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.
Live
Battered Iran lashes out with missiles on day 4 of war with U.S., Israel
Iran launches more missiles at Israel as 6 U.S. deaths are confirmed and Trump says he'll do "whatever it takes," for as long as it takes.
Exclusive
Military officials question fortifications at site where U.S. troops were killed
The first American service members to die in the U.S.-Iran conflict were killed in an apparent Iranian drone attack on a makeshift office space in Kuwait, sources told CBS News.
Exclusive
Photo shows slain Texas gunman with Iranian symbol on his T-shirt
The gunman who killed 2 and wounded 14 at a bar in Austin also wore a hoodie that said "Property of Allah."
Why is the U.S. attacking Iran? Here's what Trump has said
President Trump on Monday listed four reasons why the U.S. launched its attack on Iran, initiating what he said he expects to be a weeks-long war.
Video of Clintons' Epstein testimony released by House committee
The House Oversight Committee released recordings of last week's depositions with former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
6 U.S. service members killed in Iranian strike in Kuwait, Pentagon says
The first U.S. casualties of the war with Iran occurred among American personnel based in Kuwait.
Federal appeals court rejects DOJ's push to delay start of tariff refund process
The Supreme Court ruled last month at President Trump did not have the authority to issue his sweeping tariffs under a federal emergency powers law.
Prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure would cause oil prices to surge, experts warn
The Iran war is renewing concerns about the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. A prolonged closure could sharply drive up oil prices, experts said.
DOJ moves to drop defense of Trump's executive orders targeting law firms
Four different district court judges found President Trump's executive orders targeting the law firms were unconstitutional.
U.S.
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DOJ moves to drop defense of Trump's executive orders targeting law firms
Four different district court judges found President Trump's executive orders targeting the law firms were unconstitutional.
SCOTUS blocks Calif. law against schools outing transgender students to their parents
The Supreme Court order blocks for now a California law that bans automatic parental notification requirements if students change their pronouns or gender expression at school.
Prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure would cause oil prices to surge, experts warn
The Iran war is renewing concerns about the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. A prolonged closure could sharply drive up oil prices, experts said.
Wagers draw scrutiny after Iran strikes: "Insider trading," senator says
Lawmakers are raising concerns that prediction market users are engaging in insider trading to wager on U.S. military actions.
Exclusive
DNC announces top cities, date for 2028 convention, won't hold midterm convention
The DNC is announcing Monday that the 2028 national convention will be held from Aug. 7 to Aug. 10, CBS News has learned.
MoneyWatch
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Prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure would cause oil prices to surge, experts warn
The Iran war is renewing concerns about the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. A prolonged closure could sharply drive up oil prices, experts said.
Wagers draw scrutiny after Iran strikes: "Insider trading," senator says
Lawmakers are raising concerns that prediction market users are engaging in insider trading to wager on U.S. military actions.
Federal appeals court rejects DOJ's push to delay start of tariff refund process
The Supreme Court ruled last month at President Trump did not have the authority to issue his sweeping tariffs under a federal emergency powers law.
More U.S. employees are hugging tight to their jobs. Here's why.
More employees are clinging to their positions in a trend known as "job-hugging." That's making it harder for job-seekers to find work.
Gas prices are set to rise. Here's what you could pay at the pump.
U.S. motorists could soon see higher prices at the pump as oil prices surge following the attacks in Iran.
Politics
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Why is the U.S. attacking Iran? Here's what Trump has said
President Trump on Monday listed four reasons why the U.S. launched its attack on Iran, initiating what he said he expects to be a weeks-long war.
States face pushback on their rural health transformation plans
Some Republican state lawmakers and health associations are pushing back against spending plans under the Trump administration's $50 billion federal rural health fund.
Exclusive
Military officials question fortifications at site where U.S. troops were killed
The first American service members to die in the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran were killed in an apparent Iranian drone attack on a makeshift office space in Kuwait, sources told CBS News.
