How California quietly adds hundreds in hidden fees to drive up traffic tickets
CBS News California investigates why lawmakers are ignoring a state audit that urged them to reduce fees and revise the entire program - nearly a decade ago.
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CBS News California investigates why lawmakers are ignoring a state audit that urged them to reduce fees and revise the entire program - nearly a decade ago.
Julie Watts interviewed every candidate for California governor ahead of next year's election.
A CBS News Confirmed analysis of a dozen skincare influencers' accounts found that many featured ingredients not suitable for kids and were undisclosed brand partnerships or sponsored posts.
CBS News California's Julie Watts and her daughter's fifth-grade class go undercover shopping and head to the State Capitol to investigate what lawmakers are doing about the skincare industry making billions by marketing potentially harmful products to tweens.
Get-ready-with-me videos saturate social media feeds, targeting young girls with multi-step skincare routines where popular brands partner with kid-fluencers to create viral skincare products. The skincare industry is cashing in on so-called "Sephora kids," fueled by Gen Alpha (kids under 12). But dermatologists warn that many viral products contain anti-aging ingredients that can harm young skin, and it's hard to tell the products apart. A California lawmaker wants to restrict the sale of some anti-aging products for kids under 18. Critics say that's misguided. So, CBS News California investigative correspondent Julie Watts teamed up with her daughter's fifth-grade class and the CBS News Confirmed team to examine the risks and the proposed solutions. WATCH PART 1 - Investigating "Sephora Kid" Concerns: How skincare brands make billions selling products to tweens. WATCH PART 2 - Investigating "Sephora Kids" Solutions: Fifth-graders help investigate California bill targeting anti-aging skincare sales to minors. READ MORE HERE: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/skincare-industry-products-tweens-harm-young-skin/
Just how much power will the next governor have to repeal controversial California laws?
The leading candidates for California governor weigh in on the state's transgender student sports law: whether to keep it, overturn it, or let voters decide
The leading candidates for governor share their views on complex and often misunderstood aspects of California's sanctuary state law and healthcare for undocumented immigrants.
Julie Watts is a national-award-winning investigative correspondent for CBS News California Investigates. Her investigations, Capitol accountability reports, and solutions-oriented journalism air weekly on CBS stations across California.
Glocks are among the most popular handguns sold in California. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill that bans Californians from buying new Glock guns in the state.
Believe it or not, an 8-month-old's sleep schedule is what led to a face-off between California lawmakers and the entertainment industry over loud commercials on streaming services.
In this ongoing series, CBS News California Investigates correspondent Julie Watts presses candidates in the 2026 California governor's race on top issues including redistricting, immigration and homelessness.
The leading candidates for governor share their views on California's controversial redistricting measure, respond to critics and address the ethical dilemma behind the partisan measure.
CBS News California examined why and how a recent alleged kidnapping might have been avoided if the laws were working the way they were supposed to.
Never-before-released interrogations of Matthew Muller, the serial predator who kidnapped Denise Huskins in 2015, show his confessions to decades of other home invasions and sexual assaults.
Once thought of as a small, rarely-used backstop, the FAIR Plan is now one of the largest insurers in the state, and people without FAIR Plan insurance are the ones on the hook for the FAIR Plan's debt. Yet the FAIR Plan is still cloaked in secrecy.
