One Question | Meet the top candidates for California governor
Julie Watts interviewed every candidate for California governor ahead of next year's election.
Julie Watts Investigates
California's Unfinished Business | Helping lawmakers hold themselves accountable
CBS News California built a first-of-its-kind public accountability tool tracking state audit recommendations to lawmakers — detailing what lawmakers were told to fix, how audit-backed bills died, and what remains unresolved.
They didn't just ignore audit warnings — California lawmakers quietly killed dozens of audit-backed bills
State lawmakers are promising accountability after a CBS News California investigation found they failed to enact three out of four state audit recommendations. CBS News California built an audit accountability tracker to help.
FAIR Plan secrets: New bill would force transparency after CBS News California investigation
A year after CBS News California Investigates exposed secrecy inside the California FAIR Plan, the insurance commissioner is backing a bill that would open meetings and financial records and require public reporting for the state's insurer of last resort.
California lawmakers ignore most state audit warnings, costing billions
CBS News California analyzed a decade of state audits and found that lawmakers failed to enact three out of every four state audit recommendations. Year after year, the auditor tracks the same problems, the same risks, and the same inaction, costing California billions.
Your boss could be watching: Why California lawmakers killed a workplace surveillance bill
Do you ever feel like someone's watching you? Well, you might be right, and it might be your boss.
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.
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.
Iran dangles investment proposals as off-ramp from Trump's gunboat diplomacy
President Trump has one bright red line for Iran's nuclear program and some areas of flexibility as he weighs military strikes or a possible deal in the coming days.
Former Prince Andrew arrested over Epstein files revelations
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, King Charles III's younger brother, has been arrested over suspected misconduct in public office after revelations in the Epstein files.
Eric Dane, "Grey's Anatomy" star diagnosed with ALS, dies at 53
In April 2025, Eric Dane announced he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.
Alysa Liu wins gold for U.S. in women's figure skating at Winter Olympics
Three figure skaters from Team USA competed in the women's individual free skate event at the Milan Cortina Winter Games.
Patel takes FBI jet to Italy, plans to watch Olympic hockey medal rounds, sources say
Patel took an FBI jet to Italy and plans to watch the Men's USA Olympic hockey team compete in the medal rounds, multiple sources said.
Trump tells Pentagon to release files on UFOs and "alien and extraterrestrial life"
President Trump directed his administration to release files on UFOs and any "alien and extraterrestrial life," an issue that has drawn decades of fascination — and spawned more than a few wild theories.
Scores of U.S. warplanes head for key bases amid standoff with Iran
As Trump pressures Iran, he's spoken of an "armada" heading for the Mideast, but there's another massive movement of American fire power in the air.
FBI in touch with Mexico about Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, sources say
The FBI has been in touch with the Mexican government and Mexican law enforcement regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, law enforcement sources told CBS News.
NASA's new chief rebukes Boeing, space agency over problem-plagued Starliner mission
Astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita Williams were expecting to spend eight to 10 days in space. They ended up remaining in orbit for 286 days.
U.S.
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Eric Dane, "Grey's Anatomy" star diagnosed with ALS, dies at 53
In April 2025, Eric Dane announced he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.
Trump tells Pentagon to release files on UFOs and "alien and extraterrestrial life"
President Trump directed his administration to release files on UFOs and any "alien and extraterrestrial life," an issue that has drawn decades of fascination — and spawned more than a few wild theories.
California avalanche survivors tried to unbury their friends, official says
The avalanche, the deadliest in California history, killed at least eight people and left a ninth person missing.
Virginia Giuffre's family says U.S. government response to Epstein files is "shameful"
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested Thursday for suspected misconduct in public office stemming from revelations in the Jeffrey Epstein files.
New Mexico reopens investigation linked to Epstein's former Zorro Ranch
New Mexico's attorney general has reopened an investigation into allegations of illegal activity at Jeffrey Epstein's former Zorro Ranch.
MoneyWatch
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Lawsuit against Amazon over suicides linked to chemical can go to trial
Four families whose loved ones died after consuming sodium nitrite allege that Amazon sold the product despite being aware it could be used for suicide.
How a U.S. strike on Iran could affect American drivers and borrowers
Oil prices could surge depending on the level of disruption from U.S. military strikes on Iran, Wall Street analysts say.
