Author: CNN Newsource

By Neal Riley

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    PITTSFIELD, Massachusetts (WBZ) — Police in Pittsfield, Massachusetts are asking the public for help to recover a stolen ring that’s “a significant piece of local sports heritage.”

The department says someone stole a 1997 Pittsfield Mets championship ring from a display case Saturday during a ceremony at Wahconah Park. The ballpark, which was home to a minor league baseball team affiliated with the New York Mets until 2001, held a farewell event for the grandstand that is being demolished amid a renovation.

Pittsfield Parks & Recreation had advertised a “Berkshire Baseball Table” at the event featuring historic ballpark memorabilia. Police want to know if attendees “noticed any suspicious activity around the display cases.”

The stolen ring has a blue gem with a “P” in the middle. It commemorates the team as “NY-Penn League Champions” for 1997. According to The Berkshire Eagle, this was the city’s first minor league championship, won in dramatic fashion in the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs.

“If you see a ring matching this description on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or at a local pawn shop, report it immediately,” police said. “The more people who see this, the harder it becomes for the item to be sold or hidden.”

Police are asking anyone with information to send them a private message on Facebook, or call the department at 413-448-9700 Ext: 679.

The city has budgeted $17 million to demolish and renovate Wahconah Park, with a new grandstand capacity of 1,100 fans. They expect it to be ready for play in 2027.

Pittsfield is located 48 miles west of Springfield and just a few miles from the New York border.

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 Daniel Wilkerson

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    ATLANTA (WUPA) — Ahead of the FIFA World Cup, an emergency at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport shows how CPR saves lives.

Officials with Atlanta Fire and Rescue said the 71-year-old man collapsed near the North Terminal parking area at the Atlanta airport.

Two bystanders started CPR before crews arrived. Fire officials said that helped keep blood flowing during the most critical moments.

Lt. Rayshawn Allen said he and three other responders took over care within minutes. They used a mechanical CPR device and defibrillation to treat what officials described as a cardiac arrest with a shockable rhythm.

Fire officials said they were able to restore a pulse before transporting the man to the hospital. He’s still in a critical state once we get him there, but the next 24 to 48 hours, we should have some sort of outcome of how he will turn out,” Allen said.

“Early access, that’s what saves lives because you need the blood to circulate. Without circulation, we won’t have a viable patient to take to the hospital,” said Terrance Simon, the assistant chief of the department’s paramedic program.

Officials said this case highlights the importance of those first few minutes, especially in a high-traffic place like Hartsfield-Jackson, which sees more passengers than any other airport in the world.

With larger crowds expected as the city prepares for the FIFA World Cup, fire officials said they are working to train more people across Atlanta in CPR.

“Yes, that’s exactly what we want to do. We want to make sure that citizens alike are confident, maybe not to the level of a firefighter or a first responder, however, that they can immediately get into action and save someone’s life,” said Simon.

They said the goal is to ensure more people are ready to step in and help before first responders arrive.

The fire department said people interested in CPR training can contact Atlanta Fire Rescue at (404) 546-7000 to sign up for a one-day course and learn how to step in during an emergency.

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 Bob Jones

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    SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WEWS) — We’re following through after a frightening incident, caught on body camera nearly six weeks ago, talking with a Springfield Township officer who told us about what happened, his recovery, and the search for a mystery woman who prayed for him after he was injured.

Officer Harold Britt, who served as Uniontown’s police chief for seven years, told News 5 that he was pushed off a moving semi during an encounter with a trucker outside a Springfield Township Walmart on Feb. 28.

The trucker, Jeffrey Latson, was later shot by other police officers in Akron.

“It’s a dangerous job,” Britt said. “At a moment’s notice, it can go from zero to 100 and you can be injured.”

Britt, 55, has been on crutches and using a brace after his right leg was broken in two places.

Body camera video, provided by Springfield Township police, shows Britt and another officer yelling at Latson and trying to convince him to turn off the truck and get out, but he refused.

At one point, Britt can be heard saying, “You’re gonna get tased right now!”

The officers were called to the area after receiving a 911 call claiming Latson was threatening people inside a nearby IHOP restaurant.

“He was threatening to shoot the female, his ex-girlfriend, who was pregnant, and threatened to shoot her and kill the baby, and then, he threatened to kill a manager,” Britt said.

