Month: June 2026

By Olivia Young

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    DENVER, Colorado (KCNC) — A Colorado water recovery team is preparing for what they worry could be a busy summer season.

CBS Colorado tagged along with Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Marine Evidence Recovery Team for a training demonstration on Chatfield Reservoir, covering how the team recovers drowning victims and evidence.

From above, it’s not possible to clearly see what’s underwater. But a special drone equipped with sonar and a camera gives responders eyes below the surface.

CPW’s Grant Brown, Michael Haskins and Brian Phillips oversee boating safety in Colorado.

“Collectively, we’re the boating safety program statewide,” said Brown, Colorado Boating Safety Program manager.

They serve on the Marine Evidence Recovery Team (MERT), with 14 members based across the state who are ready to respond to tragedies on the water anywhere in Colorado within 24 hours. But they’re not the rescuers. They’re there to recover bodies, boats and other evidence.

“If someone has drowned in a lake, and we are requested, we will go out to assist with recovering that drowning victim. We can also just find any underwater evidence, so if a boat sinks, or if we’re looking for something that is underwater that needs to be either detected or recovered,” Brown said.

Their boats are equipped with a basic sonar transducer commonly used by anglers called a Humminbird, as well as a towable sonar torpedo that can be deployed.

“These bright white dots right there, those are probably fish,” said Phillips, MERT team leader and flatwater investigator, reading the sonar image from the torpedo. “We can go down here, we can zoom in and look at it, see what it is.”

And most importantly, they use a remote-operated vehicle, or ROV. It’s an underwater robot and drone equipped not just with sonar but also with a camera.

“We’re gonna function test our robot before we throw it over. So Brian’s gonna run through the propellers and run the claw, and I’m just gonna let him know it’s working,” said Haskins, a MERT team member and swift water investigator.

After the test was successful, the men threw the device into the water.

“You see, I’ve got a little bit of a shadow right there, so I know I’m close to an object. Well, now I’m just going to switch to the camera, and then I’m just going to move forward a little bit,” Phillips said, reading the ROV’s monitor. “So there it is, that’s the boat, there’s the bow eye, that’s the bow, it’s actually sitting, the rear end of it is down into the silt right there.”

Earlier this year, the team discovered a boat that sank in 2016 and was never recovered after its occupants were rescued.

“This is where we kind of exposed that registration number,” Phillips said. “That’s how we figured out what boat it was.”

Brown says it’s still being decided whether this boat will be removed, and it may be recovered as part of a training exercise with South Metro Fire’s dive team.

The ROV also has a grabber arm that largely replaces the need for a human diver.

“We can get right up to it. We can poke it, we can bump it,” Phillips said.

“So we manipulate that, you can grab on to the person, ideally clothing, and we have that tether we’re pulled into the surface and then recover them,” Brown said.

He says the team got their first ROV in 2018, and while they still may work with dive teams in some cases, the robot has made their jobs easier.

“Tricky part with [before 2018] is, we’re getting a diver ready to go and all geared up. If let’s say we’re looking for a drowning victim, though. Sometimes on sonar, we’re like, ‘That could be the person!’ But sometimes it’s not, it’s going to be a tree, some other anomaly underwater,” Brown said.

The team records and preserves everything as evidence.

“It is, until proven otherwise, a crime scene. So, [an] underwater crime scene, it is filming that bottom and everything around what we’re looking for,” Brown said.

A March drowning at Lake Pueblo was the first time the team was dispatched this year. They don’t just respond to state-owned bodies of water; they will also come out at the request of any municipality or law enforcement agency, even assisting in criminal investigations where evidence or bodies may be underwater.

The team wants to do as few recoveries as possible this summer. So Brown wants everyone to remember important safety tips.

“Please wear a life jacket, even if you can swim, wear a jacket. Oftentimes, the drowning victims that we have recovered, they were great swimmers. So, I think that’s a common misconception that people that drown just can’t swim. So, wear a life jacket, take a boater safety class, don’t drink and boat, and just know before you go,” Brown said.

