Blood Donations Hit Four-Year Low in Massachusetts, Red Cross Warns

FOXBOROUGH — Massachusetts blood banks are grappling with what the Red Cross calls a multiyear low point for summer donations, a shortfall hospitals are already feeling, according to a report carried by Foxborough Patch. Meanwhile, roster turnover continued at Gillette Stadium as the Patriots parted ways with a linebacker and trade chatter built around a wide receiver already flagged for a season of uncertainty.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

"MA Blood Donors Urgently Needed As Red Cross Declares National Crisis" — The Red Cross says donations have slipped to their lowest summer point in four years and aren't keeping pace with hospital demand, prompting an urgent regional appeal for donors, per Foxborough Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/foxborough/s/kkvsc/ma-blood-donors-urgently-needed-as-red-cross-declares-national-crisis).

"Patriots release linebacker, opening up roster spot heading into second week of camp" — The team cut linebacker Otis Reese as it continues to shape its depth chart during training camp at Gillette Stadium, according to 98.5 The Sports Hub (read it at https://985thesportshub.com/2026/07/31/patriots-release-linebacker-training-camp-otis-reese/).

"Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte Requested Trade in April: Report" — Heavy Sports reports receiver Kayshon Boutte sought a trade months before training camp even opened, a storyline that has since drawn interest from rival front offices. Several other outlets, including Yahoo Sports and Gridiron Heroics, also covered the swirling trade speculation this week (read it at https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/new-england-patriots/patriots-kayshon-boutte-trade-request-april/).

Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.