WVLI News Update

Join Rob West for this edition of the WVLI News Update, bringing you the latest headlines affecting the Kankakee Valley and surrounding areas.

In this episode, we break down a severe cold weather advisory currently in effect, detailing dangerous wind chills and the frostbite risks you need to prepare for today. We also cover local observances and closures for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, including details on an ecumenical service in Bourbonnais.

Topics covered in today’s update include:

• Weather Alert: Essential safety information regarding the extreme cold and wind chill warnings issued by the National Weather Service.
• Local News: Firefighters battle a detached garage fire on Oak Park Avenue hampered by frozen equipment, and the Kankakee Fire Department announces the appointment of a new Deputy Chief.
• Traffic Investigation: Details on the "industrial soap" incident that forced the closure of northbound Kennedy Drive and the ongoing investigation into its source.
• Consumer Alert: A recall issued by Meijer regarding distilled water that may contain a foreign substance.
• Health Watch: Important information from the Iroquois County Public Health Department regarding National Radon Action Month and how to get a free test kit.
• Astronomy & Sports: Madeline Shepley shares what to look for in the night sky this Thursday, followed by a full wrap-up of the Chicago Bears' season-ending game, Bulls results, and the College Football Championship matchup.

Tune in for the full reports and stay informed on what is happening in your community.

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, Rob West covers breaking stories and local developments impacting the Kankakee Valley and beyond.

The update begins with a report on a fatal traffic accident involving a school bus on Monee Manhattan Road. Listen in for details from the Illinois State Police regarding the investigation, road closures, and the status of those involved.

In regional sports business news, the Chicago Bears have responded to a new legislative bill introduced in Indiana. The episode explores how this legislation could shift the team’s stadium search toward Northwest Indiana and what the proposed "Stadium Authority" entails for the franchise's future.

Looking for weekend plans? Angelina Gear from Visit Kankakee County joins the program to highlight upcoming events, including a wizard-themed experience in Grant Park and how to explore the Kankakee County Craft Beverage Trail.

Local crime reports include details on a "shots fired" call in Kankakee that resulted in a traffic stop and felony charges for two individuals. Additionally, Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey discusses the high volume of "failure to appear" warrants processed at the Jerome Combs Detention Center in 2025 and shares his perspective on how current laws are affecting law enforcement safety.

Finally, get the latest sports forecast as the Bears prepare for what could be a historically cold matchup against the Rams at Soldier Field, along with updates on the Blackhawks, Bulls, and Fighting Illini.

Tune in now to hear the full details on these 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. 

Join Rob West for this edition of the WVLI News Update, covering the top stories impacting Kankakee County and the surrounding region. From emergency response efforts to major sports headlines, we break down the events shaping your community this week.

In this episode:

• Grant Park Fire Response: Details emerge regarding a significant blaze at Woldhuis Farms and Sunrise Greenhouses, including the estimated damages and the scope of the emergency response.
• County Traffic Statistics: Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey breaks down the three-year trend for traffic accidents on local roadways and identifies the most dangerous times to drive.
• Chicago Bears Relocation: Indiana Governor Mike Braun made a bold statement during his State of the State address regarding the future of the Chicago Bears.
• Weather Impact: A recap of the recent snow squalls that halted air traffic at O’Hare and forced multiple road closures across the region, including parts of I-57.
• Legislative Updates: Sheriff Downey discusses potential tweaks to the Illinois SAFE-T Act and when new details might be released.
• Political Headlines: Congresswoman Robin Kelly introduces articles of impeachment against a high-ranking federal official.
• Community Development: The City of Braidwood secures a major grant from the state for town center improvements.
• Local Events: Information on the upcoming First Responders Night at the ONU hockey game and a mobile food pantry event in Bourbonnais.
• Sports Round-Up: Scores and updates for the Bulls, Fighting Illini, Blackhawks, and the upcoming Bears matchup.

Tune in to get the full story on these developments 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 this edition of the WVLI News Update, covering the latest developing stories across Kankakee, Iroquois, and Grundy counties. This episode details recent criminal investigations, significant updates from local government boards, and a look at the economic future of the region.

