Brian Melley
All Stories

Kobe Bryant crash pilot got disoriented flying in clouds, U.S. safety officials say
The pilot of the helicopter that crashed last year in South California, killing Kobe Bryant and seven other passengers, made a key error by flying through thick clouds that ended...

“There was no fighting this fire,” California survivor says
John Sykes built his life around his cabin in the dense woods of Northern California. He raised his two children there, expanded it and improved it over time and made...

3 dead as wildfire explodes in Northern California
Three people died in a wind-whipped Northern California wildfire that has forced thousands of people from their homes while carving a 25-mile path of destruction through mountainous terrain and parched...

Explosive wildfires across California stoked by fierce winds
Wildfires raged unchecked throughout California Wednesday, and gusty winds could drive flames into new ferocity, authorities warned.

Wildfires again threaten business in California wine country
With an early harvest already underway, a wildfire a few miles west of John Bucher's ranch added new urgency to getting his pinot noir grapes off the vine. If flames...

Autopsy: Pilot in Kobe Bryant crash had no alcohol or drugs in his system
An autopsy on the pilot in the Kobe Bryant helicopter crash shows he did not have drugs or alcohol in his system.

Chipotle agrees to record $25 million fine over tainted food
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. agreed Tuesday to pay a record $25 million fine to resolve criminal charges that it served tainted food that sickened more than 1,100 people in the...

Kobe Bryant’s widow sues helicopter operator for deaths
Kobe Bryant's widow sued the owner of the helicopter that crashed in fog and killed the former Los Angeles Lakers star and their 13-year-old daughter last month as she publicly...

Crash-warning device might not have saved Kobe Bryant helicopter
The helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant didn’t have a long-recommended warning system to alert the pilot he was too close to the ground, but it is not clear whether it would...

Was Kobe Bryant’s pilot feeling pressure to fly that day?
The pilot in the foggy-weather helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant was well-acquainted with the skies over Los Angeles and accustomed to flying celebrities.