Tougher on crime: Investigating California's Proposition 36
This year-long investigation by CBS News California investigative correspondent Julie Watts examines the many components of California's new tougher-on-crime law.
Julie Watts Investigates
"American Nightmare" victims help get Matthew Muller to confess to more crimes
In an exclusive interview with CBS News California, Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn reveal the timeline of Matthew Muller's cold-case crimes. Crimes they helped solve. The survivors detail how it took a decade, a documentary, a small-town chief, and a rural district attorney to get anyone to listen.
California teachers don't get paid family leave. Gov. Newsom vetoed a bill to change that. Lawmakers to try again.
California lawmakers will try again to give public school teachers paid family leave. Critics worry it could come at the actual expense of students.
Ahead of Proposition 36 vote, state data show California is not tracking retail theft suspects after arrests
No one — not the Governor's Office, the CHP task force, nor the attorney general — can tell us how many of the people arrested by California's Organized Retail Crime Task Force were sentenced, let alone how many went to jail, received treatment, or re-offended.
Prop 36 supporters say it will combat California's retail theft. Here's what to know.
CBS News California examined retail theft rates in California and whether the high-profile Proposition 36 would help combat those crimes.
Fact-checking claims about California's Proposition 36: What it means for drug arrests
CBS News California takes a closer look at the drug component of the high-profile Proposition 36 to fact-check claims about the ballot measure from supporters and opponents.
How a young woman's memory became a focal point in California's Proposition 36 fight
Fentanyl took her life. Frustrated with the legislature, Matt Capelouto took matters into his own hands and attempted to get Alexandra's Law on the ballot so that the public could vote on it themselves.
Gov. Newsom vetoes bill to protect California seniors from scammers
Credit card companies are responsible for fraud loss, under federal law. But there's no penalty for big banks when victims wire thousands of dollars to scammers.
Newsom signs newborn DNA storage law, prompted by CBS News California investigation
Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill into law that was prompted by a decade-long CBS News California investigation into the state's newborn genetic biobank.
Why some California Democrats take Big Oil money and vote against environmental laws
When California Democrats accept oil money or vote against "climate-friendly" bills, they are often criticized or accused of being beholden to the oil industry. But are they?
California sees significant election official turnover amid threats, misinformation: "I started having panic attacks"
A CBS News California investigation found roughly half of California voters will have someone new to the job running their presidential election this year.
Bills to shed light on newborn DNA storage in California quietly killed or gutted
Lawmakers quietly amended a bill prompted by a decade-long CBS investigation into California's Newborn Genetic Biobank. They removed the part that requires the state to reveal who is using our DNA for research and why.
Doctor who drove family off cliff fuels legal debate: Should attempted murder defendants get treatment instead of trial?
A doctor who was released from jail after driving his family off a cliff is being called the "poster child" for and against a California law that allows attempted murder defendants to get at-home mental health treatment instead of standing trial for alleged crimes.
Emotional preliminary hearing for Eric Abril reveals new details in 2023 Roseville park shootout
It was an emotional day in court for many who lived through the shootout and Eric Abril's later escape.
Are California's mental health courts successful? That depends on who you ask because there's no reliable data.
Amid concerns that some felony defendants could be misusing California's Mental Health Diversion Court to have their violent crimes dismissed, a CBS News California investigation found that there is no reliable data to indicate how successful the state program is.
Lawmakers demanding answers about Caltrans denied damage claims
In response to a CBS News California Investigation, California lawmakers are demanding answers from Caltrans and considering legislation to fix Caltrans' damage claim process.
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.
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.
DOJ says "over a million more documents" potentially related to Epstein case have been found
The Justice Department said the process of releasing the Epstein files may take "a few more weeks" due to the volume of materials.
More severe weather in store for a soaked California
More severe weather is forecast for an already soaked California, raising risk of additional mudslides and debris flows.
Powerball $1.817 billion Christmas Eve jackpot won by one ticket, in Arkansas
A single winning ticket was sold for Powerball's Christmas Eve jackpot of $1.817 billion, in Arkansas. It was the second biggest winning jackpot in U.S. lottery history.
