Japan plans Olympics despite COVID crisis: "It's a tug of war"
As Tokyo marked 50 days until the start of the Olympics, most of Japan is still under a COVID-19 state of emergency.
Tokyo Olympics
Doctors want Tokyo Olympics to be canceled
The summer Olympics are scheduled to open in Japan on July 23. But this week, the U.S. State Department issued a "Do Not Travel" advisory to the country. Japan is closed to tourists due to a fourth COVID-19 surge. The medical community there has repeatedly warned that holding the Olympic Games could be catastrophic to Japan's universal health care system. Lucy Craft reports.
U.S. warns against travel to Japan as COVID looms over Tokyo Olympics
Organizers and Japanese officials have been adamant that the Games can go ahead safely, with restrictions, amid the pandemic, but Japan's residents aren't buying it.
CDC warns against travel to Japan
The CDC is warning all Americans to avoid travel to Japan because of its latest jump in COVID-19 cases. The advisory will not keep U.S. athletes out of the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, but organizers are still under severe pressure. Ramy Inocencio reports on Japan's desperate push to save the games.
Japan determined to hold Olympics despite COVID concerns
Japan has only approved one vaccine and restricts who can administer the shot.
USA Track & Field nixes Olympic training in Japan over COVID concerns
Team USA hasn't commented, while a regional official in Japan called the apparent move "unfortunate," but indicated understanding "given the current situation."
Olympic spirit is hard to find in Japan as vaccine rollout stumbles
One political scientist says the country won't be "vaccine-ready for the Olympics," leaving many in Japan extremely wary of hosting a COVID-era Games.
Japan confirms 1st case of COVID linked to Olympic torch relay
An uptick in new infections, driven by a more-infectious virus variant from Britain, is putting two major cities back under a state of emergency.
Olympic karate athlete says she was target of anti-Asian rant
Kokumai, a karate star, shared videos of a man harassing and threatening her at a park in California.
North Korea to skip the Olympics for the 1st time in 3 decades
Kim Jong Un regime says it won't participate in Tokyo Games because of coronavirus, but one analyst sees it more as "thumbing its nose at the international community."
Swimmer qualifies for Olympics 2 years after leukemia diagnosis
After the race, she pumped her fist and broke down in tears.
Olympic officials to allow raised fists and kneeling during anthem
The USOPC also outlined its guidance against hate and discriminatory speech by athletes.
U.S. men's soccer team fails to qualify for third straight Olympics
"At the end of the day, I just don't think we had enough," USMNT's coach Jason Kreis said.
Delayed Tokyo Olympics torch relay kicks off amid COVID fears
Official run-up to the COVID-postponed Summer Games gets underway in the beleaguered Fukushima region, under a shroud of uncertainty.
Surfer Katherine Diaz killed by lightning while training for Olympics
The International Surfing Association said the 22-year-old "embodied the joy and energy that make surfing so special and dear to us all."
Spectators from abroad to be barred from Tokyo Olympics
About 1 million tickets are reported to have been sold to fans from outside Japan.
Tokyo Olympics chief denies decision made to ban foreign fans
2 days after officials told media outlets spectators from outside Japan wouldn't be allowed amid concerns over COVID-19, the new Olympics boss says it's still being considered.
Tokyo Olympics to go ahead, but no foreign fans allowed
Spectators from outside Japan reportedly won't be admitted amid deep concerns among the country's citizens over the coronavirus' spread abroad.
Woman is named Tokyo Olympics chief in something of a breakthrough
Seiko Hashimoto, 56, replaces Yoshiro Mori, 83, after he made sexist remarks. Women are still rare in boardrooms and positions of political power in Japan.
Japan finally begins COVID vaccinations amid worries over Olympics
About 80% of those polled in recent media surveys support cancellation or further postponement of the Olympics because of the virus worries.
Simone Biles readies for her final Olympics
Sharyn Alfonsi speaks with the gold medal-winning gymnast about the year-long delay before her final Olympic Games, USA Gymnastics' response to Larry Nassar and why she thinks the training she went through in previous years wasn't right.
Tokyo Olympics head resigns after uproar over sexist remarks
But it's unclear what effect the controversy over Yoshiro Mori's statements will have on the games or Japan's gender inequality issues.
