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.
Hegseth won't commit to releasing video of second strike on alleged drug boat
"We're reviewing the process, and we'll see," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said.
Winter weather alerts to impact 18 million people across West and Midwest
Winter storms are forecast to bring heavy snows and bitter winds across the regions.
Trump's birthday added to list of free days at national parks; MLK Day, Juneteenth removed
The change to the schedule comes shortly after the Trump administration announced new fees for non-resident visitors.
Trump calls on Baseball Hall of Fame to admit Roger Clemens
The 63-year-old Roger Clemens has been accused of using performance-enhancing drugs, which he has denied.
Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado to travel to Oslo for peace prize
Maria Corina Machado has been living in hiding in Venezuela since the 2024 presidential election.
Russia targets Ukraine with massive drone attack amid diplomatic talks
Russia launched a huge attack on Ukraine overnight as the country marked Armed Forces Day on Saturday, Ukraine's air force said.
Prominent U.S. playwright arrested in Japan for alleged ecstasy smuggling
Japanese officials said Jeremy O Harris, known for his Tony-nominated "Slave Play" and his role in the series "Emily in Paris," was arrested on the island of Okinawa on Nov. 16.
Gaza ceasefire talks in "critical moment" as second phase in deal yet to begin
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told an international conference in the Qatari capital that international mediators, led by the U.S., are working toward the second phase of peace deal.
Michael Annett, former NASCAR racing star, dies at 39
Michael Annett won the Xfinity Series' season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway in 2019.
U.S.
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Teen's sister looks to TikTok to help solve 25-year-old murder mystery
With her posts and pleas on TikTok, Molly Bish's sister Jennifer hopes she will generate new tips that will finally solve her sister's Massachusetts murder case and put an end to a painful decades-old mystery.
How did teen Danni Houchins die? Her family's search for the truth
For years, the death of 15-year-old Danielle "Danni" Houchins had been shrouded in mystery. Montana investigators initially said it could have been a tragic accident, but her family always suspected something more sinister.
Trump awards medals to the Kennedy Center honorees in Oval Office ceremony
President Trump presented medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees during an Oval Office ceremony.
Trump calls on Baseball Hall of Fame to admit Roger Clemens
The 63-year-old Roger Clemens has been accused of using performance-enhancing drugs, which he has denied.
Winter weather alerts to impact 18 million people across West and Midwest
Winter storms are forecast to bring heavy snows and bitter winds across the regions.
MoneyWatch
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For Gen Zers, finding work after college is often a painful slog
"It's very discouraging," said one young job-seeker as employers pull back on hiring entry-level workers.
Here's where minimum wage increases are set to kick in next year
Minimum wages are set to rise in 22 U.S. states and 66 cities and counties next year, even as the federal baseline wage remains at $7.25.
Officials expand probe into Waymo over robotaxis driving around buses
Federal regulators are investigating multiple Texas incidents in which the robotaxis drove around stopped school buses.
Trump touts $20 trillion in new U.S. investments, but numbers don't add up
President Trump's claims of a historic multitrillion-dollar investment surge don't match federal data or the administration's own numbers.
Elon Musk's X fined $140 million for violating EU transparency rules
European regulators said X breached transparency rules under the Digital Services Act, a sweeping EU law intended to protect internet users.
Politics
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Hegseth won't commit to releasing video of second strike on alleged drug boat
"We're reviewing the process, and we'll see," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said. "Whatever we were to decide to release, we'd have to be very responsible about reviewing that right now."
Trump awards medals to the Kennedy Center honorees in Oval Office ceremony
President Trump presented medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees during an Oval Office ceremony.
Trump calls on Baseball Hall of Fame to admit Roger Clemens
The 63-year-old Roger Clemens has been accused of using performance-enhancing drugs, which he has denied.
U.S., Ukrainian officials will meet again Saturday on peace plan
The officials in a joint statement said they made progress on creating a security framework for postwar Ukraine and are urging Russia to commit to peace.
Survivors of Sept. 2 boat strike were waving before second attack, sources say
Two people who survived an early September U.S. attack on an alleged drug boat were waving overhead before they were killed in a now-controversial second strike, according to two sources.
HealthWatch
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California warns against foraging mushrooms after cluster of poisonings, 1 death
California's public health department said one person has died and several others have suffered severe liver damage due to eating toxic mushrooms that were foraged.
Artist who fought for diagnosis turns incurable cancer journey into art
Nardiz Cooke was immediately transfixed by the mask she wore while receiving treatment for late-stage cancer.
CDC panel votes to stop recommending birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, with members appointed by RFK Jr., voted to change longstanding recommendations on the hepatitis B vaccine.
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 to vote Friday 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.