We asked experts to rate the U.S. economy in 2025. Here's what they said.
The economy remained on track this year, defying the gloomiest predictions. That doesn't mean Americans are thrilled with how things are going.
Kennedy Center Christmas Eve concert canceled after Trump's name added
A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled.
Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? See which businesses are operating.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
Pope Leo's first Christmas homily laments conditions in Gaza, war in Ukraine
In his first Christmas homily, Pope Leo lamented conditions for Palestinians in Gaza and urged Ukraine and Russia to engage in direct talks to end their wr.
Rescue helicopter crashes on Mount Kilimanjaro
Two foreigners, a local doctor, a tour guide and the pilot were killed in the helicopter crash on Mount Kilimanjaro.
DOJ releases huge set of Epstein files with many mentions of Trump
The Justice Department early Tuesday released more than 11,000 additional documents and photos from the Jeffrey Epstein files.
U.S.
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More severe weather in store for a soaked California
More severe weather is forecast for an already soaked California, raising risk of additional mudslides and debris flows.
Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? See which businesses are operating.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
Powerball $1.817 billion Christmas Eve jackpot won by one ticket, in Arkansas
A single winning ticket was sold for Powerball's Christmas Eve jackpot of $1.817 billion, in Arkansas. It was the second-largest U.S. lottery jackpot ever won.
NHTSA investigating Tesla Model 3 emergency door handles
Traffic safety regulators are reviewing a motorist's complaints that the manual door handles on some Model 3 cars are hard to find, a potential hazard in a crash.
Hawaii cruise passengers face new climate change tax after court ruling
The new tourist tax imposes an 11% tax on the gross fares paid by a cruise ship's passengers to address climate change threats to Hawaii.
MoneyWatch
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Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? See which businesses are operating.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
NHTSA investigating Tesla Model 3 emergency door handles
Traffic safety regulators are reviewing a motorist's complaints that the manual door handles on some Model 3 cars are hard to find, a potential hazard in a crash.
Hawaii cruise passengers face new climate change tax after court ruling
The new tourist tax imposes an 11% tax on the gross fares paid by a cruise ship's passengers to address climate change threats to Hawaii.
How to save money on your utility bill this winter as heating costs rise
Many Americans face soaring costs to heat their homes this winter. Here are some ways to lower your monthly utility bill.
We asked experts to rate the U.S. economy in 2025. Here's what they said.
The economy remained on track this year, defying the gloomiest predictions. That doesn't mean Americans are thrilled with how things are going.
Politics
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Kennedy Center Christmas Eve concert canceled after Trump's name added
A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled.
Trump promises to guard against "bad Santa" in Christmas Eve calls with kids
President Trump spent part of Christmas Eve bantering with kids, updating families on NORAD's Santa tracker and reminding one child that the big guy has a "serious appetite."
Trump-backed candidate declared winner of Honduras' presidential vote
President Trump-backed candidate Nasry Asfura has won Honduras' presidential election, the country's electoral authorities said, ending a weeks-long count.
DOJ says "over a million more documents" found, potentially related to Epstein case
The Justice Department said the process of releasing the Epstein files may take "a few more weeks" due to the volume of materials.
Judge blocks Trump from stripping security clearance from attorney for now
Trump signed an executive order in March saying it was "no longer in the national interest" for attorney Mark Zaid and others to access classified information.
HealthWatch
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Baby defies all odds after growing outside his mom's womb
Suze Lopez, a 41-year-old nurse who lives in Bakersfield, California, didn't know she was pregnant with her second child until days before giving birth.
FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy.
Aetna to cover IVF treatments for same-sex couples in national settlement
A federal judge has approved a preliminary agreement for a class action lawsuit requiring Aetna to cover fertility treatments for same-sex couples as they do with heterosexual couples.
Flu season is ramping up, and some experts are "pretty worried"
Doctors and scientists say this year's influenza season could be tougher than usual, with a new version of the flu virus, called H3N2, spreading quickly.
