The cover of the 1 May edition of the Guardian Weekly magazine features an illustration by Masha Foya, marking 40 years since the Chornobyl nuclear disaster. The artwork, depicting spring greens fading into ominous skies, reflects both the tragedy of the accident and present-day anxieties.
Chornobyl: 40 Years On
In a special report, Pjotr Sauer visits the site of the world's worst nuclear accident. He sees up close how the giant containment structure around the failed reactor is in urgent need of costly repairs after a Russian drone strike, as fears grow of a possible new catastrophe.
On Chornobyl's environmental legacy, Jonathan Watts considers the benefits and drawbacks to wildlife from the accidental rewilding that resulted from the exclusion of humans around the site. He also hears the views of former nuclear power opponents who are now cautious advocates, as the dangers of fossil fuels have become better understood over time.
Five Essential Reads in This Week's Edition
Environment: Why Apes Are More Like Us Than We Ever Thought
Imagination, reason and the ability to recognise faces from the past are not the sole preserve of humans, studies show. Gloria Dickie reports on the latest findings.
Finance: The Wagering of War
Once largely siloed to sporting events, betting has now spread to include contracts on news events where insider information could pay handsomely. With over $1bn in perfectly timed bets on the Iran war recently seen, Lauren Aratani explores what is going on.
Feature: The Big Game Hunters Who Believe They Can Save Africa's Wildlife
One way to pay for wildlife conservation is to allow the rich to bag a few animals for high prices. But critics see this approach as an exercise in neocolonialism. Cal Flyn went in pursuit of answers.
Opinion: Starmer's Listless Government Shows Zombie Politics Is the New Norm
Distracted, listless and unambitious – the British PM's true form has finally emerged. But whatever comes next must end this ruinous cycle for the country, argues Nesrine Malik.
Culture: Iron Maiden on 50 Years of Heavy Metal Madness
As a career-spanning documentary hits cinemas, the legendary rock band revisit their path from pubs to stadiums over half a century of headbanging hits. Harry Sword buckles up.
Other Highlights
Michael, the big-budget Michael Jackson film, may have shattered opening-weekend records for a biopic – but it has also drawn criticism for its sanitised portrayal of the performer's life. However, Catherine Shoard finds that bad movies often prove a hit with fans.
A photo gallery with words from Susan Montoya Brown makes for a beautiful celebration of Route 66, 100 years old this year. The piece captures the romance of America that swept through music, art, movies and books in the middle part of the last century.
Other highlights from the Guardian website include a photo gallery of the World Press Photo 2026 winners, an audio piece on Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi, and a video on how Hezbollah embedded itself into the fabric of Lebanese life.
