Looking Back at NBCLA’s Most Popular Social Media Videos of 2025
Reflecting on 2025: Major Stories that Captured Attention
As 2025 comes to a close, a review of the year’s most impactful stories reveals a range of events that resonated with millions across social media. Reports on devastating wildfires, immigration operations, and high-speed police pursuits emerged as particularly noteworthy highlights.
Among the most viewed content were reports surrounding wildfires in January, immigration operations in Southern California, and police pursuits that turned deadly.
Fatal Incident on the 110 Freeway
On October 20, a man was fatally struck by a vehicle while attempting to escape law enforcement on the 110 Freeway near Highland Park. The individual, who was driving a white van, abandoned the vehicle in heavy traffic, leaping over the center divider onto the southbound lanes. Witnesses reported that he stumbled after landing before being hit by another car. The motives behind the police pursuit remain unclear.
Palisades Fire: Accounts from the Ground
The Palisades Fire prompted urgent responses from residents, including Army veteran Jim Cragg, who likened the scene to a "war zone." Speaking with NBC4’s Robert Kovacik, Cragg described how he prepared for the impending threat by placing sprinklers on his roof and applying fire retardant before evacuating with his family. When they returned, their home remained untouched amid the chaos.
Tragic Discovery in Los Angeles
On September 16, authorities identified the body of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, discovered in a Tesla impounded at a Los Angeles tow yard. The vehicle belonged to singer D4vd and was reported abandoned in the Hollywood Hills for over a month. A strong odor prompted workers at Hollywood Tow to investigate, leading to the grim discovery. The circumstances surrounding Rivas’s death are still under investigation by the medical examiner’s office.
Claims of Racial Discrimination in Local Restaurants
In a troubling incident, The Great White restaurant in Los Angeles faced accusations of racial discrimination after a video went viral, showing a woman alleging that she and other patrons of color were segregated. Responses from former employees hinted at a concerning management culture, with one former staff member claiming to have been instructed to treat customers differently based on their race.
Immigration Enforcement Operation in Hollywood
On September 7, an immigration enforcement operation was conducted at a Home Depot store in Hollywood. Video footage captured masked Border Patrol agents detaining several individuals and placing them in an unmarked vehicle. Witnesses gathered to confront the federal agents during the operation, which took place in the parking lot, underscoring the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration issues in the region.
These stories served as pivotal moments in 2025, reflecting significant social, environmental, and legal challenges faced by communities.
