8/17/2025: The Promise; The Land of Declining Sons
First, a report on the identification of 9/11 victims' remains. Then, a look at Japan’s population crisis.
Japan
Japan's Takaichi secures major party victory
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party secured a two-thirds supermajority of the parliament's lower house for the first time since World War II. CBS News foreign correspondent Anna Coren has the latest.
Across Japan, realistic-looking food displays are used by restaurants to demonstrate portion size and to lure customers
Across Japan, realistic-looking food displays are used by restaurants to demonstrate portion size and to lure customers. The fake food is becoming the best way for out-of-towners to get past the language barrier when they're looking for a meal. Seth Doane reports on the handcrafted food replicas and the ingredients used to make them look almost good enough to eat.
Japanese and South Korean leaders bang out surprise K-pop drum duet
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung says he always wanted to play the drums, so Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi surprised him after a summit, and they hit it off.
Man arrested under 1889 dueling law after deadly street fight
The faceoff took place on a street in the capital after the suspect "and the dead man agreed to fight each other," police said.
Woman chokes to death on mochi, continuing a fatal New Year's trend
Over recent years, the chewy rice cakes have killed and hospitalized hundreds of people in Japan, where it is eaten to celebrate the new year.
Women Japanese lawmakers point to unique shortage — toilets for them
Nearly 60 women lawmakers in Japan, including the prime minister, have submitted a petition calling for more toilets in the parliament building to match their improved representation.
Japan's prime minister moves into "haunted" official residence
Japanese premiere Sanae Takaichi has moved into the prime minister's official residence, where ghosts of Japanese soldiers from a century ago are reputed to reside.
15 hurt in stabbing, chemical liquid attack in Japan tire factory
More than a dozen people were injured in a stabbing attack in a factory in central Japan in which a liquid believed to be bleach was also sprayed, authorities said.
Watch of hiker killed by bear reveals his harrowing final moments
The hiker's GPS watch, which uses satellite signals to log routes and monitors heart rate, was retrieved after the fatal attack, the Asahi Shimbun reported.
6.7 magnitude earthquake strikes off northern Japan coast
Friday's 6.7 magnitude earthquake brought only small waves, but came just days after a larger temblor in the same region that left dozens injured.
Japan alerts citizens about megaquake
Japan is warning about a potential megaquake after a massive earthquake struck parts of the country. CBS News' Errol Barnett reports.
Japan warns of possible megaquake, potential 98-foot tsunami
Officials said the megaquake advisory is not a prediction and the probability of a magnitude 8 or larger quake is only about 1%, but there's hope it will serve as a wake-up call.
Powerful earthquake hits off Japan, triggering tsunami on northern coast
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government set up an emergency task force to urgently assess the extent of damage.
WWII vet may be last to see Japan's surrender
John Lauritsen reports on Del Thielke, thought to be the last person alive who was present on the USS Missouri when Japan signed its Instrument of Surrender, ending World War II.
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.
The Dish: Chef Ivan Orkin
Ivan Ramen has been a New York City mainstay since 2014. Now, Chef Ivan Orkin is bringing his unconventional, world-renowned ramen recipes to London.
The Dish: Sushi Meino
Sushi Meino is one of the hardest reservations to get in Tokyo right now. While less than 6% of Japanese sushi restaurants are owned by women, Chef Mei Kogo and her team are changing the game.
Taiwan leader wields sushi in solidarity with Japan amid row with China
As China reportedly mulls a ban on Japanese seafood amid a standoff between the Asian neighbors, Taiwan's leader shows support for Tokyo, with his lunch.
Japan's prime minister clashes with China
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi appears to be warning about China's moves against Taiwan, sparking a diplomatic row. CBS News' Anna Coren reports.
Japan says jets scrambled as China flew drone near island close to Taiwan
Tension between Japan and China has escalated over the new Japanese leader's suggestion Tokyo could intervene militarily if Beijing attacks Taiwan.
Japan protests after China tells citizens not to visit
China advised its citizens Friday to refrain from traveling to Japan in the near future.
