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.
Julie Watts Investigates
One Question | Meet the top candidates for California governor
Julie Watts interviewed every candidate for California governor ahead of next year's election.
Skincare industry profits from marketing products tweens shouldn't use
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.
California bill targeting anti-aging skincare sales to minors dies without vote | "Sephora kids" investigation
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.
Investigation
Beauty Exposed: "Sephora kids," cosmetic companies, and California law | CBS News California Investigates
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/
What one California candidate for governor says about how he'd try to repeal controversial laws
Just how much power will the next governor have to repeal controversial California laws?
The candidates for California governor on transgender athletes in school sports | Side-by-side comparison
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 candidates for California governor on immigration | Side-by-side comparison
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.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signs law banning new Glock sales in 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.
California bill targeting loud streaming ads signed into law by Gov. Newsom
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.
2026 California Governor Candidates | Accountability Interview Series
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 candidates for California governor on congressional redistricting | Side-by-side comparison
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.
Why didn't laws to protect kids online prevent alleged Roblox kidnapping?
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.
Denise Huskins, Aaron Quinn honored as "Witnesses of the Year" for role in Matthew Muller confessions
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.
California FAIR Plan secrets: Why the state's insurer of last resort is so secretive
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.
Investigation
Fifth-graders investigate California bill targeting anti-aging skincare sales to minors | Investigating "Sephora kids" Solutions
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
Investigation
CBS News California investigates troubling skincare industry trend | "Sephora kid" Investigation
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
Investigation
Skincare brands make billions selling products, including some harmful to young skin, to tweens | Investigating "Sephora kid" Concerns
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 Fix: What are lawmakers doing to fix California's insurance and why is it taking so long?
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
California wants fewer homeowners insured on the FAIR plan. Data show the state's strategy may not be enough.
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.
CA Insurance Commissioner to require more FAIR Plan transparency following CBS News California Investigation
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
"American Nightmare" survivors Denise Huskins, Aaron Quinn use their trauma to help retrain law enforcement
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."
Do Newsom's wildfire "fact checks" align with the facts? A breakdown.
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.
California Senate Insurance Committee finally has a leader amid corruption probe
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.
Leaked emails reveal Newsom's office will not negotiate crime bills, unless DAs pull 2024 ballot measure to amend Prop. 47
Emails obtained by CBS News California Investigates reveal the Governor's Chief of Staff did not want to negotiate with the initiative coalition unless they agreed to postpone their ballot measure until 2026.
Live
Trump threatens to use Insurrection Act to deploy troops to Minnesota
An ICE officer shot a man Wednesday night in Minneapolis after allegedly being attacked by men with shovels during an arrest operation, three U.S. officials told CBS News.
Bipartisan bill aims to make it a crime to share information about U.S. special forces
The legislation was unveiled after journalist Seth Harp shared a public biography that he said belonged to the commander of the Army's elite Delta Force unit.
Could ICE agent in Good's shooting claim immunity from state charges?
The ICE agent involved in the fatal shooting could try to invoke immunity under the Constitution's Supremacy Clause to try to end state criminal prosecution.
26 charged in connection with rigging college basketball games
According to the indictment, players on 17 different NCAA Division I men's basketball teams fixed or attempted to fix 29 games.
Senators say bipartisan compromise on ACA tax credits has stalled
"We are in a little bit of a pothole," said GOP Sen. Bernie Moreno, who previously expected the compromise to be unveiled this week.
María Machado visits Trump after offering to share Nobel with him
Venezuelan opposition leader María Machado has said she wants to give her Nobel Prize to Trump and "share it with him," for removing Nicolás Maduro from power.
Iran opposition leader says "haven't reached the moment" to topple regime
As Trump steps back from threats against Iran, Kurdish Iranian opposition group says it's ready to help topple the regime, but the time isn't right yet.
Russia calls NATO "unpredictable" amid divide over Greenland
As NATO prepares for war games around Greenland, Russia is highlighting the Trump administration's disagreement with its closest allies over the island.
Exclusive
White House eyes prosecutor in deputy AG's office for new fraud role, sources say
An ally of Deputy AG Todd Blanche is being considered for the newly created position of assistant attorney general, sources said.
U.S.
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Senators say bipartisan compromise on ACA tax credits has stalled
"We are in a little bit of a pothole," said GOP Sen. Bernie Moreno, who previously expected the compromise to be unveiled this week.
U.S. and Taiwan reach deal lowering tariffs to 15%, boosting chip financing
Taiwan is responsible for the majority of the world's semiconductor chips.
Could ICE agent in Good's shooting claim immunity from state charges?
The ICE agent involved in the fatal shooting could try to invoke immunity under the Constitution's Supremacy Clause to try to end state criminal prosecution.
