We’re launching a new series spotlighting exciting places to visit and activities to enjoy in the Inland Empire.

On Nov. 20, KTLA’s Megan Telles kicked off the series by showcasing one of the most magical holiday destinations in the region. She joined us live from Riverside’s Mission Inn Hotel & Spa to preview the Festival of Lights.

If you’d like Megan to highlight something you love, are curious about, or want to experience in the Inland Empire, visit KTLA.com/IEInsider.

For details on special hotel packages and more information about the Festival of Lights, go to MissionInn.com.

Megan Telles reports for the KTLA 5 Morning News on Nov. 20, 2024.

Listeria found in Yu Shang Food ready-to-eat meat and poultry products has made seven people sick in California, and has killed an infant. KTLA reports on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024.

A pickup truck slammed into a Tesla Cybertruck which then collided with two other cars on a freeway off-ramp in Orange County on Friday night. (Nov. 23, 2024)

Weather officials are advising that a “cool and unsettled” weather pattern will be hovering over Southern California this weekend and into midweek as an atmospheric river pushes rain into the region.  KTLA 5's Gene Kang and meteorologist Kacey Montoya report. (Nov. 23, 2024)

A Riverside man is accused of using a fake name and a bogus charity to scam victims out of thousands, and detectives believe more people may have been targeted.

The mystery remains over who placed a series of concrete barriers along streets throughout the West Valley in Southern California.

Some believe the numerous concrete cinder blocks are an effort to prevent homeless encampments and recreational vehicles (RVs) from parking in the area long-term.

Recently, the heavy, bright-colored blocks were installed in an industrial area of Chatsworth, just off Nordhoff Avenue. In other areas, rows of large 60-gallon barrels of water were placed on the street instead.

KTLA's Rachel Menitoff reports on Nov. 22, 2024.

Sherman Oaks resident Adelita Lopez says she was at home watching TV on Wednesday night when her 2022 Kia Soul became engulfed in flames completely destroying her car, her neighbors’ cars and the entire carport. KTLA’s Angelie Kakade speaks with Lopez and other neighbors who say this fire was the latest in a series of suspected arsons in the area. Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/womans-car-explodes-residents-suspect-serial-arsonist-targeting-sherman-oaks-neighborhood/

Residents are worried and remain on high alert after a group of suspected burglary tourists continued targeting homes across Southern California communities.

Victims believe their neighborhoods are being targeted by a South American crime ring and the suspects may even be tracking their every move with drone surveillance.

KTLA's Rick Chambers reports on Nov. 22, 2024.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/suspected-crime-tourism-ring-targeting-socal-neighborhoods/

https://ktla.com/sports/are-athletes-being-targeted-by-transnational-crime-ring/

An atmospheric river over San Francisco is forecasted to push its way south over Friday night, creating a chance of showers in Southern California over the weekend. KTLA’s Vera Jimenez says the storm system will continue to diminish as it heads south, so residents on the coast from San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles counties could see light showers from Friday night until early next week. Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/temperatures-to-remain-cool-for-the-weekend-chances-of-rain-in-southern-california/

An assistant principal was charged with 17 felony counts on Friday for molesting at least eight children at McKevett Elementary School in Santa Paula, officials say. Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/assistant-principal-charged-with-molesting-8-children-in-southern-california/

A public lottery will decide who gets access to Monday's highly anticipated courtroom hearing for Erik and Lyle Menendez, convicted of murdering their parents in 1989.

To address the high public interest, the Superior Court of Los Angeles County announced Thursday that 16 seats inside the courtroom will be made available to the public via a lottery that will take place outside the Van Nuys Courthouse on the morning of the hearing.

KTLA's Sandra Mitchell reports on Nov. 22, 2024.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/lottery-to-determine-public-seats-for-menendez-brothers-resentencing-hearing/

President-elect Donald Trump has named a new pick for attorney general after former congressman Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

Trump named former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi to be his new pick for attorney general. She was part of Trump's defense team during his first impeachment trial.

KTLA's Samantha Cortese reports on Nov. 22, 2024.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/politics/trump-nominates-pam-bondi-as-new-attorney-general/

Friday, Nov. 22 was opening day at the Snow Summit resort in Big Bear and skiers and snowboarders arrived early to make the most of it.

“It’s all about the first chair,” said one man who was at the resort with his family at 6:30 a.m. already waiting for the lifts to open.

KTLA's Shelby Nelson reports on Nov. 22, 2024.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/heads-up-skiers-and-snowboarders-its-opening-day-at-snow-summit/