WVLI News Update

Stay informed with the latest regional headlines on the WVLI News Update with Rob West. This episode covers several developing stories across Illinois and Indiana, ranging from critical public safety investigations to significant economic shifts affecting local residents.

In this update, the Illinois State Police provide details regarding a fatal officer-involved shooting in Bradley that resulted in a temporary school lockdown. We also look at a recent arrest in Jasper County involving motor vehicle theft and outstanding warrants.

For residents concerned about rising costs and public health, this episode outlines Indiana Governor Mike Braun’s executive order to suspend the state gas tax and provides essential information on a massive bread recall affecting 10 states, including Illinois. The recall involves multiple popular brands and poses a potential safety risk to consumers.

Additionally, we highlight upcoming community events, including the Watseka 4th of July parade preparations and the launch of a new monthly publication in Kankakee, Insight News Reader. The update concludes with a full report on local sports, featuring the latest scores and schedules for the Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks.

Listen to the full episode for the complete details on these stories, including specific instructions for the bread recall and information on how to participate in upcoming local events.

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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 provides comprehensive coverage of significant legal and community developments across Will, Kankakee, and Jasper Counties.

The update begins with details regarding a high-stakes arrest in Jasper County involving a $50 million bond and charges of attempted murder. The report also covers a Will County Sheriff's Police investigation into a Beecher man facing multiple counts of possession of illegal material following tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

As the April 15 tax deadline approaches, the program features expert advice from H&R Block on how to identify and avoid sophisticated IRS scams. Listeners will learn the primary methods the IRS uses for contact and how to secure their personal information via official government portals.

Additional segments include:

• An update on the Julius Burks Jr. murder trial in Kankakee County, including recent courtroom allegations regarding legal representation.
• Reports on a rollover crash in rural Manteno that resulted in hospitalizations.
• Recent law enforcement activity in Bradley involving drug-related charges and intent to deliver.
• Kankakee Community College’s recent national recognition as a military-friendly institution.
• Volunteer opportunities for the upcoming United Way Day of Action.
• A Crime Stoppers plea for information regarding an unsolved double homicide from 2025.

The episode concludes with a look at the latest scores and schedules for the Cubs, Cardinals, White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks.

To get the full details on these local stories and law enforcement updates, 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. 

Stay informed with the WVLI News Update with Rob West, providing comprehensive coverage of the latest developments across Kankakee and Will Counties.

In this episode, we lead with a significant update regarding the Crete Township triple murder investigation and the recent courtroom arguments concerning pre-trial release. Our reporting continues with a look into local government decisions, including a resolution to abolish a specific capital projects fund in Manteno and a major land annexation in Bourbonnais that could reshape the village's west side.

The update also covers:

• Critical arrests involving firearms and narcotics on the city’s east side and rural county roads.
• The outcome of a repeated vote on remote attendance ordinances for local officials.
• The sale of property adjacent to a well-known local brewery production facility.
• State legislative efforts aimed at providing property tax relief for senior citizens.
• Final arrangements for a dedicated public servant following a tragic weekend accident.

This episode is proudly sponsored by RavenSpring Media, where visual storytelling meets strategic impact through video production, photography, and creative expertise. Begin your story at ravenspringmedia.com.

For the full details on these stories, including updates on the Bourbonnais Friendship Festival, local sports scores, and a look at the health benefits of a popular holiday treat, listen to the complete episode.

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

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, Rob West provides a comprehensive look at the latest developments across Kankakee and Will Counties. The program opens with a report on a fatal crash on I-55 involving a local dispatcher and the daughter of a retired firefighter.

The update also covers significant legal proceedings in Kankakee County, including a status hearing for Xandria Harris regarding a potential change of venue in her upcoming trial. Additionally, the news team discusses upgraded charges filed in a local DUI case that resulted in the death of a young girl.

Beyond court news, the episode details:

• Upcoming public hearings hosted by the Illinois Department of Transportation regarding Route 50 improvements.
• Recent surges in gas prices across Illinois and Indiana.
• New state legislation aimed at increasing support for emergency vehicle purchases.
• A preview of the 43rd annual Kankakee River Fishing Derby.
• Regional sports updates, including the latest from the Cubs, White Sox, and the conclusion of the Illini's tournament run.

Listen to the full episode for the complete details and in-depth reporting on these local 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 edition of the WVLI News Update, Rob West covers a wide range of legal, legislative, and community developments affecting Kankakee County, Illinois, and Northwest Indiana.

The episode begins with a report on a federal sentencing involving a Salvadoran national previously residing in Kankakee County. The segment outlines the charges leading to a 15-month prison term and the specific incidents involving federal officers. Following this, the update shifts to Indiana, where a new state law has resulted in the revocation of nearly 1,800 commercial driver’s licenses for certain non-citizen drivers. Listeners will hear about the safety concerns and economic warnings surrounding this legislative change.

The update also covers:

• Public Safety: A life-threatening encounter for a Lowell, Indiana, police officer and the role local citizens played in the outcome.
• Illinois Legislation: Details on Senate Bill 3019, a bipartisan measure aimed at assisting first-time farmers by adjusting financial eligibility requirements.
• Education News: The recent Board of Education decision regarding a teacher in Kankakee School District 111 following allegations of inappropriate conduct.
• Economic Data: A look at the January jobs report, noting an Illinois unemployment rate of 4.9% and a significant jump in non-farm payroll positions.
• Community & Sports: A preview of local Easter festivities, the NIAA Kids Fishing Day, and a high-stakes "friendly wager" between the Governors of Illinois and Connecticut ahead of the NCAA Final Four.

