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Candidate for Dayton Mayor Where are you from? If Dayton, be neighborhood-specific. I am not a politician; I am a retired firefighter, a father, a husband, a grandpa, and a man of faith. I have lived in Dayton for over 40 years, and when the City eliminated the residency requirement, my wife, Julie, and I stayed in the City. We live in the DeWeese-Ridgecrest neighborhood. What is your educational and professional background? I was a member of the Dayton Fire Department for 30 years. I started as firefighter and advanced through the ranks retiring as a Deputy Chief. Have you held any other political offices? If so, what positions? I am not a politician. I am a retired firefighter, father, husband, grandfather and a man of faith. I have never held elected office. If elected what will be your top priority? As Mayor, I will build an administration on collaboration. The chamber and the churches. The restaurants and the renovators. We are a City of tremendous talent and my top priority will be bringing all of these stakeholders together to address some of our biggest challenges. One of the first challenges will be restoring our police and fire departments to full capacity and those individuals developing relationships in the neighborhoods they serve. Our residents deserve a safe and vibrant community. Why should people cast their vote for you? I am the only Mayoral candidate on the ballot that has not held a leadership position at City Hall. Our community needs a new vision and I have developed a Bold Solutions plan to get the process started. Focused Attention on Police & Fire; Clean up yards, streets and alleys; Aggressively target abandoned homes; Stimulate small business growth; and Extreme transparency within City Hall. What local charitable organizations do you support? Apex Community Church Soulwinners Ministry Declare Dayton 2 Stars Over India (our India mission) Alzheimer’s Association Children’s Hospital and various others as opportunity presents itself

Candidate for Dayton City Commission Where are you from? If Dayton, be neighborhood-specific. I am a lifelong Dayton Resident and currently reside in Westwood. What is your educational and professional background? Educational background - Sinclair Community College - Paralegal Studies (AAS) - Wright State University - Political Science (BS) - University of Dayton Law School - Juris Doctorate (JD) Professional background - Delphi - Assembly Line Worker - 7 years - Montgomery County Public Defender - Paralegal/Legal Intern - 10 years - Sinclair Community College - Adjunct Professor and Advisory Board Member - American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Ohio Council 8 - Staff Representative/Regional Director - 15 years - Shine Like a Diamond Consulting, LLC - Founder/CEO - 2 years Have you held any other political offices? If so, what positions? No If elected what will be your top priority? My top priority is to be a bridge to a brighter future for Dayton by building our communities from the inside out through revitalization and stabilization. I will be a bridge to an equitable economy by investing in job training and workforce strategies that prepare residents for good paying jobs, leveraging Dayton’s assets to recruit high-wage employers and supporting small and minority-owned businesses in accessing the resources they need to thrive. I will further serve as a bridge to community revitalization by working to develop a plan for stronger neighborhoods. I plan to accomplish this goal by eliminating abandoned and/or neglected properties and providing resources to replace them with quality, affordable housing. Lastly, my plan for stabilizing both the community and local economy focuses on continuing to provide vital city services to our citizens, while maintaining appropriate staffing levels and balancing the city's budget. Why should people cast their vote for you? As a lifelong Daytonian, I am extremely proud of where I come from and appreciate all that that Dayton has to offer. I love my city and I have a passion for serving the great citizens of Dayton. The factor that sets me apart from other candidates is that my passion mixed with my experience brings the progressive boost needed to be a bridge to a brighter Dayton- building on what has worked and improving what has not worked. I understand and appreciate the challenges that our citizens are facing every day. I have over 30 years of experience in serving employees in this community and have been a bridge to a brighter future for working families. As a union member and former union representative, I have represented employees throughout the Dayton region, including more than 700 union employees at the City of Dayton for the last 15 years. I have represented those employees through two recessions, the loss of a major airline, the transition of the Convention Center to a private entity and the many other challenges that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic. During these difficult times, I negotiated with City officials and served as a bridge to creative solutions that increased revenue, cut cost and managed budget challenges and obstacles with minimal job loss and interruption to vital services. I have also been a