As we wrap up 2025, we are taking a look back at some of our biggest stories of the year that caught the attention of millions of viewers on our social media platforms.
This year, our coverage on social media about stories like the devastating January wildfires, immigration operations in Southern California and intense pursuits were some of our most viewed videos.
Take a look at some of our coverage here:
Man fatally hit by car during chase on 110 Freeway in Highland Park
While trying to evade authorities, a man was fatally struck by a car on the 110 Freeway near Highland Park on Oct. 20.
When the driver of a white van got caught in traffic on furthest left lane of the northbound 110, he abandoned the car and jumped over the center divider onto the southbound lanes.
The man landed on the other side, appeared to have stumbled and was fatally struck by another driver. It was not clear what initiated the pursuit.
See the video here: https://www.tiktok.com/@nbcla/video/7563566441786658103?lang=en
‘It’s a warzone’: Army veteran shaken by aftermath of Palisades Fire
During the start of the Palisades Fire, a 30-year Army veteran spoke with NBC4’s Robert Kovacik, likening the wildfire to a war zone.
According to the veteran, Jim Cragg, he used some sprinkles and hoses he had purchased after brush fires got too close to his home a couple of years ago.
Then as the Palisades Fire threatened his home, he placed those sprinklers on his roof, sprayed some fire retardant and left with his family.
An Army vet put cheap oscillating lawn sprinklers on his roof, turned on the water hoses and fled the PalisadesFire. When he returned, his house was still standing.
Authorities identify girl found dead inside impounded Tesla registered to singer D4vd
On Sept. 16, the body that had been found in a Tesla at a Los Angeles tow yard, belonging to the singer D4vd, was identified as 15-year-old Celeste Rivas.
The decomposed body was found on Sept. 8 after workers at Hollywood Tow reported a strong odor coming from the car that was registered to the singer.
The car had been impounded after someone reported it was abandoned in the Hollywood Hills, where neighbors say it had been parked for more than a month.
Authorities have identified the body of a girl found in singer D4vd’s Tesla after it was impounded at a Los Angeles tow yard as a teen who disappeared in the Lake Elsinore area two years ago, law enforcement told NBC Investigates. The girl, 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, was identified through forensics. The county medical examiner is still working to determine a cause of death. #nbcla
LA restaurants accused of racism toward customers
A local restaurant that has multiple locations in the Los Angeles area was accused of discriminating against some customers.
The Great White in the Melrose District received backlash after a video surfaced on social media where a woman said she and other people of color were segregated to one portion of the restaurant. Dozens of people then chimed in online sharing similar experiences at this restaurant and their other locations.
Former employees of the restaurant said this was part of the management culture. Sarah Rose Brier, a former employee, said her management directed her to treat people of color differently.
A local restaurant on Melrose is getting a lot of backlash after a patron dining at the restaurant said she and other people of color were segregated to one part of the restaurant. Dozens of people posting online are saying they had a similar experience at Great White and its other locations. #nbcla
Masked Border Patrol agents detain people at Home Depot store in Hollywood
Federal agents carried out an immigration enforcement operation on Sept. 7, targeting a Home Depot store in Hollywood.
Video shared with NBCLA showed masked Border Patrol agents detaining at least two people who were thrown inside an unmarked vehicle.
Bystanders were seen swarming the unmarked vehicles as the federal agents attempted to exit the store’s parking lot.
Federal agents carried out an immigration enforcement operation Sunday at a Home Depot in Hollywood. Video shared with NBCLA shows masked Border Patrol agents detaining at least two people who are thrown inside an unmarked vehicle. Federal agents were confronted by witnesses and community members during the operation that took place in the parking lot of the home improvement store on Sunset Boulevard. #nbcla #Hollywood #Immigration