Author: CNN Newsource

By Paula Ebben

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    METHUEN, Massachusetts (WBZ) — When you drive past Methuen Memorial Music Hall in Methuen, Massachusetts, you might think it’s an old city building. But it was built by a very wealthy local man just to house one spectacular instrument.

The hall is the home to “The Great Organ,” the first concert organ in the United States.

Organist Fred MacArthur said its greatness lies in its history, age, and sound. Even the organ’s intricate carved case is one of the most recognized in the world.

“If you were to show this to any organist, anywhere, they would say ‘Methuen,'” MacArthur said.

How such a prized organ ended up in this town 30 miles north of Boston is the story of changing musical tastes, rapidly changing times and one man’s passion to save an important piece of American musical history.

The organ was built by E.F. Walcker and Company in Ludwigsburg, Germany during the Civil War for the Boston Music Hall, which is now the Orpheum Theater. The case is carved out of wood from the Black Forest, which could not be reproduced today.

The hall’s executive director, Ashley Haseltine, said when well-to-do Bostonians took “the Grand Tour” of Europe in the mid-1800s, they heard impressive concert organs and wanted to bring the sound back to Boston.

MacArthur pointed out The Great Organ arrived in a time when daily life was free of the modern sounds of cars, machines, or any recorded music.

“I think attending concerts back then was much more emotional,” said MacArthur, “because they didn’t very often hear live instruments.”

By pulling out the various stops on the organ console created in Germany, concertgoers heard reeds, flutes, or violins often for the very first time. Hence the expression, “pulling out all the stops,” which meant to create an overwhelming sound with an organ.

“People would travel – and still do – multiple days to hear this organ played,” said Haseltine.

The Great Organ was state of the art in 1863, with more than 6,000 pipes and 85 stops, which, when pulled, force air up through a huge but intricate bellows with electropneumatic action and slider windchests that create its distinct sounds.

After 21 years, however, times had changed, and the massive organ was crowding out the newly formed Boston Symphony Orchestra in the 1880s.

“Over time,” Haseltine said, “as the orchestra was ready to expand, the organ got booted out, traded up and put into storage for several years.”

Methuen millionaire and interior designer Edward Frances Searles, an organist himself, jumped at the chance to buy The Great Organ as a showpiece for his hometown. Searles built the music hall just to house it, and he did it with flair.

“He really took care when he was designing the interior of the hall to match the grandeur of the organ, including specific architects and engineers that designed an acoustic bounce throughout the space, so we don’t need any microphones for our concerts in here,” said Haseltine.

The concert hall was dedicated in 1909 and became a non-profit cultural center in 1946.

Searles also owned an organ company, which has since burned down. It once operated in what is now the hall’s parking lot. The organ inside the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. was made there on the property and is a copy of the Great Organ.

The hall has hosted a summer series that began right after World War II. The fall variety series culminates with an always sold-out Christmas concert, and it can be rented for weddings and memorial services. And as Searles intended, all Methuen fourth-graders get a musical history lesson in the building every spring.

“Mr. Searles’ mission was a lot of community, bringing art to the local Merrimack Valley and supporting children and really connecting all of those pieces together, so that’s been the forefront driving the board ever since,” said Haseltine.

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By Nikki Hauser

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    NASHVILLE (WTVF) — Last month, Vanderbilt University Medical Center identified a life-saving way to improve medical procedures in real time.

In a brand-new clinical trial, the Head and Neck surgery team at VUMC is using an intraoperative PET-CT scanner inside the operating room.

Inside an oral cancer surgery, Dr. Michael Topf explained that the use of the scanner — which shows the cancer in its entirety — is making history. His team is the first to introduce it into the OR in the United States.

“This technology…it will potentially allow us to know we removed all of the cancer in real time during the surgical operation in a matter of 8-10 minutes,” he explained.

Before this trial — which is still very much in its early stages — scans would be sent to pathology after surgery, a process that could take weeks to return data.

The novel approach adds another element of surprise, too: Radioactivity. In surgery, the patient gets a small dose of a radioactive agent, which allows the tumor, once removed, to be visible on the scan.

Marcus Balanky, the radiation safety officer, is tasked with monitoring radioactive levels in the room, making sure the entire team inside the OR is safe. In fact, each team member wears a special ring for radioactive monitoring.

“Since it’s a novel approach, it’s a new approach, we’re just getting data on the levels,” he explained.

With radioactivity managed, the scanner becomes a promising new asset, allowing for a thorough assessment of a cancer and its spread and saving time for surgeons and patients alike.

“These cancers can be really, really challenging, even for experienced surgeons. So you know, as many as 20-30% of cases, for advanced head/neck cancer cases, we do not get all the cancer,” said Dr. Topf. “So a device like this, and a protocol like this, really has the potential to improve patient outcomes.”

Their fourth surgery is planned in just a couple of weeks. Overall, Vanderbilt plans to do about 50 cases within the trial.