bridge to equality for employees and citizens. As a union representative, I have filed many harassment and discrimination complaints and grievances on behalf of employees in this region. I have also conducted implicit bias trainings with both management and employees and have helped facilitate mediation and team building exercises to improve workplace interactions. I recently served as the co-chair of the Training, Implicit Bias, Cultural Competency and De-escalation police reform committee where we submitted recommendations designed to bridge the gap between the police and the community. I further work to address injustices in my position on the Executive Committee of the Dayton Branch of the NAACP. In addition to my work and social justice experience, I have also been a bridge to a brighter future through community engagement as well. I currently mentor with the GEMS and Rites of Passage programs, serve on the AFL-CIO Executive Board, NAACP Executive Committee, MLK Inc. Advisory Board, and am an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and the Way of the Cross Gospel Ministries Church. My professional and personal endeavors highlight my passion, commitment, and dedication to serve and positions me to be a bridge to a brighter future for the citizens of Dayton and the City of Dayton. What local charitable organizations do you support? The Dayton Foundation Victory Family Life Center B Love Foundation, Inc. The Food Bank I Love West Dayton

Candidate for Dayton City Commission Where are you from? If Dayton, be neighborhood-specific. I am from the Residence Park neighborhood in southwest Dayton and currently reside in Southern Dayton View. What is your educational and professional background? I hold a B.A in Political Science, M.A in General/Public Administration, certifications in city housing and community development, and over 15 years of experience in local and federal government. I co-founded Neighborhoods Over Politics (NOP), a training and advocacy non-profit that is dedicated to raising citizen participation and revitalizing neighborhoods. I am currently a Logistics Management Specialist with Wright Patterson Air Force Base. I previously worked with the City of Dayton in the Department of Planning and Community Development as a Senior Community Development Specialist. Have you held any other political offices? If so, what positions? I have not held any political office. If elected what will be your top priority? Given that the City of Dayton is slated to receive $147 million in federal aid, I will insure the funds are distributed in an equitable manner. I want the recently cut budgets of the Human Relations Council and the Department of Recreation and Youth Services to be restored and increased. More programs need to be put in place that will increase youth opportunities and well-being such as summer work programs and recreational activities that work to develop leadership and decrease criminal mischief. I want funds directed back into the neighborhoods that had monies misappropriated previously. Lastly, I would like to see money delegated to funding programs that work to lessen evictions and also work towards transitioning renters into responsible homeowners. The economic well-being and sustainability of a city is directly correlated to the health and well-being of its residents. There are many pressing issues for a city that was recently named “one of the most impoverished cities in America” in September 2020. One major issue that we are facing in our city is the dilapidated condition of our neighborhoods. The lack of services and disinvestment that our residential neighborhoods have experienced over the past 10 years has caused a negative economic impact in our communities. As Commissioner, I will make our neighborhoods and its residents a priority. I will continue to build on the fabrics that make Dayton a great place to live, work, and play by fostering the resilience and perseverance of Dayton residents. As Commissioner, I will make a deliberate effort to address community concerns through intentional leadership with a vision for all of Dayton. My strategy for accomplishing this will be: Block #1) building our neighborhoods one block at a time; Block #2) aggressively removing abandoned housing; Block #3) attracting businesses; Block #4) creating & retaining jobs; and Block #5) making residents a priority. One challenge that our city must overcome is the lack of thriving businesses throughout our neighborhoods. Over the years, our communities have endured the departure of major corporations, retailers, and local businesses. Dayton residents are forced to patronize other municipalities due to the lack of services and amenities within the city. This only contributes to the cycle of disinvestment in our local economy. As Commissioner, I will collaborate with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors to create new job opportunities that will stimulate the local economy. In addition, I will create partnerships with business-owners to help expand their opportunities and strategic development for growth, planning, and sustainability in the city. It is not just local businesses that need support, neighborhood organizations require support to add value in the revitalization and