Docs: Off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot used psychedelic mushrooms before trying to shut off plane engines

New documents shed additional light on the state of mind of an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot that attempted to turn off a plane’s engines mid-flight, causing a flight of people from Everett, Washington to make an emergency landing in Portland.

Off-duty pilot Joseph Emerson accused of trying to shut off engines on flight from Everett to San Francisco

An Alaska Airlines flight on its way to San Francisco from Everett's Paine Field was diverted to Portland on Sunday after officials said an off-duty pilot tried to shut the plane's engine.   

Air France pilot falls 1,000 feet to death in California's Sequoia National Park

A missing French pilot was found dead last week after officials say he fell 1,000 feet during a hike on Mt. Whitney at Sequoia and Kings National Park in California.

California Gov. Newsom announces he's going to Israel

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday announced he's going to Israel, drawing praise from major Jewish community groups following the Hamas attack on that country two weeks ago. 

Mug shot shows teen driver accused of intentionally striking Montgomery County officer on I-270

Authorities have released the mug shot of Raphael Mayorga, the 19-year-old man who was arrested after they say he intentionally struck an officer along a Maryland highway while trying to provoke police into chasing him.

Boyfriend arrested after Northern California sheriff’s deputy found dead at her home

A Northern California sheriff’s deputy was found dead in her home and her boyfriend was later arrested in Oregon on suspicion of killing her, authorities said.

Historic 'Columbus Day Storm' struck PNW 61 years ago with power of Category 3 hurricane

It was 61 years ago Thursday that a massive windstorm struck the Pacific Northwest with the ferocity of a Category 3 hurricane, leaving dozens dead, a wide swath of damage and an indelible mark on the weather history of the region. 

Jackpot! $1.76B Powerball ticket sold in California

The winning ticket for the second-largest lottery jackpot in American history was purchased in California.

Man climbs Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel

A man who climbed on the Ferris Wheel at the Santa Monica Pier is in custody – but not before leaving dozens stranded on the ride because of the man's stunt.

Thousands of US health care workers go on strike in multiple states over wages and staff shortages

Picketing began Wednesday morning at Kaiser Permanente hospitals as some 75,000 health care workers go on strike in Virginia, California and three other states over wages and staffing shortages, marking the latest major labor unrest in the United States.

Senator Dianne Feinstein, a pioneer and woman of many firsts, has died

Dianne Feinstein of California, a centrist Democrat who was elected to the Senate in 1992 in the “Year of the Woman" and broke gender barriers throughout her long career in local and national politics, has died. She was 90.

California woman returns to store she allegedly shoplifted to demand phone she left behind

One of two women who allegedly shoplifted from a California nail supply store returned to the business minutes later to demand her cellphone, which she had dropped, police say.

$1.5M ancient Buddha statue stolen from LA gallery recovered

Justin Livick was arrested on suspicion of receiving stolen property. The LAPD said it's still unclear who actually stole the statue.

Hollywood writers union leaders end strike as board members approve contract with studios

The strike by Hollywood screenwriters is over. Leaders of the writers union declared their nearly five-month-old strike over Tuesday after board members approved a contract agreement with studios.

Hollywood writers strike saga nears conclusion: Tentative deal reached, pending approval

Union leaders and Hollywood studios reached a tentative agreement Sunday to end a historic screenwriters strike after nearly five months, though no deal is yet in the works for striking actors.

LA police chase driver slowly imitates somersault out of Mercedes-Benz

An hour-long police chase has finally come to an end – but not before the suspect weaved through LA traffic for more than an hour and then imitated a somersault when the cops told him to get out of the car.

Woman sues San Francisco McDonald’s over 'severe burns' from hot coffee spill

An elderly woman is suing a San Francisco McDonald’s over a hot coffee spill that’s reminiscent of the 1992 incident that made national headlines.

California officer escorts horse after rider's DUI arrest

A person on horseback in central California was arrested for riding drunkenly, prompting a police officer to use a patrol car to help guide home the steed.