During the encounter, Britt jumped on the semi’s side step, where more heated words were exchanged.

The video shows the trucker driving away with the officer still hanging on. Britt said.

Britt said that a few moments later, he was pushed off the moving truck by Latson.

“He actually leaned up, grabbed a hold of the steering wheel with his right hand then shoved me,” Britt said.

Britt broke a leg and hit his head on the concrete.

“I was actually knocked out for probably four seconds, five seconds. I don’t remember rolling over to all fours, and the first thing I remember, there’s a lady laying down beside me and started praying, and that’s the first thing I remember,” Britt said. “She just asked God to watch over me and to heal me and to keep me safe.”

Video from another officer’s body camera shows the unidentified woman praying on the ground. Britt said he would like to find her to say thank you.

“I have her on video, but I don’t want to put it on Facebook— maybe she doesn’t want to be known, but we’d like to meet with her again,” Britt said.

Police said Latson drove off from the Walmart and stopped somewhere to attach his trailer. During a drive that continued into Akron, he called 911.

“I’m not stopping for them. I’m not gonna let them kill me today. They’re not gonna kill me today,” Latson told a dispatcher.

According to police, Latson struck several cars, including cruisers, in the area of East Market Street and Innovation Way before two Akron police officers and a Summit County deputy fired multiple shots.

Latson was shot four times, and he’s still being treated at an Akron hospital, according to his father, Jeffrey Latson Sr.

In a phone interview last month, Latson Sr. blamed Springfield Township police and Akron police, believing they escalated the situation.

“They escalated the situation by screaming at him and telling him to get out, and he’s gonna get shot and tased,” Latson Sr. said.

However, Tim Dimoff, a use-of-force expert, reviewed the footage and said the suspect posed a danger multiple times.

“You have an 80,000-pound truck and trailer, which is really the driver turning it into a weapon,” Dimoff said.

Britt estimates he’ll be on crutches for a few more weeks, then continue using the brace for a few weeks after that. He hopes to return to the job he loves in June.

After surviving a frightening fall, he wanted to share a message with other drivers.

“Mainly to the public to know that if you’re given directions by law enforcement officers, listen to them. Don’t hold court on the side of the road.”

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 Tessa DiTirro

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    BARBERTON, Ohio (WEWS) — A Stark County teen is already dreaming about his future, and it’s rooted in hard work and towering trees.

For years, Barberton Tree Service has been mentoring 14-year-old Bryce Fuller, giving him a chance to learn the ropes and experience life on the job. But when Bryce showed up for another day with the crew, he had no idea just how special it would be.

Instead of a typical workday, Bryce was surprised with a full birthday celebration. Bryce has loved big trucks and tall trees for as long as his family can remember.

“I know more now about tree cutting and things like that than I ever thought I would,” said his mom, Jamie Fuller.

Over time, the Barberton Tree crew has welcomed Bryce like one of their own. From helping to conduct safety meetings to riding along to job sites and learning directly from arborists, he’s gained hands-on experience well beyond his years.

“I’ll probably work here when I get out of high school,” Bryce said.

And on his 14th birthday, it was clear the feeling was mutual.

“I didn’t think all the guys would sing happy birthday to me,” Bryce said with a smile.

Bryce has faced challenges in his young life, but he’s found strong support, not only at home with his parents, but also with his second family at Barberton Tree.

“You go to work every day and don’t always realize the impact you’re having,” said his mom. “But to a kid with big dreams, this means everything. They’ve opened their arms to him and become part of his story.”

What started as a regular day turned into something unforgettable, a celebration of community, kindness, and possibility.

At just 14, Bryce already has a glimpse of what his future could hold, and a team cheering him on every step of the way.

“They’ll never really know how special this is,” said his dad, J.P. Fuller. “We’re just so thankful for Barberton Tree.”

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 Kathryn Merck

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    MILWAUKEE (WDJT) — A spokesperson for the Journal Sentinel Milwaukee Marathon said all of the medals given to marathon runners on April 11 had a misspelling.

You can see ‘marthon’ was spelled without a second ‘a’ on the back of the medals.

“A letter clearly went missing somewhere between the start and the finish line of production, making these medals unintended collector’s editions,” a Journal Sentinel Milwaukee Marathon spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said the medals will not be reissued with a correction.

