The abandoned city of Pripyat
Steve Kroft reported from the area of the nuclear accident at Chernobyl, where the only sign of life was music
Chernobyl
Robots working at Fukushima’s power plant
Seven years after a powerful earthquake and tsunami caused a massive nuclear meltdown in the Daiichi Power Plant, Lesley Stahl reports on the unprecedented cleanup effort. Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET and 7 p.m. PT on CBS
Inside the Chernobyl exclusion zone (2014)
In 2014, almost 30 years after the nuclear power plant disaster, Bob Simon went to the Chernobyl exclusion zone to report on the cleanup there. Chernobyl has become a focal point of Russia's current invasion of Ukraine.
Former Ambassador William Taylor on "The Takeout"
Former Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor discusses the political history of Ukraine and what it was like seeing Volodymyr Zelenskyy's leadership emerge throughout his presidency. Taylor talks with CBS News' Major Garrett about Vladimir Putin's "blunders" during Russia's invasion and the hope he has for Ukraine to stand firm through this next phase of war. Taylor also talks about the international response and the prospect of prosecuting war crimes.
Russian drone hits Chernobyl, Ukraine says
Ukraine accused Russia's military of flying an exploding drone into the Chernobyl nuclear plant. The drone damaged the outer shell of the reactor, but it does not appear to have caused a radiation leak. On Friday, Vice President JD Vance will meet with Ukraine's president in Germany to talk about U.S. plans for peace talks with Russia.
Ukraine: Russian drone hit Chernobyl shelter
The radiation containment shelter at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant was struck Thursday night by a Russian drone, according to Ukraine. The U.N.'s energy watchdog says radiation levels have remained normal since the incident and the Kremlin denies it was behind the attack. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance is set to meet with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Munich Security Conference. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Elizabeth Palmer has more.
On Chernobyl anniversary, Zelenskyy slams Russia for nuclear "blackmail"
The 1986 incident, which is considered the world's worst ever nuclear disaster, contaminated vast areas of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia.
Ukraine's nuclear power plants under threat
A Russian missile explodes just 300 yards from a nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine, hundreds of miles from the front lines. These strikes are reigniting fears that the ongoing conflict could unleash a nuclear disaster. John Dickerson spoke with Margaret Kosal, a professor of international relations at Georgia Tech, about what could happen if a nuclear plant is hit.
What's at stake with the Russian-occupied nuclear plant in Ukraine?
"Russia is playing Russian roulette with a nuclear incident," said Barbara Woodward, Britain's Ambassador to the United Nations.
Monitors head to nuclear plant in war zone
Amid fears of a Chernobyl-style disaster at Europe's largest nuclear power plant, a team of inspectors is expected to reach the embattled site in a matter of hours. Debora Patta shares more.
Nuclear plant on Ukraine war's front lines temporarily cut off from grid
The nuclear power plant in the middle of the fighting in Ukraine was temporarily cut off from the electrical grid because of fire damage.
Mayor: "Dire" situation in Mariupol
Ukrainian officials are trying to evacuate civilians who sought refuge in a Mariupol steel mill, which has come under continuous fire from Russian forces. The Mariupol's mayor said the situation is "dire" and people at the mill are running out of food, water and medicine. CBS News foreign correspondent Chris Livesay has an update from Kyiv, Ukraine.
Russia continues threats to use nuclear weapons
The Chernobyl disaster happened 36 years ago, but now Ukraine is faced with a new nuclear threat. Russian forces have fired artillery near nuclear power plants and the Kremlin continues to threaten to use nuclear weapons in its offensive against Ukraine. Chris Livesay has more.
Ukraine says Russia resorting to "blackmail," nuclear threats as war rages
36 years after the Chernobyl disaster, Zelenskyy says Russia firing missiles over the nuclear plant has left him "speechless," as Moscow cuts the gas to 2 Ukrainian allies.
Residents near Chernobyl face new dangers
CBS News foreign correspondent Chris Livesay toured Slavutych, the Ukrainian town outside the Chernobyl exclusion zone that was built specifically for the evacuees in the aftermath of the 1986 nuclear disaster. But today its residents are yet again in a dangerously precarious position, just a few miles from both the Russian and Belarus borders, both of which have been violated by Russian forces in the invasion.
Austin reaffirms support for Ukraine
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is reaffirming Western support for Ukraine. He said the West will "keep moving heaven and earth" to help the nation defend itself against Russia. CBS News foreign correspondent Chris Livesay has an update from Kyiv, Ukraine.
Russians possibly received "significant doses" of radiation at Chernobyl plant
"The thick dust raised by passing vehicles, and the radiation particles in it, may very well have entered the bodies of Russian occupiers through the lungs," the plant director said.
