WVLI News Update

Verdict Delivered in 2021 Bradley Murder, Essex Hit-and-Run Investigation, and Memorial Day Weekend Events - Friday, May 22nd, 2026

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, guest host Jake LaMore steps in for Rob West to deliver the latest breaking news, community developments, and sports updates from across Kankakee County. This episode covers a major verdict handed down by a Kankakee County jury regarding a 2021 shooting, along with ongoing law enforcement investigations into a recent physical assault in Kankakee and a severe hit-and-run incident in Essex. Listeners will also get details on a newly launched digital resource from the County Treasurer’s Office designed to improve accessibility, as well as a legislative push by Illinois State Senator Patrick Joyce to modernize transit laws for local farmers. As the region prepares for the holiday weekend, this update features critical travel and safety reminders from local law enforcement and fire department officials, details on regional Memorial Day commemorative ceremonies, and a roundup of community events courtesy of Visit Kankakee County. Finally, wrap up with a comprehensive look at the sports landscape, including the latest updates for the Cubs, White Sox, and Cardinals, alongside post-season coverage for the NHL and NBA. Listen to the full episode to get the complete details on these stories and stay informed on what is happening in your community. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2512429/fan_mail/new] Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network: This One Time in Kankakee [https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com]  (Narrative Storytelling) Kankakee Valley Community Happenings [https://pod.link/1805226181]  (Businesses & Non-Profits) The voices you trust, beyond the dial.

Inside the Manteno Forensic Audit, FBI's Operation Viper, and Memorial Day Travel Updates - Thursday, May 21st, 2026

In this edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West, we cover major local developments impacting Kankakee County and the surrounding areas. From highly anticipated financial investigations to federal crime crackdowns and holiday travel advisories, this episode breaks down the stories shaping our community this week. Key Topics Covered in This Update: * The Manteno Forensic Audit: The long-awaited findings from Green Forensic Accounting Solutions have been presented to the Village of Manteno. Hear how village officials are responding to the findings regarding local spending patterns, wire transfers, and property sales, and why leadership remains divided on the conclusions. * Local Fraud Sentencing: A Bourbonnais woman faces prison time following a federal investigation into a multi-person conspiracy targeting pandemic-era relief funds. * Property Tax Sticker Shock: Kankakee County Assessor Erich Blair addresses the recent surge in property tax bills, explaining how local voter-approved referendums are impacting your wallet and what exemptions you need to verify. * Statewide Legislation on Junk Fees: Illinois lawmakers have sent a new bill to Governor J.B. Pritzker’s desk aimed at eliminating hidden costs. Learn which everyday purchases and services will be impacted by this upcoming ban. * Operation Viper Crackdown: The Kankakee County Sheriff's Office, alongside the FBI and regional law enforcement, details the results of a massive five-day multi-agency surge targeting high-impact fugitives. * Holiday Travel & Health Advisories: Get the latest updates on regional gas price fluctuations ahead of Memorial Day weekend, crucial traffic safety reminders from the Illinois State Police, and a health report from the Kankakee County Health Department regarding regional virus tracking. * Local and National Sports: A quick wrap-up of the latest performances from the Cubs, White Sox, Cardinals, and Chicago Sky, alongside critical updates from the NBA and NHL playoff brackets. > Want the full story? This update contains critical details regarding local governance, community safety, and financial changes directly impacting you. Tune in to the full episode of the WVLI News Update with Rob West for the complete breakdown and expert commentary. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2512429/fan_mail/new] Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network: This One Time in Kankakee [https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com]  (Narrative Storytelling) Kankakee Valley Community Happenings [https://pod.link/1805226181]  (Businesses & Non-Profits) The voices you trust, beyond the dial.