He adds that while it may feel hot on the boat, the cold water can shock your body if you get into or fall into it. Try to stay calm and catch your breath. He reiterates that the single best thing you can do to save your life is wear a life vest.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Shardaa Gray

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    CHICAGO, Illinois (WBBM) — The Obama Presidential Center does not open to the public for another two weeks, but a group of young men and community leaders recently held a panel discussion inside on how they can make an impact on their communities.

“I honestly just want more. I want to see more progress being done in my community,” said Justin Harris, a recent college graduate who was part of the discussion.

Harris also shared his story of how he met former President Barack Obama.

“When I actually had the moment to actually be in the same room with him, I shared that moment with him, and that was captured live on TV. So, I still have that video, and that holds dearly to my heart to this day,” he said.

Last Wednesday, Harris joined others from the mentoring group My Brother’s Keeper inside the Obama Center. The My Brother’s Keeper Alliance Family Reunion was the first such event to be held there. The Obama Foundation launched My Brother’s Keeper in 2014 to help improve the lives of boys and young men of color.

The group opened their panel discussion with the Leo High School Choir performing on stage.

“I think it was fitting, because the grand opening of the presidential center and having all of this energy even before it opens, and to christen the place was pretty special,” said My Brother’s Keeper director Vondale Singleton.

Trey Baker led the panel discussion, talking about how young men can make a difference in their own communities, an inspiration from former President Obama.

“I think when you have that level of storytelling, it inspires you. And I think it inspired everybody in the room as we were talking about how MBK Chicago was going to be situated to be a part of that mission,” he said.

The My Brother’s Keeper Alliance Family Reunion is a major gathering hosted by the Obama Foundation. It serves as an empowering convening for youth advocates, change-makers, and young men of color to connect, discuss leadership, and build strategies for their communities.

“It brought so much joy to my heart to see so many familiar faces, and not just any faces, but boots on the ground; organizational leaders and young people, ambassadors sharing their stories about change and hope, which is what I believe our president represents,” Singleton said.

A massive “Welcome Home” message inside the Obama Presidential Center let the next generation know it is a safe place.

“It’s for all of us, because when you have resources like the museum, and the recording studio, and the basketball court, and the community garden; all of these spaces, what it tells me is that it’s not just about access, it’s about empowering connection,” Baker said.

The Obama Presidential Center opens to the public on June 19. Officials expect 1 million people to visit every year.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Riley Rourke, Paul Burton

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    BOSTON, Massachusetts (WBZ) — It could take fans over an hour to go through security for the FIFA World Cup matches at Boston Stadium, according to Foxboro Police Chief Michael Grace.

“We want your experience to be memorable for all the right reasons. Plan ahead, know your transportation route and arrive early,” Grace said. “These layered security protocols are in place to ensure your safety. So give yourself time and be patient.”

Grace said that fans should plan to arrive in time to watch the pre-match entertainment.

Police will be stationed at the entrances and exits of Boston Stadium throughout the tournament, and the stadium will close to non-ticket holders starting Tuesday. Fans will also be unable to board a Boston Stadium Train without an accompanying match ticket. Patriot Place and the Mass General Brigham Healthcare Center will remain open to the public during match days.

“We strongly encourage you to utilize the many fan zones across the Boston, Providence and surrounding communities,” Grace said.

There will be no ticket sales at the stadium.

Security for World Cup at Boston Stadium Over 50 local police departments, federal agencies, and State Police will be involved in the security effort across the state. Around 85 National Guard members will also be available to help provide any additional security throughout the tournament.

Police will be stationed on public transportation to the events as well as at any entrances/exits to Boston Stadium.

“Massachusetts is no stranger to hosting large-scale events; however, the scope and duration of the World Cup does make it unique,” Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble said.

Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said to expect a larger police presence throughout the city, with officers in uniform and plain clothes on bikes, motorcycles, and more.

“Remember all laws apply – public drinking, providing alcohol to minors, and open containers of alcohol or consumption of marijuana in public and use of fireworks are illegal and will be enforced,” Cox said.

Local, state, and federal officials will also host daily meetings with security officials in other host cities to ensure everyone remains safe during the tournament. The FBI is not currently aware of any threats against the Boston Stadium matches.

State Police ask that anyone call 911 if they notice anything suspicious. He said that it may take longer for international numbers to get through, but said there are interpreters available if people do not speak English.