U.S. official says Ukrainian helicopters attacked oil depot in Russia
A U.S. official says it was a rare strike by Ukrainian forces on Russian soil, which came as Putin's troops abandoned the Chernobyl nuclear plant.
Concerns over Ukraine's nuclear facilities
Russian forces took over the Chernobyl nuclear facility in Ukraine last month, and the International Atomic Energy Agency has expressed alarm about the facility's safety. Oleksandr Danylyuk, the co-founder of the Center for National Resilience and Development, joined CBS News to discuss the risks of Chernobyl and other Ukrainian nuclear facilities being under Russian control.
Ukraine says power has been restored to Chernobyl plant
The plant is currently held by Russian troops.
Ukraine says Russia planning "terrorist attack" on Chernobyl
The dire warning, which U.S. and international atomic energy officials have not confirmed, says Putin personally ordered "preparation" for an attack on the notorious site.
Ukraine says power cut at Chernobyl plant risks "nuclear discharge"
The country's energy minister says backup generators should be able to keep vital cooling systems running, but stresses electricity must be restored "as quickly as we can."
Ukraine officials: Mariupol hospital attacked
There are reports Russian missiles hit a children's and maternity hospital in the city of Mariupol, while other cities like Odesa are preparing for a bombardment. Further north, electricity has been cut to the defunct Chernobyl power plant, sparking concerns of a radiation leak. CBS News foreign correspondent Chris Livesay gives an update from Ukraine as Russia continues its attack.
Ukraine's social media resistance
Ukrainian officials and volunteers are trying to stop false reports about the Russian invasion from spreading online. Former Deputy Minister of Information Policy for Ukraine Dmytro Zolotukhin joined CBS News' Vladimir Duthiers and Anne-Marie Green to talk about his country's social media resistance.
U.S. calls Russian attack on Ukraine nuclear power plant a "war crime"
Other Western nations reacted with horror, as well. The attack stoked fears the war could spark another Chernobyl.
Live
Trump threatens to use Insurrection Act to deploy troops to Minnesota
An ICE officer shot a man Wednesday night in Minneapolis after allegedly being attacked by men with shovels during an arrest operation, three U.S. officials told CBS News.
Machado presented Trump with Nobel Peace Prize medallion
Venezuelan opposition leader María Machado previously said she wanted to "share" the prize for removing Nicolás Maduro from power.
Gulf states pushing to avert U.S.-Iran conflict, official says
Several key U.S. allies in the Middle East have engaged in intensive diplomacy between Iran and the United States, aiming to stave off a military conflict, a Gulf official told CBS News.
What is the Insurrection Act, and why is Trump threatening to invoke it?
President Trump is threatening to invoke a centuries-old law to deploy troops to Minnesota. Here's what to know.
Dueling accounts of ICE shooting of Venezuelan migrant in Minneapolis
Cell phone footage shared on social media by a Democratic state senator appears to show the moments after Wednesday's shooting took place, in which a woman calls 911 and can be heard pleading for help.
Feds charge 26 in college basketball point-shaving scheme
Authorities said the alleged scheme involved 39 players, 17 different NCAA Division I men's basketball teams and 29 games.
Sidelining of DOJ's Civil Rights Division in ICE shooting is unusual, experts say
Though DOJ says there's "no basis" for criminal civil rights probe in ICE shooting case, some legal experts say the division's lack of involvement here is unheard of.
Couple says ICE tear-gassed their vehicle with 6 children inside
A couple and their six children say they were trapped inside their vehicle when tear gas exploded underneath.
Could ICE agent in Good's shooting claim immunity from state charges?
The ICE agent involved in the fatal shooting could try to invoke immunity under the Constitution's Supremacy Clause to try to end state criminal prosecution.
U.S.
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FBI: 1 arrested after protesters smash into unmarked federal vehicles
The FBI says that a suspect is in custody after protests in north Minneapolis Wednesday evening culminated in vandalism and the apparent compromising of federal documents.
Dueling accounts of ICE shooting of Venezuelan migrant in Minneapolis
Cell phone footage shared on social media by a Democratic state senator appears to show the moments after Wednesday's shooting took place, in which a woman calls 911 and can be heard pleading for help.
Cincinnati museum celebrates the history of small businesses through their signs
The American Sign Museum in Cincinnati is a collection of more than a century of entrepreneurship and ambition.
How Cinncinati is recovering from the synthetic opioid crisis
Once among the hardest hit by the opioid epidemic, overdose deaths are falling in Ohio, though challenges remain.
ACA enrollment ends today in most states, as tax credit fix stalls
Some Americans are dropping their Affordable Care Act health plans after tax subsidies lapsed and their premiums spiked.