DOJ moves to drop defense of Trump's executive orders targeting law firms
Four different district court judges found President Trump's executive orders targeting the law firms were unconstitutional.
CBS News poll finds views of deportation operations continue to divide country
A new CBS News poll finds most Americans say nationwide ICE operations should be decreased.
HealthWatch
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States face pushback on their rural health transformation plans
Some Republican state lawmakers and health associations are pushing back against spending plans under the Trump administration's $50 billion federal rural health fund.
Chocolate supplement recalled over erectile dysfunction drug
USALESS.COM is recalling its Rhino Choco VIP 10X product due to the undeclared presence of Tadalafil, which is the active ingredient in Cialis.
College student's mystery illness diagnosed as Stage IV cancer
Emma Operacz was diagnosed with a rare cancer at 21. An unusual treatment and bone marrow donation from her sister saved her life.
Medicaid is paying for more dental care. GOP cuts threaten to reverse the trend.
More than three dozen states cover dental services for people on Medicaid, but with about $900 billion in cuts expected to hit states over the next decade, many programs could roll back dental coverage.
Health premiums threaten their nest egg. A terminal diagnosis may spare it.
Chaz and Jean Franklin were facing a sevenfold increase in their health premium payments with the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans. Then Jean received a crushing diagnosis.
World
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Live
Battered Iran lashes out with missiles on day 4 of war with U.S., Israel
Iran launches more missiles at Israel as 6 U.S. deaths are confirmed and Trump says he'll do "whatever it takes," for as long as it takes.
Why is the U.S. attacking Iran? Here's what Trump has said
President Trump on Monday listed four reasons why the U.S. launched its attack on Iran, initiating what he said he expects to be a weeks-long war.
Satellite images show Iranian sites before and after airstrikes
The satellite images show damage to sites including the Choqa Balk-e drone facility and former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's compound.
Prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure would cause oil prices to surge, experts warn
The Iran war is renewing concerns about the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. A prolonged closure could sharply drive up oil prices, experts said.
Insurgents raid village in South Sudan, killing at least 169 people
Women and children were among the dead, in addition to dozens of combatants, officials said.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Christa Miller on "Shrinking"
Actor Christa Miller speaks about starring in "Shrinking," how her life experiences helped to inspire the series and what it's like to work with her husband, who is a co-creator of the show.
Brad Falchuk discusses "Famous Last Words"
Brad Falchuck, the host and executive producer of "Famous Last Words," speaks about the series and his meaningful conversation with actor Eric Dane, who died last month from ALS. In the show, Falchuck sits down with public figures for an in-depth conversation, but the interviews only air after the subject dies.
USA hockey stars joke about "Heated Rivalry" and Trump invite on "SNL"
Hillary Knight, Megan Keller and Jack and Quinn Hughes made a surprise appearance during "Heated Rivalry" star Connor Storrie's opening monologue on "SNL."
Extended interview: Marc Shaiman
In this web exclusive, composer Marc Shaiman, a Tony Award-winner for "Hairspray," and a seven-time Oscar nominee, talks with Tracy Smith about his career; his new memoir, "Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories From a Sore Winner"; and his collaboration and friendship with Rob Reiner.
Broadway, Hollywood composer Marc Shaiman on being a "sore winner"
A Tony Award-winner for "Hairspray," and a seven-time Oscar nominee, Marc Shaiman has written about his nearly 50 years in show business in a new memoir, "Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories From a Sore Winner."
Technology
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Exclusive
AI executive Dario Amodei on the red lines Anthropic would not cross
The CEO of Anthropic says his company refused to allow its technology to be used by the Trump Administration without certain guidelines (such as not using its AI to power fully-autonomous weapons without any human involvement).