sustainability of our communities. Dayton has many organizations with great visions and intentions; however, they lack the capital, resources, or connections that will aid in the advancement of their cause. I will continue my commitment to rebuild our communities “Block by Block”, and dedicate myself to increasing neighborhood capacity and restructuring policies to support grassroots initiatives. I will always represent and promote a sense of pride and accountability within our neighborhoods by working directly with residents and stakeholders to streamline the ability to acquire property, develop land, and maintain a clean and safe environment. Why should people cast their vote for you? I am a servant leader who represents the will of the people. Many candidates pursuing many offices like to claim they have residents’ best interests in mind. However, their actions rarely match their words. My track record for the past 15 years has proven that my words are not empty promises to gain support or recognition. The development of Neighborhoods Over Politics (NOP) further solidifies that my actions far exceed my words of prioritizing residents and the neighborhoods they reside in. What local charitable organizations do you support? Mt. Enon Community Development Corporation (CDC) Sunlight Village So Loved East End Community Services Racial Justice NOW! Dayton Anti-Racist Network (DARN) Black Lives Matter Dayton Black Lives Matter Miami Valley Young Ladies Aspiring Greatness (YLAG) Ohio Families Unite Against Police Brutality (OFUAPB)

The Wilberforce University community is deeply saddened by the death of senior William Jacob Easton. William was a respected member of the campus community as a student with a 3.5 grade point average and as a point guard for the basketball team. Services for William will be held in his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida Saturday, April 17 at Bethel Baptist Institutional Church. The university has learned that William was involved in an automobile accident in Jacksonville last week and died Saturday, April 9th, one day before his 22nd birthday. "William was the epitome of what you would want for any young man. This is a huge loss for the university and his home community." - Derek Williams, WU Athletics Director The university’s presidential cabinet has elected to award William's degree posthumously at the May 29th commencement. WU faculty will make the final decision. Wilberforce University, established in 1856, is the nation’s first, private, historically black college or university (HBCU). Located in Greene County, near Dayton Ohio, the four year, accredited university is a member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the Ohio LINK Library Consortium and the NAIA Athletic Conference. According to HBCU.com , Wilberforce is one of the top five HBCUs in the midwest. Contact: Marsha Bonhart, 937-286-0023

by Andy Hall , ESPN Expanding a commitment that dates back 25 years, ESPN has launched “Black History Always,” a company-wide content commitment initiative to highlight Black stories beyond the traditional Black History Month in February. Black History Always began with Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January and The Undefeated will identify opportunities throughout the year to resurface and integrate relevant content under the Black History Always theme. Powered by The Undefeated, ESPN’s content initiative exploring the intersections of sports, race and culture, Black History Always launched Jan. 18 with a series of vignettes featuring well-known athletes and coaches appearing across ESPN television and digital platforms. The celebration will continue year-round, every year. “ESPN has recognized Black History Month with special programming and events since 1995,” said Jimmy Pitaro , Chairman, ESPN and Sports Content. “For Black History Always, we are expanding that commitment by further leaning into what The Undefeated already does, deepening our celebration of Black History across all ESPN platforms year-round.” “We are asserting the commitment to supporting the Black sports community in all aspects: athletes on and off the court, storytelling and culture,” said Raina Kelley , managing editor of The Undefeated, who is overseeing the Black History Always initiative. “This initiative will highlight moments and stories on and off the field that empower and inspire; moments of athletic heroism and moral heroism; moments that signify change and progress, and moments that show us how much work is still to be done. We want to show Black fans that we are always there for them, we represent and reflect them, and we celebrate and appreciate them.” Visit the ESPN Pressroom for highlights of upcoming Black History Always content on ESPN platforms: https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2021/01/espn-launches-black-history-always-initiative-expanding-on-black-history-month/ NOTE : The images above were commissioned by The Undefeated for the “Music For The Movement/Black History Always” EP. They are (L-R) Winter in America, performed by Freddie Gibbs, cover artwork by Matthew Dicks; Wake Up Everybody, performed by Tobe Nwigwe, cover artwork by Cristina Martinez; and Eden, performed by Brent Faiyaz, cover artwork by Mike Reesé.

