"Hollywood Dreams & Nightmares: The Robert Englund Story" is out now on Screambox and digital. This segment aired on the KTLA 5 Morning News on June 16, 2023.

The Los Angeles Fire Department is asking for the public’s input as they revisit their “firefighter tattoo policy,” officials announced on social media Thursday.  

“We would love to hear your input, to help us factor in the views of the public we serve,” the post read. “Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts on tattoos on your firefighters.” The department’s current policy was established in May 2008 and sets strict guidelines on the display of tattoos, scarifications or brandings that firefighters may have.

KTLA's Samantha Cortese reports on September 21, 2023.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/should-firefighters-be-allowed-to-have-visible-tattoos/

In an effort to crack down on Halloween pranks, the city of Beverly Hills has officially banned the personal possession of some favorite tools of late-night vandals.

During a Tuesday council meeting, the Beverly Hills City Council voted 5-0 to adopt a new ordinance that prohibits the possession of Silly String, "hair removal products" and shaving cream on Halloween. The ordinance was passed, city officials said, in order to create a "safe family-friendly environment."

KTLA's Mary Beth McDade reports on September 21, 2023.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/california/beverly-hill-outlaws-silly-string-shaving-cream-on-halloween-night/

Hollywood writers and studios entered a second day of negotiations Thursday amid encouraging reports that the monthslong strike, which has shut down the entertainment industry, could be coming to an end.

Members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) were still on the picket lines Thursday while union leaders met with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and studio heads from Netflix, Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros. Discovery and Universal Television.

However, no deal was announced at the meeting's conclusion. Strikers remain hopeful that the end is near after 143 days on the picket lines. "I remain cautiously optimistic that the studios are actively engaging with us,” said Danny Tolli, a WGA Strike Captain. “It's about time."

KTLA's John Fenoglio reports on September 21, 2023.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/optimism-grows-over-possible-agreement-in-hollywood-writers-strike-but-picketing-continues/

It was the meme seen around the world. KTLA 5's Courtney Friel made a preschooler cry on his first day of school eight years ago. The video has since been viewed millions of times, turned into memes in different languages and recently it even caught the attention of Netflix. Courtney Friel reports for KTLA 5 News at 10, Sept. 21, 2023. Details: ktla.com

he driver of a stolen vehicle was taken into custody after a wild chase on multiple Los Angeles freeways and surface streets Thursday afternoon. LAPD officers were called to assist in the stolen vehicle chase just before 3 p.m. as the driver was in the express lanes of the 110 Freeway. It's unclear where and when the vehicle was stolen, however.

By 3:35 p.m., the driver was heading north on the highway in the Exposition Park area. The black Mercedes sedan appeared to have a flag or banner coming from the sunroof, aerial video from Sky5 showed.

KTLA's Omar Lewis reports on September 21, 2023.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/police-chase-fleeing-driver-in-west-l-a-area/

A driver in Sylmar struck two pedestrians Thursday night, killing one of them and seriously injuring another in what authorities are calling a tragic accident.

Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department responded to the scene in the 13900 block of Astoria Street, near Foothill Boulevard around 7:40 p.m. and requested a canopy for the fatality. Medical personnel with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and transported one person to the hospital in unknown condition.

Aerial footage taken by Sky5 showed the canopy in the middle of the street, with a wheelchair, which appeared to have sustained some damage, lying nearby.

KTLA's Gil Leyvas reports on Sky5.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/1-killed-another-injured-after-being-struck-by-driver-in-san-fernando-valley/

A driver in Sylmar struck two pedestrians, one of which was taken to the hospital in unknown condition. Police requested a canopy at the scene, but have not confirmed if the victim was killed. Sky5 reports for KTLA on Sept. 21, 2023. Details: ktla.com

Hollywood writers and studios are nearing an agreement to end the strike that has shut down the entertainment industry since early May,

A second day of direct negotiations between the Writers Guild of America and studio CEOs took place on Thursday. A final deal has yet to be announced, but sources say the finish line may be near.

KTLA’s Carlos Saucedo reports on September 21, 2023.

Details: https://ktla.com/entertainment/hollywood-writers-studios-nearing-agreement-to-end-strike/

In an effort to crack down on Halloween pranks, the city of Beverly Hills has officially banned the personal possession of some favorite tools of late night vandals. KTLA 5's Chris Wolfe reports. (Sept. 21, 2023)

Driving from Los Angeles to the Coachella Valley may no longer be necessary if a proposed passenger train project materializes. https://trib.al/OJ7aSTm

A new smartphone app may do for law enforcement interactions what telemedicine has done for doctors. The app, SafeStop, allows members of the public to video chat with Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies before the in-person traffic stop, which the app developers said will “de-escalate traffic stops and transform police-motorist interactions.” KTLA 5's Rachel Menitoff reports. (Sept. 21, 2023)

A judge in Orange County is deciding whether a mentally ill patient who killed a woman after a traffic collision in Seal Beach should be released.

In 1994, Leonard Patton, then 29, took a flight from Minnesota to Southern California. When he landed, he rented a car. While driving on Pacific Coast Highway, he got into a minor traffic accident with Jessica Uniack, 47 at around 9:45 a.m.

When the two stopped to exchange information, Patton attacked and bludgeoned Uniack to death, police said. Uniack’s battered body was found under a pile of blankets and clothes in the passenger seat. Uniack was on her way to deliver homemade cookies to a friend when the collision with Patton occurred.

KTLA's Chip Yost reports on September 21, 2023.