AI company Anthropic's Dario Amodei: "We are patriots"
Dario Amodei, co-founder and CEO of the artificial intelligence company Anthropic, says his company refused to allow its AI product, Claude, to be used by the Trump Administration without certain guidelines (such as not using its AI to power fully-autonomous weapons without any human involvement). That prompted President Trump to announce Friday that he is banning Anthropic's technology from all federal use, while Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth labeled the company "a supply chain risk to national security." Amodei talks with correspondent Jo Ling Kent about why he calls the administration's actions "retaliatory and punitive."
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.
Exclusive
Anthropic CEO says he's sticking to AI "red lines" despite clash with Pentagon
After the Trump administration cut it off, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News in an exclusive interview Friday night he wants to work with the military — but only if it addresses the firm's concerns.
Anthropic CEO on "punitive" Pentagon action
In an exclusive interview with CBS News, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said that the Pentagon's decision to designate the AI company a supply chain risk is "retaliatory and punitive." The Pentagon made the designation, which restricts military contractors from doing business with Anthropic, after the company refused to give the military unfettered access to its AI model.
Science
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NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
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.
Crime
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Crime
New details on slain Texas gunman
At least two people are dead, and 14 others are injured after a shooting outside an Austin, Texas, bar on Sunday. The FBI is investigating the shooting as a possible terror attack. CBS News' Jason Allen and Camilo Montoya-Galvez have more.
Chilling photo shows grinning suspect in Scotland stabbing
A man was arrested for a stabbing incident in Edinburgh, Scotland, after a standoff with police in which he was photographed leaning out a window with a menacing grin.
Officials give update on Austin bar shooting
Authorities in Texas gave an update Monday on the shooting that killed two people at a bar in Austin over the weekend. The incident is being investigated for possible terrorism ties to the U.S. airstrikes in Iran.
Latest details on deadly Austin bar shooting
A deadly shooting at a popular bar in Austin, Texas, is being investigated for possible links to terrorism. Two people were killed and 14 others injured, authorities said.
Exclusive
Photo shows slain Texas gunman with Iranian symbol on his T-shirt
The gunman who killed 3 and wounded 13 at a bar in Austin also wore a hoodie that said "Property of Allah."
Space
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Space
Why NASA is overhauling Artemis program
NASA has announced a major overhaul of its Artemis moon program amid ongoing safety concerns. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more details.
How NASA plans to get astronauts on the moon
NASA announced an overhaul to its Artemis moon program as safety concerns persist. CBS News space contributor Christian Davenport breaks down the key takeaways.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
Safety concerns over NASA's Artemis program
NASA's Artemis II mission continues to face concerns and delays. Scott E. Parazynski, a former astronaut, joins CBS News with more.
NASA rolls Artemis II back for repairs
NASA is rolling back the Artemis II moon rocket from its launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It is expected to take up to 12 hours to move the 322-foot rocket, with the journey spanning four miles back to its hangar for repairs. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood 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
Americans react to U.S. strikes on Iran
Americans across the political spectrum are reacting to the U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran. CBS News' Lana Zak has more.
Spike in gas prices likely amid Iran war
The war with Iran is impacting the global oil market and will likely lead to a spike in gas prices in the United States. Sahar Razavi, director of the Iranian and Middle Eastern Studies Center at Sacramento State, joined CBS News to discuss.
Trump says U.S. will "easily prevail" in Iran war
For a third day, U.S. and Israeli forces are pounding Iran, striking more than a thousand targets across the country, including key government and military buildings in the capital. For now, the Iranian regime's military is fighting back hard, firing missiles and launching drones in at least 11 countries, including Israel and Kuwait. Tony Dokoupil and Matt Gutman have the latest.
How U.S. and Israel are escalating strikes on Iran
The U.S. and Israeli militaries have carried out more than 1,000 strikes in the last three days, including attacks on army bases, warships and missile launchers. Charlie D'Agata has details
The decadeslong conflict behind war with Iran
If you're looking for an origin point of the current war with Iran, don't look to the earliest hours of this Saturday. Tony Dokoupil explains.