Olympians going for gold juggle day jobs to bring in some green
Olympians often hold down jobs to pay the bills, highlighting the financial challenges facing many athletes competing on the Olympic stage.
Judge scolds Mark Zuckerberg's team for wearing Meta glasses to trial
A Los Angeles judge ordered Meta officials to remove their AI glasses at a trial over the impact of social media on users.
Nissan recalls nearly 643,000 vehicles over engine and gear risks
Separate gear and engine problems with some Nissan Rogue compact SUVs can cause them to lose power, safety regulators warn.
Politics
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Iran dangles investment proposals as off-ramp from Trump's gunboat diplomacy
President Trump has one bright red line for Iran's nuclear program and some areas of flexibility as he weighs military strikes or a possible deal in the coming days.
Trump tells Pentagon to release files on UFOs and "alien and extraterrestrial life"
President Trump directed his administration to release files on UFOs and any "alien and extraterrestrial life," an issue that has drawn decades of fascination — and spawned more than a few wild theories.
Virginia Giuffre's family says U.S. government response to Epstein files is "shameful"
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested Thursday for suspected misconduct in public office stemming from revelations in the Jeffrey Epstein files.
New Mexico reopens investigation linked to Epstein's former Zorro Ranch
New Mexico's attorney general has reopened an investigation into allegations of illegal activity at Jeffrey Epstein's former Zorro Ranch.
Patel takes FBI jet to Italy, plans to watch Olympic hockey medal rounds, sources say
Patel took an FBI jet to Italy and plans to watch the Men's USA Olympic hockey team compete in the medal rounds, multiple sources said.
HealthWatch
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Federal tax dollars subsidize health care plans in ways you may not realize
Critics have questioned why the federal government should underwrite coverage costs for people with ACA health plans — but almost all health insurance in the U.S. comes with some federal help.
NIH's Jay Bhattacharya will also serve as acting CDC director
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hasn't had a Senate confirmed director since last summer, and that official was in the job for less than a month.
Moderna says FDA to review its flu vaccine after reversing course
With the reversal from the FDA, Moderna said it is aiming to make the vaccine available for the 2026-27 flu season.
FDA investigating Salmonella outbreak connected to moringa powder
Rosabella-brand moringa capsules could be linked to Salmonella cases in seven U.S. states, health officials said.
Measles cases at university in Florida soar to nearly 60
Twenty one states in the U.S. have confirmed cases of measles.
World
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Virginia Giuffre's family says U.S. government response to Epstein files is "shameful"
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested Thursday for suspected misconduct in public office stemming from revelations in the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Alysa Liu wins gold for U.S. in women's figure skating at Winter Olympics
Three figure skaters from Team USA competed in the women's individual free skate event at the Milan Cortina Winter Games.
Team USA wins gold over Canada in women's hockey overtime thriller at Winter Games
This was the seventh gold medal match — and fifth in a row — between the two hockey powerhouses.
U.S. speedskating star Jordan Stolz wins 3rd medal at Winter Olympics
Team USA speedskater Jordan Stolz came just short of his third Olympic gold on Thursday, taking silver in the men's 1,500-meter race.
Here's what's in the Epstein files about former Prince Andrew
Former Prince Andrew's arrest followed the release of a massive trove of Epstein files by the U.S. Justice Department that included a series of potentially incriminating documents related to his activities as trade envoy.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Alarming AI video of Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise
A ByteDance AI-generated video that appears to show Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise in a fight scene has sent shock waves across Hollywood. Actor Sean Astin, the president of the SAG-AFTRA labor unions, joins CBS News with more.
Former winner on "Top Model" docuseries
Former "America's Next Top Model" contestant Eva Marcille, known as Eva Pigford on the show, joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the new docuseries exploring the show's controversies. Marcille, the winner of season three in 2004, describes the shocking revelations she learned through watching the docuseries.
Druski on launching career and controversy
Druski speaks to "CBS Mornings" about how he rose to global fame after starting his comedy skits on Instagram in 2017 and some of the controversy in his work, including at the NFL Honors earlier this month.
Jon Taffer on "Bar Rescue" season premiere
Jon Taffer is debuting a new season of "Bar Rescue" on Paramount+, and he joined CBS News 24/7 Mornings with more on what to expect.
