Join Rob West for the latest WVLI News Update, covering breaking stories, local development, and safety reports across Kankakee and Bradley.

In this episode, Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis releases the city’s 2025 crime statistics, highlighting trends in shots fired and homicide rates. The Kankakee City Police report on weekend incidents, including an assault on an off-duty bouncer at a South Skylar Avenue bar and a shots-fired investigation on East Court Street.

In Bradley business news, Mayor Mike Watson and the Village Board confirm that the former Red Lobster on Route 50 will be demolished to make way for a new development, including a Dutch Bros Coffee and three other eateries. Plus, organizers tease details regarding the upcoming Bradley 315 Music Fest lineup.

Key Topics Covered:

• Kankakee Crime Statistics: Mayor Curtis breaks down 2025 data, reporting a significant drop in shots fired calls while addressing recent homicide investigations.
• Local Police Blotter: Details on a bar fight involving an off-duty bouncer and a separate shots-fired incident involving a white SUV.
• Bradley Development: Confirmation that Dutch Bros and new restaurants are replacing the former Red Lobster site on Route 50.
• State News: Senator Chris Balkema returns to Springfield to address the state budget, and Illinois State Police report a 31% decrease in interstate shootings with zero fatalities in 2025.
• Sports & Lifestyle: Chicago Bears playoff schedule, Blackhawks and Bulls updates, and a new study on canine behavior.

Stay informed with the top stories impacting Kankakee County.

Hear the unforgettable true stories of Kankakee County. Search for "This One Time in Kankakee" wherever you get your podcasts or click here: https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com

Join Rob West for the latest WVLI News Update, covering breaking crime stories, community alerts, and sports highlights across Kankakee, Iroquois, and Will counties.

In this episode, we cover significant legal developments in Chatsworth regarding a child pornography arrest, as well as a road rage incident in Crown Point, Indiana. We also provide updates on the United Way’s upcoming grant process and the suspension of CRIS Rural Transportation services.

In this episode:

• Chatsworth Investigation: Livingston County Sheriff's deputies arrest Jacob Monferdini on charges related to the possession and dissemination of child pornography.
• Crown Point Incident: Police investigate a stabbing resulting from a road rage altercation that left a Cedar Lake man hospitalized.
• Community Grants: The United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties announces the start of their granting process for 2026, focusing on health, education, and financial stability.
• Bradley Police Blotter: A Kankakee County Sheriff's drone assists Bradley Police in apprehending 18-year-old Carter M. Quigley, suspecting of breaking into vehicles on the southwest side.
• Scam Alert: A Manhattan resident narrowly avoids losing nearly $10,000 in a check fraud reimbursement scheme.
• Transit Update: The Iroquois County Board seeks volunteer drivers following the suspension of Chris Rural Transportation operations.
• Economy: A look at falling gas prices across Illinois and Indiana, with local averages for Kankakee, Ford, and Newton counties.
• Notable Night Sky News: Madeline Shepley from the Strickler Planetarium discusses the variable star Algal and the new moon.
• Sports Report: The Chicago Bears advance to face the Rams in the NFC divisional round, plus updates on the Blackhawks, Bulls, Fighting Illini, and the upcoming College Football Championship involving the Indiana Hoosiers.

Stay connected: Tune in for daily updates on news, weather, and sports.

Hear the unforgettable true stories of Kankakee County. Search for "This One Time in Kankakee" wherever you get your podcasts or click here: https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com

Join Rob West for this edition of the WVLI News Update, covering breaking weather alerts, local crime, and the latest community developments in Kankakee County and across Illinois.

In this episode, we track a special weather alert from the National Weather Service regarding dangerous wind gusts affecting travel in the region. We also provide a critical health update as the CDC reports high flu transmission rates across Illinois and Indiana, with advice from Kankakee County Health Department Administrator John Bevis on how to protect your family.

Topics covered in today’s broadcast:

• Weather Alert: Details on high winds gusting up to 50 mph and warnings for high-profile vehicles.
• Health Watch: Current statistics on the flu season and prevention tips from local health officials.
• Local Crime: A domestic disturbance call in Manteno leads to a gun arrest and shoplifting charges.
• Hospital Leadership: St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee announces Patrick Kerrwood as the new Chief Executive Officer.
• Politics: Republican Gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey outlines his budget blueprint, and State Rep. Jackie Haas introduces a new law for domestic violence support.
• Local News: Reports on a fire at the Shapiro Developmental Center and upcoming events at the Kankakee County Museum.
• Sports: Updates on the College Football Playoffs, Illini basketball, the postponed Bulls game, and a preview of the Bears vs. Packers NFC Wildcard matchup.

