WVLI News Update

In this WVLI News Update Special Report, host Jake LaMore provides coverage of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s visit to the Village of Aroma Park. The Governor arrived to survey the extensive damage caused by the EF3 tornado that struck the Kankakee River Valley on the night of Tuesday, March 10, 2026. This episode captures the official briefing on the state’s response and the ongoing recovery efforts within Kankakee County.

Key Topics Discussed

• Damage Assessment: An update on the number of impacted properties, including residential homes and critical public infrastructure such as local schools, Riverside Hospital, and the Kankakee County Courthouse.
• Utility Restoration: The latest status report from Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) regarding power restoration for the hundreds of residents affected by the storm.
• Inter-Agency Coordination: Insights into how the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), State Police, and Department of Transportation are collaborating with local officials like Sheriff Mike Downey and Mayor Chris Curtis.
• Federal and State Aid: A summary of the criteria required for federal assistance and the Governor’s outlook on securing FEMA resources for the region.

Listen for Full Details The report includes a press Q&A session where the Governor addresses concerns regarding the timeline for financial relief and the challenges of disaster recovery. To hear the full briefing, including the specific comments from IEMA Acting Director Ted Berger and local leadership, listen to the complete audio update.

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The WVLI News Update with Rob West provides a comprehensive look at the aftermath of the EF-3 tornado that moved through Kankakee County and into Indiana on Tuesday night. This episode details the National Weather Service's findings regarding the storm's intensity, its 37-mile path, and a potentially record-breaking hail measurement.

As the community enters the recovery phase, local officials—including Governor JB Pritzker and Kankakee County Board Chairman Matt Alexander Hildebrand—offer critical updates on damage assessment and public safety. This update includes essential information for residents regarding:

• Official Damage Reports: Updates on the storm's classification and the impacted areas across state lines.
• Consumer Protection: Important warnings from local law enforcement about fraudulent contractors and high-pressure sales tactics targeting storm victims.
• Recovery Resources: Details on where to find disaster relief supplies, including water and cleaning materials, through local community partnerships.
• Insurance Guidance: Steps to take before beginning the cleanup process to ensure proper documentation for claims.

The episode concludes with a summary of the latest scores and upcoming schedules for the Bulls, Blackhawks, and Big Ten tournament play, as well as an update on Spring Training.

Listen to the full episode for specific details on relief locations, contact numbers for official verification, and the complete regional news report.

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This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

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On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, a devastating tornado and severe weather outbreak tore through the Kankakee River Valley and Northwest Indiana. In this WVLI News Special Report, host Jake LaMore provides a deep dive into the storm’s path, the historic 6-inch hail in Kankakee, and the tragic "direct hit" on Lake Village, Indiana.

We hear directly from local officials, including Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey, Kankakee County Board Chairman Matthew Alexander-Hildebrand, Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis, and Newton County Sheriff Shannon Cothran, as they provide updates on search and rescue operations, power restoration, and the two lives lost in Lake Village.

This episode covers:

• The Path of the Storm: From the first signs of rotation in Chebanse to the heavy damage in Aroma Park and Lake Village.
• The Recovery Effort: Updates from ComEd on the 27,000 customers impacted and the deployment of Indiana Task Force 1.
• Community Resources: Information on the Red Cross shelter at Kankakee Community College (KCC), donation centers at Grace Baptist and ShineFM, and how to report damage via 2-1-1.
• Safety Alerts: Warnings from County Board Chairman Matt Alexander-Hildebrand regarding contractor scams and unverified social media rumors.

Stay Connected: Follow the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office and WVLI 92.7 FM on social media for real-time updates as damage assessments from the National Weather Service continue.

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In this edition of the WVLI News Update, Rob West provides comprehensive coverage of several high-profile legal proceedings currently moving through the Kankakee County court system. The update includes the latest developments regarding the arraignment in the Courtney Drysdale case and a significant status update on the trial of Xandria Harris.

Beyond the courtroom, this episode highlights a major economic development for the Village of Bradley following an announcement from CSL Behring and Governor J.B. Pritzker. Listeners will also find information on local infrastructure improvements, the finalized location for a new regional coffee franchise, and the full headlining lineup for the upcoming Bradley 315 Music Festival.

The report concludes with a summary of recent law enforcement activity in Kankakee, a spike in regional gas prices, and a full look at the latest in professional and collegiate sports. Listen to the full episode for the complete details on these developing stories.

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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. 

This episode of the WVLI News Update covers a significant shift at the pump as gas prices see a notable increase across Illinois and Indiana. Host Rob West provides a breakdown of the latest AAA figures for Kankakee, Iroquois, and Will counties, as well as neighboring Hoosier state averages.

The update also includes critical public safety reports, including a devastating barn fire in the Monee Fire Protection District and a warning from Bradley Police regarding a sophisticated scam targeting local seniors. In law enforcement news, KAMEG agents report on a recent search warrant execution on Kankakee’s northeast side resulting in multiple arrests.

