Volkswagen is stirring up major backlash after announcing one of its new cars comes with horsepower literally locked behind a paywall. The car’s motor is capable of 228 horsepower, but buyers only get 201 unless they pay extra. It’s part of a growing trend of automakers pushing subscription-based features. It raises big questions about ownership, and it could signal where the entire industry is headed. KTLA's Andy Riesmeyer reports.
Volkswagen is stirring up major backlash after announcing one of its new cars comes with horsepower literally locked behind a paywall. The car’s motor is capable of 228 horsepower, but buyers only get 201 unless they pay extra. It’s part of a growing trend of automakers pushing subscription-based features. It raises big questions about ownership, and it could signal where the entire industry is headed. KTLA's Andy Riesmeyer reports.
North Hollywood's Valley Plaza shopping center has been abandoned for nearly a decade, and now the city of Los Angeles is considering a declaration of public nuisance, which could lead to it being demolished.
Ellina Abovian reports for the KTLA 5 Morning News on Aug. 19, 2025.
The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating a suspicious vehicle in the Fairfax District on Tuesday.
Rich Prickett reports for the KTLA 5 Morning News on Aug. 19, 2025.
Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/police-investigate-suspicious-suv-parked-on-sidewalk/
If any mode of transportation defines Southern California, it's freeway driving.
But not all freeways are created the same. In fact, the Los Angeles Times has found a way to quantify the driving experience on each freeway using data from Caltrans.
Lauren Lyster reports for the KTLA 5 Morning News on Aug. 19, 2025.
Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/the-405-isnt-the-worst-freeway-in-southern-california-analysis-finds/
A man was found shot to death near a softball field in Bellflower on Aug. 18, authorities confirmed to KTLA. Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/man-found-shot-to-death-near-bellflower-softball-field/
A power pole was struck and brought down in a fiery crash early Tuesday morning, hospitalizing one juvenile and provoking an outage in the San Pedro neighborhood of Los Angeles. Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/car-snaps-power-pole-in-half-and-catches-fire-knocks-out-power-to-l-a-area/
President Trump announced Monday that he plans to sign an executive order to eliminate mail-in ballots and “seriously controversial” voting machines ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Annie Rose Ramos reports for the KTLA 5 Morning News on Aug. 19, 2025.
Fire and heat alerts have been issued across most of Southern California in anticipation of a dayslong heat wave set to hit the region on Wednesday.
Henry DiCarlo has KTLA's forecast on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025.
A routine immigration stop turned chaotic Saturday morning when federal agents attempted to pull over a vehicle. New footage and witness accounts show the encounter escalating within moments. Carlos Saucedo reports for KTLA News on August 18, 2025.
A man was hospitalized after a shooting in Huntington Beach Monday morning. The suspected shooter, a woman who has been identified by authorities, was killed by Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies. Mary Beth McDade reports for KTLA News on August 18, 2025.
Devastated family members, friends and loved ones gathered Monday night at a memorial for 16-year-old Joel Mercado who was shot and killed over the weekend at a house party in Covina. Sandra Mitchell reports Aug. 18, 2025.
The influx of feral cats is creating ripple effects for the community. Residents say the animals are attracting coyotes, which have been seen preying on the cats. Jennifer McGraw reports for KTLA News on August 18, 2025.
