Illinois quick hits: Freight derailment cancels Amtrak services; hospital official charged with embezzlement

Freight derailment cancels Amtrak services

A derailed freight train is causing Amtrak to cancel multiple train routes out of Illinois Tuesday.

A freight train derailed east of Chicago and blocked several routes. The affected lines, operating out of Union Station, are trains headed to Michigan. Trains destined for Pontiac, Port Huron and Grand Rapids were canceled.

The company said it was arranging for alternate bus transportation.

Hospital official charged with embezzlement

A former hospital executive is charged with helping embezzle nearly a half million dollars during the pandemic.

Heather Bergdahl was Loretto Hospital’s chief transformation officer. She is accused of issuing thousands of dollars in checks to companies run by a former top executive at the hospital, even though the companies hadn’t performed work for the hospital.

The charges are the first from an ongoing investigation into Loreto’s COVID-19 vaccination program, after officials admitted to giving COVID vaccinations to people who were not eligible to receive them.

Red Lobster locations close

Two Red Lobster restaurants in Illinois abruptly closed their doors Monday in the wake of reports that the seafood chain may file for bankruptcy.

According to the company website, locations in Danville and Bloomingdale have closed. They are among at least 50 Red Lobster restaurants that have shut down operations nationwide.