WVLI News Update

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.

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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 with Rob West, we cover a series of significant developments impacting Kankakee and Northwest Indiana. The update begins with the latest details on a fatal shooting in Kankakee and the subsequent arrest of a suspect on homicide charges. We also provide a report on a local business owner facing multiple counts related to the possession of stolen motor vehicles following a search on West Jeffery.

The program shifts focus to the Indiana primary election, featuring comprehensive results from Newton and Benton Counties. Our coverage includes a look at major upsets in the State Senate and Congressional races, as well as an analysis of how millions of dollars in outside funding influenced several key Republican primaries. Listen to the full episode for a breakdown of the winning candidates and what these results mean for the upcoming November general election.

Additionally, we highlight local community developments, including the Kankakee City Council's recent approval of a permit for a new senior housing facility and the competitive funding process required to move the project forward. Other reports include a residential fire investigation on the city's east side and an upcoming Route 66 exhibition at the Illinois State Museum.

Finally, the update includes a Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week regarding an armed robbery in Grant Park and a full wrap-up of local sports, covering the Cubs, White Sox, and recent action in the NBA and Stanley Cup playoffs.

For the complete stories, names of the officials involved, and detailed election figures, 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, Rob West and the news team provide comprehensive coverage of recent events across Kankakee, Bourbonnais, and Manteno. The update begins with a report on a weapons call at a Kankakee business that resulted in a police pursuit and a subsequent arrest. Jake LaMore provides the specifics on the charges filed and the identity of the suspect involved.

The program also details significant local government decisions, including the adoption of the new fiscal year budget by the Bourbonnais Village Board and a $5 million street repair initiative approved by the Kankakee City Council. Listeners will hear from Village Finance Director Tara Latz regarding projected surpluses and City Engineer Neil Piggush on which major roads are slated for repaving this month.

Additional segments include:

• An arrest report from the Kankakee Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group involving felony firearm and narcotics charges.
• A look at the history and significance of Cinco de Mayo as the nation celebrates Mexican heritage.
• Reflections from Bourbonnais Mayor Jeff Keast on his first year in office and his perspective on the current business climate in Illinois.
• The recognition of Kankakee High School graduate Keagen Trost following his selection in the NFL Draft.
• Updates on primary election day in Indiana and upcoming local entertainment events benefiting the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association.

For the full details on these stories and more local developments, 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 critical developments affecting Kankakee County and the surrounding regions. The episode begins with an urgent National Weather Service advisory regarding hazardous driving conditions that may impact commuters throughout the afternoon.

The episode highlights a major report from Capital News Illinois involving three local school districts—Crete-Monee, Iroquois County, and Pembroke—which are among several dozen institutions currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. The probe centers on curriculum content and parental rights, a story with significant implications for the local educational landscape.

Listeners will also find important financial information regarding property tax exemptions for homeowners who suffered damage during the March 10th storms. Kankakee County Supervisor of Assessments Erich Blair provides details on the application process for those seeking natural disaster homestead relief.

The update also covers:

• A police appeal for information following a weekend robbery at a Grant Park gas station.
• The recovery of a stolen semi truck and the subsequent arrest made by the Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force.
• Reports from the Grant Park Fire Protection District regarding a recent vehicle fire.
• Notable Night Sky News with Madeline Shepley, featuring details on the moon’s apogee and two upcoming meteor showers.

For the full details on the school investigations, tax exemption requirements, and the latest local headlines, listen to the complete episode of the WVLI News Update.

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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 covers a significant surge in fuel costs across Illinois and Indiana, with prices jumping nearly 20 cents overnight in some areas. The report explores the specific regional factors contributing to this spike, including a major refinery disruption impacting the Great Lakes supply chain.

In regional law enforcement news, a multi-agency federal investigation involving the FBI and IRS has led to coordinated raids across several Northwest Indiana locations. The update also details recent arrests in Iroquois County following a burglary investigation and provides a safety report regarding a small fire at a Kankakee industrial facility.

Property owners affected by recent severe weather will find essential information regarding potential tax adjustments and eligibility requirements. The episode also highlights a major literacy milestone for local children and previews a busy weekend of community events, including the season opener of a popular local market and live music performances.

The update concludes with a health warning regarding a rise in tick-borne risks and a full wrap-up of regional sports, including professional baseball, basketball, and hockey results.

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

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 reports on a significant legal development in the Delphi, Indiana, murder case as attorneys for Richard Allen seek a new trial through the Indiana Court of Appeals. The update also covers Governor J.B. Pritzker’s recent defense of the Illinois SAFE-T Act following a police shooting in Chicago and the specific reasons he cites for standing behind the legislation.

