Thursday is Kobe Bryant Day in Orange County and Los Angeles, and for the occasion, the Lakers announced that the NBA great will be honored with a statue outside Crypto.com Arena.

The statue unveiling is scheduled for Feb. 8, 2024, when the Black Mamba will join six other Laker greats — Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Jerry West and Chick Hearn — in earning a statue at the Lakers' home arena, the Lakers said in an announcement. Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/kobe-bryant-to-be-honored-with-statue-outside-crypto-com-arena/

On Friday, toll lanes on the 405 Freeway in Orange County opened, providing what officials say is a faster option for those willing to pay and less congestion for those who aren't.

Ginger Chan reports for the KTLA 5 Morning News on Dec. 1, 2023.

Details: ktla.com/news/toll-lanes-open-on-405-fwy-in-orange-county/

Ron DeSantis and Gavin Newsom took jabs at each other over how they handled key issues like the COVID-19 pandemic, crime and abortion.

Eric Spillman reports for the KTLA 5 News on Dec. 1, 2023.

https://ktla.com/hill-politics/five-takeaways-from-the-fiery-desantis-newsom-debate-on-fox/

Two firefighters are OK after falling through the second floor of a two-story office building that erupted in flames Friday morning.

Ellina Abovian reports for the KTLA 5 News on Dec. 1, 2023.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) went head to head in a Fox News debate on Thursday as the governors — one a current presidential contender and the other seen as a future White House prospect — clashed over their records and policy.

During the fiery 90-minute debate moderated by Sean Hannity and branded as “The Great Red vs. Blue State Debate,” DeSantis and Newsom took jabs at each other over how they handled key issues like the COVID-19 pandemic, crime and abortion, at times reverting to personal attacks such as calling each other bullies.

KTLA's Samantha Cortese reports on Nov. 30, 2023.

Details: https://ktla.com/hill-politics/five-takeaways-from-the-fiery-desantis-newsom-debate-on-fox/

Security video captured a home being targeted amid a troubling uptick of “dinnertime burglaries” across San Fernando Valley communities. A Granada Hills home on Wood Ranch Road was targeted Wednesday night where thieves escaped with around $150,000 worth of valuables.

Several cases were recently reported where intruders broke into homes between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. — a time when people are believed to be out to dinner. The homeowner said he received a motion alert on his phone from a baby monitor showing four armed thieves breaking into his house and ransacking the interior.

KTLA's John Fenoglio reports on Nov. 30, 2023.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/granada-hills-family-targeted-in-dinnertime-burglary/

A U.S. Marine from Orange County has admitted to his role in a 2022 attack at a Planned Parenthood in which he and another man threw a Molotov cocktail at a clinic under the cover of night. He also admitted to planning more attacks at other various sites in Southern California. This report aired on KTLA 5 News at 10, Nov. 30, 2023. Details: https://ktla.com/news/california/marine-pleads-guilty-to-firebombing-planned-parenthood-planning-attack-at-dodger-stadium/

Police officers opened fire on a man who approached them with what appeared to be a hatchet or a drywall hammer outside of a motel in North Hollywood Thursday afternoon. Mary Beth McDade reports for KTLA 5 News at 10, Nov. 30, 2023. Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/police-shoot-man-armed-with-hatchet-in-sun-valley/

Authorities made an arrest in connection with a deadly follow-home robbery that left one man dead in a residential San Dimas neighborhood. Deputies responded to the 1800 block of Hawkbrook Drive just before 7 p.m. on reports of the incident. 

At the scene, authorities discovered the man, identified by the L.A. County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner as Nicholas Simbolon, suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest. Medical personnel with the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded and declared the 42-year-old dead at the scene.

KTLA's Rick Chambers reports on Nov. 30, 2023.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/arrest-made-in-deadly-san-dimas-follow-home-robbery/

A serial shrubbery thief who had been targeting a renowned Orange County nursery has finally been arrested, authorities announced. The suspect was identified as Michael Meek, an Irvine resident, according to Newport Beach police.

Over the last several months, surveillance cameras at the beloved Newport Beach nursery, Roger’s Gardens, captured a thief sneaking into the “botanical haven” at night and making off with thousands of dollars of merchandise.

KTLA's Sandra Mitchell reports on Nov. 30, 2023.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/serial-shrubbery-thief-busted-for-stealing-renowned-o-c-nursery/

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) met Thursday in a climatic debate following a growing rivalry between the two that has lasted months.

DeSantis and Newsom will take the stage together for a 90-minute debate titled “DeSantis vs. Newsom: The Great Red vs. Blue State Debate,” moderated by Fox News host Sean Hannity and airing starting at 9 p.m. With both men emerging as top figures within their parties on the national level, the event could be an opportunity for them to give a boost to their respective political careers.

KTLA's Carlos Saucedo reports on Nov. 30, 2023.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/california-politics/five-things-to-watch-in-the-desantis-newsom-debate-on-fox/ https://ktla.com/hill-politics/desantis-newsom-clash-over-covid-19-in-testy-debate-live-updates/

A suspect has been arrested after a 42-year-old man was shot and killed in his garage in San Dimas. Authorities are investigating whether the victim may have been followed home and targeted.  Deputies responded to the 1800 block of Hawbrook Drive just before 7 p.m. on reports of the incident.  

At the scene, authorities discovered the man, identified by the L.A. County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner as Nicholas Simbolon, suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest. Medical personnel with the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded and declared the 42-year-old dead at the scene.

KTLA's Rachel Menitoff reports on Nov. 30, 2023.

Security video captured the latest break-in amid a series of “dinnertime burglaries” that appear to be targeting communities in the San Fernando Valley.

Several cases were recently reported where intruders broke into homes between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. — a typical dinnertime hour. In at least two cases, residents were still home at the time. Neighbors in the area are concerned about the troubling trend.

A Granada Hills home on Wood Ranch Road was targeted on Wednesday night where thieves escaped with around $150,000 worth of valuables. The homeowner aid he received a security alert on his phone showing four thieves breaking into his house.

KTLA's Chris Wolfe reports on Nov. 30, 2023.