U.S. issues unusual warning to Americans in Japan: Beware of bear attacks
The State Department said U.S. citizens in Japan should exercise increased caution amid a sharp rise in deadly bear attacks.
Powerful earthquake strikes off the coast of Japan
A powerful earthquake, with an upgraded magnitude of 6.9 and a depth of about 12 miles, struck off the coast of northern Japan, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Japan deploys troops in bid to stem surge in deadly bear attacks
The governor of a northern region of Japan says authorities were getting "desperate" due to a lack of manpower amid daily reports of bear attacks.
Exclusive
Trump insider Tom Barrack kept in contact with Epstein for years, files show
Tom Barrack, a top U.S. diplomat and longtime friend of President Trump, networked and socialized with Epstein for years, CBS News found.
Obama on ICE shootings in Minnesota: "This is not the America we believe in"
President Obama spoke about the "unprecedented nature" of what he said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents did in Minnesota.
Rubio calls for U.S. and Europe to "revitalize an old friendship"
Secretary of State Marco Rubio made it clear the Trump administration would stick to its guns on policy, but offered a tone seen as softer and more reassuring.
Nancy Guthrie investigators "working a lead" at scene near her home, sheriff says
Authorities have investigated the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, for nearly two weeks.
Lindsey Vonn says "ride was worth the fall" after fourth surgery, set to return to U.S.
Lindsey Vonn, the 41-year-old Olympic veteran from Colorado, also reflected on her Olympic crash, saying, "I don't have regrets."
Breezy Johnson on her Olympic love story: "Who are we to fight the alchemy?"
U.S. Olympic gold medalist Breezy Johnson and her fiancé talks about the lead up to their engagement at 2026 Milano Cortina and a congratulations from Taylor Swift.
Fresh crew arrives at International Space Station to boost numbers back to 7
The Crew 12 docking came one month after a previous crew had to return to Earth early due to a medical issue.
Casey Wasserman, 2028 Olympics chair, to sell agency after Epstein files revelation
Casey Wasserman, the chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee, says he is selling his eponymous talent agency in the wake of the release of emails between himself and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Alexei Navalny was likely fatally poisoned in prison, European leaders say
European leaders said they are confident Navalny was poisoned with a toxin found in South American poison dart frogs.
U.S.
More U.S.
Investigation into Nebraska teen's 1969 murder spans five decades
The unsolved murder of Mary Kay Heese, 17, a high school junior from Wahoo, Nebraska, has hung over the community for five decades. Will what is believed to be the state's oldest cold case finally be solved?
Casey Wasserman, 2028 Olympics chair, to sell agency after Epstein files revelation
Casey Wasserman, the chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee, says he is selling his eponymous talent agency in the wake of the release of emails between himself and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Fresh crew arrives at International Space Station to boost numbers back to 7
The Crew 12 docking came one month after a previous crew had to return to Earth early due to a medical issue.
After struggling early, U.S. men's hockey team dispatches Denmark 6-3
The U.S. kept pace with also-unbeaten Canada for the top seed in the Olympic men's hockey tournament.
Lindsey Vonn says "ride was worth the fall" after fourth surgery, set to return to U.S.
Lindsey Vonn, the 41-year-old Olympic veteran from Colorado, also reflected on her Olympic crash, saying, "I don't have regrets."
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Prediction markets heat up on Valentine's Day as people place bets on love
Prediction markets are taking bets this Valentine's Day that celebrity relationships can thrive — or break apart.
January CPI report is the best inflation news in months. Here's why.
The inflation reading, the lowest since May 2025, shows grocery, gas and rent prices are cooling.
Amazon ends Flock partnership after backlash over Super Bowl ad
Amazon's Ring unit touted a "search party" service in its Super Bowl ad, but one critic called the app a "surveillance nightmare."
Can TrumpRx help you save money on drugs? Here's what experts say.
The Trump administration's new discounted drug platform isn't a game-changer for consumers, health care experts said.
Romance costs more this year as inflation lifts Valentine's Day gift prices
Love is biting consumers this year amid the rising cost of flowers, chocolates and other Valentine's Day staples.