Dayton residents are now able to report civil rights-related discrimination complaints through a mobile app operated by the Dayton Human Relations Council (HRC). HRC received CARES Act funding from the U.S. Department of Urban Development to support development of a mobile application to report complaints of unlawful discrimination in housing, employment, credit transactions, and public accommodations. If a resident feels they have experienced discrimination by a person or organization in one of these areas based on membership in one or more protected classes, they may be eligible to file a complaint. The protected classes include: race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, place of birth, age, marital status, familial status or disability. There is no cost to file a complaint on the app and no attorney is needed for the complaint to be investigated. The app can be downloaded and installed on an iPhone or Android by searching for “Dayton Human Relations Council” in the chosen app store. “We realized that during the pandemic, with limited or no access to the internet, our marginalized and vulnerable residents experienced barriers that prohibited them from filing complaints. The mobile app allows them to do so from their phone,” said HRC Executive Director Erica Fields. For more information, call the Human Relations Council at 937-333-1437. Established in 1962 by the Dayton City Commission, the Dayton Human Relations Council works to influence and ensure a culture of fair treatment, inclusion, and equal access to opportunities for all who live, work, play, and gather in the City of Dayton. The Council provides civil rights enforcement; builds the capacity of minority-owned, woman-owned and small disadvantaged businesses; and administers community relations initiatives.

Candidate for Dayton City Commission Where are you from? If Dayton, be neighborhood-specific. I live at W. 2nd and Euclid Ave. (our house faces the back of Mt. Enon Church.) Wolf Creek neighborhood. What is your educational and professional background? I have a Visual Communication degree from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. I have an extensive background in advertising and marketing, including a stint in New York City. I also owned my own ad agency for 6 years. (I had the Kings Island account.) I also worked on Merrill Lynch, Holiday Inn, Inland, Delco and NCR, Huntington Bank and Gem Savings. My current occupation is Sr. Assoc. Pastor at Dayton Vineyard Church. 25 years. I also operate a mobile food pantry providing groceries to nearly 1,000 households monthly for over ten years. Have you held any other political offices? If so, what positions? No, but I did run for City Commission one other time, six years ago. If elected what will be your top priority? Recovery from the budget crisis due to the pandemic. The city had to cut its budget 15-20% across the board—$18 million due to loss of revenue. It will take time to recover from that loss, but we have to continue providing the same quality essential services to our community. Every citizen and neighborhood should benefit from the (pending) $147 million in federal dollars (The American Rescue Plan.) The Mayor and City Commission must take a thoughtful approach when allocating those dollars. I will push for every neighborhood to get a slice of that pie. As a long-standing member of the Human Relation Council’s Community Police Council, we proposed numerous reforms, programs, and policy changes that were never considered. The good news is that now there are 135 recommendations submitted, with 83 of those accepted and 45 are outstanding within the 30-day response window. As a City Commissioner, I will fight to ensure that all recommendations are implemented and fully funded. Many citizens are concerned that the HRC’s budget was also cut during these turbulent times. No one wants to see the HRC fully funded more than I do—given the staff and resources to carry out its mission. (“To keep peace, order and harmony among the residents and visitors of Dayton, Ohio. The HRC promotes peace, goodwill, harmony and works to ensure equal treatment and opportunity for all.”) Why should people cast their vote for you? My fifteen-year career in advertising and marketing sets me apart, having operated my own ad agency for six years. Also, my experience over 25 years in caring for people as a pastor, and I’ve run a mobile food pantry for more than ten years providing groceries to nearly 1,000 households monthly. I’ve been doing public speaking for three decades, and I have built the relationships and have the connections necessary to get the job done. I have a proven track record, and people want to work with me. I am endorsed by the Montgomery County Democratic Party, the Dayton-Miami Valley AFL-CIO. What local charitable organizations do you support? The Dayton Unit NAACP West Dayton Strong (resources) I Love West Dayton (clean-ups) The Dream Bigg Foundation Fudge Foundation Dayton Vineyard Church

Candidate for Dayton City Commission Where are you from? If Dayton, be neighborhood-specific. I was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. I grew up in the Fairview and Southern Dayton View neighborhoods. I currently live in Northern Hills. What is your educational and professional background? I have a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati and a Juris Doctor (law degree) from Northern Kentucky University School of Law. When I returned to Dayton, I worked for the Miami Valley Urban League as a youth counselor and job developer. Afterwards, served at the Dayton Human Relations Council as the Community-Police Relations. Have you held any other political offices? If so, what positions? No If elected what will be your top priority? Addressing the looming budget deficit caused by the pandemic. Our challenge will be to address the immediate needs created by this crisis while also investing in projects that will pay dividends for years to come. We can create jobs while addressing urgent community issues. For example, we can create jobs and give our kids a safe place to go after school by building more recreation centers. Or we can invest in green infrastructure, also creating jobs and saving the city millions in energy costs. As we weather this crisis, we must still think about what we will leave the next generation. Why should people cast their vote for you? The people should vote for me because I will work to put the power back where it belongs and that is with the people. I am running to build a pipeline between local government and Dayton residents. I will work to develop community power centers that value community input and implement policies that benefit Dayton neighborhoods. Further, I am the candidate that residents can trust to always make decisions that reflect their values. What local charitable organizations do you support? I am an executive board member of the House of Bread, as well as The Wesley Community Center.

