The American Red Cross says it is facing its worst blood shortage in more than a decade. Red Cross officials said yesterday that donations are down due to severe winter weather and the latest surge in COVID-19 cases nationwide. Red Cross Medical Director Dr. Baia Lasky said they need blood and platelet donations for all blood types with a specific need for type O. The organization is asking healthy individuals of all blood types to give as soon as possible by making an appointment through the Red Cross app or by calling 1-800-Red-Cross.
The Tennessee Department of Health is expected to update the state’s weekly COVID-19 numbers today. Last Wednesday, TDH reported over 94-hundred cases per day for the week prior. There were also more than 60 deaths per day between December 26th and January 1st. The department transitioned from daily updates to weekly last week.
The TBI is investigating a shooting involving two Dickson County Sheriff’s Office deputies. A man was shot in Tennessee City while deputies were trying to serve him with a warrant. Authorities say the deputies shot the man after he pulled a gun. The deputies weren’t hurt and the man was flown to a Nashville hospital in stable condition yesterday afternoon.
A Middle Tennessee man pleaded guilty Tuesday to a single misdemeanor charge stemming from his role in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. Federal court documents show that Blake Austin Reed admitted he illegally entered the Capitol after rioters forced their way past police barricades and broke open a door. Reed was seen wearing a respirator mask in photos and videos taken during the riot. The Nashville builder faces up to six months in jail when sentenced, although he could also potentially be placed on probation. Other charges against him were dropped as a result of the plea agreement.