Listeners will also hear about the community's turnout for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge at the Manteno Sportsman Club, a scheduled power outage impacting Gilman residents, and a tragic hit-and-run investigation in Homer Glen. The episode concludes with a "Notable Night Sky" segment from Strickler Planetarium and a comprehensive Monday sports wrap-up covering the Bulls, Blackhawks, Illini, and spring training baseball.

Listen to the full episode for specific price data, safety tips, and the complete local forecast.

Special thanks to Bourbonnais Police Officer Travis Garcia for providing audio and photos from this year's Polar Plunge. 

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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 significant shifts in local conditions across Kankakee, Ford, Iroquois, and surrounding counties. As the U.S. Drought Monitor releases its latest findings, we examine which areas are seeing relief and which remain in extreme drought.

The episode also dives into the true cost of winter road maintenance following a recent Bourbonnais Village Board meeting, where budget numbers revealed a sharp increase in spending compared to previous years. Listeners will get the latest on a home invasion attempt in Kankakee and a new Indiana law that changes the legal landscape for those attempting to rescue pets from vehicles.

As the weekend approaches, we provide a breakdown of the "Lock the Clock" legislation debate as Daylight Saving Time returns, along with the health and behavioral impacts it has on both humans and animals. Finally, catch up on the rising Mega Millions jackpot, a new transparency tool from IDOT, and a full schedule of weekend events and sports across the region.

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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 with Rob West, we cover a series of developing stories across Kankakee County and the surrounding region. The update begins with a police response to a shots fired call in Kankakee that led to the discovery of a stabbing victim and an investigation into a domestic dispute. We also have details on a multi-vehicle collision involving a semi-truck in Grant Park and a reported battery incident in the City of Kankakee.

The news continues with a response from Governor JB Pritzker regarding recent allegations and a clarification concerning a 2008 foundation trip. Locally, a Kankakee County organization receives a significant financial boost to support their mission for the homeless, and KCC President Dr. Michael Boyd discusses upcoming legislation that could change the landscape of community college education in Illinois.

The update concludes with a tragic report from the Will County Coroner, a bizarre report of a roadside battery following a jail release, and a full look at the regional sports landscape—including a tribute to a legendary college football coach and a preview of upcoming Bulls, Blackhawks, and Illini action.

Listen to the full episode for the complete details on these 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. 

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, Rob West reports on the significant increase in gasoline prices across Kankakee and surrounding counties. The update outlines the specific factors analysts believe are driving costs higher and provides a breakdown of current averages in Illinois and Indiana.

The episode also covers the highlights of the annual State of the County event held at Olivet Nazarene University. Local officials, including the County Board Chairman and State’s Attorney, provide insight into the region's economic health, job market trends, and future growth projections. Listeners will also find information regarding a leadership change in the Grant Park Police Department and upcoming weather safety training opportunities available to the public.

Additional segments include:

• A series of law enforcement reports concerning recent burglaries in Bradley and Aroma Park.
• Logistical reminders for the upcoming shift to Daylight Savings Time and its impact on household devices.
• Updates on local festival planning and street closure resolutions in Bourbonnais.
• A summary of the current Mega Millions jackpot and the latest scores from Chicago professional and collegiate sports.

For the full details on these local stories and more, 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 covers a range of significant local developments across the Kankakee, Manteno, and Bourbonnais areas. The update begins with police reports regarding a recent arrest following a shots fired incident in Kankakee and a separate drug-related arrest stemming from a report of reckless driving.

Local government remains a primary focus, with updates on the City of Kankakee’s plans for a prominent downtown building and a newly established timeline for a major apartment development project. In Manteno, news includes the latest on short-term rental regulations, fire department reports, and a significant fund transfer for the I-57 overpass project. Bourbonnais officials discuss new land-use planning for the village’s northern tier and a new intergovernmental agreement for IT services.

The update also includes a report on an interstate crash, the latest Mega Millions jackpot figures, and a full sports preview for the Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks, and Fighting Illini. Listen to the full episode for the complete reports and detailed analysis of 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, host Rob West reports on a series of significant developments affecting Iroquois and Kankakee Counties.

The episode leads with a major update from the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police regarding a fatal 2025 house fire in Milford, resulting in a first-degree murder charge. The update also covers legal actions in Aroma Park involving a drone-assisted investigation into a shots-fired report, and an arrest in Chatsworth on multi-count sexual assault and drug-related charges.

In local government and community news, the President and CEO of the Manteno Chamber of Commerce has announced his upcoming resignation from his dual roles within the village. The broadcast also features Madeline Shepley, Director of the Strickler Planetarium, who provides details on the total lunar eclipse occurring Tuesday morning and an organized viewing party at Willow Haven Park.

Political coverage includes highlights from the Iroquois County Republicans’ Lincoln Day dinner, where State Representative Jason Bunting addressed concerns regarding the Illinois state budget and the cost of living. Additional segments cover weekend fire responses in Paxton and a comprehensive sports update featuring the Bulls, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini, and Chicago Fire FC, alongside a historic start to the NASCAR season.

For the full details on these stories and the complete regional news report, 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.