60 Minutes CBS “Ben Sasse, The Pigeon Mafia” April 26 2026
CBS’s 60 Minutes returns Sunday, April 26, 2026, with a broadcast that blends personal reflection and investigative reporting. The program features a deeply personal interview with former Nebraska senator Ben Sasse as he faces a terminal diagnosis, alongside a report on the high-stakes and shadowy world of competitive pigeon racing. The episode airs at 7:00 PM ET/PT on CBS and streams on Paramount+.
Ben Sasse
At the center of this week’s broadcast is a conversation between Scott Pelley and former U.S. senator Ben Sasse, who at 54 is living with terminal pancreatic cancer. In a candid interview, Sasse reflects on his life in public service and the personal realities of confronting a life-limiting illness. The discussion moves beyond politics, focusing on what he describes as the enduring importance of family, faith, and human connection.
Sasse also shares his views on the current state of the United States, including political division and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. His perspective is shaped by both his policy background and his current circumstances, offering a rare combination of political insight and personal reflection. The interview is positioned as a message about what matters most, drawn from a moment of profound clarity.
The conversation continues beyond 60 Minutes in a special edition of Things That Matter, which features an extended version of Pelley’s interview with Sasse. This expanded segment allows for a deeper exploration of the themes introduced earlier, including mortality, belief, and the meaning of legacy.
Following the extended interview, Pelley moderates a town hall with Sasse, where attendees pose questions shaped by their own experiences with illness and faith. The discussion brings together individuals from across the country, creating a broader dialogue about shared challenges and personal resilience. The special will be available on Paramount+ and CBS News digital platforms, with a broadcast on CBS News 24/7 at 9:00 PM.
The Pigeon Mafia
The broadcast also turns to an investigative report on the growing financial stakes in competitive pigeon racing. As prize money climbs into the millions, the sport has attracted increased attention and, according to insiders, criminal activity. The report examines claims of organized groups targeting valuable birds, a phenomenon described by some within the industry as the “pigeon mafia.”
60 Minutes explores how these prized pigeons are bred, trained, and sold, and why they have become such valuable assets. The segment sheds light on a lesser-known world where tradition meets high finance, raising questions about security, ethics, and the risks that come with rising profits.