Politics
More Politics
Casey Wasserman, 2028 Olympics chair, to sell agency after Epstein files revelation
Casey Wasserman, the chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee, says he is selling his eponymous talent agency in the wake of the release of emails between himself and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Obama on ICE shootings in Minnesota: "This is not the America we believe in"
President Obama spoke about the "unprecedented nature" of what he said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents did in Minnesota.
Exclusive
Trump insider Tom Barrack kept in contact with Epstein for years, files show
Tom Barrack, a top U.S. diplomat and longtime friend of President Trump, networked and socialized with Epstein for years, CBS News found.
Rubio calls for U.S. and Europe to "revitalize an old friendship"
Secretary of State Marco Rubio made it clear the Trump administration would stick to its guns on policy, but offered a tone seen as softer and more reassuring.
DHS shutdown begins as funding expires without a deal in Congress
It's the second time in as many weeks that government funding has lapsed as Democrats and the White House remain at an impasse over immigration enforcement policies.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Measles cases at university in Florida soar to nearly 60
Twenty one states in the U.S. have confirmed cases of measles.
Can TrumpRx help you save money on drugs? Here's what experts say.
The Trump administration's new discounted drug platform isn't a game-changer for consumers, health care experts said.
Moderna says FDA refuses its application for new mRNA flu vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration is refusing to consider Moderna's application for a new flu vaccine made with mRNA technology, the company said.
What to know about a new study on coffee, tea and dementia risk
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said the results of the study on coffee drinkers having lower risk of dementia should be taken "with a massive grain of salt."
Thousands of mothers were flagged to police over flawed drug tests at childbirth
The Marshall Project found more than 70,000 cases referred to law enforcement over allegations of substance use during pregnancy — and that's a significant undercount.
World
More World
Lindsey Vonn says "ride was worth the fall" after fourth surgery, set to return to U.S.
Lindsey Vonn, the 41-year-old Olympic veteran from Colorado, also reflected on her Olympic crash, saying, "I don't have regrets."
Olympic organizers promise Valentine's weekend restock after condoms run out
Olympic organizers promise that the villages where athletes live won't run out of free condoms again during the Milan Cortina Winter Games.
American Jordan Stolz wins 2nd speedskating gold at Winter Olympics
It is Jordan Stolz's second gold medal of the 2026 Winter Games, breaking a world record.
Olympic curling committee issues warning after cheating accusations
The committee said during Saturday's afternoon session two officials will move to observing deliveries across the four matches.
Brazilian skier wins South America's first-ever Winter Olympics medal
Another Brazilian athlete, Nicole Rocha Silveira, could earn another medal on Saturday when she races in the women's skeleton event.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
"Heated Rivalry" creating a boon for hockey
As hockey takes center stage at the Winter Olympics, a Canadian series about the sport called "Heated Rivalry" has become a worldwide phenomenon and melted barriers on the ice and beyond. Itay Hod explains.
Tyler Ballgame performs "For the First Time, Again"
New England native Tyler Ballgame grew up with a music teacher mom who encouraged him to sing as much as possible. While his voice has been compared to greats like Elvis Presley and John Lennon, his debut album, "For the First Time, Again," puts the singer's own spin on a retro sound. Here's Tyler Ballgame performing "For the First Time, Again."
Tyler Ballgame performs "Matter of Taste"
New England native Tyler Ballgame grew up with a music teacher mom who encouraged him to sing as much as possible. While his voice has been compared to greats like Elvis Presley and John Lennon, his debut album, "For the First Time, Again," puts the singer's own spin on a retro sound. Here's Tyler Ballgame performing "Matter of Taste."
Tyler Ballgame performs "I Believe in Love"
New England native Tyler Ballgame grew up with a music teacher mom who encouraged him to sing as much as possible. While his voice has been compared to greats like Elvis Presley and John Lennon, his debut album, "For the First Time, Again," puts the singer's own spin on a retro sound. Here's Tyler Ballgame performing "I Believe in Love."
"Sinners" cinematographer could make history
"Sinners" cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw says she doesn't want the audience to notice her work because "you wanna make it so good it feels like a dream." The Oscar nominee is the first woman of color nominated in the cinematography category and only the fourth woman ever. It's the only Oscars craft category never won by a woman. She talks about her career journey to this historic moment.
