Pothole damage claims on California freeways triple while Caltrans payouts drop by half. Why?
A CBS News California investigation finds Caltrans only approved 1 out of every 25 damage claims from potholes and debris in the first half of 2023.
CBS News California Investigates
California freeways with the most potholes and car damage claims
Caltrans is denying more freeway damage claims, approving fewer than 10% over the last five and a half years. How many have they approved in your county and which highways are the worst?
Sexually violent predators set for release into California communities, prompting concerns at state capitol
CBS News California has identified a spike in the number of "sexually violent predators" who are being granted conditional release by the Department of State Hospitals amid an ongoing struggle to find housing for the men. The reporting prompted several proposed changes to state law, but, one by one, the bills are dying inside California's capitol.
Using new AI, grieving moms discover California lawmakers killed popular fentanyl bill by not voting
They fought for fentanyl legislation, but it was killed before lawmakers even got to vote. Four grieving moms wanted to know why. They're uncovering the truth using a new AI tool designed to help everyday Californians hold lawmakers accountable. They discovered powerful lawmakers killed the popular fentanyl bill by not voting.
Lawmakers pushing for change following CBS News California investigations
The California State Capitol doesn't generally work the way people think it does. We're following bills prompted by our reporting, to show you how things really work inside California's Capitol.
Lawmakers could force California to stop storing your DNA without permission
California law says genetic testing companies have to get your permission before they store, use or sell your DNA, but the state itself doesn't have to get your permission and has been storing DNA samples from every baby born there since the '80s. Lawmakers want to change that, but face an uphill battle.
Cops called to California K-8 schools 10,000 times in a year. Could state law be to blame? | Handcuffs in Hallways
A bill introduced in the wake of our "Handcuffs in Hallways" investigation aims to reduce "unnecessary" calls for police at schools. But one California lawmaker could kill it without a vote.
Fentanyl test strips are sweeping college campuses. Our testing found they may not detect laced fake prescription pills.
Fentanyl test strips used to be illegal in California. Now, state law requires them on community and state college campuses. We put fentanyl test strips to the test, and what we found could save someone you know.
What is a local law enforcement agency hiding? CBS sues for body camera footage to find out.
We tried to work with law enforcement for nearly a year to avoid this lawsuit, but one local agency is simply refusing to release video that the public has a right to see. Its legal argument could impact law-enforcement policies across the state if allowed to stand.
Why didn't Gov. Newsom's CHP detail stop that retail theft he witnessed at Target?
Also on Thursday, Democratic mayors are joining the fight to reform Proposition 47 despite California Gov. Gavin Newsom's opposition.
Why Sacramento police are solving more car theft cases than other agencies nationwide
If your car is stolen, the odds are your car will be found but the person who stole it will almost never be arrested. But Sacramento PD has a higher arrest rate than most thanks to new technology and a dedicated team.
Landmark homeless lawsuit, The People vs. City of Sacramento, could impact policies statewide
The Sacramento County District Attorney's office is suing the City of Sacramento alleging the city failed to enforce the law and allowed the homeless crisis to become a public nuisance.
Investigative reporters
Zelenskyy says he will meet Trump on Sunday for Ukraine-Russia talks
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy says he and President Trump have agreed to meet in Florida on Sunday, signaling progress in talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Maps show winter storm forecast for ice and snow from Great Lakes to Northeast
Millions of Americans live in areas under winter storm alerts stretching from northern Minnesota to the Eastern Seaboard.
Iran seizes oil tanker smuggling fuel on Strait of Hormuz, Tehran says
Iran seized a foreign oil tanker as it traveled the strategic Strait of Hormuz carrying some 25,000 barrels of smuggled fuel, state media said.
Veterans Affairs Department reimposing near total abortion ban
The Veterans Affairs Department is reimposing a near total ban on abortions for veterans and their families that was modified in 2022.
California mother pleads not guilty to murder of 9-year-old daughter Melodee Buzzard
The body of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard was found by authorities in Utah on Dec. 6 after she went missing in October.
Former "Big Brother" houseguest Mickey Lee died on Christmas, family says
Mickey Lee, a former "Big Brother" houseguest known for her vibrant personality and bold gameplay, has died, her family announced in a social media post shared Friday.
Israel police say 2 killed in car-ramming and stabbing attack by Palestinian
The attack began Friday afternoon in the northern city of Beit Shean, where the Palestinian man crashed his vehicle into people, killing one man and injuring a teenage boy.
Perry Bamonte, guitarist for The Cure, dies after "short illness" at 65
The band announced Perry Bamonte's death on their official website on Friday.
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.
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How to urban forage, legally and respectfully
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New LAFD Chief Jaime Moore discusses emergency alerts for cargo ship fire at Port of LA
Los Angeles Fire Department's Chief Jaime Moore discusses the emergency alerts that residents received after a cargo ship caught fire at the Port of LA.
Help with auto loans | Living Paycheck to Paycheck
A look at solutions for consumers who are struggling with auto loan payments.
Ways to save on the energy bill | Living Paycheck to Paycheck
Kristine Lazar looks into ways to save on household energy bills.
Traveling on a budget | Living Paycheck to Paycheck
Travel expert shares ways to save money while traveling, including avoiding last-minute bookings, and the best time of year for flight deals.
Finding deals for you Thanksgiving meal | Living Paycheck to Paycheck
About one in four Americans are living paycheck to paycheck right now. CBS News California Investigates Kristine Lazar goes grocery shopping to find the best way to make your dollar stretch this Thanksgiving.
Decoding discount retailer price codes for even better deals
Andrea Woroch, consumer savings expert, shares how to read discount store price codes.
A look at what's driving the increase in candy prices ahead of Halloween
As the price of cocoa has skyrocketed, tariffs are also impacting candy prices.
MLB Ballpark app ticket thefts and tips for protection
How thieves are cracking the MLB Ballpark app to steal tickets and resell them. Security expert recommends a using a unique username and password for the app to prevent theft.
Navigating vehicle auto body repair charges with a new app
The new Otto app uses AI to provide drivers with verified auto body repair quotes and connects customers to participating businesses at www.ottofixit.com.
A look at insurance and medical expenses related to illnesses contracted while traveling
Travel insurance is advised, as one woman’s story of becoming ill while traveling out of the country left her family paying for medical expenses out of pocket.
Woman's vanity license plate draws traffic tickets from across the country for unusual reasons
A Southern California woman has received 15 traffic tickets since May, even in places she hasn't visited. The culprit? Her personalized license plate. Kristine Lazar examines how a nationwide retailer's novelty plate has led to this unique situation.