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

Regional Tornado Updates, Surge in Kankakee Building Permits, and A $30,000 Surprise for Veterans - Thursday, June 18th, 2026

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West delivers a comprehensive look at the key headlines impacting the Kankakee region and broader Illinois community. The episode opens with an update on recent severe weather across the Midwest, detailing recovery efforts and structural damage assessments in hard-hit areas like Charleston and Effingham County. The broadcast also highlights several upcoming community events, including a highly anticipated holiday weekend concert in downtown Kankakee and the launch of a popular seasonal market. Listeners will hear an inspiring story regarding a major fundraising milestone achieved by a local youth to support veterans housing at Liberty Lodge, alongside important administrative updates from Mayor Chris Curtis regarding a significant surge in city building permit applications. Finally, the update provides details on a modified local musical performance and a complete roundup of regional and international sports. To get the full context, specific event times, and complete details on these 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.

Severe Storm Warnings, Bradley Officer Trial Updates, and Illinois' New $56B Budget - Wednesday, June 17th, 2026

Stay informed with the latest edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West. This episode delivers critical coverage on an active severe weather system moving through Kankakee County, including a designated flood watch, flash flood potential, and afternoon tornado risks. Our reporting team also brings you the latest developments from the Kankakee County Court regarding the upcoming trial of Xandria Harris. Additionally, we highlight vital community events, including State's Attorney Jim Rowe’s youth initiatives and the upcoming Senior Safety Fair in Bradley. You will also hear updates on regional workforce data regarding elder care, a recent local narcotics arrest, application details for the Bourbonnais Friendship Festival, and a breakdown of Governor J.B. Pritzker's newly signed state budget. Finally, we wrap up with a comprehensive look at local, regional, and international sports. Listen to the full episode to get all the specific timelines, location details, and comprehensive journalistic reports on these 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.

Bourbonnais Data Center Moratorium, Kankakee Smoke Shop Caps, and Manteno Veto Overrides - Tuesday, June 16th, 2026

The latest edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West covers critical developments and local government decisions across Kankakee and Iroquois counties. In this episode, we provide updates from the National Weather Service as they classify recent storm damage and continue investigations into additional potential tornadoes in the region. Municipal developments take center stage as the Bourbonnais Village Board implements a temporary moratorium on specific land usages and introduces the initial reading of the fiscal year 2027 budget. Meanwhile, the Manteno Village Board experiences significant debate involving property tax rebates, mayoral veto overrides, and unexpected personnel appointments. We also cover a recent road rage incident that led to an arrest by the Bradley Police Department, an infrastructure maintenance notice from Aqua Illinois, and a newly amended ordinance from the Kankakee City Council regarding future business regulations and a long-term comprehensive city plan. The episode concludes with a comprehensive look at regional sports, including recent outcomes for the Cubs and Cardinals, an upcoming series for the White Sox, and today's international soccer matchups. Listen to the full episode to hear complete reports, official statements, and detailed breakdowns of all these 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.

17 Tornadoes Confirmed, Major Drug Arrest, and Career Tools for Graduates - Monday, June 15th, 2026

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West delivers comprehensive coverage of recent events impacting northeastern Illinois and northwest Indiana. The National Weather Service has provided final data on last week's severe storm and tornado outbreak, confirming a significant number of touchdowns and varying intensity levels across several local counties, including Iroquois, Newton, and Livingston. In regional news, a collaborative effort in Kankakee County introduces a new free resource for recent graduates exploring career paths, while area law enforcement officials report a major drug and weapons arrest following the execution of multi-property search warrants. The episode also covers a national health alert from the CDC concerning an infant formula recall, a local hit-and-run arrest, and details on an upcoming community celebration at the Kankakee Public Library. Why Listen? This episode contains vital safety updates, local economic resources, and community milestones you won't want to miss. Listen to the full episode for extensive details on these stories, regional sports updates—including weekend championship results—and a stargazing forecast from the Strickler Planetarium. 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.

Tornado Damage Assessments, Changing Gas Prices, and Weekend Events in Kankakee County - Friday, June 12th, 2026

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West provides a comprehensive breakdown of the severe weather aftermath affecting communities across Illinois and Northwest Indiana. This episode covers the ongoing storm damage assessments, local structural impacts, and the current status of power restoration efforts by major regional utility providers. Beyond local infrastructure updates, the episode features the latest AAA fuel reports highlighting notable shifts in gas prices across multiple counties and state lines. Listeners will also get an insider look at upcoming community events happening throughout Kankakee County this weekend, followed by an analytical look at the intensifying legislative tug-of-war between Illinois and Indiana leadership over the future development of the Chicago Bears stadium. The broadcast concludes with a concise summary of professional regional baseball, basketball, and hockey performances. > Note: Critical details, specific county figures, and event timelines are updated frequently. Listen to the full episode to get the complete, detailed report and localized safety 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.