Stay informed on regional sports schedules for the White Sox, Cubs, and Blackhawks, as well as the upcoming Illinois Fighting Illini matchup.

Listen to the full episode for complete reporting and local interviews 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 edition of the WVLI News Update, Rob West covers a series of developing stories impacting the Kankakee and Iroquois County areas. The update begins with details regarding a recent arrest made by the Kankakee City Police following an investigation into an alleged arson and home invasion on North Greenwood Avenue.

The program also highlights a significant financial contribution from CSL to the Emergency Response Fund, aimed at assisting those affected by recent severe weather events. Listeners will hear about a new statewide initiative from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Tollway to honor fallen Illinois State Police officers with a standardized memorial program.

Additional reports include:

• Emergency response details from a semi-truck rollover in Grant Park and an electrical fire in Bourbonnais.
• A report on a firefighter injury sustained during a brush and structure fire in Pembroke Township.
• An update on the Kankakee County State’s Attorney internship program milestone.
• A breakdown of the sharp increase in gas prices across Illinois and Indiana.
• Comments from Chicago Bears Chairman George McCaskey regarding the team’s potential stadium relocation.

The episode concludes with a comprehensive sports update, covering the latest results for the Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and upcoming tournament games for Illinois State and the Fighting Illini.

Listen to the full episode for the complete report and in-depth details on these local and regional headlines.

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. 

Jake LaMore hosts this edition of the WVLI News Update, filling in for Rob West. This episode covers a variety of developing stories across Kankakee and the surrounding counties.

Headlines include a Tuesday morning fire in the 800 block of North Greenwood Avenue that Kankakee City Fire officials believe was the result of arson. We also provide an update on the court proceedings for the Indiana woman accused in the Crete Township triple murder case and detail a Bradley police investigation involving a DUI and child endangerment.

Additional segments include:

• A report on a hit-and-run accident in Bradley involving a stolen UTV.
• The announcement of a new board member at Kankakee Community College.
• Information regarding funeral services for a Reed-Custer High School student.
• Changes to rural transit providers in Iroquois County.
• A look into the historical origins of April Fool's Day.
• A comprehensive sports recap covering the Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, and Bulls.

For the full details on these stories and more local reporting, 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, Jake LaMore fills in for Rob West to deliver the latest local headlines impacting Kankakee and Will Counties. This update covers several developing criminal investigations, including the formal identification of a victim in the Crete Township mass shooting and a pivotal court appearance for a woman charged in a triple murder case.

The briefing also provides updates on the discovery of additional remains in Mokena and a significant burglary investigation in rural Manteno involving the theft of more than 60 firearms. Additionally, listeners will hear reports on a series of weekend fires handled by the Kankakee Township Fire Protection District and the latest status of tornado damage assessments following the March 10th storms.

The update further details a state-wide tribute to a fallen Chicago firefighter and provides an overview of upcoming insurance assistance available for Aroma Park residents. The episode concludes with a comprehensive sports report covering the latest results for the Chicago Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks.

For the full details and complete reports on these stories, listen to the full 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, Jake LaMore fills in for Rob West to deliver the latest headlines affecting Kankakee and Will Counties. The report covers a fatal shooting at a family gathering in Crete and provides an update on the court appearance for an Indiana woman facing multiple murder charges in Crete Township.

The update also details a new voluntary floodplain buyout program for Kankakee County residents following recent storm damage and an ongoing investigation into a staff member's conduct at Kankakee School District 111. Additional reports include the identification of skeletal remains found in Mokena, a cross-state police pursuit involving a burglary in Wheatfield, and a recent residential burglary in Bradley.

Stay tuned for the Notable Night Sky segment regarding this week’s lunar and planetary activity, followed by a comprehensive sports wrap-up covering the Cubs, White Sox, Illini, and local tournament results. 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. 

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, guest host Jake LaMore fills in for Rob West to bring you the latest headlines affecting Kankakee and the surrounding counties.

The update begins with a report from Kankakee City Police regarding a high-value residential theft on the city's west side and a separate drug arrest stemming from a routine traffic stop. In Will County, authorities are requesting public assistance in the search for a missing and endangered 27-year-old man last seen in Lockport.

Community coverage continues with an urgent call for volunteers and heavy equipment to assist with tornado cleanup in Newton County, Indiana, following the severe weather earlier this month. On the legislative side, we look at a new pilot program passed out of committee by State Representative Jason Bunting that aims to improve road safety with solar technology.

Additional stories include:

• A prestigious national fellowship awarded to Kankakee Community College President Dr. Michael Boyd.
• Essential safety warnings from the Illinois Secretary of State regarding a surge in text message scams.
• Details on an upcoming "No Kings" protest at the Kankakee County Courthouse.
• A guide to weekend activities, including events at the Strickler Planetarium and the Kankakee County Museum.

The episode concludes with a comprehensive sports report covering opening day results for the Cubs, White Sox, and Cardinals, as well as the latest updates on the Blackhawks, Bulls, and the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments.

For the full details on these stories and more, 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.