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.
Grand jury refuses to re-indict Letitia James
Federal prosecutors on Thursday presented an indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James to a grand jury in Norfolk, Virginia.
Supreme Court allows Texas GOP to use new redistricted map for now
Texas approved a new congressional map this summer after Trump urged state GOP lawmakers to craft new House district lines to help Republicans hold onto their majority in the 2026 midterms.
Lawmakers see video of boat strike, say admiral testified there was no kill order
"What I saw in that room was one of the most troubling things I've seen in my time in public service," Democratic Rep. Jim Himes said.
FBI arrests suspect in 2021 D.C. pipe bomb case, identified as Virginia man
Authorities say the FBI has arrested a man suspected of placing pipe bombs outside RNC and DNC headquarters on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Trump thinks tariff revenue could replace income taxes. Is that possible?
President Trump suggested Americans won't have to pay personal income taxes "in the not-too-distant future" because of rising U.S. tariffs.
U.S. tightens immigration work permits in latest move to expand crackdown
The Trump administration said it would reduce the period of time that work permits are valid for refugees, asylees and other immigrants granted legal protections in the U.S.
Trump hires new architect for ballroom
The current architect, with whom President Trump has some disagreements, will remain on the White House ballroom team, sources said.
ICE begins surge in Minnesota as Trump pushes for crackdown on Somali immigrants
ICE began enhanced operations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area this week, as President Trump rails against Somali people in Minnesota.
Appeals court lets Trump admin. keep National Guard deployed in D.C. for now
A U.S. District Court decision to end the deployment of National Guard members to Washington, D.C., is now on hold.
U.S.
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Appeals court lets Trump admin. keep National Guard deployed in D.C. for now
A U.S. District Court decision to end the deployment of National Guard members to Washington, D.C., is now on hold.
4 killed in latest strike on alleged drug boat, Pentagon says
At least 87 people have been killed since the vessel strikes began in early September.
Grand jury refuses to re-indict Letitia James
Federal prosecutors on Thursday presented an indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James to a grand jury in Norfolk, Virginia.
Supreme Court allows Texas GOP to use new redistricted map for now
Texas approved a new congressional map this summer after Trump urged state GOP lawmakers to craft new House district lines to help Republicans hold onto their majority in the 2026 midterms.
This week on "Sunday Morning" (Dec. 7)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
MoneyWatch
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These U.S. cities have seen the biggest rent increases since 2020
Rents in the 50 largest cities have surged by hundreds of dollars per month over the last five years, a LendingTree analysis found.
Employers have cut 1.1 million jobs this year. Here's why.
Job cuts so far this year are at their highest levels since 2020, new report says.
Trump thinks tariff revenue could replace income taxes. Is that possible?
President Trump suggested Americans won't have to pay personal income taxes "in the not-too-distant future" because of rising U.S. tariffs.
Trump moves to roll back fuel economy standards set under Biden
The Trump administration proposed rules that would weaken fuel economy standards for vehicles set under President Biden in 2024.
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
Politics
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Appeals court lets Trump admin. keep National Guard deployed in D.C. for now
A U.S. District Court decision to end the deployment of National Guard members to Washington, D.C., is now on hold.
Operations against Houthis played into Truman Strike Group accidents, Navy finds
Investigations released by the Navy into accidents involving the Truman Carrier Strike Group recommended ensuring processes are followed even when faced with adversity.
4 killed in latest strike on alleged drug boat, Pentagon says
At least 87 people have been killed since the vessel strikes began in early September.
ICE begins surge in Minnesota as Trump pushes for crackdown on Somali immigrants
ICE began enhanced operations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area this week, as President Trump rails against Somali people in Minnesota.
Grand jury refuses to re-indict Letitia James
Federal prosecutors on Thursday presented an indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James to a grand jury in Norfolk, Virginia.
HealthWatch
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Could pets be next for weight loss drugs? Here's what to know about a study.
A clinical study into weight loss drugs for pets just launched, with results from the trial expected by next summer.
CDC panel postpones vote on hepatitis B vaccine for newborns
The CDC's vaccine advisory panel meets Thursday and Friday to discuss recommendations for the hepatitis B vaccine and the schedule of childhood shots.
12 ex-FDA leaders criticize claims made by agency's current vaccine chief
The former officials said the FDA's plans to revamp how certain life-saving vaccines are handled would "disadvantage the people the FDA exists to protect, including millions of Americans at high risk from serious infections."
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
How to avoid holiday stress
The holiday season can be a wonderful, but also stressful time – filled with unrealistic expectations. A recent poll found 41% of adults anticipate more holiday stress this year. Psychiatrist Dr. Sue Varma has tips to unwind during the holidays.
World
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Operations against Houthis played into Truman Strike Group accidents, Navy finds
Investigations released by the Navy into accidents involving the Truman Carrier Strike Group recommended ensuring processes are followed even when faced with adversity.
4 killed in latest strike on alleged drug boat, Pentagon says
At least 87 people have been killed since the vessel strikes began in early September.
U.K. and Norway sign pact to "hunt Russian submarines" in North Atlantic
The United Kingdom and Norway have signed a pact to create a naval alliance in the North Atlantic, aimed at protecting undersea cables and hunting Russian submarines.
Inside a Ukrainian drone pilot training facility
The facility teaches both civilians and military personnel the skills to fly drones and hit targets.
