Chatham driver toxicology negative
Illinois State Police are reporting that initial toxicology tests are negative for alcohol and controlled substances for the woman who drove into a school building, killing four children in Chatham.
On April 28, 44-year-old Marianne Akers drove through a field before slamming into the building just south of Springfield. Of the six additional children injured in the crash, two have been released from the hospital. Police said the investigation is ongoing and no charges have been filed.
Hospital safety report
Over two dozen Illinois hospitals received a top safety grade in a new report from a watchdog group.
Nearly 3,000 hospitals across the country are evaluated twice a year by the group Leapfrog and given a letter grade based on their ability to protect patients from everything from medical errors to infections. In Illinois, 25 hospitals earned “A” grades with a majority of them in the Chicago area.
Hazardous waste collections
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is announcing three upcoming household hazardous waste one-day collection locations.
Residents participating are encouraged to bring chemical cleaners, oil-based paints, thinners, antifreeze, motor oil, weed killers, insecticides, and pesticides, and similar hazardous household products. Fluorescent and other high-intensity discharge lamps may also be brought to the collections.
The first event will be held Saturday in Belleville, with upcoming events being held in Peoria and Crystal Lake.