Skincare brands are making billions of dollars a year selling products to tweens: kids under 12. Dermatologists warn that some of those products can be harmful to young skin. So, a California lawmaker wants to require an ID to buy some of those products. CBS News California investigative correspondent Julie Watts teamed up with her daughter's fifth-grade class and the CBS News Confirmed team to examine the risks of the "Sephora Kids" trend and the proposed solution to help protect children. BEHIND THE INVESTIGATION: CBS News California investigates troubling trend in skincare industry WATCH PART 1 - Investigating "Sephora Kid" Concerns: How skincare brands make billions selling products to tweens. WATCH PART 2 - Investigating "Sephora Kids" Solutions: Fifth-graders investigate California bill targeting anti-aging skincare sales to minors. READ MORE HERE: How the skincare industry makes billions marketing products to tweens, including some that could harm young skin
If you have a tween in your life, get-ready-with-me videos may be familiar to you. These videos saturate social media feeds, targeting young girls with multi-step skincare and routines. Popular brands partner with kid-fluencers to create viral skincare products and social media content, and the skincare industry is cashing in, turning many in Generation Alpha into so-called "Sephora kids." The problem is that many viral products contain anti-aging ingredients like retinol and alpha hydroxy acid, which, unbeknownst to many of these kids, can harm their young skin, and it's hard to tell the products apart. So CBS News California investigative correspondent Julie Watts teamed up with her daughter's fifth-grade class and CBS News Confirmed to examine the risks and what is being done to protect children. WATCH PART 1 - Investigating "Sephora Kid" Concerns: How skincare brands make billions selling products to tweens. WATCH PART 2 - Investigating "Sephora Kids" Solutions: Fifth-graders investigate California bill targeting anti-aging skincare sales to minors. READ MORE HERE: How the skincare industry makes billions marketing products to tweens, including some that could harm young skin
Skincare brands make billions of dollars annually selling stuff to children 12 and under, even though dermatologists caution against minors using some of these products that are meant for adults. The CBS News Confirmed team analyzed top kidfluencers with more than 42 million followers combined and found that 94% of their recent skincare posts did not let kids know they were getting free products or commissions from the brands they promote. That social media marketing is turning many in this generation into so-called "Sephora kids," but they often don't realize that some viral products can harm young skin. Check out what happened when CBS News California investigative correspondent Julie Watts sent her 11-year-old daughter undercover shopping with her friends. BEHIND THE INVESTIGATION: CBS News California investigates troubling trend in skincare industry WATCH PART 1 - Investigating "Sephora Kid" Concerns: How skincare brands make billions selling products to tweens. WATCH PART 2 - Investigating "Sephora Kids" Solutions: Fifth-graders investigate California bill targeting anti-aging skincare sales to minors. READ MORE HERE: How the skincare industry makes billions marketing products to tweens, including some that could harm young skin
FAIR plan problems are nothing new, but suddenly, everyone is paying attention to California's insurance crisis. Are we any closer to a fix? CBS News California investigates the flood of insurance-related bills in the aftermath of the L.A. fires and why it's taken so long for lawmakers to take action. WATCH OUR CONTINUING COVERAGE: CBS NEWS CALIFORNIA INVESTIGATES California's Insurance Crisis
As more people in California lose private insurance, the state's FAIR plan is filling up with homes in places the industry itself has classified as low-risk for wildfire.
The public is on the hook for the FAIR Plan's debt, but we don't have access to the FAIR Plan's financials. Should that be legal? California's Insurance Commissioner says, "No." Now he's committing to fix it following a CBS News California Investigation. WATCH THE FULL INVESTIGATION HERE: California FAIR Plan secrets: Why the state's insurer of last resort is so secretive FOLLOW OUR CONTINUING COVERAGE: CBS NEWS CALIFORNIA INVESTIGATES California's Insurance Crisis
In an exclusive interview, Huskins and Quinn take us through his interrogation, showing us step-by-step how old-school interrogation training led to their "American Nightmare."
CBS News Confirmed checked Gov. Newsom's "fact checks" on the L.A.-area fires and found that although many were correct, a few omitted crucial context. Here's what we know.
Two days after CBS News California Investigates initially aired this story, Senate President pro-Tempore Mike McGuire re-appointed Democratic Sen. Susan Rubio, who served in the role for the last six years, to lead the committee.
Mark Stone scored 25 seconds into overtime, Jack Eichel had three assists and the Vegas Golden Knights beat the Los Angeles Kings 3-2 on Wednesday night.
Kawhi Leonard scored 33 points and James Harden added 22 points as the Los Angeles Clippers extended their winning streak to four games with a 119-105 victory over the Washington Wizards.
Orange County prosecutors said the suspect was allegedly sex trafficking a 17-year-old girl in Anaheim.