Lawmakers see video of boat strike, say admiral testified there was no kill order
"What I saw in that room was one of the most troubling things I've seen in my time in public service," Democratic Rep. Jim Himes said.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Lucy Liu talks new movie, "Rosemead"
Lucy Liu talks about starring in and producing the movie "Rosemead," why she says the story resonates universally and reflecting on personal experiences for the film.
Steve Cropper, acclaimed guitarist for Booker T. and the M.G.'s, dies at 84
Steve Cropper co-wrote several classics, including "(Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay," "Green Onions" and "In the Midnight Hour."
Kaytranada on rise to fame and his new album
Grammy winning DJ and producer Kaytranada has become one of the most influential voices in dance and electronic music, and has collaborated with top artists. He spoke with "CBS Mornings" about his latest album, touring and his journey in music.
Richie Moriarty talks 5th season of "Ghosts"
Actor and comedian Richie Moriarty talks with "CBS Mornings" about the fifth season of the comedy series "Ghosts," what's next for his character and how the cast has bonded.
At home with Architectural Digest
For more than a century, the pages of Architectural Digest magazine have captured not only timeless designs but also the spirit of their subjects' homes. Their distillation of private spaces is featured in a new book, "AD at Home: Architectural Digest." Serena Altschul talks with editor Amy Astley about the magazine's treatments; and with actor Liev Schreiber and designer Marc Jacobs about what it means to open up one's living space to the magazine's photographers.
Technology
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Technology
Politico: Trump admin. looks to robotics
Leaders in the robotics industry say that to strengthen AI, companies also need a plan for robots. The White House appears to be listening. Yasmin Khorram, economic policy reporter for Politico, joins CBS News to discuss her article on the topic.
Google's top search trends in 2025
Google has released its list of the 2025 top search trends. Robert Ferrera, a Google Trends expert, joins CBS News with more.
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.
India revokes order for phone makers to install security app amid uproar
India's government, amid an uproar over privacy, has revoked an order quietly issued to smartphone makers to pre-install a state-run security app.
OpenAI responding to Google's moves: WSJ
OpenAI has declared a "code red" as Google threatens to unseat the AI industry's early leader, according to the Wall Street Journal. Technology journalist Jacob Ward joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
Sick ants invite self-sacrifice to save colony: "Come and kill me"
Ant colonies act as one "super-organism" which works to ensure the survival of all, according to a team of scientists.
Mystery owner of ancient foot found in Africa identified, scientists say
The discovery could cast some doubt on the status of Lucy's species as the direct ancestor of Homo sapiens.
Most dogs have wolf DNA. These breeds have more than others.
Wolf DNA seems to have influenced the size, smelling power and even personality of modern dog breeds, scientists said.
Crime
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Crime
Listen to 911 call from Luigi Mangione arrest
Newly unsealed evidence sheds light on Luigi Mangione's arrest at a Pennsylvania McDonald's. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the details.
New details in Mangione pretrial hearing
Luigi Mangione's pretrial hearing continued on Thursday, one year after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Suspect arrested in D.C. pipe bomb case
A suspect is in custody nearly five years after two pipe bombs were planted in Washington, D.C., the night before the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Attorney General Pam Bondi said 30-year-old Brian Cole Jr. was arrested in Virginia on Thursday morning. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
What we know about 2021 D.C. pipe bomb suspect
Federal authorities on Thursday arrested a suspect in the case of two pipe bombs placed outside the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters the night before the Jan. 6th Capitol riot. CBS News senior White House reporter Jennifer Jacobs has the details.
Day 3 of Luigi Mangione pretrial hearing
Luigi Mangione's pretrial hearing continued Thursday in New York. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the details.
Space
More Space
"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
Air Force approves SpaceX launch pad expansion
The U.S. Air Force has approved SpaceX's plan to redevelop a historic launch pad at Cape Canaveral. CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann reports.
Geomagnetic storm watch issued after powerful solar flare
Solar flares and other activity can disrupt radio communications, power grids and navigation signals, according to NASA.
Scientists think they've detected lightning on Mars: "Missing piece of the puzzle"
Researchers have documented 55 instances of "mini lightning" over two Martian years by eavesdropping on the whirling wind recorded by NASA's Perseverance rover.
Russia sends a NASA astronaut, 2 cosmonauts, up to the space station
The new space station crew includes American Chris Williams, who holds a Ph.D. in astronomy and is a board-certified medical physicist at Harvard Medical School.
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.
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Robert Redford 1936-2025
A retrospective look at the actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Institute.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Luigi Mangione arrest video played in court
On the one-year mark of the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a New York City sidewalk, a hearing was held to determine what evidence is admissible in the trial of his accused killer, Luigi Mangione. Alice Gainer reports.
FBI arrests suspect in 2021 D.C. pipe bomb case
A northern Virginia man was arrested and accused of placing two pipe bombs outside the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee headquarters on the eve of the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Scott MacFarlane has details.
Arctic blast grips U.S. as temperatures plummet
An early season Arctic blast sent shivers through the Midwest and Northeast as temperatures tumbled far below normal. Lana Zak reports and Lonnie Quinn has the forecast.
$1.6 million raised for elderly man still working
For most of his life, Ed Bambas worked toward his American dream. But in 2019, at 82, he found himself doing what most retirees never imagine: going back to work. That was, until a stranger approached him with a question. Tom Hanson has the story.
White House Christmases of past, present
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump lit the national Christmas tree on Thursday. Melania's White House Christmas theme this year is "Home Is Where the Heart Is." White House expert Jennifer Pickens joins CBS News to discuss.