Timestamps: 0:00 - NWS High Wind Alert 0:24 - Flu Season Intensity & Prevention 1:32 - Darren Bailey’s Campaign Blueprint 1:57 - Manteno Police Make Gun Arrest 2:33 - New CEO at St. Mary’s Hospital 3:11 - National Quitters Day & Resolutions 4:09 - Fire Reported at Shapiro Developmental Center 4:26 - New Illinois Domestic Violence Law (HB 2774) 5:14 - Weekend Events in Kankakee County 5:49 - Sports: CFP, Bulls, Blackhawks, and Bears Preview

Stay informed with the latest news, weather, and sports from the Kankakee Valley on WVLI.

Hear the unforgettable true stories of Kankakee County. Search for "This One Time in Kankakee" wherever you get your podcasts or click here: https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com

On this episode of the WVLI News Update, Rob West breaks down a sudden development for Kankakee School District 111 families. A structural engineer’s report has forced an immediate change of plans for Edison Primary School—tune in to find out what caused the safety concerns and where students are being relocated starting Monday.

Also in this update:

• Bears to Indiana? Frustration with Illinois legislators has sparked new talks about a $2 billion stadium investment across the state line. We look at the proposed location.
• Police Reports: A violent home invasion on New Year’s Eve leads to an arrest in Bradley. Plus, the Bourbonnais Police Department launches a vital new registry to help protect residents with autism and special needs.
• Government Watch: An extensive audit has flagged hundreds of thousands of dollars in questionable spending by a Lake County Sheriff.
• Community & Cash: The Manteno Farmer’s Market gets a reboot for spring, and the clock is ticking for Bradley homeowners to claim their property tax rebate.

Plus, get your full rundown of local and national sports, including the latest on the Bulls, Blackhawks, and the Bears' upcoming Wildcard matchup.

Listen now for the full story and all the details.

Hear the unforgettable true stories of Kankakee County. Search for "This One Time in Kankakee" wherever you get your podcasts or click here: https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com

In this episode of the WVLI News Update, Rob West covers developing stories across Kankakee, Manteno, and the broader region.

Key stories featured in this update:

• Kankakee Shooting Investigation: City police arrest two men, identified as Enrique Diaz III and Rodrigo Zavala, following a ShotSpotter alert on North Park Avenue.
• Manteno Board Meeting: An update on the Gotion plant reveals that outstanding fire safety resolutions, including the fire brigade and sprinkler systems, have been addressed.
• Local Crime & Safety: Police investigate a severe assault on Country Club Drive that left a man hospitalized and a structural fire in Odell.
• Indiana Policy Updates: New restrictions on "SmartSnap" benefits limit the purchase of sugary drinks and snacks under Governor Mike Braun's health initiative.
• Regional & National News: U-Haul migration data shows a continued population shift out of Illinois, and Nestle issues a precautionary recall for specific infant formulas.
• Sports: A look at upcoming matchups for the Bulls, Blackhawks, and the Bears wild card game against the Packers.

Tune in for the full report on these stories and more.

Hear the unforgettable true stories of Kankakee County. Search for "This One Time in Kankakee" wherever you get your podcasts or click here: https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com

Join Rob West for your daily Kankakee County news briefing on the WVLI News Update. In this episode, we cover major changes for Kankakee School District 111 as structural issues at Edison Primary force a shift to remote learning and student relocation.

Kankakee County Clerk Dan Hendrickson releases the official 2025 vital statistics, revealing trends in births, deaths, and the most popular baby names in the county. plus, local law enforcement investigates a barn burglary in Herscher and thefts in Kankakee, while the Bradley-Bourbonnais Little League announces a historic venue change after nearly 50 years.