"Top Model" docuseries on show controversies
For 24 seasons, supermodel Tyra Banks promised young women the chance to become the next big name in fashion on the show "America's Next Top Model." In a new Netflix documentary, former contestants, judges and Banks herself revisit some of the more controversial episodes of the reality show that aired from 2003 to 2018.
Technology
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Technology
Social psychologist on social media addiction
One of the catalysts for the social media addiction debate was a 2024 book called "The Anxious Generation" by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. His new book tries to help parents and kids break free from screens. Haidt joins CBS News to discuss Mark Zuckerberg, the ongoing social media addiction trial and artificial intelligence.
Judge scolds Mark Zuckerberg's team for wearing Meta glasses to trial
A Los Angeles judge ordered Meta officials to remove their AI glasses at a trial over the impact of social media on users.
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.
Mark Zuckerberg grilled in court
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg took the stand at the social media addiction trial examining whether children and teens were given access to an addictive and harmful product. CBS News' Carter Evans reports.
Zuckerberg testifies at social media trial
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified Wednesday in a civil case over social media addiction allegations that skyrocketing social media use shows how people value the sites and it's not a strategy to keep users addicted. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Science
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In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
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.
Crime
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Crime
Virginia Giuffre's family on former Prince Andrew arrest
British authorities arrested the former Prince Andrew on Thursday over potential misconduct in public office after revelations in the Epstein files. Sky and Amanda Roberts, the brother and sister-in-law of survivor Virginia Giuffre, who died in 2025, join "The Takeout" to discuss.
Former Prince Andrew released from custody
Former Prince Andrew spent 11 hours in a British jail on Thursday as he faces an investigation for possible wrongdoing as a trade official after revelations in the Jeffrey Epstein files. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Imtiaz Tyab has more.
Trump reacts to former Prince Andrew's arrest
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former British prince, was arrested on Thursday over suspected misconduct in public office revealed in the Epstein files. CBS News London bureau chief Tina Kraus has the latest.
World reacts to former Prince Andrew's arrest
Former Prince Andrew's arrest for suspected misconduct in public office has rocked the U.K. Tom Symonds with BBC News, a CBS News partner, has more.
FBI in contact with Mexico on Guthrie case
The FBI is in touch with Mexican officials regarding the search for Nancu Guthrie, law enforcement sources tell CBS News. Andres Gutierrez reports.
Space
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Space
New NASA boss criticizes agency over Starliner
NASA's new boss blasted both Boeing and his own space agency for the botched Starliner flight that left two astronauts stuck in space for months.
NASA's new chief rebukes Boeing, space agency over problem-plagued Starliner mission
Astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita Williams were expecting to spend eight to 10 days in space. They ended up remaining in orbit for 286 days.
Artemis II moon rocket refueled in practice countdown setting stage for historic flight
Engineers were able to fully fuel NASA's Artemis II moon rocket without any signs of leaks like the ones that derailed an earlier dress rehearsal.
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.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Extended interview: Andrew Yang
During the 2020 presidential race, Andrew Yang warned of the dangers of artificial intelligence long before it was on Washington, D.C.'s radar. He's out with a new book about his experience running for office, "Hey Yang, Where's My Thousand Bucks?", and joins "The Takeout" to discuss his views on the state of U.S. politics and AI.
Sources: Kash Patel takes FBI jet to Italy
FBI Director Kash Patel used an agency jet to fly to Italy with plans to attend the Olympic men's hockey games, sources say. CBS News senior Justice Department reporter Sarah Lynch has the latest.
Texas court hears appeal in midwife abortion case
A Texas court on Thursday heard a midwife's appeal in a civil lawsuit filed by Attorney General Ken Paxton, accusing her of violating the state's abortion ban. CBS News reporter Karen Hua has the details.
Virginia Giuffre's family on Epstein conspirators
The family of the late Virginia Giuffre is taking the arrest of former Prince Andrew as a victory, but says U.S. officials have not done enough when it comes to the Jeffrey Epstein files. Republican strategist Harrison Fields and Democratic influencer Carlos Eduardo Espina join to examine the potential political ramifications.
Team USA women's hockey team wins Olympic gold
The Team USA women's hockey team defeated Canada in a thriller to take Olympic gold Thursday, while Alysa Liu ended the U.S.'s two decade medal drought in figure skating . Kelly O'Grady is following all the Olympic action from Milan.