Trent Perry scores a career-high 30 points as UCLA defeats Penn State 71-60 on Wednesday night.
Kiki Rice had 25 points on 8-for-9 shooting and Lauren Betts posted her third straight double-double, leading No. 3 UCLA past Minnesota 76-58 on Wednesday night.
Orange County prosecutors said the suspect was allegedly sex trafficking a 17-year-old girl in Anaheim.
Firefighters said that flames from the boarded-up business were threatening the four-story apartment building next door, prompting evacuations for residents.
Los Angeles County animal services officers recovered approximately 200 ducks from a box truck in Palmdale on Wednesday morning.
Locals with billing postal codes in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and Ventura counties are eligible for a presale draw.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he is blocking Louisiana's effort to extradite a California doctor accused of mailing abortion pills out of state.
Los Angeles County animal services officers recovered approximately 200 ducks from a box truck in Palmdale on Wednesday morning.
Evacuating during a disaster can be stressful and scary, but it doesn't have to be if you're ready.
Long Beach police released security camera footage showing a person of interest in a 2025 murder case.
A woman was hospitalized on Wednesday after she was injured jumping from a moving vehicle during an attempted kidnapping in Hollywood, police said.
Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School was placed on lockdown after several possible grenades were found at a Rosemead home on Wednesday afternoon.
Orange County prosecutors said the suspect was allegedly sex trafficking a 17-year-old girl in Anaheim.
Irvine police are looking for a woman who left a Bible on a doorstep after stealing a package in Irvine.
The abandoned Westminster Mall has turned into a hotspot for vandalism since shuttering in late 2025, according to police who are attempting to raise awareness about the issue.
A dog lost in a remote Orange County canyon for two days was rescued over the weekend due to new thermal drone technology used by Mission Viejo Animal Services.
An Orange County man who suffered a heart attack on a pickleball court last month reunited with the off-duty firefighter who saved his life.
A driver who was possibly driving under the influence triggered a deadly wrong-way crash on the 215 Freeway in Riverside early Wednesday morning, according to California Highway Patrol officers.
Firefighters said that the woman suffered severe burns when she escaped from the burning mobile home at around 11 a.m on Tuesday.
Police said that the driver was hospitalized in critical condition after he was stabbed multiple times by a passenger on Saturday morning.
The cashier said the suspect asked for Oreo ice cream before pulling out a knife and demanding money.
While it's not clear what caused the big rig to topple, high winds are in the region's forecast for Thursday.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he is blocking Louisiana's effort to extradite a California doctor accused of mailing abortion pills out of state.
A shooting occurred Wednesday night in north Minneapolis after ICE officers were attacked by men with shovels during an arrest operation, three U.S. officials told CBS News.
Another allegation against Busfield was reported to law enforcement the same day he turned himself in, according to a court filing.
A panel for the U.S. Central District Court of California ruled Democrats can proceed in using their redrawn congressional maps for the 2026 midterm elections.
A Verizon spokesperson told CBS News that an outage that customers reported beginning around noon Eastern Time had been resolved.
President Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom are both pitching plans to restrict corporations from buying single-family homes.
A shooting occurred Wednesday night in north Minneapolis after ICE officers were attacked by men with shovels during an arrest operation, three U.S. officials told CBS News.
The State Department announced it will stop giving out visas to nationals of dozens of countries who are seeking to move to the U.S. permanently.
A panel for the U.S. Central District Court of California ruled Democrats can proceed in using their redrawn congressional maps for the 2026 midterm elections.
The FBI's search is part of a probe into a federal employee suspected of mishandling classified information, Attorney General Pam Bondi said.
San Francisco officials said Tuesday that the city has filed a lawsuit against leading manufacturers of ultra-processed foods, accusing them of producing products linked to serious health issues and alleging that the companies knowingly made the foods addictive.
A bill that would reverse a 25% tax increase on California's legal cannabis industry is heading to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk, after being approved by the legislature.
Meal kit delivery firm HelloFresh will pay $7.5 million to settle a lawsuit accusing it of misleading customers and making it difficult for them to cancel their subscriptions.