Technology
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Technology
Viral essay urges people to prepare for AI
If you've been on social media this week, you've likely seen an ominous warning about artificial intelligence in your feed: "Something big is happening." An essay from the CEO of an AI company, Matt Shumer, likens the current moment to February 2020, right before the start of COVID. Nate Soares, co-author of "If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies," joins to discuss.
Amazon ends Flock partnership after backlash over Super Bowl ad
Amazon's Ring unit touted a "search party" service in its Super Bowl ad, but one critic called the app a "surveillance nightmare."
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.
FTC warns Apple's Tim Cook over alleged political bias in Apple News app
The Federal Trade Commission sent a letter to Tim Cook one day after President Trump circulated a report raising questions about Apple News' practices.
Russia blocks WhatsApp as it pushes state-backed alternative on citizens
The messaging platform WhatsApp says Russia has "attempted to fully block" its service inside the country, "to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app."
Science
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Science
Impact of climate change on Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics in Milan need artificial snow due to climate change and warmer weather. Athletes say man-made snow makes terrain more difficult and unpredictable. Rob Marciano reports on its impact.
Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Crime
More Crime
Investigation into Nebraska teen's 1969 murder spans five decades
The unsolved murder of Mary Kay Heese, 17, a high school junior from Wahoo, Nebraska, has hung over the community for five decades. Will what is believed to be the state's oldest cold case finally be solved?
Overnight activity at Nancy Guthrie's home
The search for Nancy Guthrie is in its 13th day after authorities issued another plea for her return and were seen overnight at her Tuscon home.
Latest in the search for Nancy Guthrie
Law enforcement appeared to be at Nancy Guthrie's home overnight as the search for "Today" host Savannah Guthrie's mom enters its 13th day.
Nancy Guthrie investigators "working a lead" at scene near her home, sheriff says
The FBI and sheriff's department have been investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, for nearly two weeks.
Latest on Guthrie search
The FBI is now calling the "subject" in the surveillance video of Nancy Guthrie's front porch a suspect. The agency has also released its first description of the 84-year-old's alleged kidnapper. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has the details.
Space
More Space
Fresh crew arrives at International Space Station to boost numbers back to 7
The Crew 12 docking came one month after a previous crew had to return to Earth early due to a medical issue.
SpaceX launches crew to ISS
NASA and SpaceX launched a new mission to the International Space Station with four crew members on board to replace the team that returned last month due to a medical issue with one member. Mark Strassmann has more.
SpaceX launches space station crew on 8-month mission
The two-woman, two-man crew is replacing four other station fliers who came home early last month due to a medical issue one was having.
NASA, SpaceX mission prepares for launch
NASA and SpaceX say they have completed their final reviews and are ready to launch a crewed mission to the International Space Station on Friday. Retired NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
ULA rocket has booster problem while launching classified Space Force payloads
A United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket carrying classified Space Force payloads suffered a booster problem but apparently made an otherwise "nominal" ascent to space, the company said.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
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
The Girl from Wahoo
A girl is murdered in Wahoo, Nebraska. More than 50 years later, the clues that led to an arrest. "48 Hours" correspondent Natalie Morales reports.
2/14: CBS Weekend News
Investigators search second home in Nancy Guthrie case; Groundbreaking TV series creating a boon for hockey
Team USA experiences Olympic triumph, heartache
Halfway through the Winter Olympic Games in Italy, athletes and fans are fully immersed in the Olympic spirit. Kelly O'Grady reports from Milan with the latest on all the action.
Rubio delivers charm offensive at Munich conference
Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday spoke to European leaders attending the annual Munich Security Conference. Rubio sought to calm some fears that months of sharp U.S. rhetoric and policy disputes had opened a lasting breach between Washington and its European allies. Olivia Gazis has more.
"Heated Rivalry" creating a boon for hockey
As hockey takes center stage at the Winter Olympics, a Canadian series about the sport called "Heated Rivalry" has become a worldwide phenomenon and melted barriers on the ice and beyond. Itay Hod explains.