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By Erin Holly

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    CHESAPEAKE, Virginia (WTKR) — A Chesapeake Public Schools (CPS) bus driver was recently asked to resign after she posted a video with students to her personal social media.

The video depicts students doing a variety of handshakes with the driver. In the original video that was posted, the student’s faces were not covered. The original video has been deleted, and other versions of it with the children’s faces covered with emojis are circulating on social media.

In an emotional interview with WTKR News 3 Chesapeake reporter Erin Holly, Jessica Flowers said she loves her job and didn’t realize she had violated the school system’s social media policy.

“I’m here to make a difference,” she said. Flowers said she always greets students on her bus with a smile, a special handshake, and a smooth ride to school.

But after the video was posted to Flowers’ Facebook page, she was pulled into the office with school administrators and was told she was terminated.

She immediately took out her phone and offered to delete the video, but she said an administrator told her they have a “zero tolerance policy for posting kids on Facebook.”

“I took it down,” Flower said. “I said, ‘Please give me a second chance.’ That’s how what I said, I’m a single parent, which they probably don’t even matter. I work, I love my job, I love what I do right? Give me a second chance.”

Then she was offered the option to resign or be fired, Flowers said. She opted to resign.

CPS said its strict policy requires parental permission before publishing anything to social media, in addition to social media training, which they say she did not complete.

All CPS employees are expected to follow Board policies and regulations regarding student privacy, professional conduct, social media, and appropriate communication with students. Those policies include strict limits on photographing or filming students for personal social media. These policies also restrict one-to-one communication with students via personal devices. Our policies are publicly available on the School Board’s website.

In this case, the employee did not obtain parental permission before filming and posting a video of students to her personal social media account, relying instead on verbal consent from the students. She was assigned training on the appropriate use of social media and professional communication with students; however, she chose not to complete the required training.

Chesapeake Public Schools remains committed to maintaining clear and appropriate professional boundaries to safeguard students, support staff, and preserve the trust and integrity of the educational environment.

Chesapeake Public Schools

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By Romelo Styles

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    VIRGINIA BEACH (WTKR) — A Virginia Beach paramedic and mother has developed specialized emergency kits to help first responders better serve residents with autism and sensory challenges during medical emergencies.

Bailey Hartley, who works for Virginia Beach EMS and has a 4-year-old autistic son, created the COLT Kit after recognizing a communication gap between first responders and patients with special needs. The kit is named after her son Colt.

“When I became a special needs mom I kind of noticed there was a communication gap between our first responders and treating patients,” Hartley said.

Every ambulance serving Virginia Beach now carries one of these specially designed kits, which include noise-canceling headphones, sensory toys, sunglasses and communication charts. The tools are intended to comfort and calm patients during stressful emergency situations.

“I just noticed that gap, but I wanted to bridge that for the community and to help our first responders and support them with the resources that they need,” Hartley said.

The kits address the unique challenges faced by individuals with autism or sensory processing issues during emergencies. The combination of flashing lights, sirens and unfamiliar people entering their space can create overwhelming situations.

“Someone who may have a sensory issue on a day-to-day basis, they can be overstimulated, you add lights and sirens, and you add strangers coming into their home. You can augment that overstimulation for them,” Hartley said.

Since launching two months ago, the COLT Kits have been deployed four to five times to assist Virginia Beach families. The EMS team is tracking which items are most frequently used to potentially expand the program.

“Been out for two months, we recently deployed it. It’s been about four or five times. We are tracking to see what items are being most used, and we’re excited to see it grow. I think it will be a really good impact for those who need it, though,” Hartley said.

For Hartley, the project represents a personal mission to help her community while supporting fellow first responders.

“For me, it’s humbling and it’s exciting. I didn’t know anything about autism to be honest before I became a mom, let alone how to be a good care provider to a patient with autism,” Hartley said.

The COLT Kit initiative demonstrates how personal experience can drive meaningful change in emergency medical services, ensuring all Virginia Beach residents receive appropriate care during medical emergencies.

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By Spencer Wilson

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    Colorado (KCNC) — She’s fast, fierce and born right here in the Rocky Mountains. CU Boulder’s newest live mascot, Ralphie VII, nicknamed “Brandy” has officially made her debut, and her story starts miles away from Folsom Field at a quiet ranch near Coalmont, Colorado.

At Eagle’s Wing Ranch, Jim and Julie Beauprez have spent nearly two decades raising North American plains bison. When CU reached out to ask if the ranch would consider donating a calf to become the university’s next Ralphie, they didn’t hesitate. Jim laughed, remembering the no-brainer.

“We said, ‘Well, hell, Taylor, we’ve been waiting here about 17 years for you to call. Where do we sign?” Jim explained.

The calf, once known simply as no. 613, quickly stood out from the herd. The Beauprezs said she always seemed to follow them, showing off her personality and speed.