Local coverage includes an update on available funding for Kankakee residents and business owners through a private security incentive program, as well as an ongoing investigation by Bourbonnais police into a recent business burglary. Additionally, the program highlights new legislation regarding mental health awareness in pharmacies and provides details on the upcoming commencement ceremony at Kankakee Community College, including this year’s featured speaker.

The episode concludes with a comprehensive sports report, including scores for the Cubs, White Sox, and Cardinals, along with updates on Chicago Fire FC, the Chicago Sky, and regional NBA and NHL action. Listen to the full episode for in-depth details on these stories and more.

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 delivers the latest headlines impacting Kankakee County and the surrounding areas. The episode leads with a significant update from the Illinois State Police regarding the release of body-worn camera footage from an officer-involved shooting in Bradley. This report provides insight into the ongoing investigation and the actions taken by local law enforcement during a recent wellness check.

The update continues with a series of reports on local public safety, including an arrest following a stabbing incident at the Kankakee City Police station and multiple arrests made by Watseka police involving attempted firearm and copper theft. Additionally, the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office shares a Crime Stoppers tip regarding a vehicle theft in rural St. Anne.

In state news, Governor J.B. Pritzker discusses the latest legislative developments that could impact the Chicago Bears' potential move to Arlington Heights. The episode also covers important information for residents and business owners regarding the extension of U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) disaster relief loan centers in the region.

The broadcast concludes with a comprehensive look at regional sports, featuring scores and upcoming matchups for the White Sox, Cubs, Cardinals, and Chicago Fire FC, along with updates from the NBA and NHL playoffs.

Listen to the full episode for the complete reports and in-depth local coverage.

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 a comprehensive report on significant legal and local developments affecting the Kankakee County area. The update begins with a major ruling from the Chicago Federal Appeals Court regarding the conviction of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and details his potential next steps in the legal process.

The report also covers recent law enforcement activity across the region. This includes a gun-related arrest following a suspicious vehicle report in Bradley, a burglary investigation involving missing equipment in Kankakee, and a weekend traffic stop in Bourbonnais that led to firearm charges. Additionally, listeners will hear the latest on a shots-fired incident monitored by ShotSpotter technology.

Local government highlights include key decisions from the Bradley Village Board regarding the development of a new water park and the approval of the fiscal budget for 2026-2027. The update also details upcoming infrastructure maintenance projects and the results of the Kankakee County ballot placement lottery for the November general election.

The episode concludes with a full recap of scores and upcoming schedules for the White Sox, Cubs, and Cardinals, along with highlights from the NBA and NHL playoffs. Listen to the full episode for detailed accounts of these stories and local sports coverage.

Episode artwork photo: Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams.

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 provides critical updates on the aftermath of recent storms in Iroquois County and the National Weather Service’s latest findings regarding tornado activity. With more severe weather forecasted for the region, this episode covers what residents can expect in terms of timing and potential hazards, including wind and hail risks.

The program also features a moving tribute from Newton County, where a bridge was recently dedicated in honor of fallen Newton County Deputy Corporal Brandon Schreiber. Listeners will hear details regarding the ceremony and the significance of the location chosen for this memorial.

Other local headlines in this update include:

• A report on a recent arrest involving a juvenile and weapons charges in Kankakee.
• Information regarding a fatal multi-vehicle accident on I-55 near Joliet.
• The future of the former Cigna building in Bourbonnais and why Riverside Health Care has reached a final decision on the property.
• New developments in Kankakee’s involvement in opioid-related litigation and how the city plans to utilize settlement funds.
• An extension for SBA disaster loan assistance following previous storm damage.
• Updates on municipal maintenance projects for city-owned parking lots.

The episode concludes with a comprehensive sports wrap-up, covering the latest results for the Cubs, White Sox, and Cardinals, as well as updates on Chicago Fire FC, the Chicago Sky, and professional playoff action.

Listen to the full episode for the complete report and in-depth 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. 

In this episode of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West provides a comprehensive report on the latest headlines affecting Kankakee County and the surrounding areas. Support for this report is provided by the Kankakee Area YMCA, a movement dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Become a member today at k3ymca.org.

The report opens with several law enforcement updates, including a significant arrest in Kankakee involving an allegedly stolen firearm and a large-scale physical altercation in Bradley that resulted in charges against multiple individuals. Listeners will also hear essential safety reminders from the Kankakee County Sheriff's Department as local farmers begin their spring planting season.

In local government news, Kankakee County Treasurer Nick Africano shares critical updates regarding the upcoming property tax cycle. This episode details the expected timeline for tax bills and introduces new digital initiatives aimed at increasing transparency and accessibility for county taxpayers. Additional segments cover a community drug take-back event in Bradley, a recap of the United Way Day of Action, and upcoming local cultural events.

The report concludes with an update on state legislative news from Springfield, a summary of recent fluctuations in local gas prices, and a full weekend sports forecast. Listen to the full episode for complete details on these stories.

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