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

Illinois Heat Wave, Jury Duty Scams, and QuickTrip Groundbreaking in Kankakee - Monday, June 29th, 2026

The latest edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West covers critical updates impacting Illinois and Indiana communities. This episode details an incoming severe weather alert for Illinois, a breakdown of regional gas prices heading into the holiday weekend, and an urgent public safety warning from the Kankakee County Sheriff's Police regarding a recent scam targeting local residents. Additionally, hear about the upcoming week-long community celebrations in Manteno, a major economic development project breaking ground in Kankakee, and updates on massive lottery jackpots, stargazing opportunities, and regional sports scores. Listen to the full episode to get all the vital details and stay informed on these developing 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.

Tensions Flare on Manteno Village Board, Kankakee Police Search for Murder Suspect, and Local Super Bowl Champion Honored - Friday, June 26th, 2026

In this episode of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West covers a series of significant local developments impacting the community. The program leads with the recent tensions surrounding the Manteno Village Board's special meeting regarding the reinstatement of the village attorney and the conflicting statements from local officials. Additionally, the update provides crucial information from the Kankakee City Police Department regarding an ongoing search for a suspect in a recent investigation. Listeners will also hear about a local athlete's prestigious induction into the Illinois Sports Hall of Fame, a health alert from the Chicago Department of Public Health concerning a measles exposure at O'Hare International Airport, and an overview of upcoming community events. Tune in to the full episode to get all the details on these stories, regional sports updates, and fluctuating gas prices. 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.

I-65 Road Rage Arrest, Kankakee Break-In Investigation, and New Transportation Fund For Veterans - Thursday, June 25th, 2026

In this episode of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West delivers an objective breakdown of the latest breaking news, regional political developments, and community events impacting Kankakee, Illinois, and Northwest Indiana. The update begins with an active residential burglary investigation being conducted by the Kankakee City Police Department on North Entrance Avenue following a forced entry caught on surveillance. In major sports and economic news, the ongoing efforts to secure a new stadium for the Chicago Bears take a major turn as Indiana Governor Mike Braun details a specific Hoosier city as a top contender, drawing a stark contrast between state business environments. Meanwhile, rival alternative proposals continue to emerge closer to home within the Chicago area, prompting Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker to signal readiness for a special legislative session. Listeners will also hear about significant regional economic variances, including a substantial gap in fuel prices between Illinois and Indiana reported by AAA. The episode highlights key community events and non-profit initiatives, including the ongoing schedule for the 51st Annual Bourbonnais Friendship Festival, a newly launched transportation fund dedicated to assisting local veterans with critical travel costs, and the continuation of the Kankakee Municipal Band Summer Concert Series. Finally, a concise summary of recent professional sports scores and an outlook on international tournament group play wraps up the broadcast. To get the full context, specific figures, and complete details on all 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.

Multiple Arrests in Kankakee Shootout, Bears Stadium Debate, and Rising Cookout Costs

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West and reporter Jake Lemoore bring you critical developments from across the region, local sports updates, and national economic trends. The episode leads with a Kankakee City Police investigation into an early Monday evening shooting on the city's northeast side that involved a multi-car collision, a recovered firearm, and multiple arrests. Following these events, Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis issued an official statement addressing the recent uptick in community violence and outlining law enforcement's next steps. In regional political news, the ongoing debate surrounding the future home of the Chicago Bears intensifies as Illinois and Indiana governors clash over a potential new stadium location in Hammond. Listeners will also hear updates regarding an ongoing watercraft accident investigation on the Kankakee River, a disturbing neglect case out of Rensselaer, and an unusual neighborhood burglary reported in Bradley. Additionally, the team previews the opening day events for the Bourbonnais Friendship Festival and breaks down a new economic report from Wells Fargo explaining why your summer barbecues are costing significantly more this year. Finally, stay tuned for a comprehensive sports wrap-up covering recent wins for both the Cubs and White Sox, the Chicago Bulls' new first-round NBA draft picks, and the latest international soccer matchups. Listen to the full episode to get all the details, official statements, and complete sports analysis. 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.

Fatal ATV Rollover in Bonfield, Bourbonnais Fire Displaces Family, Plus Bradley’s Bid for a Massive $75M Entertainment District - Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026

This episode of the WVLI News Update with Rob West covers critical public safety developments and a major economic proposal shaping the future of Kankakee County. The report begins with updates on two major local emergencies: a tragic weekend ATV rollover in Bonfield that resulted in a fatality, and an early morning residential fire on Dale Lane in Bourbonnais that left a family displaced and caused significant property damage. In contrast to these public safety updates, the episode explores a massive new economic development initiative out of Bradley. The Bradley Village Board has taken its first legislative steps toward a STAR bond district, aiming to secure a multi-million dollar state match for a proposed $75 million entertainment, hospitality, and sports complex. The update also features reports on a regional summer event delay, public infrastructure adjustments, and the daily sports roundup. Listen to the full episode for the complete reporting, detailed project specifications, and official statements from local authorities. 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.