Time Magazine Contents Page May 12, 1986 Vol. 127 No. 19
COVER: The nuclear catastrophe at 38
Chernobyl sets off global shock waves
It could take years before the full damage is known, but it is becoming clear that the explosion and fire at a reactor north of Kiev may be the worst disaster in the 32- year history of commercial atomic power. As radiation- laden clouds blow westward, angry Europeans berate the Soviets for failing to alert them earlier. In the U. S., the question: Could it happen here? See WORLD.
NATION: In the Far East, the 24
President extols the "winds of freedom"
On the road to the Tokyo summit, Reagan promotes democracy during a sometimes stormy stopover in Bali. As Challenger' s crew is laid to rest, nasa is rocked by another explosion on launch. Polls still show "undecided" leading a crowded field for California' s Republican Senate nomination. In Michigan, Bush and Kemp are already scrambling for delegates.
PEOPLE: From Fat Albert to fatherhood, 70 Bill Cosby keeps his wry eye on growing up
With his new book a sure best seller, and a new record, "America' s Favorite Father" celebrates the foibles and frustrations of parenthood. Plus the oldest Playmate of the Year and the youngest reigning monarch, the kings of late- night television and the King of K, an Olympic gymnast who flexes her show- biz talent and a Soviet dissident who meets her onscreen mate.
61
World
Blacks stage a general strike in South Africa. Austrians cast a verdict on the past. Church and state in Nicaragua.
86
Medicine
National pride, a possible Nobel Prize and millions of dollars are at stake in a scientific rivalry. Linking strokes and drinking.
72
Economy & Business
Merger mania sweeps Madison Avenue.
New- home sales take off. Coca- Cola marks its centennial in Classic style.
97
Theater
Jack Lemmon stars in a profound reconception of Long Day' s Journey into Night. Also on Broadway: George C. Scott and Debbie Allen.
82
Religion
A jury convicts eight members of the church-
sanctuary movement who aided and harbored illegal aliens, but they vow to carry on.
100
Video
A daring electronic whiz called Captain Midnight breaks into hbo programming to air dish owners' beefs against cable services.
85
Law
Sandra Day O' Connor continues to surprise court watchers. Two major rulings expand the rights of black
defendants.
103
Essay
Marcos is gone; Baby Doc too. So why not dump all the other dictators? Because democracy is not that easy to transplant.
12 Letters
20 American Scene
88 Sport
88 Milestones
90 Books
95 Living
98 Cinema
Cover:
Photograph
from NBC News