Candidate for Dayton City Commission Where are you from? If Dayton, be neighborhood-specific. I am from Dayton; I grew up in Belmont. My wife, daughter and I live in the home we purchased in the Dayton View Triangle neighborhood when we were married 20 years ago. So, I've had the pleasure of experiencing Dayton on both sides of the river, What is your educational and professional background? I attended Belmont and Residence Park Elementary Schools, Dunbar HS and graduated from Belmont HS ('84). I have a BA in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati, an MDiv from United Theological Seminary, and attended the Joint Doctoral Program at the University of Denver and Iliff School of Theology studying religion and personality. I've been in ministry for 32 years, serving area churches including Grace United Methodist Church. I was Executive Director of Greater Dayton Christian Connections, Lead Organizer for Vote Dayton/Lift Greater Dayton, and an administrator and adjunct faculty for United Theological Seminary. After 10 years as on-call chaplain and 3 years as chaplain intern, five years ago I became the Manager of Chaplain Services at Dayton Children's Hospital. Have you held any other political offices? If so, what positions? I was elected a Dayton City Commissioner in 2018. Prior to my election, I was appointed a Commissioner on the Greater Dayton Premier Management Board by the Montgomery County Commission; and I was appointed a member of the Human Relations Council by the Dayton City Commission. If elected what will be your top priority? I will continue my work to make every neighborhood safe, vital and a place where all citizens are proud to live. This is more than removing blight. Rebuilding neighborhoods encourages job development, adds infrastructure and builds wealth. I will insist that a significant portion of the $147 million Dayton receives from the American Rescue Plan goes to housing: providing repairs and updates for current home owners, and refurbishing properties for new home ownership. Removing blighted properties must not be an excuse for developers to move in and freeze current residents out of their community. Why should people cast their vote for you? Since 2018, I have demonstrated responsible and responsive leadership, championing investment in our neighborhoods. I've led police reform, and advocated for adequately funding for the Human Relations Council. I initiated and led the work to secure our water (I encourage you to vote yes on Issue 8.) Most of all, I have been an independent voice for all residents and the potential they see for making our neighborhoods stronger. What local charitable organizations do you support? Dayton Children's Hospital Omega CDC Wesley Community Center The League of Women's Voters NAACP - Dayton Chapter United Way Grace UMC St. Paul UMC Englewood UMC UNCF Greater Dayton Christian Connections Artemis Center Campaign for Justice/ABLE WYSO Ohio Poor People's Campaign Dayton View Triangle Neighborhood Association African American Cultural Festival The Family Affair Talent Show

Candidate for Dayton Mayor Where are you from? If Dayton, be neighborhood-specific. I was born in Clanton, AL. My parents moved to Dayton when I was two months of age. I grew up in West Dayton and Jefferson TWP neighborhoods; Mercer, Adelite, Louella, Millicent, and Derby. What is your educational and professional background? Vietnam War Veteran. Central State University, B. S. Industrial Technology, Art Design and Education. Wright State University, Masters in Art Administration Education Professional Background McCall’s Janitor, Frigidaire Punch Press Operator, Dayton Public Schools Teachers Aide, Teacher, Elem. & H. S. Coach. Dayton Education Association President. Ohio Education Association Lobbyist. Annie E. Casey Foundation Director. Dayton Public Schools Director of Government Relations. Have you held any other elected positions? What positions? Dayton Education Association President, Vice Pres & Treasurer. Dayton School Board President. State School Board. Dayton City Commission. If elected what will be your top priority? Economic Development, Jobs & Safe Neighborhoods. Why should people cast their vote for you? Long, Dedicated, Ethical & Consistent history of working for the people of Dayton, young and seasoned. What local charitable organizations do you support? Kappa Alpha Psi and all fraternities and sororities United Way Dementia Jack and Jill NAACP DPS Parity Dayton Central State University Men of Color Churches