How the new $6,000 senior tax deduction could impact older Americans
A new tax deduction for senior citizens is kicking in this tax season, potentially providing bigger refunds to millions, the AARP says.
Renee Good's family attorney says they're pursuing separate investigation
The attorney for Renee Good's family, Antonio Romanucci, spoke to CBS News about their pursuit of accountability following last week's deadly ICE shooting.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Senators say bipartisan compromise on ACA tax credits has stalled
"We are in a little bit of a pothole," said GOP Sen. Bernie Moreno, who previously expected the compromise to be unveiled this week.
How the new $6,000 senior tax deduction could impact older Americans
A new tax deduction for senior citizens is kicking in this tax season, potentially providing bigger refunds to millions, the AARP says.
Verizon offers customers $20 credit for widespread outage
Verizon says it's giving a $20 credit to customers affected an outage that disrupted service across the U.S.
Recalled "super greens" supplement linked to dozens of salmonella cases, CDC says
Illnesses linked to the New York-based Live it Up Super Greens brand powder were reported in 21 states from Aug. 22 to Dec. 30, 2025.
Bilt offers credit cards with 10% APR after Trump proposes interest cap
FIntech company Bilt pounced on the opportunity to roll out low-APR credi cards, as big banks push back on proposed rate cap.
Politics
More Politics
Senators say bipartisan compromise on ACA tax credits has stalled
"We are in a little bit of a pothole," said GOP Sen. Bernie Moreno, who previously expected the compromise to be unveiled this week.
U.S. and Taiwan reach deal lowering tariffs to 15%, boosting chip financing
Taiwan is responsible for the majority of the world's semiconductor chips.
Could ICE agent in Good's shooting claim immunity from state charges?
The ICE agent involved in the fatal shooting could try to invoke immunity under the Constitution's Supremacy Clause to try to end state criminal prosecution.
Senate on track to pass 3-bill package to fund part of government
When the Senate returns from a weeklong recess, it will have six remaining appropriations bills to get across the finish line before the Jan. 30 shutdown deadline.
Bipartisan bill aims to make it a crime to share information about U.S. special forces
The legislation was unveiled after journalist Seth Harp shared a public biography that he said belonged to the commander of the Army's elite Delta Force unit.
HealthWatch
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Trump admin. reverses sudden cuts in mental health, addiction programs
The Trump administration reversed cuts to grants for mental health and addiction treatment programs that a CBS News source said were valued at around $1.9 billion.
Chicago mayor explains how he's tackling the city's life expectancy gap
In 2023, life expectancy in the Loop was 87.3 years, while in West Garfield Park, life expectancy was just 66.6 years, according to the city's Health Department.
Recalled "super greens" supplement linked to dozens of salmonella cases, CDC says
Illnesses linked to the New York-based Live it Up Super Greens brand powder were reported in 21 states from Aug. 22 to Dec. 30, 2025.
Wide variation found in funding for states' rural health proposals
Every state will receive at least $100 million annually from the federal Rural Health Transformation fund, but some scored millions more based on their plans and willingness to pass policies embracing MAHA initiatives.
ACA enrollment sinks sharply as coverage costs soar in 2026
Roughly 1.4 million fewer Americans have signed up for an Affordable Care Act plan as expiring tax breaks drive up premiums.
World
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Drug ring used swimmers to stash cocaine on ships at sea, police say
Police said they had busted a network that saw smugglers swim on the high seas to help stash Colombian cocaine on container ships and hijack vessels.
Russia calls NATO "unpredictable" amid divide over Greenland
As NATO prepares for war games around Greenland, Russia is highlighting the Trump administration's disagreement with its closest allies over the island.
U.S. forces seize sixth Venezuela-linked oil tanker
The seizure comes as President Trump is set to meet with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado Thursday at the White House.
FIFA says it's received more than 500 million World Cup ticket requests
FIFA says it has received over 500 million ticket requests for 2026 World Cup matches in the U.S., Canada and Mexico— with prices as high as $8,680.
Iran opposition leader says "haven't reached the moment" to topple regime
As Trump steps back from threats against Iran, Kurdish Iranian opposition group says it's ready to help topple the regime, but the time isn't right yet.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Behind Ron King's mission to protect donkeys
Oscar's Place, a donkey sanctuary in California, now has 210 donkeys and it has successfully resettled 189 others. Ron King, the co-founder and CEO of the sanctuary, helped to create the new docuseries "Donkey King," which follows the work he and volunteers do to rescue, rehabilitate and resettle the animals to protect them. He speaks to "CBS Mornings" about his mission and why he says donkeys are misunderstood.
Actor Timothy Busfield held without bond in New Mexico child sex abuse case
Another allegation against Busfield was reported to law enforcement the same day he turned himself in, according to a court filing.
