Vice President Kamala Harris is pressed on her policy developments in the first major interview of her campaign. Why Russia failed to stop Ukraine’s invasion of its soil. And the loved ones of pig organ transplant recipients share their rare experiences.

Here’s what you need to know today.

Key Takeaways from Harris and Walz’s First Major Joint Interview

Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz gave their first joint interview since Harris became the Democratic presidential nominee.

Harris discussed her agenda for her first months in office, if elected, and touched on a range of topics she has avoided so far on the campaign trail. The highly anticipated interview came after Harris was pressed to answer more questions from nonpartisan reporters and explain where her platform differs from that of President Joe Biden.

Harris has defended her positions on some key policy issues since running for president in 2019, when she tried to win over progressive Democratic primary voters by backing a Green New Deal and opposing hydraulic fracturing. Harris told CNN’s Dana Bash that she no longer supports a ban on “fracking” and that during her time as vice president, she came to believe that the U.S. could still achieve its clean energy goals without a ban.

Of those who cross the border illegally, she said: “I believe there should be consequences. We have laws that should be followed and enforced, that address and prosecute people who cross our border illegally.”

“The most important and significant aspect of my policy perspective and decisions is that my values ​​have not changed,” she said, adding that she still believes “the climate crisis is real” and that the White House has taken steps to address it with the Inflation Reduction Act.

Here are five key points from the interview.Here are five key points from the interview.

More coverage:

• Vice President Kamala Harris said she… appoint a Republican to her cabinet if she is elected.
• This is what Kamala Harris is like preparing for her first debate against Trump.
• Trump told NBC News’ Dasha Burns in an interview that if he is re-elected, the the government or insurance companies would cover the costs of IVF treatment for couples who need it.
• Kamala Harris and running mate Tim Walz toured southeastern Georgia, in an attempt to keep the highly competitive state blue in November.
• Focus group discussions with nine skeptical Latino voters illustrate how Harris has fundamentally changed the race — but did not appeal to all undecided voters.

Why Putin Still Hasn’t Expelled Ukrainian Invaders from Russia

It has been more than three weeks since Ukraine sent troops to Russia, but there are few signs that Ukrainian troops are being pushed back across the border.

Kiev claims it controls nearly 500 square miles of Russian territory and has taken hundreds of prisoners. It was assumed that Russian President Vladimir Putin would force the Kremlin to expel the Ukrainians, even if it meant sacrificing progress elsewhere because he would lose his own territory to the neighbor he had invaded. That has not been the case.

Ukraine’s top commander, Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, said the Russians instead provided reinforcements to the eastern front, and U.S. officials also say troops have not been moved to counter Ukrainian forces in Russia. There has been no public outcry over Putin’s handling of the invasion, even as more than 130,000 Russians were forced to flee the fighting.

“This seems to be a game of who blinks first,” a Western intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, told NBC News. “Ukrainians are taking Russian territory and holding it. Russians are pushing in the east. It could be a matter of who pulls out first.”

Read the whole story here.

Families of people who died after organ transplants from pigs have no regrets

David Bennett Sr. had severe congestive heart failure and was not a candidate for a human transplant. He knew he would likely die soon and took a chance with a groundbreaking operation. The feat made headlines around the world. It was the first time a living human had received a pig organ transplant.

Two months later, Bennet Sr.’s body rejected his heart and he died at the age of 57. His son, David Bennett Jr., told NBC News, “I would love to have my father here, of course, but I know his sacrifice was not in vain.”

Three other patients eventually followed in Bennet Sr.’s footsteps and received pig organs. None survived longer than three months, which to many on the outside might seem like a failure. But to the families, it bought their loved ones more time and advanced research that could one day save lives.

Some of their relatives spoke to health reporter Aria Bendix and shared their stories of grief, blind hope, uncertainty and ultimately admiration for their loved one’s decision.

Politics in brief

 Ministry of Justice: A new report from the Department of Justice reveals multiple shortcomings in the The FBI’s handling of child sexual abuse cases.

Arlington Incident: The army said that a Trump adviser “suddenly” an Arlington National Cemetery employee who tried to enforce restrictions on taking photos and videos.

Trump’s book: In Donald Trump’s new book out Tuesday, he threatens to jail Mark Zuckerberg and says he “got along well” with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Immigration: The Department of Homeland Security said it will resume the issuance of travel permits for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela who apply to come to the United States with the help of a sponsor.

Trump on trial: Donald Trump’s lawyers argued for the second time that his criminal hush money case should be heard in a federal court rather than a state court, in an attempt to delay next month’s verdict.

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Staff choice: Qare unceañeras evolving

It’s been a tradition for generations: Latina quinceañeras, or sweet 15 celebrations, which symbolize a girl’s transition into womanhood. Far from going out of style, Our reporter Isabel Yip finds that they are more popular than ever and continue to evolve. These young women are ditching more traditional parties and adapting them for the social media age. Think lavish parties with “la hora loca,” or “crazy hour,” reggaeton instead of the court waltz, and epic destination photo shoots.

— Sandra Lilley, NBC Latino Editorial Director

NBC Select: Online Shopping, Simplified

Labor Day sales have already begun. NBC Select editors have best early deals live now. And if you want to prepare yourself to get the best discounts on Monday, here’s what the experts say to buy — and what to skip.

 Sign up for The Selection newsletter for practical product reviews, expert shopping tips and a roundup of each week’s best deals and sales.

Thanks for reading the Morning Rundown. Today’s newsletter was written for you by Elizabeth Both.