18 Jun 2026

As World Sickle Cell Day Approaches, Red Cross Encourages Blood Donation to Support Patients Living with the Disease

By Mara Thompson

MOLINE, ILLINOIS (June 18, 2026) — When Brandis Clayton Virgial and Halema Townsend first met through Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in 2023, they quickly bonded over their shared commitment to service.

During a private conversation, they discovered something even more meaningful: Both were living with sickle cell disease.

“Halema came to me in confidence and told me that she also had sickle cell,” Brandis recalled.

27 Apr 2026

Millions Face Elevated Tornado Risk; Follow These Safety Steps

By Mara Thompson

MOLINE, ILLINOIS (April 27, 2026) — Millions of people across Illinois and the greater Midwest face an extremely high risk — four out of five — of dangerous, long-track tornadoes through the rest of today into tonight. The American Red Cross is closely monitoring conditions across the region, with disaster teams on standby and ready to respond if needed.

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