Tokyo Olympics chief reportedly to resign over sexist remarks
Former prime minister Yoshiro Mori, 83, drew condemnation for saying women "talk too much," including a surprising level of anger in his own country.
Calls mount for the embattled Tokyo Olympics boss to step down
Sexism and deference to elders have long been the norm in Japan, but experts say anger over comments by the former prime minister in charge of the Games is "really palpable."
Sexist remark taints Japan's bid to show it's ready to host Olympics
A remark about "annoying" women by the man in charge has tarnished Tokyo's efforts to highlight meticulous planning for a safe Summer Olympics amid a pandemic.
World
South Korea's acting president impeached by opposition lawmakers
South Korea's opposition-controlled National Assembly voted to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo despite vehement protests by governing party lawmakers, further deepening the country's political crisis.
Japan's "Black Widow" death row inmate dies at 78
Japanese death-row inmate Chisako Kakehi, dubbed the "Black Widow" after she used cyanide to kill her elderly lovers, has died in a detention center at age 78, officials say,
Manmohan Singh, India's former prime minister, dies at 92
A mild-mannered technocrat, Manmohan Singh became one of India's longest-serving prime ministers. He was chosen to fill the role by Sonia Gandhi, the widow of assassinated Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Israel's attorney general orders investigation into Netanyahu's wife
The probe will focus on the findings of a recent investigative news program on alleged actions of Sara Netanyahu, the prime minister's wife, officials said.
Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen airport where WHO chief was about to board plane
Israel says it is targeting Houthi military sites in Yemen's rebel-held capital city, Sanaa.
What to know about the Panama Canal's history amid Trump comments
Here's what to know about the United States' involvement with building and operating the Panama Canal.
Memorials mark 20 years since tsunami killed over 200,000
The day after Christmas in 2004, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake under the Indian Ocean triggered tsunami waves that killed some 230,000 people across a dozen countries.
Russia says 4 arrested in alleged bomb plots to kill senior Defense officials
The arrest announcement follows the death of Russia's Lt. Gen Igor Kirillov, who was killed on Dec. 17 by a bomb hidden on an electric scooter parked outside his apartment building.
Questions mount about cause of Kazakhstan plane crash
After an Azerbaijan Airlines jet crashed in Kazakhstan, speculation mounted about why the plane went down and whether possible Russian air defense action may have played a role.
U.S.
More U.S.
Richard Parsons, executive who led Time Warner and Citigroup, dies at age 76
Richard Parsons was known as a skilled negotiator, a diplomat and a crisis manager.
NFL doubleheader on Christmas Day sets streaming viewership records
Baltimore's victory over Houston averaged 24.3 million viewers, while Kansas City's win at Pittsburgh averaged 24.1 million, according to early viewer figures released by Nielsen.
Passenger without ticket gets onto Delta flight from Seattle to Honolulu
A plane passenger taken into custody after boarding a Delta flight from Seattle to Hawaii without a boarding pass.
Judge rules that accuser in rape suit against Jay-Z, Combs can remain anonymous
A judge ruled that a woman who says she was raped by Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs when she was 13 can proceed anonymously, for now, in her lawsuit against the rap moguls.
A hippopotamus for Christmas: Baby pygmy hippo born at Virginia zoo
Christmas came early for pygmy hippo parents at the Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Richard Parsons, executive who led Time Warner and Citigroup, dies at age 76
Richard Parsons was known as a skilled negotiator, a diplomat and a crisis manager.
NFL doubleheader on Christmas Day sets streaming viewership records
Baltimore's victory over Houston averaged 24.3 million viewers, while Kansas City's win at Pittsburgh averaged 24.1 million, according to early viewer figures released by Nielsen.
ChatGPT recovers after being hit by outages, OpenAI says
The OpenAI issue was caused by an "upstream provider," according to the artificial intelligence organization.
What to know about after-Christmas sales from Amazon, Walmart and more
Bargain hunters are busy amid seasonal discounts and "going out of business" sales by at least two retailing chains.
The toy industry is bracing for the impact of Trump's promised tariffs
Toy stores and the toy industry are warning that Trump's pledge to add tariffs to Chinese imports could harm their businesses.
Politics
More Politics
Trump picks Miami-Dade commissioner as ambassador to Panama
Cabrera is county commissioner of District 6, which represents parts of Coral Gables, Hialeah and the City of Miami.
