WVLI News Update

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West delivers the latest local news, crime updates, and sports headlines impacting Kankakee County and the surrounding communities.

This episode covers several major local developments, including a critical update on a missing youth investigation in Bourbonnais, the mailing of Kankakee County property tax bills alongside key deadline information, and the kickoff of a local community outreach initiative at Bird Park.

In regional coverage, Rob breaks down the latest comments from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell regarding the ongoing Chicago Bears stadium search and the two specific locations still in play. Law enforcement updates include a federal firearms sentencing, an arrest following a home invasion in Herscher, and a state-wide alert from the Illinois State Police regarding an ongoing text message scam.

As the holiday weekend approaches, the update also features crucial safety reminders for motorists and boaters, the regional Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week regarding a recent theft, and a breakdown of shifting area gas prices. Finally, Jake LaMore reports on leadership changes at the Bourbonnais Township Park District, followed by a full wrap-up of Chicago and national sports action.

Listen to the full episode for complete details, official statements, and the comprehensive local sports report.

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This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West delivers comprehensive coverage of the key legislative, financial, and community developments impacting Kankakee, Manteno, Bourbonnais, and the surrounding regions.

This episode breaks down major local governance updates, including a sudden postponement and upcoming special session regarding Manteno's highly anticipated forensic audit. In Bourbonnais, trustees have enacted a new zoning moratorium regarding commercial developments in residential areas, alongside updates on municipal contract negotiations.

Key Topics Covered in This Update:

• Local Governance & Audits: The latest timeline on the Manteno Village Board's forensic audit review and a newly passed ordinance regarding board member attendance.
• Zoning & Infrastructure: Details on Bourbonnais’ new commercial solar farm restrictions and Kankakee’s $860,000 infrastructure investment targeting sanitary sewer basins.
• Public Safety & Community Personnel: New safety ordinances for specialized commercial facilities, personnel shifts within the Kankakee Fire Department, and a multi-year contract agreement for local law enforcement.
• State Politics & Economy: State Representative Jason Bunting provides an update on the record-breaking $56 billion Illinois state budget negotiations, alongside a regional breakdown of shifting gas prices ahead of holiday travel.
• Holiday Traffic Enforcement: Illinois State Police issue a warning regarding high-visibility patrols and the "Fatal Four" violations to watch out for this Memorial Day weekend.
• Regional Sports: A complete recap of the latest outcomes for the Cubs, White Sox, and regional postseason hockey and basketball tracking.

To get the full breakdown, statements from village officials, and the complete analysis of these developing stories, listen to the full episode.

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Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West covers critical local and regional headlines affecting Illinois and Indiana residents. As the summer travel season kicks off, drivers and flyers face a significant financial pinch with skyrocketing gas prices and surging airfares. Local law enforcement officials also reveal the fundraising results from the annual Cop on a Rooftop event benefiting the Special Olympics, while a major new cell phone ban is officially signed into law for Indiana students.

The update also covers local breaking news, including a destructive weekend fire at a historic regional landmark and updates on a fatal highway accident. Additionally, hear inspiring words from the 57th annual Kankakee Community College commencement ceremony and find out how local libraries are celebrating National Get Caught Reading Month. Finally, get a comprehensive wrap-up of the weekend's sports action, featuring intense matchups for the White Sox, Cubs, Chicago Fire FC, and the latest shifts in the NBA and NHL playoff brackets.

Listen to the full episode for the exact county-by-county gas price breakdowns, specific details on a major regional dairy recall, and the complete local news report.

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Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

This edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West provides comprehensive coverage of the latest events impacting Kankakee and Iroquois counties. The episode begins with a report on a multi-agency response to a vehicle theft in Bradley that led to a pursuit across several jurisdictions and a foot chase in a local field.

Listeners will also hear highlights from the 2026 Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Ceremony held at the Kankakee County Courthouse, featuring a memorial address from the FBI’s Springfield office. The update further covers significant legal developments as the Indiana Appeals Court prepares to hear arguments regarding the conviction and sentencing in the Delphi murder case.

In community news, this episode details upcoming weekend activities, including the 36th Annual Rhubarb Festival, the "Cop on a Rooftop" fundraiser for the Special Olympics, and the winners of the Mantino Chamber of Commerce annual awards. Additionally, the report includes a status update on Hope Christian Academy following an electrical incident and news regarding Iroquois County’s solid waste management plan.

For the full reports, including detailed interviews and local sports scores for the Cubs, White Sox, and Cardinals, listen to the complete episode.

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Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, Rob West reports on a fatal motorcycle accident near St. Anne and addresses growing concerns from the Iroquois County Board regarding law enforcement coverage in Gilman and Onaga. The update includes a report on the Kankakee County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony and provides the latest figures on surging gas prices across Illinois and Indiana as the holiday weekend approaches.

Listeners will also hear updates from the Kankakee County Board's Criminal Justice Committee regarding local overdose statistics and the current status of the SAFE-T Act in Springfield. The episode further covers proposed legislation concerning inmate reentry, a significant leadership change at Riverside Health Care, and an honorary road designation in Pembroke Township. Additional segments highlight upcoming community events, including a benefit performance by Pat Tomasulo and the upcoming Senior Safety Fair.

The update concludes with a comprehensive sports report covering the White Sox, Cubs, Chicago Sky, and the latest from the NBA and NHL playoffs. Listen to the full episode for in-depth reporting on these local stories and more.