In this episode, we cover:

• Violent Crime Investigation: Details regarding a stabbing incident reported early Tuesday morning on North Dearborn Avenue in Kankakee.
• Courthouse Renovations: The Kankakee County Board moves forward with architectural plans and budget adjustments for the courthouse remodel.
• State Legislation: Governor J.B. Pritzker comments on potential adjustments to the Illinois Safety Act and current crime rate trends.
• Major Narcotics Arrest: Police uncover a significant amount of methamphetamine and other controlled substances during a traffic stop on I-80 near Morris.
• Economic Outlook: The Economic Alliance of Kankakee County provides an annual update, highlighting billions in local investments and major infrastructure projects.
• Rural Transportation: An update on the ongoing challenges facing rural transit services in Iroquois County following the CRRS closure.
• Fraud Investigation: Kankakee City Police announce an arrest connected to forged property documents and quit claim deeds.
• County Leadership: The Iroquois County Board appoints a new Vice Chair.
• Crime Stoppers Alert: Authorities seek assistance identifying a suspect involved in a vehicle burglary where a firearm magazine was stolen.
• Sports Round-up: Scores and schedules for the Bulls, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini, and Chicago Bears.

Tune in now to get the full story on these headlines 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 latest WVLI News Update, covering breaking stories, local development, and safety reports across Kankakee and Bradley.

In this episode, Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis releases the city’s 2025 crime statistics, highlighting trends in shots fired and homicide rates. The Kankakee City Police report on weekend incidents, including an assault on an off-duty bouncer at a South Skylar Avenue bar and a shots-fired investigation on East Court Street.

In Bradley business news, Mayor Mike Watson and the Village Board confirm that the former Red Lobster on Route 50 will be demolished to make way for a new development, including a Dutch Bros Coffee and three other eateries. Plus, organizers tease details regarding the upcoming Bradley 315 Music Fest lineup.

Key Topics Covered:

• Kankakee Crime Statistics: Mayor Curtis breaks down 2025 data, reporting a significant drop in shots fired calls while addressing recent homicide investigations.
• Local Police Blotter: Details on a bar fight involving an off-duty bouncer and a separate shots-fired incident involving a white SUV.
• Bradley Development: Confirmation that Dutch Bros and new restaurants are replacing the former Red Lobster site on Route 50.
• State News: Senator Chris Balkema returns to Springfield to address the state budget, and Illinois State Police report a 31% decrease in interstate shootings with zero fatalities in 2025.
• Sports & Lifestyle: Chicago Bears playoff schedule, Blackhawks and Bulls updates, and a new study on canine behavior.

Stay informed with the top stories impacting Kankakee County.

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 latest WVLI News Update, covering breaking crime stories, community alerts, and sports highlights across Kankakee, Iroquois, and Will counties.

In this episode, we cover significant legal developments in Chatsworth regarding a child pornography arrest, as well as a road rage incident in Crown Point, Indiana. We also provide updates on the United Way’s upcoming grant process and the suspension of CRIS Rural Transportation services.

In this episode:

• Chatsworth Investigation: Livingston County Sheriff's deputies arrest Jacob Monferdini on charges related to the possession and dissemination of child pornography.
• Crown Point Incident: Police investigate a stabbing resulting from a road rage altercation that left a Cedar Lake man hospitalized.
• Community Grants: The United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties announces the start of their granting process for 2026, focusing on health, education, and financial stability.
• Bradley Police Blotter: A Kankakee County Sheriff's drone assists Bradley Police in apprehending 18-year-old Carter M. Quigley, suspecting of breaking into vehicles on the southwest side.
• Scam Alert: A Manhattan resident narrowly avoids losing nearly $10,000 in a check fraud reimbursement scheme.
• Transit Update: The Iroquois County Board seeks volunteer drivers following the suspension of Chris Rural Transportation operations.
• Economy: A look at falling gas prices across Illinois and Indiana, with local averages for Kankakee, Ford, and Newton counties.
• Notable Night Sky News: Madeline Shepley from the Strickler Planetarium discusses the variable star Algal and the new moon.
• Sports Report: The Chicago Bears advance to face the Rams in the NFC divisional round, plus updates on the Blackhawks, Bulls, Fighting Illini, and the upcoming College Football Championship involving the Indiana Hoosiers.

Stay connected: Tune in for daily updates on news, weather, and sports.

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 this edition of the WVLI News Update, covering breaking weather alerts, local crime, and the latest community developments in Kankakee County and across Illinois.

In this episode, we track a special weather alert from the National Weather Service regarding dangerous wind gusts affecting travel in the region. We also provide a critical health update as the CDC reports high flu transmission rates across Illinois and Indiana, with advice from Kankakee County Health Department Administrator John Bevis on how to protect your family.

Topics covered in today’s broadcast:

• Weather Alert: Details on high winds gusting up to 50 mph and warnings for high-profile vehicles.
• Health Watch: Current statistics on the flu season and prevention tips from local health officials.
• Local Crime: A domestic disturbance call in Manteno leads to a gun arrest and shoplifting charges.
• Hospital Leadership: St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee announces Patrick Kerrwood as the new Chief Executive Officer.
• Politics: Republican Gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey outlines his budget blueprint, and State Rep. Jackie Haas introduces a new law for domestic violence support.
• Local News: Reports on a fire at the Shapiro Developmental Center and upcoming events at the Kankakee County Museum.
• Sports: Updates on the College Football Playoffs, Illini basketball, the postponed Bulls game, and a preview of the Bears vs. Packers NFC Wildcard matchup.

