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

The Truth Behind the Bourbonnais Data Center Rumors, Manteno Mayor Vetos Legislation, & Kankakee Signs Multi-Year Regatta Deal - Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026

The latest WVLI News Update with Rob West covers critical developments in local governance, state politics, and regional security across Kankakee County and Illinois. This episode dives into the reality behind the heavily rumored Bourbonnais data center project and the specific utility constraints that altered its timeline. Governor JB Pritzker addresses the future of the Chicago Bears in Illinois following the state legislature's failure to pass a key stadium funding bill. Meanwhile, municipal tensions mount as Manteno Mayor Annette LaMore issues unexpected vetoes regarding board policies and local contracts. Listeners will also get the latest updates on a multi-year extension for a major Kankakee sports tradition, details on a high-speed police pursuit that ended in an arrest, and pushback from local lawmakers on the state's record-setting budget. Infrastructure projects, including the Bourbonnais pond dredging and new emergency response equipment, are also highlighted. Stream the full episode to hear the complete reports, official statements, 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.

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.