Garbage truck explosion caused by lithium battery
Officials in Arlington Heights have released the cause of a garbage truck explosion that injured three first responders last December.
According to the Arlington Heights Fire Department, the fire inside the garbage truck likely started because a lithium battery was improperly thrown away.
The blast on Dec. 6 shook homes and scattered debris.
Paused pipe replacement program report to be released
Utility Regulators at the Illinois Commerce Commission are expected to issue a final decision Thursday in their year-long investigation into the Peoples Gas pipe replacement program.
In November 2023, citing delays, cost-overruns, and concern that the program was not properly prioritizing addressing safety risks, the ICC paused the program and ordered the investigation. Consumer advocates said the decision will not immediately reset rates but could have a significant impact on future Peoples Gas rates.
Bill would require insurance to pay for car seats, cribs
Legislation has been introduced in Springfield that would require all health insurance plans to pay for car seats and cribs.
The measure would ensure that every Illinois mother that has private or Medicaid insurance has access to a car seat and crib after the birth of their child.
Insurance companies would be required to reimburse new mothers for the purchase of an approved car seat or crib or provide a car seat or crib directly to them.
