[Sept. 11, 2023] — The American Red Cross is experiencing a national blood shortage. Fewer donors than needed gave this summer, drawing down the national blood supply and reducing distributions of some of the most needed blood types to hospitals. Hurricane Idalia further strained the blood supply with blood drive cancellations and reduced blood and platelet donations in affected areas.  

 

Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, and there is an emergency need for platelet donors and type O blood donors to make an appointment to give now to ensure patients across the country continue to receive critical medical care.  

 

When Idalia slammed into the Southeast – leading to widespread power outages, travel hazards and flooding – the storm also forced the cancellation of over a dozen blood drives and caused hundreds of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. This compounded a shortfall of about 30,000 donations in August. Right now, blood product distributions to hospitals are outpacing the number of blood donations coming in. 

 

The Red Cross needs blood and platelet donors now. Schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

 

In thanks for helping rebuild the blood supply, all who come to give Sept. 1-18 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Those who come to give throughout September will also receive a coupon for a free haircut by email, thanks to Sport Clips Haircuts. Plus, they’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a VIP NASCAR racing experience. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/RaceToGive. 

 

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month

One in 3 African American blood donors is a match for people with sickle cell disease. To help ensure patients have the blood products they need, the Red Cross launched the Sickle Cell Initiative in 2021 to grow the number of blood donors who are Black and improve health outcomes for patients. Together, longtime and first-time blood donors are helping patients with sickle cell manage their symptoms and showing support for their community. 

 

Joined by Blood is the initiative’s focus during Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September and continues through October. This year, the Red Cross is proud to partner with organizations focused on mentorship, including 100 Black Men of America, Inc.; Kier’s Hope Foundation, Inc.; historically Black colleges and universities and member organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council; as well as the Black Radio Hall of Fame and others, who are all showing up for patients with sickle cell by hosting blood drives. To learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood. 

 

How to donate blood 

To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

 

Amplify your impact − volunteer

A stable blood and platelet supply is critical to national preparedness. Additionally, as we are in the beginning of what is expected to be another active hurricane season, the Red Cross urges everyone to get ready now and consider becoming a volunteer to help people affected by the growing number of climate-driven disasters. 

 

Support impacted communities by assisting at Red Cross shelters, using your professional skills as a licensed health care provider or becoming a member of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team. To learn more, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

Authorities say escaped murderer Danelo Souza Cavalcante stole a rifle from a garage, fled a homeowner’s gunfire, and is on the run in suburban Philadelphia. Police have closed roads Tuesday and are telling residents to lock their doors. They say they have set up a new search area in the nearly 2-week-old manhunt. They say about 500 law enforcement personnel searching or guarding an 8- to 10-square mile area roughly 30 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Cavalcante escaped from the Chester County jail Aug. 31 after being sentenced to life for killing an ex-girlfriend in 2021.

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing the closure of the I-279 and I-579 High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes in Ross Township and the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, is underway Monday, September 11.

All of the HOV lanes have closed to traffic until further notice as crews conduct inspections of the system along I-279 and I-579.

The HOV lanes are used to reduce congestion along Interstate 279 (Parkway North) by promoting ridesharing via carpooling, van pooling, or public transportation.

FILE – A sign is shown on a Google building at their campus in Mountain View, Calif., on Sept. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Google will confront a threat to its dominant search engine beginning Tuesday when federal regulators launch an attempt to dismantle its internet empire in the biggest U.S. antitrust trial in a quarter century. Over the next 10 weeks, federal lawyers and state attorneys general will try to prove Google rigged the market in its favor by locking its search engine in as the default choice in a plethora of places and devices.

A package of Paqui OneChipChallenge spicy tortilla chips is seen on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023, in Boston. Authorities are raising the alarm about a OneChipChallenge social media trend that encourages people to avoid seeking relief from eating and drinking for as long as possible after eating the chips, days after a Massachusetts teenager died hours after taking part in the challenge. The dare is popular on social media sites, with scores of people including children unwrapping the packaging, eating the chips and reacting to the heat. (AP Photo/Steve LeBlanc)

NEW YORK (AP) — A tortilla chip maker’s decision to pull its extremely spicy product sold as a “One Chip Challenge” from store shelves following the death of a Massachusetts teen has renewed attention on the popularity — and risks — of similar dares marketed by brands and spread widely online. Spicy food challenges have been around for years. From local chile pepper eating contests to restaurant walls of fame for those who finished extra hot dishes, people around the world have been daring each other to eat especially fiery foods. But extremely spicy products created and marketed solely for the challenges — and possible internet fame — is a more recent phenomenon, and teens are particularly exposed to them because of social media.

FILE – The DraftKings logo is displayed at the sports betting company headquarters, May 2, 2019, in Boston. DraftKings apologized Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, after using the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks to entice people to bet on baseball and football games on the anniversary of the tragedy that killed nearly 3,000 people. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Sports betting company DraftKings has apologized after using the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks to entice people to bet on baseball and football games. The Boston-based company offered users a 9/11-themed promotion titled “Never Forget.” It required the Yankees, Mets and Jets to win their games Monday. That is the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon and the downing of a passenger jet in a field in Pennsylvania. The tragedy killed nearly 3,000 people. An outcry on social media from people offended by the promotion followed. DraftKings later took it down and apologized.

