National briefs

HOPLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Two air tankers collided while dumping fire retardant on a Northern California wildfire, killing both pilots.

The 250-acre brush and tree fire about eight miles south of Ukiah burned four structures Monday and threatened more than a dozen others, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. It was 50 percent contained early Tuesday.

California governor rebukes Condit

MODESTO, Calif. (AP) -- Gov. Gray Davis added himself to the list of leaders criticizing Rep. Gary Condit for his response to the disappearance of former intern Chandra Levy.

"I am disheartened that Congressman Condit did not speak out more quickly or more fully," Davis said Monday. Condit is a friend and ally of the Democratic governor. His two children, Chad and Cadee, work for Davis.

Chad Condit, who appeared later Monday on CNN's "Larry King Live," harshly criticized Davis for not standing by his father.

"There is no honor in kicking somebody when they are down," Condit's 33-year-old son said, adding that he "has no reason not to trust" his father.

Meanwhile, in a rare legal procedure, the lawyer for flight attendant Anne Marie Smith asked a grand jury to indict the congressman on charges that he tried to coerce Smith into denying they had an affair.

Officials keep mile-long section of shark-infested surf off New Smyrna Beach, Fla., closed

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- A one-mile stretch of beach where nine people were bitten last week remained closed Monday after officials spotted 20 sharks swimming offshore.

Beach Patrol officials made their decision after surveying the coast by helicopter early Monday. Twelve sharks were seen during an afternoon fly-over, officials said.