WVLI News Update

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, Rob West provides a comprehensive look at the pressing issues affecting Kankakee, Iroquois, and Ford counties, along with updates from across the state line. The program begins with the latest data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, detailing a significant shift in conditions that has left several local areas facing extreme and severe classifications.

The update also features a report on Bradley Mayor Mike Watson’s recent discussions with Mattel officials. While plans for the upcoming water park are moving forward, the Mayor shares new details regarding the potential for an expanded corporate footprint within the village and the expected timeline for development.

In legal and safety news, the episode covers a federal sentencing following a high-profile barricade situation in Onarga and a major investigation in Cedar Lake involving multiple felony charges. Listeners will also hear the latest on the Chicago Bears’ stadium negotiations, including legislative movements in Springfield and a new framework established in Indiana.

Additional segments include:

• The status of the Iroquois County burn ban.
• New equipment grants for the Grant Park Fire Department.
• A guide to weekend events in Kankakee County, featuring live music and community fundraisers.
• A full sports wrap-up covering the Bulls, Blackhawks, and upcoming collegiate matchups.

For the complete details on these stories and more, 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, host Rob West covers significant legal developments and public safety reports affecting Kankakee and Bradley. The episode begins with an update from the courtroom regarding the trial of Xandria Harris, facing charges related to the 2021 shooting of Bradley police officers. We also examine the Bradley Fire Department’s 2025 annual report, comparing emergency response data to previous years to track local service demands.

The update features a report on recent law enforcement activity, including a specialized arrest involving an aggravated assault with a sword and a separate gun-related traffic stop in Kankakee. Additionally, Kankakee County Recorder of Deeds Lori Gadbois joins the program to issue a specific warning to property owners regarding a common solicitation mailer that could cost residents unnecessary fees.

Listeners will also hear about:

• The legislative "tug-of-war" between Illinois and Indiana to secure a new stadium for the Chicago Bears.
• Information on a total lunar eclipse visible in North America next week.
• Details on a mobile food pantry pop-up event scheduled for the Village of Bourbonnais.
• A comprehensive sports report covering the Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and local collegiate matchups.

For the full breakdown of these stories and specific safety advice from local officials, 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 WVLI News Update, Rob West details the latest developments in the high-profile murder trial of Xandria Harris, including reports of a tense atmosphere during jury selection involving Kankakee County officials. The briefing also covers a significant federal penalty facing a Ford County grain company following a safety inspection and a newly implemented county-wide burn ban in Iroquois County that carries strict fines for non-compliance.

The report further examines local law enforcement activity, including a $10,000 theft from a Kankakee shed and the arrest of a suspect linked to multiple vehicle thefts. Additionally, listeners will hear about a new healthcare expansion in Bourbonnais, updates on the Chicago Bears’ potential move to Arlington Heights, and a roundup of the latest scores and upcoming matchups in professional and collegiate sports.

Listen to the full episode for the complete details on these stories and the Kankakee County Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week.

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 lead with critical developments in the Xandria Harris murder trial. As the community continues to seek justice for the 2021 shooting of Bradley Police officers, we provide an update on the jury selection process and the timeline for opening arguments.

The update also covers a series of significant local arrests, including a case involving a Belvedere man facing child sex charges in Jasper County and a disturbing stalking incident in Bradley involving hidden tracking technology. Additionally, we look into a Kankakee City Police investigation following a weekend confrontation involving a firearm.

On the local government front, we dive into the ongoing legal friction between the Village of Bradley and the City of Kankakee regarding the KRMA wastewater treatment plant. Find out why the case was recently dismissed for a third time and what the next legal steps are for the village. Plus, Mayor Mike Watson discusses how nearly $1 million in state funds will be allocated for local infrastructure and street repairs.

The episode concludes with the latest on the Chicago Bears’ proposal for a new stadium in Northwest Indiana, tonight’s massive Mega Millions jackpot, and a full roundup of local sports schedules for the Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, and regional college teams.

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, host Rob West covers a series of significant legal developments, local community initiatives, and regional sports updates.

The program begins with the latest on a high-profile murder trial in Kankakee County as jury selection commences for the 2021 shooting of two Bradley police officers. The broadcast also details a substantial multi-decade prison sentence handed down in a major child pornography case spanning McLean and Livingston counties.
In community 

news, the episode highlights a statewide tribute to the late Jesse Jackson, a proposed memorial in Manteno focused on suicide prevention and awareness, and a change in leadership at a local automotive dealership. Additionally, listeners will find information on an upcoming Kankakee Community College job fair and a guide to this week’s celestial events in the Notable Night Sky.

The update concludes with a comprehensive look at the Chicago sports landscape—including the Bulls, Fire, and Blackhawks—and a final medal count recap from the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

Listen to the full episode for in-depth reporting 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. 

Rob West provides a comprehensive look at the headlines impacting Kankakee County and the surrounding areas. The update begins with an urgent weather advisory affecting local travel and safety before moving into significant updates regarding the 2021 Bradley police shooting trial.

Listeners will also hear about the resolution of a messy environmental situation in the City of Kankakee, including the specific fines and fallout facing a local business. The report covers recent law enforcement activity involving armed robbery and weapons charges, as well as an update from the County Treasurer regarding the timeline and potential delivery issues for upcoming tax bills.