In this episode:

• [00:00] Police investigate a barn burglary in rural Hersher.
• [00:18] 2025 Vital Statistics: Birth rates, marriage licenses, and top baby names in Kankakee County.
• [01:16] School Closure: Edison Primary shifts to remote learning due to structural flaws; relocation details.
• [02:04] Bourbonnais Police Department swears in new Patrolman Trayvon Buzbee.
• [02:20] Theft reported at a North Kennedy Drive storage unit.
• [02:45] Kankakee Fire Department welcomes four new firefighters.
• [03:24] Little League News: Bradley-Bourbonnais Little League moves to the 315 Sportsplex.
• [03:45] Live Christmas tree disposal instructions for Bourbonnais residents.
• [04:21] Health Dept. Warning: High flu activity and COVID-19 updates.
• [05:05] Downtown Update: Mayor Curtis discusses the fate of the historic building on East Court St.
• [06:06] Essential Smoothies coming to Kankakee High School.
• [06:15] Sports: Bulls, ISU FCS Championship results, and a look ahead to the Bears vs. Packers Wild Card game.

Stay informed with WVLI. Subscribe for daily updates on news, weather, and sports in the Kankakee Valley area.

Hear the unforgettable true stories of Kankakee County. Search for "This One Time in Kankakee" wherever you get your podcasts or click here: https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com

• Notable Night Sky News for Monday January 5, 2026

Let's find out now what's going on overhead this week, with our Notable Night Sky News, here's Madeline Shepley, Astronomy Professor and Director of the Strickler Planetarium at Olivet

IDHS reports "incident"

The Illinois Department of Human Services says they've had a "security incident" involving internal planning maps.  The IDHS discovered in September that maps created by the IDHS Division of Family and Community Services' Bureau of Planning and Evaluation on a mapping website were publicly viewable due to incorrect privacy settings.  Two groups were impacted, including more than 32-thousand customers with the IDHS division of rehabilitation services and just over 670-thousand Medicaid and Medicare Savings Program recipients.  IDHS says they're sending notices to the individuals affected by this incident.

Hear the unforgettable true stories of Kankakee County. Search for "This One Time in Kankakee" wherever you get your podcasts or click here: https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com

Grant Park Fire battles New Year's Eve Fire

There was a fire in rural Grant Park on New Year's Eve. Few details are available, but just before midnight New Years Eve, Grant Park Fire posted on Facebook they were working with mutual aid departments on the scene of a structure fire in the area of 14-thousand East and Route 17. We'll have more details for you as they become available.

Monee Fire truck struck on I-57

The Monee Fire Protection District reports they had a fire truck hit while working a crash on I-57 yesterday afternoon. In a Facebook post, the department said they were working a rollover accident on the interstate, with the engine positioned at an angle with warning lights on to signify the lane was closed, when the engine was hit by a car that failed to reduce speed and pull over. Four people from the car were taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries. No fire personnel were injured by the crash. 

Kankakee City Police report storage unit burglarized

Around four thousand dollars worth of items were reported stolen from a storage unit on Kankakee's northside Wednesday. According to Kankakee City Police reports, officers were called to the storage unit in the 1200 Block of North Kennedy Drive just after twelve Wednesday afternoon in reference to the burglary. When police arrived, the victim stated the storage unit was destroyed and his toolbox worth around one thousand dollars, along with a designer bag collection worth around three-thousand dollars, was missing. There were no signs of forced entry. The victim claimed they were the only one with a key to get inside the unit.

IN State Representative to file 10 Commandments law

An Indiana State Representative has introduced a bill to require school corporations to post the Ten Commandments in every classroom and library.  The bill will be filed when the Indiana General Assembly gathers next week and will be sent to the Committee on Education.  It follows a motion filed by Governor Mike Braun and Attorney General Todd Rokita requesting a federal court strike down an injunction that blocks the placement of the Ten Commandments at the Indiana Statehouse.

New Public Health laws for 2026

Several new laws designed to strengthen public health initiatives in Illinois went into effect at the start of the new year.  Among the new initiatives taking effect is a measure that authorizes the transmission of limited information regarding suspected overdoses reported by first responders covered under the Emergency Medical Services Systems Act.  This data will help state and local public health officials track and respond to overdose events.  Another new law requires every appropriate health care professional who is attending to a pregnant patient to conduct a test for prenatal syphilis at the time of the first examination, and again during the third trimester. 

