The last of the crystal triangles that make up this year's Times Square New Year's Eve ball were installed on Friday morning, marking the first time in 10 years that all 2,688 were replaced at once.

Rapper Pitbull and inventor Joy Mangano were among those on hand to help the organizers of the celebration put the final pieces in place atop One Times Square, the skyscraper from which the 11,875-pound (5,386-kilogram) geodesic sphere drops to mark the new year.

Details: https://ktla.com/entertainment/ap-final-crystal-triangles-installed-on-times-square-ball-ahead-of-new-years-eve/

The 136th Rose Parade in Pasadena is right around the corner, and individuals building the floats are working harder than ever to make sure their elaborate creations look perfect on the big day.

KTLA's Jennifer McGraw reports on Dec. 28, 2024.

As folks travel back home after the holidays, those driving on the roads or taking a flight into Southern California should brace for large crowds, high traffic and general travel delays.

KTLA's Chris Wolfe repots on Dec. 28, 2024.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/nationworld/post-christmas-travel-these-are-the-best-and-worst-times-to-drive/

Suspects dressed in black police-style attire are alleged to have performed an armed robbery at an apartment building in Los Angeles, authorities say. The incident was reported at about 2:40 a.m. Saturday morning at a luxury apartment building on the 3100 block of Wilshire Boulevard in Koreatown.

KTLA's Rachel Menitoff reports on Dec. 28, 2024.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/armed-suspects-pose-as-police-officers-allegedly-rob-person-at-los-angeles-apartment-building/

The 136th Rose Parade in Pasadena is right around the corner, and individuals building the floats are working harder than ever to make sure their elaborate creations look perfect on the big day. KTLA 5's Omar Lewis reports. (Dec. 28, 2024)

People are coming to -- and leaving-- Southern California in droves as the holiday season wraps up and families trek back to their homes. KTLA 5's Erin Myers reports. (Dec. 28, 2024)

A car caught fire in the middle of the 101 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles early Saturday morning. KTLA reports on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024.

Los Angeles Police Department investigators are looking into the circumstances surrounding a fatal shooting at a smoke shop in downtown L.A. early Saturday morning. (Dec. 28, 2024)

A woman died and three others were hospitalized after two townhomes caught fire in Panorama City overnight.  KTLA 5's Erin Myers reports. (Dec. 28, 2024)

In a rare return to the Southern California coast, a beloved family of orcas made a few star appearances for whale watchers on Friday. Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/playful-pod-of-orcas-reappear-off-orange-county-coastline/

Sportscaster Greg Gumbel, best known for his long career with CBS Sports, has died Friday, Dec. 27, according to CBS Sports and Gumbel's family. Gumbel worked in broadcasting for over 50 years.

In a statement Friday, Gumbel's wife Marcy Gumbel and daughter Michelle Gumbel said: "It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel. He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer.  Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity."

KTLA's Steve Hartman reports on Dec. 2, 2024.

Details: https://ktla.com/sports/greg-gumbel-cbs-sports-icon-dies-at-78/

A lucky Californian is the state's newest billionaire after winning numbers for the $1.22 billion Mega Millions jackpot were drawn Friday night, Dec. 27, 2024.

The winning ticket that hit all six numbers was sold at Sunshine Food and Gas located at 3505 Rhonda Rd. in Cottonwood, a city in Northern California. The jackpot was the fifth-largest in the game's history.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/winning-1-22-billion-mega-millions-ticket-sold-in-california/