Auto Theft Arrests, New Insurance Bills Move to the Governor's Desk, and Weekend Events in Kankakee County - Friday, May 29th, 2026

Shots Fired Investigation, Missing Person Alert, and Cyclospora Spike in Illinois - Wednesday, July 15th, 2026

In this episode of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West delivers comprehensive coverage of the top stories impacting the region. Kankakee City Police are actively investigating a shots fired incident on the city's east side that resulted in gunfire damage to a residential vehicle. In infrastructure developments, the Iroquois County Board has approved substantial funding for County Highway 9 improvements near Milford, awarding contracts to local paving corporations. The update also features an urgent public safety announcement from the Watseka Police Department, which is seeking information regarding missing 43-year-old resident Thomas L. Boyer. Additionally, public health updates are highlighted, including a rise in parasitic Cyclospora cases across Illinois and the confirmation of the first West Nile Virus-positive mosquito pool in Ford County for the year. Listeners will also hear updates on Kankakee County Board approvals for storm damage repairs on county buildings, ongoing investigations into copper wire thefts in rural Manteno, and a consumer security report detailing the privacy vulnerabilities linked to retail loyalty programs. Local entertainment highlights include the continuing schedule for the Newton County Fair and the upcoming opening of "Annie" by the Acting Out Theater Company in Momence. Please listen to the full episode for all the details, including the latest lottery jackpot figures and regional sports updates. 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 Board Lawsuit, Xandria Harris Murder Trial Update, and Bradley Business News - Tuesday, July 14th, 2026

This episode of the WVLI News Update with Rob West covers crucial local developments across Kankakee and Newton counties, alongside essential regional news. The report begins with a legal dispute filed in Kankakee County Circuit Court involving the Village of Manteno and four village trustees regarding a controversial meeting to reinstate the village attorney. In business news, the Village of Bradley provides construction updates and revised opening timelines for highly anticipated establishments, including 7 Brew, Dutch Bros, and Longhorn Steakhouse, as well as announcing the theme for this year's Lighted Christmas Parade. Additional coverage includes the latest developments in the Xandria Harris murder trial, an investigation into a home invasion in Bradley, and special recognition for Lieutenant Phil Trudeau's 25 years of service with the Bradley Police Department. The update also features schedule highlights for the Newton County Punkin Vine Fair, details on an urgent nationwide FDA recall of select Pedigree canned dog food, regional sports results, and growing lottery jackpots exceeding $1 billion combined. Be sure to listen to the full episode for complete coverage, direct statements, and in-depth details on all of these top stories. 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.

Kankakee House Fire Investigation, Auto Theft Arrests, and Riverwalk Property Purchase - Monday, July 13th, 2026

This episode of the WVLI News Update with Rob West covers key local news, community events, legal developments, and sports from across Kankakee County and the surrounding areas. Top stories include an investigation into an early morning residential fire in the 900 block of North Cleveland Avenue in Kankakee, a stern warning from Kankakee County Animal Control regarding the illegal abandonment of pets, and details on the opening day schedule for the Newton County Punkin Vine Fair. Additional coverage includes the arrest of two individuals by the Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force following an investigation in Manteno, the Kankakee City Council's approval to acquire property at 595 Southwest Avenue for the future West Riverwalk project, an upcoming Real Justice Fishing Club event hosted by State's Attorney Jim Rowe, and a residential burglary report under investigation by Bradley police. Rounding out the episode are the winning draw results for the Riverside Healthcare Foundation playhouse fundraiser, Night Sky astronomy highlights with Madeline Shepley from Olivet Nazarene University, and regional sports updates covering baseball, basketball, NASCAR, and soccer. Listen to the full episode for all the details and full reports. 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.

Bourbonnais Home Invasion, Kankakee Kidnapping Arrest, and Weekend Events in Kankakee County - Friday, July 10th, 2026

In this edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West, stay informed on the major headlines shaping Kankakee County and northwest Indiana heading into the weekend. Key Topics Covered in This Update * Public Safety & Local Investigations: Law enforcement updates from across the region, including an active home invasion investigation by Bourbonnais police, recent narcotics arrests, and a serious kidnapping charge filed in Kankakee. * Gas Price Fluctuations: A breakdown of the latest fuel cost trends affecting local drivers across Kankakee, Will, Ford, and surrounding counties. * Indiana Legislative Impact: An analysis of the projected savings for motorists under the current gas tax holiday, alongside its potential long-term effects on local road funding infrastructure. * Community Events & Weekend Previews: Upcoming family-friendly activities, including the Kankakee Public Library's annual events, local county fair previews, and regional festivals. * Sports Roundup: Recent scores and weekend outlooks for the White Sox, Cubs, and Cardinals, plus updates on the Chicago Sky, NASCAR, and the World Cup. Listen to the full episode for all the details. 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.

DEA Investigation in Lowell, Proposed Aqua Illinois Rate Hike, and Kankakee Street Designations - Thursday, July 9th, 2026

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West delivers comprehensive coverage of top stories impacting Kankakee County and surrounding areas. Coverage begins with reports of a federal drug enforcement agency search warrant executed at an animal hospital in Lowell, Indiana, regarding the alleged diversion of controlled substances. In local business news, Frank’s Appliance Center and Sleep Source announces the closure of its Manteno storefront to consolidate operations in Bradley, while Lush Wine Bar prepares to expand into Manteno. Additional stories include new honorary street designations approved by the Kankakee City Council for Frank Lloyd Wright Way and Ira D. Nelson Avenue, a sheriff’s investigation into significant copper cable theft in rural Manteno, and a proposed $26.5 million rate increase request filed by Aqua Illinois. The update also covers Ford’s nationwide vehicle recall, the designation of Illinois’ new official state bee, details on the upcoming Kankakee Municipal Band concert, and local sports scores. Listen to the full episode for all the details and in-depth reporting on these local and regional stories. 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.