Nash Bridges," "ER" and "Ray Donovan."

TODAY'S NUMBER

470

That's approximately how many reports of illness the popular meal kit service Daily Harvest said it received after recalling one of its products. A slew of people who consumed the product, called French Lentil and Leek Crumbles, reported becoming ill with mysterious symptoms, including extremely elevated liver enzymes. Daily Harvest said it has reached out to impacted customers and is investigating the cause. Some 28,000 units of the product were distributed in the US between April 28 and June 17, according to the company.

TODAY'S QUOTE

"I've got no higher priority than making sure that Americans who are being illegally detained in one way or another around the world come home. That includes Paul Whelan, that includes Brittney Griner, that includes people in a number of other countries."

-- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, telling CNN this week that officials are , telling CNN this week that officials are pressing for the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner and other citizens who are classified as "wrongfully detained." Griner has been held in Russia on allegations of attempted drug smuggling since February 17. A Russian court has scheduled Griner's trial to start on Friday, according to her lawyer, and ruled that her detention be extended six months pending its outcome.

TODAY'S WEATHER

JUST WATCHED Monsoon rain for the Southwest as the Pacific Northwest cools Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Monsoon rain for the Southwest as the Pacific Northwest cools 02:11

AND FINALLY

Boogie Woogie Swing Dancing