'Purple Drank' Sends Kids to Hospital | Patch PM

Stories worth talking about tonight.

'Purple Drank' Mix Sends Middle School Students to Hospital

A homemade batch of “Purple Drank” – a mix of vodka, NyQuil and Jolly Ranchers – made popular by rappers sickened a half-dozen Montgomery County middle school students on Friday.

The students at Francis Scott Key Middle School in Silver Spring drank the blend brought by a student to school. It causes euphoria, but can also cause seizures and trouble breathing. Rescue crews checked 12 to 15 students, and took six to an area hospital for treatment. >>> Read more.

Tempers Boil Over Need to Install AC in Schools

The latest round in an ongoing battle over getting air conditioning installed in all of the state’s schools heated up this week as Baltimore area officials argued with a state board’s push for speedier changes.

In Baltimore County, 34 public schools don’t have air conditioning, forcing kids to “endure conditions that are unsafe, unhealthy and inhumane,” according to state Comptroller Peter Franchot. >> Read more.

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3 Die from Heroin Overdoses in 19 Hours: Harford Sheriff

• Harford County authorities said they responded to four heroin overdoses on Saturday. Find out how to get help.

Lucky Duckling Saved By Montgomery Firefighters

• While Montgomery County firefighters were at Leisure World to promote safety messages, they also rescued a baby duck.

Belcamp Store Sells $1M Mega Millions Ticket

• Did you buy a Mega Millions ticket for Friday's drawing? Someone who purchased one in Harford County may have a $1M surprise.

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Across Patch:

FitBits, Hiking Boots, WiFi Extender: Monday's Best Deals

Gator Busted Chomping On Stolen Watermelon

Hero Dog Saved 7-Year-Old From Rattlesnake

Patch PM shares a few of the day’s must-read items from our Maryland network and beyond. The Patch community platform covers communities across the state.