Is it just me, or was the beginning of August a jump scare for everyone else, too? Time feels like it’s passing at 2x the speed and I can assure you, this is not how quickly I planned to spend my one wild and precious summer. But I’m ready to make the most of my jam-packed schedule by saying “yes” more (and not just in a Shonda Rhimes way), and being outside. Even if it’s just for a walk, experts say it’s this type of stroll, not one solely focused on “getting 10,000 steps in,” that can offer the most long-term health benefits. Speaking of a crowded calendar, five states will hold primaries this week, and there's a new one-issue voter that's making candidates on both sides of the aisle sweat. But tonight, all eyes are on South Carolina. The five GOP candidates hoping to fill the late Sen. Lindsay Graham's shoes will meet for a high-stakes debate — and President Donald Trump will test the power of his presidential endorsement yet again. Now, on to the news…
— Kylie McConville / VP, Editorial / Astoria, NY
Put It In The Bank
Someone’s Gotta Give
What's going on: If we had Uncle Sam posters for 2026, they might say your country wants you... to give blood. Last week, the American Red Cross (ARC) declared its second-ever national blood crisis in its 145-year history. In response, the nation’s top blood supplier is rationing all remaining Type O blood (including O-negative, the only “universal” blood type). And, the org has less than a day’s worth of type O-positive blood left, which makes up 60% of its supply and is used by about 80% of patients. ARC says someone in the US needs blood “every two seconds” for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, etc. If the shortage gets more severe, that would mean delayed surgeries and limited transfusions for patients, including expecting and postpartum mothers.
How’d it get so bad?: Usually, demand for blood rises in the summer due to “trauma season.” More time outdoors equals more accidents. But a few factors make this summer especially bad — and it's all thanks to climate change. Extreme heat, poor air quality, and foodborne illnesses like cyclospora have contributed to a historically low donor turnout. The ARC says tens of thousands of donors showed up in recent days to fill up a vial (or three). But the organization fears the shortage will continue — even though 62% of Americans are eligible to donate, only 3% do. So, they're pulling out all the stops: In July, they offered donors free movie tickets; in August, it’s Amazon gift cards (with a bonus for type O-verachievers).
