WVLI News Update

In this episode of the WVLI News Update, Rob West provides a detailed report on several developing stories across the Kankakee and Iroquois County regions. The report begins with an account of a Thursday night residential fire in Bourbonnais and the resulting property damage assessment.

This episode also examines critical educational challenges as regional officials discuss high truancy numbers and the obstacles facing intervention teams. Additionally, the report covers a significant legislative move in the Illinois House that could impact the future of the Chicago Bears’ stadium project.

Other local highlights in this episode include a major charitable donation to 18 area high school athletic programs, the next phase of the Kankakee Riverfront Trail development, and upcoming community events focused on youth violence prevention.

Listen to the full episode for complete details on these local headlines, regional sports updates, and community news.

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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 covers a range of critical stories impacting Kankakee County and the surrounding region. The report begins with an update on the fatal accident that occurred on I-57 Monday morning, including the identification of the victim by the Kankakee County Coroner.

The episode also highlights community efforts for National Youth Violence Prevention Week, including an upcoming event in Kankakee designed to engage local youth. In state news, the program details the latest developments in the Illinois legislature regarding the Chicago Bears' stadium search and the competing interests between Chicago, Arlington Heights, and out-of-state lures.

Listeners will also find essential information regarding:

• Scheduled emergency siren testing in Kankakee County and Bourbonnais.
• Recent leadership elections within the Kankakee County GOP.
• Public notices from the Bourbonnais Village Board regarding the proper use of local park facilities.
• Details on a residential fire on East Court Street and the resulting displacement of local families.
• A report on an attempted burglary investigation currently being conducted by the Kankakee County Sheriff's Office.
• New health research from Harvard University regarding the link between caffeine consumption and cognitive health.

The update concludes with a comprehensive look at the latest scores and series standings in MLB, NBA, and NHL action. Listen to the full episode for the complete 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. 

Join Rob West for the Tuesday edition of the WVLI News Update, delivering the latest headlines and essential information for Kankakee, Will, and Iroquois Counties. This episode begins with a report on a fatal accident involving a semi-truck on I-57 that led to significant travel disruptions on Monday.

The update covers several local government developments, including a recent budget ordinance passed by the Manteno Village Board and a new environmental project scheduled for the Bourbonnais Municipal Center. In Kankakee, Mayor Chris Curtis addresses growing concerns regarding the installation of fiber optic infrastructure and the impact on local residents.

Listeners will also hear about recent law enforcement activity, including a firearm-related arrest in Bradley and a significant reward being offered by Will County authorities in an ongoing animal investigation. Additionally, the episode provides the latest data from the National Weather Service regarding the tornadoes that touched down during Friday’s severe storms.

The update concludes with a summary of recent fire department responses, local honors for emergency personnel, and a full roundup of scores from the MLB, NBA, and NHL. Listen to the full episode for comprehensive 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 provides a comprehensive look at the significant weather events, legal developments, and community initiatives affecting the Illinois and Indiana regions.

The program begins with an assessment from the National Weather Service regarding the severe storm system that produced at least seven tornadoes across Illinois. The update details the specific damage paths through Livingston, Iroquois, and Ford Counties, including confirmed EF1 damage and the impact on local infrastructure and travel.

In regional law enforcement and safety news, the update covers:

• Weapons arrests on the east side of Kankakee involving multiple suspects and recovered property.
• Legal charges following a fatal collision on I-65 in Indiana.
• A fatal incident involving a semi-truck and an Amtrak train in rural Jasper County.

Listeners will also learn about National Youth Violence Prevention Week events in Kankakee, specifically a unique interactive program at the Career Center in Bourbonnais designed to bridge the gap between youth and law enforcement.

The episode concludes with Notable Night Sky News from Strickler Planetarium, highlighting the Lyrid Meteor Shower and upcoming planetary alignments, followed by a complete wrap-up of the weekend’s MLB, NBA, and NHL scores.

Listen to the full episode for specific details on these stories and the local sports report.

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 a detailed report on the latest legal, economic, and community developments across Kankakee and Iroquois Counties.

This episode begins with a significant shift in the legal proceedings regarding the February murder of a Momence business owner. Following a recent court hearing, the case against the accused has been dismissed at the county level as federal prosecutors take over. The report outlines the specific federal charges filed and explains why local officials believe this move could lead to significant legal consequences.

This episode also covers two major investigations currently underway by local police. In Watseka, authorities are investigating a series of copper thefts targeting utility trailers and infrastructure. Additionally, the report provides an update on a tragic case involving the death of an infant and the subsequent arrest of a local man on first-degree murder charges.

Other highlights in this report include:

• Economic Growth: Data detailing the financial impact Kankakee Community College has on the local workforce and regional prosperity.
• Storm Recovery: An update from the Kankakee County Board regarding insurance claims and building damage following recent tornado activity.
• Disaster Assistance: Information on SBA Disaster Relief Loan Centers currently available for residents and business owners in Indiana and Illinois.
• Community News: Spring cleaning services in Bourbonnais, state unemployment figures, and a prestigious national designation for Riverside Health Care.

The episode concludes with a preview of upcoming local weekend events hosted by Visit Kankakee County and a summary of the latest results for the White Sox, Cubs, and other regional sports teams.