Reusable water bottle ban Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Health, Dr. Jess Zeidman, at the press conference emphasized the importance of drinking enough water during the hot summer games.

“The most important advice to all the fans and visitors during the World Cup is to drink plenty of water,” Dr. Zeidman said. “Drink water, not soda, not beer, nor margaritas. They don’t count for hydration; in fact, they can worsen dehydration.”

But on Wednesday, FIFA announced that it would ban reusable water bottles from all matches, citing safety concerns.

Boston 2026 vice president and chief security officer Ryan Winmall said they are looking for ways to ensure that the public, staff, referees and teams remain fully hydrated during the games without having to purchase water.

Zeidman recommended that people refrain from spending too much time out in the sun. She emphasized that urban areas and the Boston Stadium could reach temperatures of over 90 degrees on some days.

“Our summers can be really, really intense,” Zeidman said.

What items are banned from the World Cup matches? Drones, fireworks, smoke devices, flares, weapons, noisemakers and any other pyrotechnics are banned from both World Cup matches and the FIFA Fan Festival at Boston City Hall Plaza.

Some other items that are banned include:

Matches and lighters Professional camera equipment including lights, tripods and cameras Seat cushions with zippers/pockets Banners larger than 6.5 x 5 ft unless pre-approved Alcohol Folding chairs Laser pointers Umbrellas Strollers/baby seats Scooters, bikes, rollerblades, skateboards Inflatable items such as balloons, balls, and more Drugs unless medically approved Outside food or drink unless medically necessary For a full list, click here. FIFA emphasized that anyone attempting to enter the stadium with a banned item may be denied entry.

Boston Stadium bag policy Boston Stadium and FIFA have a strict clear bag policy. The approved bags are:

Small wallets or wristlets no bigger than 6.5″ x 4.5″ One gallon clear freezer bags no larger than 11″ x 11″ Clear, vinyl or PVC bags no larger than 12″ x 12″ x 6″

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Alyssa Andrews

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    BOSTON, Massachusetts (WBZ) — Have you ever wondered where all the fish in the New England Aquarium in Boston come from? If you think they’re all just plucked from the ocean, think again.

Twelve miles down the road, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you’ll find a quiet aquaculture center located in Quincy.

“Our giant ocean tank is our largest exhibit at the aquarium and 80% of the population in that tank was raised here in Quincy,” says Monika Schmuck, the Manager of Sustainability in the Fishes Department.

Raising fish in Quincy Sustainability is a top priority at this facility. And it’s her job to make sure that happens.

“The whole program is to bolster fish in our own exhibits and pick species that we like to display for the public, but also take less from the wild and be able to do things sustainably behind the scenes,” Schmuck said.

Plenty of firsts happen here in Quincy. Right now, they’re working on becoming the first team to raise Creole Wrasse fish.

As the Curator of Aquatic Collections, Michael O’Neill is working through questions that nobody has the answer to yet. With over 35 thousand species of fish, there’s a lot left to discover.

“In our spare time, we’re going to focus our efforts on a species that’s never been done before, but folks would love to be able to show in their exhibits. And so we are chipping away at learning what it takes to raise this species,” O’Neill said.

Creating breeding conditions for fish It’s an incredibly precise craft to create the best breeding conditions possible. Something the ocean does naturally with ease.

“The long process that it takes to raise an animal from egg to adulthood, it takes years. And it takes a lot of really tiny little food. It takes a lot of people, you know, tinkering and trying to understand the science behind it and trying again and again,” Schmuck said. “There’s a lot of failures.”

And some conditions just can’t be replicated. While you can control for the temperature, food and lighting, some fish need a specific season to mate. Or even the correct moon phase.

“When we have a full moon, and around the full moon, we’re going to start to see more breeding activity from this group of fish. So we’ll come in next morning and check the screens and if we have a bunch of eggs, we’ll move them along,” O’Neill said.

All of the planning pays off in the end when they get to send the fish off to the aquarium and add to aquaculture research.

“It definitely is hard to raise fish from eggs, but it adds to the science for other public aquariums to use, and also other researchers. It adds to being able to understand fish in the wild better, because we understand where they come from, where their life history is, as we see how they progress through larvae,” Schmuck said. “And then when we get to put them back on exhibit, it’s really rewarding.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.