When the helicopter careened into a California hillside on the morning of Jan. 26, 2020, killing Kobe Bryant and the eight others on board, the initial response around the world was shock. Then, it was: How? How did this seemingly routine trip to a youth basketball game end in tragedy? How did the helicopter that Bryant used for years suddenly crash? How could this possibly have happened? Nearly one year later, the facts surrounding the crash – from the pilot's experience, to the weather conditions, to the helicopter's safety features – are known. And a final determination on what caused the crash is now just weeks away. The National Transportation Safety Board is set to release its final report on the incident on Feb. 9, including a proximate cause and subsequent safety recommendations. In the meantime, the board has released 1,852 pages of factual evidence collected during its investigation , including interview transcripts, email records, text messages, photos, meteorological reports and video footage from cameras in the area. "Accident investigation is really like putting a puzzle back together," said Anthony Brickhouse, a former NTSB investigator who is now an associate professor of aerospace safety at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. "(It's) really a meticulous process. It’s not something that happens overnight. It requires a lot of digging, a lot of research." As investigators put the finishing touches on that final report, here's everything we know about the crash, based on documents released by the NTSB to date . The flight At 8:39 on the morning of the crash, pilot Ara Zobayan sent a text message to the small group of people coordinating Bryant's trip – including his drivers, concierge and a representative from the helicopter company. "Heli at OC," Zobayan wrote. "Standing by." Thirty minutes later, the helicopter was in the air, traveling from John Wayne-Orange County Airport to Camarillo, California, where the passengers would then be driven to a youth basketball game in nearby Thousand Oaks. Bryant was joined on the flight by his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna; John and Keri Altobelli and their daughter, Alyssa; Sarah Chester and her daughter, Payton; and Christina Mauser, an assistant coach. The helicopter flew north for about 15 minutes before slowing down and circling near Glendale to make way for air traffic at a nearby airport. Then it followed a highway into the hills near Calabasas, flying between 400 feet and 600 feet above the ground. "You just going to stay down low at that for all the way to Camarillo?" an air traffic controller asked Zobayan. "Yes sir," the pilot replied. "Low altitude." Minutes later, there was a shift change at the Southern California TRACON, which provides air traffic control services to airports in the region. And the helicopter was heading into increasingly mountainous terrain, where visibility that morning was poor. When the new air traffic controller contacted Zobayan, the pilot said he was climbing above the clouds, to 4,000 feet. Instead, the helicopter got no more than 1,600 feet above the ground before banking left and descending rapidly, crashing into the hills. "That combination of the low-lying stratus layer, and also the relatively high-rising terrain – (it's) a common and, really, a deadly combination," said Jack Cress, a former helicopter pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps who is now an instructor in the Aviation Safety & Security Program at the University of Southern California. The helicopter Bryant regularly traveled by helicopter during and after his NBA career , in part to avoid the oft-gridlocked traffic in Los Angeles. And he regularly chartered flights with Island Express Helicopters, including 13 trips in 2019. In fact, the helicopter involved in the crash – a Sikorsky S-76B – was the same machine that transported Bryant to his final game with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016. Cress said the Sikorsky S-76 is generally well-regarded among pilots and has a strong safety record over decades of use. He noted that it has been the "helicopter of choice" for Queen Elizabeth II, among other top dignitaries, since 2009. "They just don't fall out of the sky," pilot Kurt Deetz, who previously flew Bryant in the same helicopter, told CNN last year . The NTSB has examined the helicopter itself as part of its investigation, including both maintenance records and physical evidence obtained at the crash scene. It said in a preliminary report last year that the engines had been found near the wreckage and showed "no evidence of an uncontained or catastrophic internal failure." "I haven’t seen anything in the data that I’ve looked at that would suggest that there was anything physically wrong with the helicopter, that would cause an accident," said Brickhouse, who reviewed the NTSB's public docket of the crash . The helicopter did, however, lack two notable components. It did not have a flight recorder, colloquially known as a "black box," that could have provided additional data for investigators. Nor did it have a terrain awareness and warning system, known as TAWS, which notifies pilots when they get dangerously close to the ground. The weather conditions One witness told the NTSB that she was preparing to meet a friend for a hike at a nearby trailhead when she saw a helicopter disappear into clouds that were obscuring the tops of trees. Another witness reached out to the investigators to advise them that the area near the crash is "predisposed to channel fog up from the coast." "We heard the helicopter flying normally, but couldn't really