Biden heads to St. Croix for final holiday as president
President Biden's final holiday in office will take place largely out of the public eye.
What to know about the Panama Canal's history amid Trump comments
Here's what to know about the United States' involvement with building and operating the Panama Canal.
Marianne Williamson launches bid for DNC chair
Marianne Williamson sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 and 2024.
Trial of man accused in Trump assassination attempt in Florida pushed back
Ryan Wesley Routh is being held in Miami awaiting trial in Fort Pierce.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Is multitasking a myth? Here's what research shows.
Busy lives have many of us juggling multiple tasks at once, but is that really multitasking? Here's what expert Linda Stone has learned about the myth of multitasking.
Why some children are turning to GLP-1 drugs
A growing number of young people are receiving prescriptions for GLP-1 weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Janet Shamlian examines why.
Pet food brand issues recall over bird flu contamination
A voluntary recall was issued for a line of raw and frozen pet food after a cat died of bird flu.
FDA raises urgency of Costco egg recall
The FDA has raised the level of a Costco egg recall, warning of the risk of severe illness or death due to potential salmonella contamination. Over 10,000 cartons of Kirkland brand organic eggs sold at stores across the South are affected. Customers are urged to discard or return eggs marked with Julian code 327 and a use-by date of Jan. 5, 2025.
Expert tips to support your immune system
With flu levels rising, Dr. Rabia De Latour shares ways to support your immune system and stay healthy during the holidays.
World
More World
South Korea's acting president impeached by opposition lawmakers
South Korea's opposition-controlled National Assembly voted to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo despite vehement protests by governing party lawmakers, further deepening the country's political crisis.
Japan's "Black Widow" death row inmate dies at 78
Japanese death-row inmate Chisako Kakehi, dubbed the "Black Widow" after she used cyanide to kill her elderly lovers, has died in a detention center at age 78, officials say,
Manmohan Singh, India's former prime minister, dies at 92
A mild-mannered technocrat, Manmohan Singh became one of India's longest-serving prime ministers. He was chosen to fill the role by Sonia Gandhi, the widow of assassinated Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Israel's attorney general orders investigation into Netanyahu's wife
The probe will focus on the findings of a recent investigative news program on alleged actions of Sara Netanyahu, the prime minister's wife, officials said.
Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen airport where WHO chief was about to board plane
Israel says it is targeting Houthi military sites in Yemen's rebel-held capital city, Sanaa.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
NFL doubleheader on Christmas Day sets streaming viewership records
Baltimore's victory over Houston averaged 24.3 million viewers, while Kansas City's win at Pittsburgh averaged 24.1 million, according to early viewer figures released by Nielsen.
Judge rules that accuser in rape suit against Jay-Z, Combs can remain anonymous
A judge ruled that a woman who says she was raped by Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs when she was 13 can proceed anonymously, for now, in her lawsuit against the rap moguls.
"Baby Driver" actor Hudson Meek, 16, dies after falling from a moving vehicle
Hudson Meek, the 16-year-old actor known for his performance in the 2017 film "Baby Driver," died Dec. 21 in Alabama, authorities said.
Beyoncé's halftime show the highlight of a lackluster NFL Christmas slate
Beyoncé surprised fans by bringing out Shaboozey to perform "Sweet Honey Buckiin," and Post Malone joined her for "Levii's Jeans."
Angel Blue on Met role debut in "Aida" and Opera journey
Angel Blue, who was recently named Classical Music's "Vocalist of the Year," is set to perform the title role in "Aida" at the Metropolitan Opera. Known for her Grammy-winning performances, Blue will take the stage in New York beginning on Dec. 31. She joins "CBS Mornings Plus."
Technology
More Technology
ChatGPT recovers after being hit by outages, OpenAI says
The OpenAI issue was caused by an "upstream provider," according to the artificial intelligence organization.
AI features dominating tech heading into 2025
New artificial intelligence features appeared across the tech landscape this year, from the latest iPhone to chatbots like Google's Gemini. Adam Auriemma, the editor-in-chief at CNET, joins CBS News 24/7 with more.
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.
Researchers develop robot to help people walk
A robotic exosuit may seem like science fiction, but a team of South Korean researchers is turning the concept into reality. CBS News' Leah Mishkin explains how the new tech is helping people with disabilities walk on their own.