MoneyWatch
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ACA enrollment ends today in most states, as tax credit fix stalls
Some Americans are dropping their Affordable Care Act health plans after tax subsidies lapsed and their premiums spiked.
Mortgage rates fall to 3-year low, offering relief for homebuyers
The average interest rate on a typical mortgage dipped to 6.06%, the lowest level since September 2022, according to Freddie Mac.
Bankruptcy filings surged last year. Here's what's behind the rise
The increase in bankruptcy filings comes as Americans face a slate of economic pressures, from sticky inflation to elevated borrowing costs.
Senators say bipartisan compromise on ACA tax credits has stalled
"We are in a little bit of a pothole," said GOP Sen. Bernie Moreno, who previously expected the compromise to be unveiled this week.
How the new $6,000 senior tax deduction could impact older Americans
A new tax deduction for senior citizens is kicking in this tax season, potentially providing bigger refunds to millions, the AARP says.
Politics
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FBI: 1 arrested after protesters smash into unmarked federal vehicles
The FBI says that a suspect is in custody after protests in north Minneapolis Wednesday evening culminated in vandalism and the apparent compromising of federal documents.
Dueling accounts of ICE shooting of Venezuelan migrant in Minneapolis
Cell phone footage shared on social media by a Democratic state senator appears to show the moments after Wednesday's shooting took place, in which a woman calls 911 and can be heard pleading for help.
Gulf states pushing to avert U.S.-Iran conflict, official says
Several key U.S. allies in the Middle East have engaged in intensive diplomacy between Iran and the United States, aiming to stave off a military conflict, a Gulf official told CBS News.
Sidelining of DOJ's Civil Rights Division in ICE shooting is unusual, experts say
Though DOJ says there's "no basis" for criminal civil rights probe in ICE shooting case, some legal experts say the division's lack of involvement here is unheard of.
What is the Insurrection Act, and why is Trump threatening to invoke it?
President Trump is threatening to invoke a centuries-old law to deploy troops to Minnesota. Here's what to know.
HealthWatch
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ACA enrollment ends today in most states, as tax credit fix stalls
Some Americans are dropping their Affordable Care Act health plans after tax subsidies lapsed and their premiums spiked.
Trump admin. reverses sudden cuts in mental health, addiction programs
The Trump administration reversed cuts to grants for mental health and addiction treatment programs that a CBS News source said were valued at around $1.9 billion.
Chicago mayor explains how he's tackling the city's life expectancy gap
In 2023, life expectancy in the Loop was 87.3 years, while in West Garfield Park, life expectancy was just 66.6 years, according to the city's Health Department.
Recalled "super greens" supplement linked to dozens of salmonella cases, CDC says
Illnesses linked to the New York-based Live it Up Super Greens brand powder were reported in 21 states from Aug. 22 to Dec. 30, 2025.
Wide variation found in funding for states' rural health proposals
Every state will receive at least $100 million annually from the federal Rural Health Transformation fund, but some scored millions more based on their plans and willingness to pass policies embracing MAHA initiatives.
World
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Gulf states pushing to avert U.S.-Iran conflict, official says
Several key U.S. allies in the Middle East have engaged in intensive diplomacy between Iran and the United States, aiming to stave off a military conflict, a Gulf official told CBS News.
Drug ring used swimmers to stash cocaine on ships at sea, police say
Police said they had busted a network that saw smugglers swim on the high seas to help stash Colombian cocaine on container ships and hijack vessels.
Russia calls NATO "unpredictable" amid divide over Greenland
As NATO prepares for war games around Greenland, Russia is highlighting the Trump administration's disagreement with its closest allies over the island.
U.S. forces seize sixth Venezuela-linked oil tanker
The seizure comes as President Trump is set to meet with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado Thursday at the White House.
FIFA says it's received more than 500 million World Cup ticket requests
FIFA says it has received over 500 million ticket requests for 2026 World Cup matches in the U.S., Canada and Mexico— with prices as high as $8,680.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Behind Ron King's mission to protect donkeys
Oscar's Place, a donkey sanctuary in California, now has 210 donkeys and it has successfully resettled 189 others. Ron King, the co-founder and CEO of the sanctuary, helped to create the new docuseries "Donkey King," which follows the work he and volunteers do to rescue, rehabilitate and resettle the animals to protect them. He speaks to "CBS Mornings" about his mission and why he says donkeys are misunderstood.
Actor Timothy Busfield held without bond in New Mexico child sex abuse case
Another allegation against Busfield was reported to law enforcement the same day he turned himself in, according to a court filing.
Stars of "Sinners" talk about movie
"Sinners" stars Michael B. Jordan, Miles Caton and Wunmi Mosaku talk to "CBS Mornings" about the movie's recent success at the Golden Globes, the atmosphere on set and what they learned through the process.