Stars of "Sinners" talk about movie
"Sinners" stars Michael B. Jordan, Miles Caton and Wunmi Mosaku talk to "CBS Mornings" about the movie's recent success at the Golden Globes, the atmosphere on set and what they learned through the process.
Ali Larter talks what's ahead in "Landman"
Actor Ali Larter plays Angela Harris, the ex-wife of an oilman played by Billy Bob Thornton in the Paramount+ series "Landman." She talks to "CBS Mornings" about the series, working with Thornton and how she landed her role.
Actor Timothy Busfield turns himself in following child sex abuse allegations
In a video provided to TMZ on Tuesday, Timothy Busfield said the allegations "are all lies."
Technology
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Verizon offers customers $20 credit for widespread outage
Verizon says it's giving a $20 credit to customers affected an outage that disrupted service across the U.S.
New parental controls on YouTube kid accounts
YouTube is introducing new parental controls on youth accounts that it says could limit how long kinds spend scrolling. The latest parental controls will focus on YouTube Shorts, which utilizes a continuous scrolling video feed featuring videos three minutes and shorter. Parents of kid and teen account users are now able to enact time restrictions that will limit how long their children can scroll.
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.
Details on Verizon cell phone outage
A widespread Verizon outage hit the U.S. on Wednesday, leaving thousands of customers without service. CBS News' Karen Hua has more.
Apple, Google face pressure to remove X and Grok from their app stores
Grok faces mounting scrutiny from government officials and advocacy groups after people used the AI chatbot to create sexualized images of minors and women.
Science
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Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Crime
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Drug ring used swimmers to stash cocaine on ships at sea, police say
Police said they had busted a network that saw smugglers swim on the high seas to help stash Colombian cocaine on container ships and hijack vessels.
Man convicted of killing Uber driver who he thought was robbing him
William J. Brock fatally shot the driver after wrongly assuming she was in on a plot to get $12,000 in supposed bond money for a relative, authorities said.
College basketball rigging allegations
A newly unsealed indictment details an apparent point-shaving scheme involving college basketball players. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane reports.
ICE officer shot a man in Minneapolis
More details are emerging about an apparent altercation that led to an ICE officer shooting a Venezuelan man in Minneapolis. CBS News' Lana Zak reports.
Au pair testifies in double murder trial
Testimony continues in the trial of Brendan Banfield, who is accused of plotting a double murder with his family's au pair - a woman he was secretly having an affair with. On Wednesday, the au pair, who is the prosecution's key witness, faced hours of intense cross-examination. Jericka Duncan reports.
Space
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Space
Astronauts return after mission cut short
A NASA crew splashed down off the coast of California on Thursday weeks earlier than scheduled due to an astronaut aboard the International Space Station dealing with a medical issue. Mark Strassmann reports on the unprecedented mission home.
Astronauts back on Earth after medical issue cut mission short
Four space station Crew 11 fliers splashed down off the Southern California coast at 3:41 a.m. ET, closing out a 167-day stay in space cut short by a medical issue.
Former NASA astronaut on ISS undocking
The members of SpaceX Crew-11 undocked from the International Space Station on Wednesday, beginning their journey back to Earth. The crew is leaving a month early after NASA announced that an unnamed team member experienced an undisclosed "medical concern." Clayton Anderson, a former NASA astronaut who spent time on the ISS, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
ISS astronauts prepare for early return
Crew-11 is preparing for an unprecedented early return to Earth over concerns for an astronaut's medical condition aboard the International Space Station. Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut and engineering professor at Columbia University, joins with more.
Former astronaut on ISS crew coming home early
Four members of Crew-11 are preparing to return to Earth from the International Space Station later this week after a "medical concern" prompted NASA to cancel a scheduled spacewalk. Former astronaut Dr. Scott Parazynski joins with his reaction.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Latest news as Iran says it halted executions
The White House says Iran is halting executions after a harsh regime response to anti-government protests. CBS News' Elizabeth Palmer has the latest.
Indictment rocks college basketball world
A 70-page indictment alleges a point-shaving scheme reached 17 college basketball teams over three years. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
Visas for nationals from 75 countries halted
The Trump administration announced it would stop issuing immigrant visas for nationals from 75 countries. CBS News' Olivia Gazis breaks down the reasons why.
Are Iranian protests working?
The Iranian regime appears to have subdued anti-government protests as President Trump says that he has been told that killings will be halted. Mona Yacoubian, the director and senior adviser of the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, joins CBS News with her take.
2 Republicans flip on war powers resolution
Republican Senators Todd Young and Josh Hawley withdrew their support for a war powers resolution after a Trump administration lobbying effort to flip their vote. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.