Missing Bourbonnais Girl Found Safe, Herscher Home Invasion, and Kankakee County Property Taxes - Wednesday, May 20th, 2026

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West delivers the latest local news, crime updates, and sports headlines impacting Kankakee County and the surrounding communities. This episode covers several major local developments, including a critical update on a missing youth investigation in Bourbonnais, the mailing of Kankakee County property tax bills alongside key deadline information, and the kickoff of a local community outreach initiative at Bird Park. In regional coverage, Rob breaks down the latest comments from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell regarding the ongoing Chicago Bears stadium search and the two specific locations still in play. Law enforcement updates include a federal firearms sentencing, an arrest following a home invasion in Herscher, and a state-wide alert from the Illinois State Police regarding an ongoing text message scam. As the holiday weekend approaches, the update also features crucial safety reminders for motorists and boaters, the regional Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week regarding a recent theft, and a breakdown of shifting area gas prices. Finally, Jake LaMore reports on leadership changes at the Bourbonnais Township Park District, followed by a full wrap-up of Chicago and national sports action. Listen to the full episode for complete details, official statements, and the comprehensive local sports report. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2512429/fan_mail/new] Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network: This One Time in Kankakee [https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com]  (Narrative Storytelling) Kankakee Valley Community Happenings [https://pod.link/1805226181]  (Businesses & Non-Profits) The voices you trust, beyond the dial.

Manteno Forensic Audit Delays, Bourbonnais Solar Farm Moratorium, and Kankakee Fire Department Promotions - Tuesday, May 19th, 2026

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West delivers comprehensive coverage of the key legislative, financial, and community developments impacting Kankakee, Manteno, Bourbonnais, and the surrounding regions. This episode breaks down major local governance updates, including a sudden postponement and upcoming special session regarding Manteno's highly anticipated forensic audit. In Bourbonnais, trustees have enacted a new zoning moratorium regarding commercial developments in residential areas, alongside updates on municipal contract negotiations. Key Topics Covered in This Update: * Local Governance & Audits: The latest timeline on the Manteno Village Board's forensic audit review and a newly passed ordinance regarding board member attendance. * Zoning & Infrastructure: Details on Bourbonnais’ new commercial solar farm restrictions and Kankakee’s $860,000 infrastructure investment targeting sanitary sewer basins. * Public Safety & Community Personnel: New safety ordinances for specialized commercial facilities, personnel shifts within the Kankakee Fire Department, and a multi-year contract agreement for local law enforcement. * State Politics & Economy: State Representative Jason Bunting provides an update on the record-breaking $56 billion Illinois state budget negotiations, alongside a regional breakdown of shifting gas prices ahead of holiday travel. * Holiday Traffic Enforcement: Illinois State Police issue a warning regarding high-visibility patrols and the "Fatal Four" violations to watch out for this Memorial Day weekend. * Regional Sports: A complete recap of the latest outcomes for the Cubs, White Sox, and regional postseason hockey and basketball tracking. To get the full breakdown, statements from village officials, and the complete analysis of these developing stories, listen to the full episode. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2512429/fan_mail/new] Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network: This One Time in Kankakee [https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com]  (Narrative Storytelling) Kankakee Valley Community Happenings [https://pod.link/1805226181]  (Businesses & Non-Profits) The voices you trust, beyond the dial.

From Racetrack Fires to Cell Phone Bans: Monday, May 18th, 2026

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West covers critical local and regional headlines affecting Illinois and Indiana residents. As the summer travel season kicks off, drivers and flyers face a significant financial pinch with skyrocketing gas prices and surging airfares. Local law enforcement officials also reveal the fundraising results from the annual Cop on a Rooftop event benefiting the Special Olympics, while a major new cell phone ban is officially signed into law for Indiana students. The update also covers local breaking news, including a destructive weekend fire at a historic regional landmark and updates on a fatal highway accident. Additionally, hear inspiring words from the 57th annual Kankakee Community College commencement ceremony and find out how local libraries are celebrating National Get Caught Reading Month. Finally, get a comprehensive wrap-up of the weekend's sports action, featuring intense matchups for the White Sox, Cubs, Chicago Fire FC, and the latest shifts in the NBA and NHL playoff brackets. Listen to the full episode for the exact county-by-county gas price breakdowns, specific details on a major regional dairy recall, and the complete local news report. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2512429/fan_mail/new] Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network: This One Time in Kankakee [https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com]  (Narrative Storytelling) Kankakee Valley Community Happenings [https://pod.link/1805226181]  (Businesses & Non-Profits) The voices you trust, beyond the dial.