see it because it was extremely foggy and low clouds," a third witness reported in an email. "I was thinking to myself of (sic) why a helicopter would be flying so low in very bad weather conditions." The weather on the morning of the crash has become a key component of the NTSB's investigation. Its meteorological report spans 394 pages and includes satellite images, surface observations, photos, maps and other assorted data. Investigators even compared footage from cameras in the area, perched behind home plate at three youth baseball fields, to estimate visibility at the time of the crash. The weather was also a topic of conversation among Bryant's travel coordinating team prior to take-off. Zobayan, the pilot, fielded inquiries about it via text message the night before the flight and the morning of. "Should be OK," he replied. Pilots typically fly under visual flight rules, where they can see where they're going, or instrument flight rules, where they primarily rely on the aircraft's instruments because their vision is obscured. But the conditions that morning prompted Zobayan to take off under special visual flight rules, a sort of middle ground between the two. "That term in itself is not scary," Cress said. "But when you’re having to contend with low visibility, and low clouds, and variable terrain – and that’s quite variable up there – then special VFR does get scary." The weather that morning has also been at the center of multiple lawsuits filed by Bryant's wife, Vanessa, and the other victims' families against the helicopter company and Zobayan's estate . The families argue that Zobayan should not have flown in adverse conditions, and that Island Express Helicopters should have had regulations in place to prevent him from doing so. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and Los Angeles Police Department later said low clouds and fog in the area had prompted them to ground their own helicopters on the morning of the crash. The pilot Zobayan, 50, first became interested in flying when he emigrated from Lebanon in the 1980s, his girlfriend of seven years told investigators. He got his private pilot certificate in 2001 and had flown more than 8,500 hours at the time of the crash, including 1,250 in the Sikorsky S-76. For several years, Zobayan was one of only two pilots who flew Bryant for Island Express Helicopters, according to Deetz, who was the other. "He's always been a great pilot, performed really well, very proficient," Luca Dell'Anese, an instructor who oversaw Zobayan's training checks for several years, told the NTSB. "He always demonstrated sound judgment ... during the training." Zobayan was reprimanded once by the FAA , in 2015, for flying into busy airspace without clearance. He was counseled on the incident but not required to undergo any remedial training. Investigators have questioned whether Zobayan became spatially disoriented in the fog just before the crash. One NTSB document mentions the possibility that he might have experienced a "somatogravic illusion," a phenomenon in which gravitational forces can confuse the body in the absence of visual cues. In other words, Zobayan might have felt like the helicopter was climbing as it banked toward the hillside. "You can get yourself in a bad spot, because your body is lying to you," said Cress, who is also the principal officer at Vortechs Helicopter Analytics. "It doesn’t know that you’re both turned and attempting to climb." Cress also wonders if Zobayan might have felt pressure to complete the flight on time that day – pressure that might have kept him flying through the fog, into hilly terrain, when perhaps he should have turned around. "There would’ve been a lot of professional pressure within himself – 'I’ve done this kind of thing, I know this terrain, I can do this. This guy in the back really wants to do it, and I’m going to do everything I can,' " Cress said. "He just got in too deep." The next steps While the NTSB's determination on the cause of the crash is not admissible in court, its findings on Feb. 9 will likely provide a road map for lawyers in the wrongful death lawsuits filed by the victims' families. The final report will also give the NTSB an opportunity to make safety recommendations to the FAA, which can then choose whether or not to enact them. Robert Clifford, a lawyer who specializes in aviation litigation, said it often takes a tragedy for important safety reforms to be taken seriously. "A person of the stature of Mrs. Bryant, advancing the cause of enhanced safety for her husband and daughter," Clifford said, "maybe she can make change." Brickhouse, meanwhile, noted that the NTSB has been making some of the same safety recommendations to the FAA "for the past 15, 16 years" without luck. The board first recommended that TAWS be required on helicopters, for instance, in 2006 after a helicopter crashed in the Gulf of Mexico, killing 10 people. The FAA didn't adopt it. "Because (this) was a high-profile accident," Brickhouse said, "it’ll be interesting to see if some of those recommendations will be enacted." USA TODAY Sports is marking the first anniversary of the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant and eight others with a six-day series of stories, photos and videos looking back at the Lakers legend and the aftermath of his death. More at usatoday.com Contributing: The Associated Press Contact @Tom_Schad. Published 6:34 AM usatoday.com