Finding hope through cancer clinical trials
#LillyPartner Cancer clinical trials can offer patients access to investigational treatments that can be explored as early as the time of diagnosis. Ovarian cancer survivor Alicia Dellario and Dr. Arjun Balar, senior vice president of global clinical development at Eli Lilly and Company, join "CBS Mornings" to talk about the potential benefits of cancer clinical trials -- and clarify common misconceptions. Visit cancerclinicaltrials.lilly.com for more information. (Sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company)
World
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King Charles and royal family, minus Andrew, gather for Christmas
King Charles III led his family to church on foot ahead of his annual Christmas Day speech that is expected to focus on pilgrimage.
Rescue helicopter crashes on Mount Kilimanjaro
Two foreigners, a local doctor, a tour guide and the pilot were killed in the helicopter crash on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Pope Leo's first Christmas homily laments conditions in Gaza, war in Ukraine
In his first Christmas homily, Pope Leo lamented conditions for Palestinians in Gaza and urged Ukraine and Russia to engage in direct talks to end their wr.
Blast at Nigeria mosque kills 5, injures 35 in apparent suicide attack
A bomb exploded during prayers at a mosque in Nigeria, killing five people in what police described as a likely suicide attack.
Trump-backed candidate declared winner of Honduras' presidential vote
President Trump-backed candidate Nasry Asfura has won Honduras' presidential election, the country's electoral authorities said, ending a weeks-long count.
Entertainment
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King Charles and royal family, minus Andrew, gather for Christmas
King Charles III led his family to church on foot ahead of his annual Christmas Day speech that is expected to focus on pilgrimage.
Kennedy Center Christmas Eve concert canceled after Trump's name added
A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled.
NYT movie critic breaks down top 2025 movies
The New York Times movie critic Alissa Wilkinson ranked the top films of 2025. She joins CBS News 24/7 to review this year's list.
Small Oklahoma town pays homage to leg lamp
The leg lamp in "A Christmas Story" might be one of cinema's most iconic props, and one small town in Oklahoma has a special way to celebrate it. Omar Villafranca reports.
Kiefer Sutherland on new comedy "Tinsel Town"
Kiefer Sutherland stars in the new holiday comedy "Tinsel Town," about a washed-up Hollywood actor who lands in a small English town doing a theater production of "Cinderella." He talks about what drew him to the role.
Technology
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Technology
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
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.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Instacart to end AI price tests for retailers following investigation
Instacart had drawn criticism for testing an AI-based system that enabled retailers to charge different prices for the same grocery items.
Science
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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.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
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Terry Rozier seeks to have charges thrown out in NBA gambling case
His lawyers argued that Rozier's alleged involvement in the wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies is limited.
California farming magnate arrested in Arizona in wife's shooting death
A prominent California farmer was arrested in the shooting death of his estranged wife in a remote mountain community in Arizona, authorities said.
D.C. National Guard shooting suspect facing 5 additional federal charges
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is accused of fatally shooting Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and wounding Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
Officials: Melodee Buzzard's body recovered
California authorities announced Tuesday they have found the body of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard and arrested her mother for murder. See the full news conference.
Delaware state trooper killed in DMV shooting
A Delaware state trooper was killed Tuesday during a shooting at a Wilmington DMV, the Delaware State Police said. The state's governor confirmed the shooter is also dead.
Space
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Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
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
"The Polar Express" children's book turns 40
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Chris Van Allsburg's beloved children's book, "The Polar Express." He tells CBS News' Bradley Blackburn about how he came up with the classic Christmas tale at just 34 years old.
Winning Powerball ticket sold in Arkansas
The Christmas Eve Powerball jackpot worth $1.817 billion, the second-largest ever, was won by a single ticket sold in Arkansas.
Leo XIV celebrates first Christmas as pope
Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Christmas since he became pontiff. At Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, Leo urged people to care for the poor and for migrants.
Powerful storm slams California
A powerful storm brought heavy rain to parts of California on Wednesday, flooding roads and prompting evacuations in some areas. The deluge of rain is causing dangerous travel conditions on Christmas Day.
Why flamingos are returning to Florida
In late 19th-century Florida, hunters pushed flamingos into functional extinction. But something changed over the last 25 years when hurricanes in the Caribbean chased them into the Everglades. Mark Strassmann reports.