Ali Larter talks what's ahead in "Landman"
Actor Ali Larter plays Angela Harris, the ex-wife of an oilman played by Billy Bob Thornton in the Paramount+ series "Landman." She talks to "CBS Mornings" about the series, working with Thornton and how she landed her role.
Actor Timothy Busfield turns himself in following child sex abuse allegations
In a video provided to TMZ on Tuesday, Timothy Busfield said the allegations "are all lies."
Technology
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Technology
Mother of Musk child sues over deepfake images
Elon Musk is facing a lawsuit from Ashley St. Clair, with whom he shares a child, over deepfakes of her undressed made by his AI chatbot Grok. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Verizon offers customers $20 credit for widespread outage
Verizon says it's giving a $20 credit to customers affected an outage that disrupted service across the U.S.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
New parental controls on YouTube kid accounts
YouTube is introducing new parental controls on youth accounts that it says could limit how long kinds spend scrolling. The latest parental controls will focus on YouTube Shorts, which utilizes a continuous scrolling video feed featuring videos three minutes and shorter. Parents of kid and teen account users are now able to enact time restrictions that will limit how long their children can scroll.
Details on Verizon cell phone outage
A widespread Verizon outage hit the U.S. on Wednesday, leaving thousands of customers without service. CBS News' Karen Hua has more.
Science
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Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Crime
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FBI: 1 arrested after protesters smash into unmarked federal vehicles
The FBI says that a suspect is in custody after protests in north Minneapolis Wednesday evening culminated in vandalism and the apparent compromising of federal documents.
26 charged in college basketball gambling scheme
Federal prosecutors have charged 26 people, including many college basketball players, in an illegal gambling probe. Danny Funt, author of "Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of Sports Gambling," joins to unpack the alleged scheme.
Busfield held without bond in child sex abuse case
Actor Timothy Busfield is being held without bond in his New Mexico child sex abuse case. Busfield denies the charges. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has more.
Drug ring used swimmers to stash cocaine on ships at sea, police say
Police said they had busted a network that saw smugglers swim on the high seas to help stash Colombian cocaine on container ships and hijack vessels.
Man convicted of killing Uber driver who he thought was robbing him
William J. Brock fatally shot the driver after wrongly assuming she was in on a plot to get $12,000 in supposed bond money for a relative, authorities said.
Space
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Space
Astronauts return after mission cut short
A NASA crew splashed down off the coast of California on Thursday weeks earlier than scheduled due to an astronaut aboard the International Space Station dealing with a medical issue. Mark Strassmann reports on the unprecedented mission home.
Astronauts back on Earth after medical issue cut mission short
Four space station Crew 11 fliers splashed down off the Southern California coast at 3:41 a.m. ET, closing out a 167-day stay in space cut short by a medical issue.
Former NASA astronaut on ISS undocking
The members of SpaceX Crew-11 undocked from the International Space Station on Wednesday, beginning their journey back to Earth. The crew is leaving a month early after NASA announced that an unnamed team member experienced an undisclosed "medical concern." Clayton Anderson, a former NASA astronaut who spent time on the ISS, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
ISS astronauts prepare for early return
Crew-11 is preparing for an unprecedented early return to Earth over concerns for an astronaut's medical condition aboard the International Space Station. Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut and engineering professor at Columbia University, joins with more.
Former astronaut on ISS crew coming home early
Four members of Crew-11 are preparing to return to Earth from the International Space Station later this week after a "medical concern" prompted NASA to cancel a scheduled spacewalk. Former astronaut Dr. Scott Parazynski joins with his reaction.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
The museum where iconic signs are celebrated
All his life, Tod Swormstedt has been fascinated, not necessarily by American small businesses, but by their signs, which announce to all the world -- or at least the folks on Main Street -- "we're here." "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil paid a visit to the museum inspired by his passion.
Behind the decline of opioid overdoses in Ohio
Once among the hardest hit by the opioid epidemic, overdose deaths are falling in Ohio, though challenges remain. "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil reports.
Astronaut in "good spirits" after medical issue
Four space station fliers undocked and plunged back to Earth, safely splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off the Southern California coast six days after NASA ordered them home early because of an unspecified medical issue. Mark Strassmann has details.
Feds allege college basketball games were fixed
Federal prosecutors charged 26 people in an alleged point-shaving scheme involving multiple current and former college basketball players, authorities announced. Scott MacFarlane reports.
Iran tightens grip, regional powers urge restraint
The Iranian regime has appeared to tamp down anti-government protests that have swept across the country in recent weeks. Thousands are estimated to have been killed in the crackdown. Elizabeth Palmer has the latest.