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

Springfield's $56B Budget Backlash, Orland Park Water Park Closure, and New Art in the Park - Monday, June 1st, 2026

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West delivers a comprehensive breakdown of major legislative decisions and local developments shifting the region. The Illinois legislature pushed through a massive, multi-billion-dollar state budget in the early hours of the morning, sparking sharp criticism from local representatives regarding fiscal transparency and spending increases. Meanwhile, public health monitoring has prompted the temporary closure of a popular water park in Orland Park. The update also highlights positive community initiatives, including a youth summer reading program, a local arts series in Bourbonnais, and an upcoming recreational event hosted by the State's Attorney's office. Additionally, the report outlines critical law enforcement updates and details the upcoming schedule for a major national automotive tour making stops in Illinois. Listen to the full episode for complete details on these headlines, along with a full wrap-up of local and national sports. 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.

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

In this episode of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West delivers the latest local and regional updates impacting Kankakee County and the surrounding areas. Key coverage includes recent law enforcement developments from the Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force and local police, alongside a major funding announcement from the Community Foundation of the Kankakee River Valley aimed at supporting local non-profits. The broadcast also highlights critical legislative bills moving to Governor JB Pritzker's desk that could alter how insurance rates are regulated for Illinois residents. Additionally, the episode covers state-level tourism grant opportunities, regional gas price fluctuations following the holiday weekend, and a record-breaking outdoor wildlife season. Wrapping up with a guide to upcoming community weekend events and a comprehensive sports recap, this update covers everything you need to know. Listen to the full episode for complete details 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.

Kankakee Dog-Fighting Charges, Indiana's Record-Low Gas Prices, and Senator Durbin's Farewell Address - Thursday, May 28th, 2026

Welcome to the latest edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West. In this episode, we cover significant regional developments, starting with major law enforcement updates in Kankakee County regarding official charges filed after a recent investigation into an alleged dog-fighting ring, alongside substantial drug charges stemming from an interstate traffic stop. We also bring you details on a recent arrest in Frankfort involving an area teenager facing serious charges. In state and economic news, fuel prices are shifting significantly across the Midwest, with one neighboring state currently boasting the lowest averages in the nation due to a temporary tax holiday. Meanwhile, in Springfield, a prominent Illinois lawmaker delivers a poignant farewell address to state legislators ahead of retirement, and new public health legislation moves to the governor's desk aimed at increasing crisis awareness. Additionally, this update highlights upcoming community events and weekend family activities in Kankakee and Bourbonnais, essential food safety tips for the summer grilling season from medical experts, and a comprehensive sports wrap-up covering the latest results and schedules for the Cubs, White Sox, Cardinals, Chicago Sky, and regional playoff action. To get the complete stories, facts, and interviews, 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.

Major I-57 Drug Bust, Bradley Property Evictions, and Illinois State Capital Complex Lockdown - Wednesday, May 27th, 2026

Stay informed with the latest regional headlines on this episode of the WVLI News Update with Rob West. This update covers critical local developments, law enforcement actions, and community events across Bradley, Kankakee, and the surrounding areas. Key topics in this episode include: * Bradley Village Board Updates: Insights into the recent resolution passed regarding properties near Northfield Square Mall and future redevelopment plans. * Significant Highway Drug Arrest: Details from the Illinois State Police regarding a high-stakes traffic stop on I-57 that led to a major narcotics seizure. * Local Safety and Investigations: Updates on a recent lockdown at the State Capital complex in Springfield and ongoing police investigations into reported threats in Kankakee. * Community Events and Tax Deadlines: A look ahead at upcoming summer events in Bradley, including the Bradley 315 Fest, plus important property tax details for Iroquois County residents. * Regional Sports Report: Recaps and upcoming schedules for local baseball, basketball, and hockey teams. For full details, context, and comprehensive reporting on each of these stories, listen to the complete 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.

Corrections Officer Mourned, Pembroke Dog Fighting Ring Busted, and Kankakee County Memorial Day Honors - Tuesday, May 26th, 2026

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West brings you the latest local news, community developments, and sports updates impacting Kankakee County and the surrounding regions. The episode opens with coverage of Memorial Day ceremonies observed throughout the county, featuring reflections on the significance of the day from local veterans. The update also details a tragic weekend car accident in Momence that resulted in the loss of a Kankakee County corrections officer, alongside reports on two separate residential fires in Grant Park and Crete that drew multi-agency emergency responses. Additional segments include: * An overview of State Senator Patrick Joyce’s newly launched summer educational initiative for local students. * A recent law enforcement operation by the Kankakee County Sheriff's Police addressing an illegal operation in Pembroke Township. * The latest updates on a fatal hit-and-run investigation involving a motorcyclist in rural Jasper County. * A look at the upcoming night sky events with Madeline Shepley from Olivet Nazarene University. * A comprehensive roundup of recent scores and standings for the White Sox, Cubs, Cardinals, and regional post-season play. Hear the full stories, interviews, and official statements by listening to the complete 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.