This photo provided by the Chester County Prison shows Danelo Cavalcante. Cavalcante, convicted this month of fatally stabbing his girlfriend escaped Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 from the suburban Philadelphia prison and prosecutors say he is also wanted in his native Brazil in a separate slaying. (Chester County Prison via AP)

Authorities in Pennsylvania who have been trying to capture an escaped murderer for nearly two weeks say they’re shifting to a longer-term strategy and defended their efforts to this point. Robert Clark, the supervisor of the U.S. Marshals fugitive task force in Philadelphia, said during a news conference Monday that law enforcement teams have the advantage now that Danelo Souza Cavalcante is apparently in suburban Philadelphia rather than the heavily wooded and more complicated terrain of the initial search area. This comes after police say Cavalcante slipped through the search perimeter, stole a delivery van and abandoned it about 20 miles north. Cavalcante escaped from prison on Aug. 31 after being sentenced to life for killing an ex-girlfriend in 2021.

Steven Tyler of Aerosmith performs during night one of their “Peace Out: The Farewell Tour” on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Aerosmith has postponed a half-dozen dates on their farewell tour because frontman Steven Tyler injured his vocal cords during a performance. Tyler announced Monday on Instagram that he suffered damage during a Saturday show in New York that led to bleeding and doctor’s said he can’t sing for 30 days. Tyler said he’s “heartbroken.” Aerosmith, known for a slew hits including “Dream On” and “Sweet Emotion,” was in the midst of a 40-stop “Peace Out” farewell tour in the U.S. and Canada. A half-dozen shows have been postponed to late January through February.

Beaver County, PA – Golf enthusiasts and sports aficionados alike eagerly await the highly- anticipated Beaver County Amateur Golf Tournament at the picturesque Seven Oaks Country Club on October 11, 2023. With a $5,000 purse, this exciting event promises to bring together amateur golfers from around the region for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie against the backdrop of Beaver County’s stunning landscapes.

The Beaver County Amateur Golf Tournament, organized by the Department of Recreation and Tourism, is set to showcase the exceptional talent of local amateur golfers. Seven Oaks Country Club provides the perfect setting for this event, with its challenging course and breathtaking views, creating an unforgettable experience for both participants and spectators.

“We are thrilled to host the Beaver County Amateur Golf Tournament at Seven Oaks Country Club. This tournament not only highlights the beauty of our County but also gives amateur golfers a chance to shine. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase Beaver County’s ability to host first-class sports events, and of course, to celebrate our shared passion for golf,” expressed Tony Caltury, Director of Recreation and Tourism.

The format for the tournament will be 36 holes of Medal Play, open to all amateurs, a USGA handicap index is highly encouraged but not a requirement. All play will be scratch within designated flight.

“Our course is designed to challenge golfers of all skill levels, making it the ideal location for this tournament. I look forward to seeing talented amateurs take on the course, showcasing their dedication to the sport.  Events like this tournament strengthen the golfing community,” said Jason Hummel, Seven Oaks’ Head Golf Professional.

Seven Oaks Country Club sits on 740 acres of Beaver County’s rolling hills and provides a challenging and fun golf experience for everyone. The back tees sit just over 6,800 yards and winds you up, down, and through nature on its always well-kept and interesting layout.

“The Beaver County Amateur Golf Tournament is a testament to the vibrant spirit of our County. We’re proud to support events that promote healthy competition and a sense of togetherness. This tournament highlights the charm of Beaver County while fostering a strong sense of community pride,” added Beaver County Commissioner Chairman, Daniel Camp III.

Entry forms must be received by October 1, 2023. The field will be limited to the first 100 players. Each flight must have a minimum of eight entries to hold that flight. Entries submitted after the entry deadline will be placed on a waiting list with priority given to the Championship flight. USGA rules will govern all play with the exception of local rules.

Entry fee is $150 per player and includes: 2 Rounds of Golf and Carts, Range Balls, Prizes & Awards. Food will be provided after the first round. Tee times will begin with the Championship Flight at 9 AM off Hole 1.  One practice round will be available October 3rd-6th for the fee of $50 and can be scheduled by calling the Pro Shop at Seven Oaks at 724-495-2770; any other practice rounds will be at the regular unaccompanied guest rates.

The Beaver County Amateur Golf Tournament promises a competitive day of golf and the opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the region and the talent of its amateur athletes.

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio News Director. Published September 12, 2023 8:14 A.M.

(Hookstown, Pa) State Police were dispatched to a robbery Monday at Johnstown Market on Pine Street in Hookstown. It was stated that just before 10pm, an unknown male wearing all black, and covering his face entered the store and brandished a knife, demanding the clerk open the register. The robber took approximately $1000 and then proceeded to attempt to steal a shotgun that was behind the counter. Police say the man then fled and headed towards Hookstown. Police have yet to identify or capture the suspect.