Hear the unforgettable true stories of Kankakee County. Search for "This One Time in Kankakee" wherever you get your podcasts or click here: https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com

• City Police make arrest in December 21st Homicide

Kankakee City Police report they've made an arrest in the December 21st shooting death of a Kankakee man. City Police Tuesday arrested 47-year-old Joseph N Harris on First Degree Murder charges. Harris originally told police he was in his apartment in the 12-hundred block of East Oak Street just before six in the evening December 21st, when 35-year-old Travis L. Hayes, who was allegedly armed with a shotgun,  and an accomplice tried to force their way into his apartment. Harris told police he and Hayse struggled over the shotgun which went off striking Hayse who later died of his injuries. In a press release, City Police say after talking to the alleged accomplice and looking at security footage they re-interviewed Harris, who allegedly admitted he'd been in possession of the shotgun and hadn't struggled with Hayes before the shooting. Kankakee City Police Chief Chris Kidwell says the investigation into the shooting continues. 

• Peotone Police look for help to identify a burglar

Peotone Police are looking for help to identify the person responsible for a burglary to the Circle K gas station in Peotone. In a Facebook post, officials say it happened in the early morning hours last Saturday morning and the suspect forcibly broke open a door to get inside. There's no word on what was taken during the burglary. Photos of the suspect are on the Peotone Police Department Facebook page. They ask anyone with information about the burglary to call their office.

• Edison Primary School deemed unsafe

Kankakee School District 111 students that attend Edison Primary School won't be going back to school next week as planned. Instead, those students will be on remote learning from January sixth through the ninth, that after a structural assessment of the school found problems with the 1958 addition to the building. Because of the findings, student and staff from the school will be relocated with students expected to resume in-person learning on Monday January 12th at their new site. A Facebook post from the district says more information will be shared as it becomes available.

• Top Google searches of 2025

Google is out with the top searches of 2025. Charlie Kirk was the highest trending search of the year. Meanwhile, the hit Netflix animated movie "KPop Demon Hunters" came in second followed by the hot collectible Labubu dolls in third. Other hot search topic for 2025 included the government shutdown and tariffs. Google's compiled the list from data between January 1st and November 25th.

• Kankakee County Board Chairman shares wishes for the New Year

As we near the end of 2025 and look towards a new year in 2026, we're asking local municipal leaders what their New Years Resolutions are for their community. Kankakee County Board Chairman Matt Alexander-Hildebrand.  Alexander-Hildebrand also pointed to the upcoming six-million-dollar renovation to the Kankakee County Courthouse which will focus on things like HVAC, generator and elevator upgrades while adding a 10th courtroom to the building. 

• Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week

Kankakee County Sheriff's Police are looking into a burglary in rural St. Anne. Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Trent Bukowski has our Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week.  Tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and could result in a cash reward

• Sheriff's Department "Don't Drink and Drive"

It's New Year's Eve, that means lots of parties and other ce

Hear the unforgettable true stories of Kankakee County. Search for "This One Time in Kankakee" wherever you get your podcasts or click here: https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com

• Fire displaces family of four

Kankakee Fire Department personnel were called out to a house fire in the 13-hundred block of South Kensington Avenue last night. According to reports, the call came in about 8:30 last night with a report of fire on the first floor of the home and four people trapped on the second floor. Kankakee Fire, with the help of other departments contained the fire within 20 minutes and all four people were rescued from the second floor without injury. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

• Feds confirm Iroquois County tornadoes

The National Weather Service has confirmed four tornadoes touched down in Iroquois County Sunday. The first in the Clifton area was rated an EF-0 tornado with maximum sustained winds of 85 miles and hour. Another that ran from Clifton to St. Anne started off as an EF-0 west of Clifton then increased to an EF-1 with maximum winds of 95 miles an hour as it neared St. Anne on the Iroquois-Kankakee County border. The third in Martinton was rated EF-U with unknown intensity  and a fourth was identified in the Stockland area, but it wasn't rated because no damage from the storm was confirmed. Iroquois County Emergency Management says no homes were destroyed by the storms, though one home was significantly damaged and the family had to be relocated to a hotel while the damage is repaired. 

• Indiana SNAP changes start 1/1

Indiana will no longer allow SNAP users to use the benefit to purchase candy and sugary drinks as of January 1st.  Governor Mike Braun says the move is part of the state's "Make Indiana Healthy Again" plan.  The Hoosier State is one of the first in the U.S. to make the change.  Braun signed the bill making the change in April.

Hear the unforgettable true stories of Kankakee County. Search for "This One Time in Kankakee" wherever you get your podcasts or click here: https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com