Timestamps: 0:00 - NWS High Wind Alert 0:24 - Flu Season Intensity & Prevention 1:32 - Darren Bailey’s Campaign Blueprint 1:57 - Manteno Police Make Gun Arrest 2:33 - New CEO at St. Mary’s Hospital 3:11 - National Quitters Day & Resolutions 4:09 - Fire Reported at Shapiro Developmental Center 4:26 - New Illinois Domestic Violence Law (HB 2774) 5:14 - Weekend Events in Kankakee County 5:49 - Sports: CFP, Bulls, Blackhawks, and Bears Preview

Stay informed with the latest news, weather, and sports from the Kankakee Valley on WVLI.

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. 

On this episode of the WVLI News Update, Rob West breaks down a sudden development for Kankakee School District 111 families. A structural engineer’s report has forced an immediate change of plans for Edison Primary School—tune in to find out what caused the safety concerns and where students are being relocated starting Monday.

Also in this update:

• Bears to Indiana? Frustration with Illinois legislators has sparked new talks about a $2 billion stadium investment across the state line. We look at the proposed location.
• Police Reports: A violent home invasion on New Year’s Eve leads to an arrest in Bradley. Plus, the Bourbonnais Police Department launches a vital new registry to help protect residents with autism and special needs.
• Government Watch: An extensive audit has flagged hundreds of thousands of dollars in questionable spending by a Lake County Sheriff.
• Community & Cash: The Manteno Farmer’s Market gets a reboot for spring, and the clock is ticking for Bradley homeowners to claim their property tax rebate.

Plus, get your full rundown of local and national sports, including the latest on the Bulls, Blackhawks, and the Bears' upcoming Wildcard matchup.

Listen now for the full story and all the details.

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, Rob West covers developing stories across Kankakee, Manteno, and the broader region.

Key stories featured in this update:

• Kankakee Shooting Investigation: City police arrest two men, identified as Enrique Diaz III and Rodrigo Zavala, following a ShotSpotter alert on North Park Avenue.
• Manteno Board Meeting: An update on the Gotion plant reveals that outstanding fire safety resolutions, including the fire brigade and sprinkler systems, have been addressed.
• Local Crime & Safety: Police investigate a severe assault on Country Club Drive that left a man hospitalized and a structural fire in Odell.
• Indiana Policy Updates: New restrictions on "SmartSnap" benefits limit the purchase of sugary drinks and snacks under Governor Mike Braun's health initiative.
• Regional & National News: U-Haul migration data shows a continued population shift out of Illinois, and Nestle issues a precautionary recall for specific infant formulas.
• Sports: A look at upcoming matchups for the Bulls, Blackhawks, and the Bears wild card game against the Packers.

Tune in for the full report 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 your daily Kankakee County news briefing on the WVLI News Update. In this episode, we cover major changes for Kankakee School District 111 as structural issues at Edison Primary force a shift to remote learning and student relocation.

Kankakee County Clerk Dan Hendrickson releases the official 2025 vital statistics, revealing trends in births, deaths, and the most popular baby names in the county. plus, local law enforcement investigates a barn burglary in Herscher and thefts in Kankakee, while the Bradley-Bourbonnais Little League announces a historic venue change after nearly 50 years.

In this episode:

• [00:00] Police investigate a barn burglary in rural Hersher.
• [00:18] 2025 Vital Statistics: Birth rates, marriage licenses, and top baby names in Kankakee County.
• [01:16] School Closure: Edison Primary shifts to remote learning due to structural flaws; relocation details.
• [02:04] Bourbonnais Police Department swears in new Patrolman Trayvon Buzbee.
• [02:20] Theft reported at a North Kennedy Drive storage unit.
• [02:45] Kankakee Fire Department welcomes four new firefighters.
• [03:24] Little League News: Bradley-Bourbonnais Little League moves to the 315 Sportsplex.
• [03:45] Live Christmas tree disposal instructions for Bourbonnais residents.
• [04:21] Health Dept. Warning: High flu activity and COVID-19 updates.
• [05:05] Downtown Update: Mayor Curtis discusses the fate of the historic building on East Court St.
• [06:06] Essential Smoothies coming to Kankakee High School.
• [06:15] Sports: Bulls, ISU FCS Championship results, and a look ahead to the Bears vs. Packers Wild Card game.

Stay informed with WVLI. Subscribe for daily updates on news, weather, and sports in the Kankakee Valley area.

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.