Visibility was so low Sunday morning that the Los Angeles Police Department had decided to ground its helicopters that morning. How the pilot got special permission to flyMoments before the crash, the pilot received SVFR clearance -- or special visual flight rules clearance, according to audio recordings between the pilot and air traffic control. Those granted permission typically keep closer contact with air traffic control. After the pilot requested special permission to fly through the area, the helicopter circled for 12 minutes until air traffic control approved SVFR clearance, Homendy said. StubHub announced all fees on tickets sold for Friday's game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers in Los Angeles will be donated to the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation.

Source: CNN January 28, 2020 09:42 UTC