Holiday shoppers on the lookout for big TVs
TVs are some of the most popular items to fly off store shelves during the holidays. But this year, experts say shoppers are going bigger than ever. CBS News' Jeff Wagner explains.
Science
More Science
These space missions will take off in 2025
Space agencies worldwide are gearing up missions in 2025 to expand humanity's horizons, from the moon and Mars to asteroids and beyond.
Orca who carried her dead calf for 17 days has a new baby
Tahlequah has a newborn girl, years after she made headlines for carrying her dead calf for 17 days.
2,600-year-old shipwreck is raised from waters off Spain
An ancient shipwreck that dates back to the 7th century B.C.E. has been removed from waters off Spain, two decades after its discovery in 1994.
What to know about the winter solstice, 2024's shortest day
The 2024 winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is marked with traditions and celebrations around the world.
Class-action lawsuit over plastic recycling
This week a group of plaintiffs in Missouri, Kansas, California and Florida filed a class-action lawsuit against dozens of companies and organizations, claiming they've falsely promoted how easy it is to recycle plastics. CBS News Los Angeles climatologist Marina Jurica has the details.
Crime
More Crime
Japan's "Black Widow" death row inmate dies at 78
Japanese death-row inmate Chisako Kakehi, dubbed the "Black Widow" after she used cyanide to kill her elderly lovers, has died in a detention center at age 78, officials say,
Florida pizza delivery worker allegedly stabs pregnant customer after $2 tip
A pizza delivery worker, upset over a tip, allegedly repeatedly stabbed a pregnant woman at a Florida motel, a sheriff's office says.
Trump assassination attempt news
Ryan Routh, the man accused of trying to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump near his Florida golf course, could have his trial delayed as his lawyer mounts a legal defense. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more on the latest developments.
3 shot, 1 stabbed in Christmas night dispute at Phoenix airport, police say
Gunfire at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Christmas night left three people wounded, police say. Another was stabbed. One was in critical condition.
Prison guard dead after Christmas morning assault by inmate, officials say
A corrections officer died after an assault by an inmate in an Ohio prison on Christmas morning, authorities say.
Space
More Space
These space missions will take off in 2025
Space agencies worldwide are gearing up missions in 2025 to expand humanity's horizons, from the moon and Mars to asteroids and beyond.
Discovery of "tipped over" black hole surprises NASA scientists
New analysis techniques and decades-old research helped NASA scientists identify an unusual black hole in a distant galaxy.
Why are the Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck in space?
Here's why NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are stuck, but not stranded, at the International Space Station after launching into space in June.
NASA delayes return date for astronauts
NASA has delayed the return date for Boeing's Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports on the decision to keep the two in space.
NASA leader weighs in on Elon Musk, SpaceX and plans for moon rocket
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says he's optimistic the Trump administration will support the space agency's agenda.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The Scott Peterson case: New evidence?
Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Virginia toy library takes on the toy waste issue
The Toy Nest in Falls Church, Virginia, is a toy library that works on a membership program. The moms who buy-in say it allows them to cut down on toy waste, while saving money and adding variety. Natalie Brand explains how the novel idea works.
The negative repercussions of multitasking
Research suggests the human brain is not wired to multitask on complicated tasks, and experts say it can cause more damage to our wellbeing than we realize. Dr. Jon LaPook explains.
Trump's "border czar" on migrant detention plans
Tom Homan, President-elect Donald Trump's incoming "border czar," told the Washington Post in an interview this week that Trump's new administration plans to revive the controversial practice of detaining migrant families and giving undocumented parents the choice of leaving their U.S.-born children behind or having the children deported with them. Lilia Luciano reports.
How shippers handle the holiday gift return rush
At a FedEx shipping hub in Anchorage, Alaska, employees can sort up to 80,000 packages a day during the holidays. And as they're dealing with a last wave of Christmas gifts getting ready to ship out this week, they're also dealing with a new wave of gifts that are being returned. Kris Van Cleave takes an inside look at the process.
Severe weather hits Texas, Pacific Northwest
Powerful thunderstorms forced ground stops that delayed dozens of flights at Dallas airports Thursday, while stormy weather downed trees and knocked out power to thousands of customers in Oregon and Washington. Kati Weis reports from Houston.