"The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants" is in theaters now. Text SPONGEBOB to 515151 for a chance to win $100 in Fandango tickets to see "The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants," a $150 VISA e-gift card, a $50 Burger King gift card and SpongeBob Squarepants merchandise. This segment aired on the KTLA 5 Morning News on Dec. 19, 2025.

Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department are chasing a driver in a stolen ambulance in the San Fernando Valley Friday night. Mike Case reports from Sky5.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/live-lapd-officers-chase-driver-in-stolen-ambulance/

The holiday travel rush is on at the Los Angeles International Airport, where millions of travelers are heading out early to their destinations to make it in time for Christmas. AAA projects 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the 13-day year-end holiday period beginning December 20 and ending January 1. This year’s forecast is a 2.2% increase over 2024, surpassing last year’s record of 119.7 million travelers. KTLA's Ellina Abovian reports on Dec. 19, 2025.

Details: https://newsroom.aaa.com/2025/12/aaa-year-end-holiday-travel-forecast/

The Justice Department began releasing records Friday from its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender and wealthy financier known for his connections to some of the world’s most influential people — including Donald Trump, who as president had tried to keep the files sealed. KTLA's Sandra Mitchell reports on Dec. 19, 2025.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/justice-department-begins-releasing-long-awaited-files-tied-to-epstein-sex-trafficking-investigation/

What began as a case of stolen Christmas packages has turned into a devastating medical crisis for a Fontana family and their 2.5-year-old dog, Sparky. KTLA's Rachel Menitoff reports on Dec.19, 2025.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/fontana-dog-to-lose-leg-after-christmas-gift-theft-left-gate-open-family-says/

For more than a decade, the BAFTA-winning comedy panel game show "Taskmaster" has defied genre and captivated audiences, becoming one of the biggest television shows in the world - the series, hosted by Greg Davies and Alex Horne, now airs in more than 120 countries and has garnered billions of views online. The series is now gearing up for a U.S. Tour and three holiday specials, the 4th edition of the "Champion of Champions" and the 2-part "New Year Treat."

Ahead of those specials, Davies and Horne spoke with KTLA's Glen Walker for the KTLA 5 News at 7. During their wide-ranging conversation, the group discuss the origins of "Taskmaster," its global success, their fan-fiction-inspiring relationship, and the show's future. They also look back at 10 years and 20 series worth of tasks, eggs, ducks, cakes, prizes, and laughs... discussing their favorite tasks, their dream contestants, "potatogate," and why American comedian Jason Mantzoukas may be the show's most unhinged contestant so far.

December 18, 2025.

Nick Reiner, son of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, had been diagnosed with schizophrenia in the weeks leading up to his parents’ murder.

A multi-vehicle collision injured several people Friday evening along Pico Boulevard in the Pico-Robertson area, where police closed the street for several blocks as first responders arrived.

A Huntington Beach man was arrested Thursday night for allegedly assaulting a man, leaving him hospitalized, and sparking an hours-long SWAT standoff after police said the suspect became upset over his boat being towed. Details: https://ktla.com/local-news/huntington-beach-man-arrested-after-assault-swat-standoff-over-towed-boat/

KTLA’s Kirk Hawkins shares the weather forecast, which includes a strong storm expected during the Christmas holiday, on National Hard Candy Day, Dec. 19, 2025.

Hundreds of new laws were approved by the California Legislature and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom this year, including measures to lower drug costs and require landlords to maintain refrigerators and stoves in apartments.

Disneyland will temporarily close 11 attractions, including Rise of the Resistance and Haunted Mansion, for seasonal refurbishment after the Christmas season ends on January 7th. The resort will then prepare for the Lunar New Year celebration, starting January 23rd.

President Trump's board renames the Kennedy Performing Arts Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center, citing his work in saving the building. Congress has not yet approved the move.