In the latter half of the episode, the update shifts to regional news, including the sentencing of a key figure in the Michael Madigan corruption case and a bold legislative move in Indiana aimed at attracting a major professional sports team. Finally, stay tuned for a full rundown of weekend events at the Winter Market and local venues, followed by the latest scores and schedules for Chicago sports.

Key Topics Covered

• Weather Alert: Details on wind speeds and potential hazards for high-profile vehicles.
• Legal Updates: Timeline and expectations for a high-profile murder trial starting Monday.
• Environmental Enforcement: The source identified behind the "foamy mess" on Kennedy Drive and the resulting financial penalties.
• Public Safety: Arrests made in a recent armed robbery and a separate weapons-related traffic stop.
• County Business: What to expect regarding tax bill timelines and mailing concerns.
• Regional Politics: A major sentencing in a state corruption saga and a $2 billion stadium proposal in Northwest Indiana.
• Community & Sports: A preview of weekend activities across Kankakee County and an update on the Bulls, Blackhawks, and Spring Training.

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 today's WVLI News Update, covering significant developments across the Kankakee Valley and Illinois.

This episode begins with a somber update regarding the children involved in last week’s serious pickup truck crash near Pembroke Township. We also dive into state politics as Governor J.B. Pritzker presents his proposed $56 billion budget for fiscal year 2027. Hear initial reactions to the spending plan from local legislators, including State Representative Jackie Haas and State Senator Patrick Joyce, and find out where they stand on the governor's priorities.

In other local news, Jasper County police have announced formal charges following a high-speed chase over the weekend that ended in an officer-involved shooting. A former Gibson City area teacher has entered a guilty plea regarding sexual abuse charges. Additionally, Kankakee city leaders are taking official steps to potentially bring a new grocery store to underserved areas of the community.

Listen to the full episode for these stories, plus important updates on voter registration deadlines from the Kankakee County Clerk and a check on local and regional sports action.

(Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki.) 

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 high-stakes series of events impacting the Kankakee area and beyond. The report begins with an urgent safety warning from the National Weather Service regarding environmental risks that could escalate rapidly throughout the afternoon.

The update dives into several major law enforcement developments, including a significant narcotics seizure on I-57 involving tens of pounds of illicit substances and a high-speed interstate pursuit that resulted in a head-on collision with a squad car. Listeners will also hear the latest on a local armed robbery investigation and a substantial cash reward being offered by Crime Stoppers for information regarding a tragic cold case.

Beyond public safety, the episode explores local government and political milestones. Rob West details a multi-million dollar bond abatement in Kankakee, the completion of a federally funded infrastructure project in Bradley, and an update on the upcoming U.S. Senate primary race. The update concludes with a look at a student-led protest, community fundraising efforts for the Special Olympics, and a full wrap-up of regional and professional sports.

Tune in to the full episode for the specific 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 covers the passing of a monumental figure in American history and brings you the latest developments affecting the Kankakee and Bourbonnais communities.

The program opens with a tribute to civil rights activist and two-time presidential candidate Jesse Jackson, who passed away at the age of 84. The report reflects on his profound impact on the "Rainbow Coalition" and his lifelong dedication to justice, from his early days marching in Selma to his historic political campaigns.

Local coverage includes:

• Kankakee Fire Investigation: Details on a late-night mobile home fire on South Schuyler Avenue and the current status of the investigation.
• Bourbonnais Riverfront Park: Information on the upcoming final public workshop for the Master Plan and how residents can voice their opinions on the future of the park.
• Harbor House Fundraising: An update on the capital campaign for the new Lorena Panozzo emergency shelter and how the community is coming together to reach the final funding goal.
• Public Safety in Bradley: A clarification from local police regarding reports of shots fired on Inglesh Avenue.
• Consumer Protection: An urgent "Do Not Drive" warning from the NHTSA involving millions of vehicles with Takata airbags, as well as a legislative update on a bill aimed at controlling rising homeowners insurance costs in Illinois.

The update concludes with a look at the latest in sports, including the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks breaks, Fighting Illini rankings, and the start of MLB spring training for the Cubs and White Sox.

For the full stories and in-depth reporting on these topics, listen to the complete episode.

Photo of Jesse Jackson in episode artwork by, Wojciech Grabowski | Dreamstime.com

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 the essential local and regional headlines impacting the community this Monday. As the nation observes President’s Day, we look at the historical roots of the holiday and provide a necessary guide on which local municipal offices, banks, and schools are closing their doors for the day.

The update also delves into several developing stories across Kankakee and Will Counties, including:

• Public Safety: Details regarding a multi-vehicle accident near Beecher and the identification of the individual involved.
• Law Enforcement: Reports on two separate high-speed pursuits—one ending on the south side of Kankakee and another resulting in an officer-involved shooting in Jasper County, Indiana.
• Legal Proceedings: An update on the status hearing for Xandria Harris and the latest developments in the Bradley police shooting trial.
• Civic Deadlines: Critical information for residents regarding the final 24 hours to register for the upcoming primary election and where to find early voting satellite locations.
• Regional News: The latest on negotiations for a potential Chicago Bears stadium in Northwest Indiana and a look at the "Notable Night Sky" with Madeline Shepley.

From retail savings tips to the latest scores in the NHL and NBA All-Star breaks, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the news you need to start your week.

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.