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

Kankakee East Riverwalk Delays, Man Threatens Co-Worker with Gun, and Driveway Scam Alert - Wednesday, July 8th, 2026

In this edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West, local coverage highlights key developments across Kankakee and the surrounding regions. Reports open with a Kankakee police investigation into an alleged threat involving a firearm between co-workers on East Eagle Street. Additionally, Kankakee City Engineer Neil Piggish provides an update on the East Riverwalk project, explaining how recent soil testing has temporarily adjusted construction timelines. The broadcast also features city leadership news as Mayor Chris Curtis presents the preliminary steps for the 2026–2027 Kankakee municipal budget following storm repair costs. Viewers and listeners will also hear public safety information, including a Kankakee County Crime Stoppers alert on a distraction theft scam in Aroma Park and traffic crash investigations in Jasper County, Indiana. Further updates cover a multi-state Cyclosporiasis outbreak reported by the CDC, FTC consumer warnings on utility scams, proposed USPS stamp price increases, and recent game results for the Cubs, White Sox, Cardinals, and Chicago Sky. Listen to the full episode for all the details, official commentary, and complete news coverage. 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 Armed Robbery Investigation, Manteno Attorney Controversy, and Kankakee Fire Department Resignation - Tuesday, July 7th, 2026

Welcome to the WVLI News Update with Rob West. In this episode, we cover a developing situation from the Manteno Village Board meeting, where internal disagreements persist regarding the appointment of the acting village attorney. The board also approved a rezoning ordinance for a new substance use disorder inpatient facility. In Bourbonnais, the village administration addresses public criticism regarding its mosquito abatement program, outlines new traffic safety measures at nine intersections, and approves a variance for a new 100-foot radio tower. Additionally, this update provides crucial information for Kankakee County residents regarding extended deadlines for SBA physical damage disaster loans following the March storms. We also report on a Kankakee police investigation into an attempted armed robbery that led to a rollover crash, upcoming structural changes within the Kankakee Fire Department, and an agreement with IDOT for a $100 million reconstruction of the I-57 interchange. Stay tuned for updates on local sports, the multi-million dollar Mega Millions jackpot, and the return of the Art in the Park series. Listen to the full episode for all the details 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.

Weekend Fire Reports, Local Property Tax Deadlines, Watseka 4th of July Parade Recap - Monday, July 6th, 2026

This episode of the WVLI News Update with Rob West delivers a comprehensive look at the latest developments affecting the region. Host Rob West covers a busy weekend for the Kankakee Fire Department following multiple emergency responses, alongside a critical public safety warning issued by the Will County Sheriff's Office regarding deceptive door-to-door practices. The briefing also tracks significant financial updates, including an extension on Indiana's gas tax suspension and upcoming property tax deadlines for Iroquois County residents. Listeners will also hear updates on local community celebrations, essential seasonal safety reminders from regional officials, an astronomical look at the night sky, and a full recap of recent scores in professional sports and regional racing. Listen to the full episode to get all the details and stay informed on the stories shaping 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.

Stabbing in Kankakee, Door-to-Door Scam Alerts, and Your 4th of July Weekend Guide - Friday, July 3rd, 2026

Welcome to this edition of the WVLI News Update, with Jake LaMore filling in for Rob West. This episode covers critical community and safety announcements ahead of the holiday weekend, beginning with municipal closures and a vital warning from the Will County Sheriff's Office regarding organized door-to-door scam crews targeting area seniors. Listeners will also get the latest local crime updates from the Kankakee City Police Department, detailing a stabbing incident on the city's east side and a separate street disturbance resulting in an officer assault. In community recovery news, Mariah Vail of the United Way of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties provides a major update on storm relief fundraising, which has successfully raised over $600,000 for families affected by the March 10th tornadoes. Additionally, the episode highlights regional events celebrating America's 250th anniversary in Kankakee, Watseka, and Jasper County, alongside crucial holiday weekend advisories. These include an IDOT warning about heat-induced road buckling, river safety protocols from Kankakee City Fire Department Lieutenant Enrique Czako, and pet care strategies during fireworks from Dr. Jennifer Kimkey of the Bradley Animal Hospital. Please listen to the full episode to get all the essential details and schedules for your weekend. 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.

Fourth of July Travel Records, Falling Gas Prices, and Local Kankakee Updates - Thursday, July 2nd, 2026

In this episode of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West delivers critical updates for Kankakee County and the surrounding areas ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend. The broadcast opens with an active extreme heat warning, alongside a public safety advisory regarding beefed-up law enforcement patrols and safe travel tips from Deputy Chief Trent Bukowski. Listeners will learn about holiday shopping discounts with Daria Albinger and the latest falling gas prices across Illinois and Indiana. The update also covers AAA's record-breaking travel projections with Mark Mayfield, while IDOT's Maria Castaneda shares updates on suspended road construction lane closures. Local news segments cover an alleged assault incident on Kankakee's east side reported by Jake LaMore, the winners of the Kankakee County Museum tablescapes exhibit, and patriotic summer concert details from Bob Evans. Finally, Rob West wraps up with the latest scores for the Cubs, White Sox, and Cardinals, alongside World Cup tournament results. Listen to the full episode for complete details on all of 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.