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Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

This edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West provides a comprehensive look at the shifting economic and social landscape of the Kankakee and Iroquois County regions. The program begins with an analysis of the recent surge in fuel costs, as the Illinois statewide average for a gallon of gas surpasses a significant price threshold. Listen to the full report for a detailed breakdown of prices across the Land of Lincoln, the Hoosier State, and specific local counties.

The update also covers critical developments from the Kankakee County Board meeting, focusing on the continued recovery efforts following the March 10th tornado. Learn about the extension of the local disaster declaration and the upcoming deadlines for Small Business Association assistance. The episode further details recent legislative actions in Iroquois County regarding official salary adjustments and highlights the recognition of dedicated community leaders.

In public safety and local interest news, the report includes a briefing on a weapons-related arrest in Bradley, a Crime Stoppers alert regarding a vehicle theft in Kankakee, and seasonal guidance from the State Department of Natural Resources. The episode concludes with a rapid-fire sports segment covering the latest results for the White Sox, Cubs, and Cardinals, alongside updates from the NBA and Stanley Cup playoffs.

For the full context and detailed reporting on these stories, listen to the complete episode.

Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West covers a series of significant events impacting Bourbonnais, Bradley, and the greater Kankakee area. The report begins with details on a residential fire on Turnberry Lane that resulted in extensive damage and the displacement of a local family.

The update also features several law enforcement reports, including a major multi-agency search warrant executed at a Kankakee business that led to the seizure of weapons, narcotics, and ballistic equipment. Additionally, the program details a recent drug arrest involving a vacant property and an investigation into a violent assault on the city's south side.

Listeners will also hear about recent decisions from the Bradley Village Board regarding abandoned properties and the upcoming community-wide garage sale. The episode covers legislative concerns from 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema regarding proposed taxes on digital advertising and biodiesel fuels.

Other topics in this update include:

• A five-star recognition for Iroquois Home Health.
• Details on Bradley’s security camera rebate program for residents.
• A fatal accident investigation in Sauk Village.
• AAA’s travel forecast for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.
• A comprehensive look at regional sports, including updates on the Cubs, Sox, and the NBA playoffs.

For the full details on these stories and more, listen to the complete episode of the WVLI News Update with Rob West.

Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

In this edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West, we cover significant developments affecting the Kankakee County community. The report begins with news regarding Riverside HealthCare's continued financial support for the Storm to Strength initiative, which provides relief for those impacted by the March 10th tornado.

We also provide a crucial update for residents regarding Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and its network status with Prime HealthCare Illinois hospitals, including St. Mary’s in Kankakee. Listeners will hear the latest on the June 1st deadline and what it means for patient costs and access to care.

In local government news, the Kankakee City Council is considering a new traffic signal on Kennedy Drive. This episode includes specific crash statistics from the area and the potential impact on the future Riverfront Trail. For students and families, we highlight upcoming deadlines for the Merchant Street Music Festival scholarships and details regarding a youth planting day hosted by the city.

The update concludes with highlights from Olivet Nazarene University’s 113th commencement ceremony and a comprehensive weekend sports wrap-up, covering the White Sox, Cubs, Chicago Sky, and the latest results from the NBA and Stanley Cup playoffs.

For the full report and specific details on these stories, listen to the complete episode.

Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, Rob West provides essential information regarding the final deadlines for Small Business Association (SBA) Disaster Relief Loan Centers in Kankakee County. Residents and business owners affected by the March storms have a limited window to visit local sites in Aroma Park, Bradley, and Kankakee to begin the application process.

The report also covers significant developments within the Kankakee Police Department, including new hires and promotions that impact local staffing levels. In consumer news, a voluntary recall has been issued for popular potato chip brands due to potential contamination concerns; listeners can find out which specific brands are affected and what steps to take.

Additional segments include:

• An analysis of current gas price trends across Illinois and Indiana.
• Details on a vehicle fire that impacted traffic on I-65 near Rensselaer.
• Recognition for a Grant Park farm featured in a prestigious global travel publication.
• A legal update regarding a guilty plea from a former area educator.
• A preview of graduation weekend at Olivet Nazarene University and local community events for Mother's Day.

The update concludes with a comprehensive look at regional sports, including winning streaks for Chicago baseball and upcoming season openers. Listen to the full episode for complete details, location hours, and local reports.

Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

This edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West for Thursday, May 7, 2026, covers critical local developments and regional headlines impacting the Kankakee and Bourbonnais communities.

The episode begins with an update from the Kankakee County Coroner and City Police regarding a fatal shooting that occurred on Tuesday afternoon. Officials have released the identity of the victim and confirmed that a suspect is in custody facing multiple charges. The broadcast also features a story on a Bourbonnais native performing in Chicago who experienced a theft, followed by a surprising resolution involving a local school.

In healthcare news, Rob West discusses the latest Leapfrog Group Spring 2026 Hospital Safety Report. Both Riverside and St. Mary’s hospitals received notable marks for patient safety, alongside several other facilities throughout Illinois.

Additional segments include:

• Downtown Development: Details on a newly approved housing renovation project in Kankakee involving a former funeral home.
• Regional Policy: An update on the extension of the Indiana gas tax suspension and current fuel price averages across the state line.
• Economic Trends: Projections for record-breaking Mother’s Day spending and the importance of supporting local commerce during National Small Business Week.
• Community Honors: Recognition of three local law enforcement officers for their service and dedication to the Kankakee County area.
• Local Events: Information regarding a mobile food pantry pop-up scheduled for Bourbonnais.

The update concludes with a comprehensive look at the latest scores and upcoming schedules for the Cubs, White Sox, and Cardinals, as well as updates from the NBA and NHL playoffs.

Listen to the full episode for in-depth reporting and complete details on these stories.

Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial.