This week on Kankakee Podcast News, host Drew Raisor brings you the latest from around the region. River Valley Metro unveils a $9 million bus maintenance garage in Bourbonnais, funded through the Rebuild Illinois program and designed to expand capacity for its 26-bus fleet. Following the tragic school shooting in Minneapolis, Catholic leaders in northern Illinois are urging schools to strengthen security policies and develop long-term safety measures. Herscher prepares for its 104th annual Labor Day Celebration, a four-day event packed with music, sports, parades, and small-town tradition. At Mound Grove Cemetery, costumed performers brought history to life during the biennial “Voices of the Past” walk, highlighting notable figures who shaped Kankakee County. And police arrest two Kankakee women in connection with the Crestlane Drive shooting that left a mother and son injured earlier this month.

Brought to you by Meineke Car Care in Bourbonnais, King Music in Bradley, Stefari Coffee House and the Alkebulan History Center in Kankakee.

Have news to share with us or would like to become a sponsor? Email: [email protected].

This week on Kankakee Podcast News, host Drew Raisor highlights the top stories shaping the community. Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School earns recognition as the top-ranked high school in Kankakee County in the latest U.S. News & World Report listings, showing major academic gains in state and national standings. Restoration efforts at the historic Jaffe Drugs building downtown continue to face setbacks, including asbestos abatement and stalled facade work. In Bourbonnais, Commander Jason Sztuba is officially promoted to deputy police chief following unanimous approval by village trustees. Meanwhile, Manteno’s Village Board narrowly rejects a proposal to purchase a new pavilion kit for the Square on Second after debate over costs and maintenance responsibilities. And Bourbonnais caps off its 150th anniversary with the Food Truck Fest, drawing crowds for a night of cuisine, family activities, and live music featuring classic acts across the decades. Proudly sponsored by Stefari Coffeehouse and the Alkebulan History Center.

Brought to you by Meineke Car Care in Bourbonnais, King Music in Bradley, Stefari Coffee House and the Alkebulan History Center in Kankakee.

Have news to share with us or would like to become a sponsor? Email: [email protected].

This week on Kankakee Podcast News, host Drew Raisor covers the latest headlines from around the county. A single-vehicle crash in Herscher claims the life of a local man. The Kankakee River Valley Regatta makes its long-awaited return this Labor Day weekend, bringing national-level powerboat racing back to the community. Bradley’s National Night Out draws thousands for food, music, giveaways, and fireworks. In Manteno, the Village Board narrowly votes to allow Sunday liquor sales starting at 9 a.m. The Bradley IHOP is shut down following the discovery of major structural issues, including broken roof trusses and mold. And after more than two years of construction, the $13.8 million Armour Road and Bradley Boulevard intersection project is officially complete. Proudly sponsored by Stefari Coffeehouse and the Alkebulan History Center

Brought to you by Meineke Car Care in Bourbonnais, King Music in Bradley, Stefari Coffee House and the Alkebulan History Center in Kankakee.

Have news to share with us or would like to become a sponsor? Email: [email protected].

This week on Kankakee Podcast News, host Drew Raisor covers the top stories making headlines across the county. A nearly $10 million bond sale advances through the Kankakee City Council, aiming to support road repairs and emergency services. ComEd’s $10 million Customer Relief Fund closes just two weeks after launching due to overwhelming demand. In Manteno, a 20-year-old man is arrested following an alleged knifepoint robbery. Legal proceedings move forward in the lawsuit surrounding the proposed Gotion EV battery plant, with the case now entering the discovery phase. Downtown Kankakee is set to welcome a second New York City Deli location, bringing new energy to South Schuyler Avenue. Proudly sponsored by Stefari Coffeehouse and the Alkebulan History Center.

Brought to you by Meineke Car Care in Bourbonnais, King Music in Bradley, Stefari Coffee House and the Alkebulan History Center in Kankakee.

Have news to share with us or would like to become a sponsor? Email: [email protected].

This week on Kankakee Podcast News, Drew Raisor covers a busy week across the county. A Kankakee County Sheriff’s deputy is injured during a traffic stop gone wrong in Bourbonnais. Anne Pramaggiore, former CEO of ComEd, is sentenced in the state’s high-profile bribery scandal involving Mike Madigan. Plus, the Greater Kankakee Airport is temporarily shut down after an unauthorized entry, and Bradley explores a 5% amusement tax that could impact venues like 315 Sports Park and future attractions.

We also preview the upcoming National Night Out celebration at Perry Farm Park, including music, food, giveaways, and fireworks. 

Sponsored by Stefari Coffeehouse and the Alkebulan History Center.

Brought to you by Meineke Car Care in Bourbonnais, King Music in Bradley, Stefari Coffee House and the Alkebulan History Center in Kankakee.

Have news to share with us or would like to become a sponsor? Email: [email protected].

In this week’s Kankakee Podcast News, Guest host Andrew McBurnie covers the headlines for Friday, July 25th, 2025. This episode dives into the heated Manteno Village Board meeting as residents call for unity, a high-speed carjacking chase that ended in a crash in Bradley, and a powerful “Good Trouble Lives On” rally honoring John Lewis’s legacy. Plus, details on the newly approved city budget and everything you need to know about this weekend’s Merchant Street MusicFest.

Brought to you by Stefari Coffeehouse — now open in the Majestic, downtown Kankakee.

Brought to you by Meineke Car Care in Bourbonnais, King Music in Bradley, Stefari Coffee House and the Alkebulan History Center in Kankakee.

Have news to share with us or would like to become a sponsor? Email: [email protected].

On this week’s Kankakee Podcast News, host Drew Raisor dives into Bradley’s $6.5 million plan to redevelop Northfield Square Mall, the first confirmed case of West Nile virus in Kankakee County, and major storm damage at 315 Sports Park. We also cover two suspected arsons under investigation, the uncertain future of the JUMP! youth mentoring program after losing federal funding, and your weekend rundown of local music, events, and sports. Brought to you by Stefari Coffeehouse and the Alkebulan History Center.

Brought to you by Meineke Car Care in Bourbonnais, King Music in Bradley, Stefari Coffee House and the Alkebulan History Center in Kankakee.

Have news to share with us or would like to become a sponsor? Email: [email protected].

On this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, host Drew Raisor breaks down the top local stories making headlines across the region. Johnsonville shocks the community with the sudden closure of its Momence plant, displacing 274 workers. In Limestone, Hawkins Park reopens after a $1.2 million renovation, while Manteno officials debate the future of garbage and tax rebates. We also cover the latest SNAP work requirement changes and their impact on Illinois families, a devastating house fire on Kankakee’s north side, and Austin McCarty’s emotional Fourth of July win at Kankakee Speedway.

Plus, don’t miss local events happening this weekend, including live music, races, and more — all brought to you by Stefari Coffeehouse and the Alkebulan History Center.

Brought to you by Meineke Car Care in Bourbonnais, King Music in Bradley, Stefari Coffee House and the Alkebulan History Center in Kankakee.

Have news to share with us or would like to become a sponsor? Email: [email protected].

This week on Kankakee Podcast News, we begin with a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming production of Godspell at "The Grove", directed by Matt and Andrew McBurnie—a unique father-son collaboration bringing heart and hope to the stage. Then, we celebrate another big win for rising boxing star JoJo Awinongya of Joliet, who adds another national title to his name and gears up for international competition. We also visit Manteno for its inspiring Disability Football Camp, where athletes of all abilities come together for a day of teamwork and fun. Finally, we head to the diamond for highlights from the Illinois Coaches Association Senior Baseball All-Star Game, featuring some of the region’s top graduating talent.

Brought to you by Meineke Car Care in Bourbonnais, King Music in Bradley, Stefari Coffee House and the Alkebulan History Center in Kankakee.

Have news to share with us or would like to become a sponsor? Email: [email protected].

This week on Kankakee Podcast News: The Bourbonnais Friendship Festival kicks off its 50th anniversary celebration with five days of rides, music, and fireworks. IDOT warns drivers about dangerous road buckling from extreme heat. A Kankakee man is arrested with a stolen, modified firearm; a stabbing in Bradley leads to two arrests and drug charges; and the Manteno village board rejects a new attorney while approving oversized signage for Gotion. Plus, what’s playing live this weekend—courtesy of King Music.

Brought to you by Meineke Car Care in Bourbonnais, King Music in Bradley, Stefari Coffee House and the Alkebulan History Center in Kankakee.

Have news to share with us or would like to become a sponsor? Email: [email protected].