David Lazarus reports for the KTLA 5 Morning News at 11 a.m. on July 5, 2022.

A motorist died in a fiery crash on the 5 Freeway overnight, authorities confirmed. (Dec. 21, 2025)

First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles hosted its Annual Christmas Giveaway on Saturday, Dec. 20, continuing a more than 40-year tradition of holiday giving to support thousands of families facing financial hardship across Los Angeles. According to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, 1 in 4 Angelenos experiences food insecurity, a crisis driven by rising costs of housing, groceries, and necessities. FAME’s Christmas Giveaway provides relief by offering free toys, warm clothing, coats, shoes, socks, gift cards, and fresh food to children, seniors, and families.

Details: famechurchla.org

Terminals at Los Angeles International Airport were jam-packed on Saturday as record numbers of travelers headed out for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, with traffic backing up along the airport’s horseshoe and long lines stretching through baggage drop and security. Chris Wolfe reports for KTLA News on December 20, 2025.

A police dog was inside a patrol vehicle when a suspected DUI driver crashed into it during an investigation in Alhambra, leading to an arrest. Full story: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/police-dog-caught-in-crash-after-dui-driver-strikes-police-vehicle-in-alhambra/

Surveillance cameras captured a man breaking into a popular Mexican restaurant in Riverside and causing thousands of dollars in damage. KTLA's Jillian Smukler reports on Dec. 20, 2025.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/burglar-ransacks-riverside-restaurant-causing-thousands-of-dollars-in-damage/

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 Chris Wolfe reports on Dec. 19, 2025.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/holiday-travel-hits-record-highs-at-lax-as-millions-head-out-rain-ahead/

An elderly woman is pleading for the public’s help after a thief tricked her and stole a necklace that contained her late daughter’s ashes. KTLA's Sara Welch reports on Dec. 20, 2025.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/elderly-woman-scammed-by-thieves-in-east-la-who-stole-necklace-containing-late-daughters-ashes/

A coyote was caught on video running through the hallway of a Hollywood apartment building, startling residents and raising new concerns about wildlife encounters in dense residential areas. Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/video-shows-coyote-running-through-hollywood-apartment-hallway/

The “Run for a Claus” in Orange County has become one of the region’s favorite holiday traditions, and the 12th edition took place on Saturday morning at a new venue. Santa Claus himself was there and told KTLA 5's Erin Myers that the event is "wonderful." (Dec. 20, 2025)

Holiday travel is surging to record levels at Los Angeles International Airport, with crowded terminals and long lines as millions of Americans head out for Christmas and New Year’s — even as rain looms for Southern California. KTLA's Gene Kang reports on Dec. 20, 2025. Details: KTLA.com

A pair of shootings that took place around the corner from each other left a man and a woman dead, police say, and it is believed the two incidents are related. (Dec. 20, 2025)

A person was killed after being ejected from their car and run over on the 210 Freeway early Saturday morning, authorities say.  According to a California Highway Patrol spokesperson, the crash occurred around 1:20 a.m. on the eastbound span of the 210 near Lowell Avenue in Glendale. (Dec. 20, 2025)