World
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At least 23 killed in nightclub fire in India
The blaze occurred just past midnight in Arpora in North Goa, a party hub.
Hegseth won't commit to releasing video of second strike on alleged drug boat
"We're reviewing the process, and we'll see," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said. "Whatever we were to decide to release, we'd have to be very responsible about reviewing that right now."
Afghan refugees forge their way on the soccer pitch
The Taliban made women's sports illegal in 2021 when the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan, but it hasn't stopped a group of refugees in Houston determined to forge their own way on the soccer pitch.
Gaza ceasefire talks in "critical moment" as second phase in deal yet to begin
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told an international conference in the Qatari capital that international mediators, led by the U.S., are working toward the second phase of peace deal.
Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado to travel to Oslo for peace prize
Maria Corina Machado has been living in hiding in Venezuela since the 2024 presidential election.
Entertainment
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Trump awards medals to the Kennedy Center honorees in Oval Office ceremony
President Trump presented medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees during an Oval Office ceremony.
From the archives: Architect Frank Gehry
Frank Gehry, one of the towering figures in architecture in the last century, died on Fri., Dec. 5, 2025 at age 96. Watch four reports on Gehry from the "Sunday Morning" archives, including, from 2002, a profile by Scott Pelley; from 2006, Serena Altschul looked at Gehry's jewelry line; from 2022, Gehry talked with Bill Whitaker about his creative process; and from 2020, Gehry discussed his contested design for the Eisenhower Memorial, in Washington, D.C., with Rita Braver.
Tim Blake Nelson on his new book "Superhero"
You may recognize Tim Blake Nelson from "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs," but his latest book "Superhero" explores what he considers Hollywood's favorite genre.
Netlix and Warner Bros. deal sparks concern
Netflix is set to buy Warner Bros. in a deal valued at $72 billion, but the announcement has sparked concern among industry workers.
AVTT/PTTN perform "Received"
AVTT/PTTN is a collaboration between The Avett Brothers and former "Faith No More" frontman Mike Patton. Their self-titled album AVTT/PTTN is a collection of nine songs that came out in November, and here they are performing "Received."
Technology
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Technology
Waymo says its cars are better at avoiding crashes
Waymo has released new data showing its robotaxis were involved in 91% fewer serious crashes when compared to human drivers. CBS News' Elizabeth Cook rode along in a Waymo with Politico economic policy reporter Yasmin Khorram to unpack the report.
Elon Musk's X fined $140 million for violating EU transparency rules
European regulators said X breached transparency rules under the Digital Services Act, a sweeping EU law intended to protect internet users.
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.
Google reveals top search trends of 2025
The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, President Trump's "big, beautiful bill," and the longest government shutdown in U.S. history ranked among Google's top search trends this year.
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.
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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Teen's sister looks to TikTok to help solve 25-year-old murder mystery
With her posts and pleas on TikTok, Molly Bish's sister Jennifer hopes she will generate new tips that will finally solve her sister's Massachusetts murder case and put an end to a painful decades-old mystery.
How did teen Danni Houchins die? Her family's search for the truth
For years, the death of 15-year-old Danielle "Danni" Houchins had been shrouded in mystery. Montana investigators initially said it could have been a tragic accident, but her family always suspected something more sinister.
20,000-pound cocaine seizure by Coast Guard breaks 18-year-old record
Video shows Coast Guard vehicles pursuing a go-fast vessel that appeared to have multiple people aboard.
Latest details on 2021 pipe bomb suspect
The man suspected of placing pipe bombs around Washington, D.C., on Jan. 5, 2021, had his first court appearance on Friday after he was arrested Thursday following a five-year manhunt. A judge ordered the suspect to remain in jail pending future hearings.
11 killed, including 3 children, in shooting at a South African bar
Over a dozen people were wounded and taken to the hospital, the South African Police Services said in a statement.
Space
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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.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Uncorking a greener future for wine lovers
A California winery is saying goodbye to glass, serving its wine a little differently. Joy Benedict has the story.
Man nears end of walk across the world
Ramy Inocencio shares the story of a man who set out to walk around the world. 27 years later, he's now nearing the home stretch.
Why real Christmas trees may be a better bargain
With 19 days to go until Christmas, the rush is on to get ready, including finding just the right tree. Andres Gutierrez has more on the search.
Palestinian Christians celebrate Christmas
Christmas celebrations returned to the occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem after two years of war in Gaza. Imtiaz Tyab has more on the festivities and hope for economic recovery.
Russia targets Ukraine's energy infrastructure
Russia targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure overnight, meaning another winter of power outages for Ukrainians as Vladimir Putin tries to crush their resolve. Holly Williams reports.