“She would just hover around us like, ‘I know you got a call,'” Jim said with a grin. “We don’t breed slow bison.”

“She is gorgeous,” Julie said. “She is beautiful, but she likes to have fun, and she’s kind. And, you know, she’s a good sport, clearly.”

Ralphie VII is the first Colorado-born Ralphie since Ralphie II back in 1987, and, when the Beauprezs saw their Ralphie thunder across Folsom Field for the first time, it was an emotional moment.

“I got goosebumps, and then I went up in tears,” Jim said. “To see her make that inaugural run and stick the landing like that — I don’t have the words.”

The Beauprezs could not be more proud to add to the lasting legacy of the live mascot.

For those wondering how CU’s most famous runner is treated, Jim put it plainly, “That animal is treated better than a lot of human beings I know. She’s loved. She’s revered. She’s practically royalty.”

You can see more of Ralphie VII’s first run and fan reactions from Folsom Field in our earlier CBS Colorado coverage.

For Jim, who attended CU in the 1990s and remembers watching earlier Ralphie runs from the stands, it felt like everything came full circle.

“To leave a mark like that on a university that’s meant so much to us, it means the world,” Jim said.

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By Denzen Cortez

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    SACRAMENTO, California (KCRA) — REACH Air Medical has released the names of those on board Monday’s helicopter crash along Highway 50 in Sacramento.

The pilot flying the H130 helicopter was 60-year-old Chad Millward, a former California Highway Patrol pilot. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are continuing to investigate what caused the aircraft to go down just minutes into its flight.

Claudia Rogers, a longtime family friend of Millward, told KCRA 3 that he was always busy serving others — whether through his work, church, or family.

“He was always working — if he wasn’t at church or with his family and doing all that — he was working,” Rogers said.

Rogers, who attended the same church as Millward years ago in Palo Cedro, described him as a man who treated everyone with kindness.

“He was kind to just everybody — not just members of our church, but everybody. And everybody loved Chad. And he got some big award,” she said.

That award was the Public Safety Medal of Valor, presented by then-Gov. Jerry Brown in 2018. Millward received the state’s highest honor for valor for his role in rescuing individuals during the 2017 Atlas Fire in Napa County.

Rogers said Millward’s humility stood out most.

“He never bragged about himself. He never said, like, ‘I did this,’ or ‘I did that.’ He was just such a humble, humble person,” she said.

All three people on board the helicopter — including Millward, flight nurse Suzie Smith, and paramedic Margaret “DeDe” Davis — remain hospitalized in critical condition as the investigation continues.

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By Corey Howard

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    ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (KOAT) — At the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Mark Yocom and his daughter, Rowan Yocom, are strengthening their bond as she trains to become one of the youngest hot air balloon pilots.

“This entire week is nothing but balloons. Even at home, it’s nothing but balloons. We even dress like balloons at home,” Mark Yocom said.

Mark, an Albuquerque native, started taking Rowan to the Balloon Fiesta nearly ten years ago, and at just 6-years-old, she became one of the youngest crew members at the event. Now, at 13, Rowan is officially a pilot in training, having completed her first flight a few months ago.

“Officially, the day that I can get my pilot’s license is when I turned 16,” Rowan said.

With her father by her side, Rowan experienced the thrill of her first flight, including a splash and dash maneuver, where the balloon touches the water.

“With a lot of help from dad, I got splash and dash, which is where we come down and touch the water with a lot of help. I did that on my first flight, and I was amazed. I was so happy,” Rowan said.

The father-daughter duo has traveled across the country to various ballooning events, further strengthening their bond.

“It’s amazing. I love being able to do this. I love being able to work the balloon and figure out how to work it. Learn the curve of burning and I just love being able to learn all this stuff, especially when I’m with my dad,” Rowan said.

“Oh goodness, you’re going make me start tearing up on you,” Mark said.

Rowan hopes to get her pilot’s license in three years and continue her father’s legacy.

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By Jose Fabian, Andrea Nakano

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    SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) — San Francisco police said they found four bodies inside a West Highlands home on Wednesday.

Police said they got a call from a relative of someone living in the home to do a welfare check. When officers arrived at the home on the 900 block of Monterey Boulevard, they found four bodies, police said.

Belinda Hanart, a resident in the area, said a family of four lived in the home, a mother, father and two daughters.

“It was a very normal family, with a very normal family routine,” she said. “Dropping kids off at school and coming back at the end of the afternoon. Nothing to be concerned about with this family.”

She said the only thing that was a bit off was that they were fairly quiet over the summer, but she said she assumed they were away for summer break. Then this week, her husband got concerned after trash day.

“My husband noticed that they took out the trash on Sunday as usual, but they didn’t take it back on Monday,” she said. “He noticed that yesterday and said that’s unusual. That’s it.”

Police said their homicide unit is investigating, and the San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will be investigating the cause and manner of death.

Police said the deaths appear to be an isolated incident, and there is no threat to the public.

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