For the full details on these stories and more, listen to the complete audio report.

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 new legal developments as an Indiana man faces federal charges in connection with the February death of Momence bar owner Courtney Drysdale. The update explores the specific nature of the federal indictment and the history behind the investigation.

The program also provides critical information for Kankakee County residents and business owners navigating the aftermath of the March 10th storms. Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration outline the documentation needed to apply for low-interest disaster loans before the upcoming April deadline, while Animal Control Director Carrie Laird shares updates on pet food donations for those in the Aroma Park area.

Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey joins the update to discuss public safety trends, highlighting a decrease in fatal crashes following specific infrastructure changes at local intersections. He also issues a 24-hour patrol alert and a call for vigilance regarding suspicious activity in storm-damaged neighborhoods.

Additional coverage includes:

• Planned $6 million renovations for the 21st Judicial Circuit courthouse.
• Important eligibility warnings from Governor Pritzker’s office regarding SNAP benefits and upcoming work requirements.
• Details on the Tulip Gala at the Kankakee Country Club.
• Deadlines for the hazardous waste drop-off event hosted by State Representative Jackie Haas.
• A full sports wrap-up, including the season finale for the Chicago Blackhawks.

For the full details on these local stories and specific instructions on how to access available community resources, 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 reports on a series of developing stories across Kankakee and Iroquois Counties. The episode begins with details regarding a vehicle theft investigation that led to a multi-state pursuit and subsequent charges involving an incident at a local medical facility.

The episode also covers significant legislative actions, including the Kankakee County Board’s recent vote on road jurisdictional transfers and the ongoing debate surrounding state-mandated siting for wind, solar, and energy storage facilities. Listeners will hear perspectives from local officials regarding the impact of these changes on community planning and local authority.

Additional segments include:

• Local Recovery Efforts: An update on the continued response to recent severe weather and tornado damage in the 79th District.
• County Governance: New leadership appointments in Iroquois County and a temporary moratorium on specific industrial developments.
• Regional Headlines: A recent ruling in a high-profile utility conspiracy case and O'Hare International Airport’s latest global ranking.
• Public Safety: A local Crimestoppers alert regarding a recent burglary and a reminder regarding tax filing deadlines.

For a full breakdown of these stories, including the latest in regional sports and local community news, 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 comprehensive coverage of the most pressing stories affecting Kankakee, Grundy, and surrounding counties. This episode begins with a report on a tragic fatal accident in Morris and a physical altercation involving a resident in a rural Manteno trailer park.

The episode also dives deep into the latest administrative decisions from the Bradley Village Board. Significant updates are shared regarding the future of the Bradley indoor water park, including the approval of over $1.4 million in design and engineering proposals and a strategic shift in the facility's architectural plans.

Additional segments include:

• National Recognition: Details on a recent award of distinction for St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee regarding emergency department care.
• Public Safety: Arrests made by the Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force following a violent carjacking incident, plus a reported robbery on East Broadway.
• Infrastructure and Community: Information on the 2026 curb and sidewalk contract and a spotlight on Sexual Assault Awareness Month with resources from the Clove Alliance.
• Sports Wrap-up: Results and upcoming schedules for the Cubs, White Sox, Cardinals, Blackhawks, and Chicago Fire FC.

For the full breakdown of these stories, including specific financial figures and police reports, listen to the complete episode of the WVLI News Update.

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 critical legal developments and provide an in-depth look at the recovery efforts following the recent EF3 tornado in the Kankakee County area.

The update begins with the latest court ruling regarding a former Paxton Buckley Loda teacher facing multiple charges. Following this, we transition to the ongoing disaster response, featuring verified data from FEMA and insights from Aroma Township Supervisor Gina DeYoung regarding local property damage.

Listeners will also find vital information concerning financial aid and recovery resources, including:

• Emergency response fund updates from United Way and the Community Foundation.
• The opening of Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan outreach centers in Northwest Indiana and Kankakee County.
• The strategic shift in how local officials are pursuing federal assistance to expedite the rebuilding process.

Additional reports in this episode include a local law enforcement update from Iroquois County, details on a major structure fire at a Kentland, Indiana landmark, and a look at the week's celestial events with Notable Night Sky News. Finally, stay tuned for a full recap of Chicago sports, covering the end of the Bulls season and the latest from the Cubs and White Sox.

For the full details on these stories and information on how to access local resources, 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 reports on the identification of a man involved in a fatal shooting with Bradley Police earlier this week and provides the latest on the ongoing investigation. The update also covers the legal proceedings for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan as his defense team brings a new appeal to the 7.th U.S. Circuit Court.

Listeners will get a breakdown of shifting gas prices throughout Kankakee, Iroquois, and Will counties, as well as neighboring Indiana communities. The report also highlights a fire investigation in the Braidwood Fire Protection District, updated drought conditions across the region, and recent legislative developments in Springfield regarding handgun ammunition mandates.

The episode further details a recent arrest in Chatsworth on felony charges, a fee-amnesty program at the Kankakee Public Library, and a preview of upcoming community events including local museum celebrations and scavenger hunts. The update concludes with a comprehensive look at the weekend sports schedule for the White Sox, Cubs, Bulls, and more.

Listen to the full episode for complete details on these stories and other local news developments.

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.