In this exclusive interview, the lead researchers behind the discovery explain how NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope spotted what could be the first planet ever found around our closest “solar twin." Co-first authors Charles Beichman of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Caltech Ph.D. student Aniket Sanghi share why this Saturn-like world — just four light-years away — matters for science, how they confirmed it wasn’t a false signal, and the surprising sci-fi connections. Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/avatar-star-alpha-centauri-planet-discovery/

Changes to California’s ACA-8 would allow lawmakers to redraw congressional districts in ways that would heavily favor Democrats, regardless of redistricting efforts in Texas or other GOP-led states, should voters approve the measure in November.

A man was arrested for allegedly shooting a woman outside a Cheesecake Factory at the Westfield Topanga mall on Thursday afternoon, police confirmed. Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/woman-shot-outside-topanga-westfield-cheesecake-factory-suspect-arrested/

A grass fire is burning in the Sepulveda Basin Thursday afternoon.

Rich Prickett reports for the KTLA 5 News at 1 on Aug. 21, 2025.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/blaze-burns-in-sepulveda-basin/

A man was arrested for allegedly shooting a woman outside a Cheesecake Factory at the Westfield Topanga mall on Thursday afternoon, police confirmed. Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/woman-shot-outside-topanga-westfield-cheesecake-factory-suspect-arrested/

Authorities are searching for two missing brothers, ages 2 and 10, who are possibly searching for their birth parents in South Los Angeles early Thursday morning. KTLA's Megan Telles reports live from the scene on Aug. 21, 2025. Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/two-missing-boys-ages-2-and-10-might-be-looking-for-birth-parents-in-south-l-a/

A longstanding church in Los Angeles' Echo Park neighborhood, which is currently vacant due to needed repairs, caught fire Thursday morning.

This video aired on the KTLA 5 Morning News on Aug. 21, 2025.

Sky5 was overhead for a church fire in Echo Park on Thursday morning. Details: KTLA.com

Authorities are searching for two young boys, ages 2 and 10, who were reported missing in South Los Angeles early Thursday morning. Sky5 was overhead during the search. Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/two-missing-boys-ages-2-and-10-might-be-looking-for-birth-parents-in-south-l-a/

The Menendez brothers' parole hearings are set to begin Thursday morning, with each of the brothers having their own day in court.

Annie Rose Ramos reports for the KTLA 5 Morning News on Aug. 21, 2025.

Southern California is bracing for the hottest day of the week with possible record-breaking temperatures as a heat wave continues to bear down on the region.

Henry DiCarlo has KTLA's forecast on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025.

Southern California's extreme heat is triggering dangerous conditions and raising fire concerns Thursday.

Carlos Herrera reports for the KTLA 5 Morning News on Aug. 21, 2025.