With the help of her daughter and her 5th-grade class, CBS News California (KCAL) Investigative reporter Julie Watts investigates "Sephora Kids" concerns.
A Southern California man has pleaded guilty for his role in a scheme that stole more than $2 million from San Francisco-based food delivery company DoorDash, federal prosecutors said.
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
"I don't know how I'm going to pay for this," said one person with an Affordable Care Act plan that will cost her $1,100 a month starting in January.
San Francisco officials said Tuesday that the city has filed a lawsuit against leading manufacturers of ultra-processed foods, accusing them of producing products linked to serious health issues and alleging that the companies knowingly made the foods addictive.
In an interview with CBS News, FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary explains what went into the decision to drop the most serious warnings on hormone therapy for menopause.
At least 11 people have contracted Salmonella linked to powder supplements sold at Sam's Club stores nationwide, health authorities said.
About 30% of San Francisco was without power at the height of the outage, according to utility provider PG&E.
The DMV said it is giving Tesla Motors 60 days to address its misleading use of "autopilot," or it could have its dealer license temporarily suspended.
California is set to join a growing list of states banning the practice of cat declawing, under a new law taking effect in January.
San Francisco officials said Tuesday that the city has filed a lawsuit against leading manufacturers of ultra-processed foods, accusing them of producing products linked to serious health issues and alleging that the companies knowingly made the foods addictive.
Waymo has begun offering autonomous robotaxi service using freeways for the first time in select cities in California and Arizona, the company announced.
Mark Stone scored 25 seconds into overtime, Jack Eichel had three assists and the Vegas Golden Knights beat the Los Angeles Kings 3-2 on Wednesday night.
Kawhi Leonard scored 33 points and James Harden added 22 points as the Los Angeles Clippers extended their winning streak to four games with a 119-105 victory over the Washington Wizards.
Trent Perry scores a career-high 30 points as UCLA defeats Penn State 71-60 on Wednesday night.
Kiki Rice had 25 points on 8-for-9 shooting and Lauren Betts posted her third straight double-double, leading No. 3 UCLA past Minnesota 76-58 on Wednesday night.
Chris Kreider and Beckett Sennecke scored goals, Lukas Dostal survived a barrage of shots in the final minutes, and the Anaheim Ducks beat the Dallas Stars 3-1 to snap a nine-game skid.
Another allegation against Busfield was reported to law enforcement the same day he turned himself in, according to a court filing.
In a video provided to TMZ on Tuesday, Timothy Busfield said the allegations "are all lies."
Scott Adams, the cartoonist who created the "Dilbert" comic strip, has died at the age of 68, his first ex-wife revealed on Tuesday.
From historic wins to powerful speeches, here are the highlights and most memorable moments from the 2026 Golden Globes.
The 2026 Golden Globes honored the standouts in both film and television from last year. See the full list of winners and nominees.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday he was blocking Louisiana's attempt to extradite a doctor in the Golden State accused of mailing abortion pills. Tom Wait reports.
The American Red Cross says one of the biggest mistakes people make is not having an earthquake kit ready. CBS LA's Sheba Turk talks with an expert about what you need inside your kit.
The regime in Iran has threatened capital punishment for people arrested during anti-government protests, which have been going on in the country for the last three weeks. Sources have told CBS News that at least 12,000 and possibly as many as 20,000 have been killed. Gio Insignares reports.
Standard homeowner's insurance does not cover earthquake damage. CBS LA's Kristine Lazar talks to an insurance expert about what you need to know about earthquake coverage and how important it is.
The blaze began the night before, leading to a massive response from fire crews. Early Wednesday morning, the fire reignited.
Widely considered the greatest architect of his time, Frank Gehry helped shape Los Angeles' skyline.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The Franklin Fire in Malibu quickly grew overnight and threatened several homes. Evacuation orders were issued and Pepperdine University instructed students to shelter in place.
Several people have been injured and multiple homes burned after the Mountain Fire broke out Wednesday morning in Ventura County, burning over 10,000 acres within hours.