Ana Andrade completed the marathon on Saturday and earned one of the medals. The five-time marathon finisher said she felt bad for people who may have been receiving the medal as part of their first marathon. However, she smiled when she saw the mistake.

“At first I was wondering if maybe they did it to get people to talk about it,” Andrade said. “It’s just funny, I’ve never seen this before at previous marathons.”

More than 4,000 people ran in the Journal Sentinel Milwaukee Marathon and half marathon on Saturday.

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 Jordan Bontke

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    PHOENIX (KNXV) — When a child is in the hospital, fear and anxiety can get in the way of healing. Phoenix Children’s is using a therapeutic arts program to change that by offering free music therapy sessions to patients of all ages.

Board-certified music therapists work directly with each child’s care team. They use music to help patients manage pain, navigate their emotions, reduce stress, and improve communication.

“I feel really special being able to be the one to facilitate the music experience and see how music is so beneficial in promoting the health and healing of our patients and families,” Jules, a board-certified music therapist, said.

Music therapy can also help children sharpen or regain neurological and motor skills and build social connections while they are in the hospital.

“The coolest thing about music is that it’s the only thing in the entire world that activates your entire brain at once,” Jules said.

The therapy provides a constant, comforting presence for children facing challenging medical situations.

“Music reaches us in a really special way that other things just can’t do,” Jules said.

“These kiddos are under such difficult circumstances all the time, and so being able to bring music, something that’s constant, whether they’re in the hospital or out of the hospital, music is the same wherever they go,” Jules said.

“Be able to bring that to them here and help them to meet their goals using that is so special,” Jules said.

For 14 years, ABC15 has had the honor of helping raise money for Phoenix Children’s Hospital through our annual Telethon.

We hope you will consider making a donation to the ABC15 Telethon Benefiting Phoenix Children’s on Wednesday, April 15.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KNXV verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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 Chandi Chapman

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    GREENSBURG, Pennsylvania (WTAE) — Dr. David Vincent Ream II celebrated his 34th birthday by delivering two sets of twins at Independence Health System Westmoreland Hospital on Wednesday.

The two families, Jenna and Taylor Campbell and Raymond and Elizabeth Harr, welcomed a boy and a girl each into their families.

“It’s double the fun, double the feeding, double everything, but double the love, so we are excited,” Jenna Campbell said.

The Harrs shared their surprise at the timing of the delivery.

“I never thought that. And then, once we were closer, he was like, ‘Oh yeah, you’re scheduled on my birthday.’ As soon as I saw him on Wednesday, I said, ‘Happy birthday,'” Elizabeth Harr said.

“Twins are always a fun delivery. It’s always a little bit more exciting to deliver twins, and to have two on my birthday,” Ream said.

The day was made even more special by the presence of Dr. Beth Maxwell, who delivered Ream 34 years ago.

Reflecting on his work and the full-circle moment, Ream said, “If I can’t be with mine, I’d rather bring other families some happiness.”

Ream plans to celebrate his birthday for the second time with his family at a nice dinner.

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 Isaiah Sharp

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    MERIDIAN, Idaho (KIVI) — Idaho saw one of its warmest winters this past season, leaving the state in a snow drought. Low elevation ranges are seeing some of the lowest snowpack ever recorded, and it’s already having impacts.

According to the Department of Water Resources (DWR), Idaho’s snowpack could be the worst the state has ever seen.

“Idaho is looking at the lowest snowpack on record for April 1st,” said David Hoekema, a hydrologist with DWR. “The snowpack is our largest reservoir, and so for the first two months of the irrigation season, irrigators typically rely on the melt out of that reservoir to meet irrigation demand.”

Idaho did see average rainfall over the winter season, which helps. Idaho’s reservoir systems are looking good to carry some of the weight, but the snowpack is still a necessity, and farmers are the first to feel it.

“Water used to be considered an infinite resource, and it was everywhere, but as everybody sees now, everybody is affected by drought and lack of water,” said Richard Durrant, a Meridian farmer.

The drought now forces those in the agriculture industry to consider timing, crop rotation, and next year’s strategy, especially if we see back-to-back years similar to this one.

“It can be detrimental. We are leaving out a couple hundred acres that we are not planting this year,” Meridian farmer Neil Durrant said, “If we get the same type of winter in spring going into next year, we could be leaving out half the acreage we farm.”

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.