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.
Sexual assaults on airplanes are on the rise, CBS News investigation finds
The investigation found that the FBI looked into more than 170 cases of passengers assaulting other passengers on flights in 2024.
Exclusive
Guthrie suspect's mask, clothing believed to be from Walmart, sheriff says
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told CBS News the suspect's backpack is one of the most promising leads in the case, as the search continues for Nancy Guthrie.
7 highlights from CBS News town hall with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore
In a CBS News "Things That Matter" town hall, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore blasted President Trump — but also urged Democrats to change their perception as "the party of no and slow."
How manufacturers can use ingredients in food that haven't been federally approved
In the quest to make America healthy, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former FDA head Dr. David Kessler are targeting ultraprocessed foods and the GRAS exemption.
Savannah Guthrie posts new video: "It is never too late to do the right thing"
Nancy Guthrie has been missing since Feb. 1 and her daughter, "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has posted several videos pleading for her return.
Trump told Netanyahu he would support strikes on Iran missiles, sources say
President Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in December at Mar-a-Lago with Mr. Trump saying the U.S. would support strikes if no deal was made with Iran.
Homan says "I don't like the masks" on ICE, but they "have to protect themselves"
Democrats have demanded reforms to immigration enforcement, including barring officers from wearing masks.
U.S. military boards another oil tanker after tracking it from Caribbean
U.S. military forces boarded another sanctioned tanker in the Indian Ocean after tracking the vessel from the Caribbean Sea in an effort to target illicit oil connected to Venezuela, the Pentagon says.
Lindsey Vonn discharged, preparing to leave Italy after Olympics crash
The chief of the U.S. Ski Team says Lindsey Vonn is preparing to return to the United States a week after crashing in the Olympic downhill.
U.S.
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What's open and closed on Presidents Day 2026?
Most retail and food establishments will remain open, but services like mail delivery will be suspended for the federal holiday.
Exclusive
Guthrie suspect's mask, clothing believed to be from Walmart, sheriff says
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told CBS News the suspect's backpack is one of the most promising leads in the case, as the search continues for Nancy Guthrie.
Sexual assaults on airplanes are on the rise, CBS News investigation finds
A CBS News investigation found the FBI investigated more than 170 cases of passengers assaulting other passengers on flights in 2024.
Savannah Guthrie posts new video: "It is never too late to do the right thing"
Nancy Guthrie has been missing since Feb. 1 and her daughter, "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has posted several videos pleading for her return.
7 highlights from CBS News town hall with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore
In a CBS News "Things That Matter" town hall, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore blasted President Trump — but also urged Democrats to change their perception as "the party of no and slow."
MoneyWatch
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What's open and closed on Presidents Day 2026?
Most retail and food establishments will remain open, but services like mail delivery will be suspended for the federal holiday.
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, TrumpRx, isn't a game-changer for consumers, health care experts said.
Politics
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Obama: Odds are aliens are real but I saw no signs of contact while president
After setting social media abuzz by saying aliens were real, former President Barack Obama said he didn't see evidence that aliens "have made contact with us."
7 highlights from CBS News town hall with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore
In a CBS News "Things That Matter" town hall, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore blasted President Trump — but also urged Democrats to change their perception as "the party of no and slow."
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 15, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Tom Homan and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries join Ed O'Keefe.
Tillis says Trump advisers are "not taking care of this president's legacy"
Sen. Thom Tillis, who is not running for reelection in 2026, said he believed that Republicans could hold onto its majority in the Senate after the 2026 midterm elections.
Transcript: Rep. Robert Garcia on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 15, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. Robert Garcia, Democrat of California, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Feb. 15, 2026.
HealthWatch
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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, TrumpRx, 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
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Navalny's mom calls for justice as Russia rejects dart frog poison claim
Late Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny's mom says a European assessment that he was poisoned in prison "confirms what we knew from the very beginning."