Hall of Famer and one-time home run king Atlanta Braves legend Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron passed away this morning at the age of 86. He leaves behind an indelible legacy on and off the baseball diamond. Aaron was born in Mobile, Alabama in 1934, the son of Herbert and Estella Aaron. He played in sandlots and started his pro career in the Negro Leagues in 1951. He made his way through the minor leagues until age 20. Aaron then made his Major League Debut and started his 23-year-career with the then-Milwaukee Braves. He recorded his first of 755 home runs on April 23, 1954 in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals. His first season saw him finish fourth in the rookie of the year voting as he hit .280 with 13 home runs and 69 RBIs. It was just the start of what became one of the most legendary careers in baseball history. By the time he was in just his fourth season, he hit 44 home runs, drove in 132 RBIs and won the National League MVP award. The 1957 season started a lengthy run that saw Aaron hit at least 25 home runs in every season until 1973. During this time, Aaron and the Braves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta where Aaron became a living legend on the field. It was the 1974 season that saw Aaron smash his way into the national consciousness. On April 8, 1974 Hammerin’ Hank, as he was known, crushed a 1-0 pitch from Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Al Downing over the left field wall at Fulton County Stadium and broke Babe Ruth’s long-time home run record of 714 home runs in a career. Aaron would play a few more seasons before calling it a career on October 3, 1976. He immediately transitioned into a role with the Braves as director of player development, a position he held until 1989. He then became a senior vice president for the Braves, a title he held for decades. Aaron remains baseball’s runs batted in leader with 2,297 and total base leader with 6,856. Hammerin’ Hank finished his career with 755 home runs, an all-time record that stood for decades until Barry Bonds passed him and finished with 762 home runs. His #44 jersey was retired by both the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers. On August 1, 1982, Aaron was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. In 1999, the 25th anniversary of Aaron breaking the home run record, Major League Baseball established the Hank Aaron Award that is given to the best overall hitter in each league. He later received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush and was inducted as a Georgia Trustee by the Georgia Historical Society in 2010. In 2016, Aaron was presented with the Order of the Rising Sun, one of Japan's highest honors for his work with the World Children's Baseball Fair. But Aaron was more than just a baseball player. He fought every day for decades through horrendous racism in the deep south and the rest of the country. He was repeatedly called the N-word, faced death threats, and had rocks and other items thrown at him throughout his career. Still, even as he dealt with a level of racism and hatred that few athletes will ever face; he remained a quiet and humble man. "I was a baseball player number one," Aaron said in his last interview with CBS46. "I loved the game of baseball and I felt all along that if I continued to play; it would give other black players a chance to play and they wouldn't have the kind of things I was going through." In his bio from the Baseball Hall of Fame, a quote from the greatest boxer ever, Muhammad Ali accompanies it that reads Hank Aaron was, “The only man I idolize more than myself.” A fitting tribute to towering man who left his mark on the baseball field, society, and the fabric of America. The Atlanta Braves issued a statement from Chairman Terry McGuirk about the passing of Aaron that read: We are absolutely devastated by the passing of our beloved Hank. He was a beacon for our organization first as a player, then with player development, and always with our community efforts. His incredible talent and resolve helped him achieve the highest accomplishments, yet he never lost his humble nature. Henry Louis Aaron wasn’t just our icon, but one across Major League Baseball and around the world. His success on the diamond was matched only by his business accomplishments off the field and capped by his extraordinary philanthropic efforts. We are heartbroken and thinking of his wife Billye and their children Gaile, Hank, Jr., Lary, Dorinda and Ceci and his grandchildren. Copyright 2021 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved. https://www.cbs46.com/news/hall-of-famer-henry-hank-aaron-dies-at-86/article_71a37148-5cc4-11eb-9cdf-1bbe85006da2.amp.html