U.S. military boards another oil tanker after tracking it from Caribbean
U.S. military forces boarded another sanctioned tanker in the Indian Ocean after tracking the vessel from the Caribbean Sea in an effort to target illicit oil connected to Venezuela, the Pentagon says.
8 dead in blast, blaze in fireworks shop in China ahead of Chinese New Year
An explosion and fire at a fireworks shop in eastern China has killed eight people and left two others with minor burns ahead of the Chinese New Year, authorities said.
Canada shooter's online activity shows fascination with violence, expert says
The online activity of the shooter at a Canadian high school revealed she spent time in the dark corners of the internet.
Transcript: Rep. Robert Garcia on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 15, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. Robert Garcia, Democrat of California, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Feb. 15, 2026.
Entertainment
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Stephen A. Smith: Always up for a debate
The high-profile ESPN and SiriusXM commentator and bestselling author is a combative and colorful voice on sports. But now, with a weekly political show in which he interviews government leaders, he is raising eyebrows in Washington, too.
Stephen A. Smith: Always up for a debate
High-profile ESPN and SiriusXM commentator and bestselling author Stephen A. Smith is a combative and colorful voice on sports. But now, with a weekly political show, in which he interviews government leaders, he is gaining notice in Washington, too. Smith talks with "Sunday Morning" national correspondent Robert Costa about his journey and whether he might soon be on a debate stage.
Paul Anka: Still doing it his way
The singer-songwriter who's remained on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart for seven straight decades has just released his latest album, "Inspirations of Life and Love." A youthful 84, he talks about his artistic longevity.
Passage: In memoriam
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including actor James Van Der Beek, star of the series "Dawson's Creek."
"Frankenstein," "Wuthering Heights" star Jacob Elordi
At 28, Australian actor Jacob Elordi has earned his first Academy Award nomination for his haunting portrayal of the Creature in Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein." He talks about his love of acting, and why he has no relationship with social media.
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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How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
These United States: George Washington and climate change
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in an unanticipated crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River. Environmental correspondent David Schechter looks at how Washington's watershed military maneuver dramatized both a changing America, and a changing climate.
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.
Crime
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Exclusive
Guthrie suspect's mask, clothing believed to be from Walmart, sheriff says
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told CBS News the suspect's backpack is one of the most promising leads in the case, as the search continues for Nancy Guthrie.
Sexual assaults on airplanes are on the rise, CBS News investigation finds
A CBS News investigation found the FBI investigated more than 170 cases of passengers assaulting other passengers on flights in 2024.
Savannah Guthrie posts new video: "It is never too late to do the right thing"
Nancy Guthrie has been missing since Feb. 1 and her daughter, "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has posted several videos pleading for her return.
FBI: Glove in Guthrie case has DNA evidence
A black glove discovered near the Arizona home of Nancy Guthrie contains DNA evidence that is being tested, and appears to match the gloves worn by the suspect seen in a doorbell camera video, the FBI says. Andres Gutierrez has more.
Canada shooter's online activity shows fascination with violence, expert says
The online activity of the shooter at a Canadian high school revealed she spent time in the dark corners of the internet.
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
A Town Hall with Governor Wes Moore
Maryland Governor Wes Moore, a rising star in the Democratic Party, sits down with CBS News senior correspondent Norah O’Donnell to discuss issues impacting the nation, including the critical 2026 midterm elections and his vision for the future of the Democratic Party.
More girls playing youth hockey
USA Hockey says girls' participation nationwide has surged 65% over the past 15 seasons, making it one of the fastest growing youth sports in the country. Natalie Brand reports.
Airplane sexual assaults on rise
Authorities are monitoring a threat in the skies: sexual assaults on airplanes. There's fear the crime is underreported. Scott MacFarlane investigates.
Tough showings for American Olympic headliners
Some of the biggest names going into the Milano Cortina Games are not the ones we're seeing at the very top of the podium. Seth Doane reports.
Epstein files' international fallout
Revelations from the latest release of Epstein files have forced resignations and sparked new investigations around the globe. Leigh Kiniry has more.