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

Fatal Father's Day Shooting in Kankakee, Rabid Bat Found Locally, and Record-Breaking Weather - Monday, June 22nd, 2026

The latest WVLI News Update with Rob West covers critical developments affecting the local community, from a fatal crime investigation to historic weather milestones. This episode features details on an active investigation by the Kankakee City Police regarding a recent fatal shooting, alongside newly released data from the National Weather Service that marks a historic shift in Illinois weather patterns. The briefing also examines an alarming nationwide health advisory impacting teenagers, a wildlife safety warning issued by Kankakee County Animal Control, and a recent narcotics arrest by the Iroquois County Sheriff's Police. Furthermore, the update highlights new compliance rules and potential fines for short-term rental property owners in Manteno, followed by a complete breakdown of regional sports scores and upcoming games. Hear the complete reports, law enforcement requests, and full details by listening to the entire 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.

Juneteenth Celebrations, Dropping Gas Prices, and Kankakee County Weekend Events - Friday, June 19th, 2026

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West delivers a comprehensive look at the key national and local developments affecting the Kankakee County region. The episode begins with an exploration of the historical significance of the Juneteenth federal holiday, featuring insights from the Kankakee County branch of the NAACP, alongside a practical breakdown of government, banking, and postal closures. Listeners will also get an update on the continuous shift in regional gas prices across Illinois and Indiana as the summer holiday season approaches. Local governance and community infrastructure take center stage with updates from the County Board's Finance Committee meeting regarding current property tax collections, major local taxpayers, and pending infrastructure bids following recent spring weather. Additionally, the episode previews upcoming regional events, including street closures for a major local festival, community safety initiatives, regional employment statistics, and a psychological look at transitioning into the summer season. The update concludes with a full breakdown of local and national sports, covering baseball, basketball, and racing. Listen to the full episode to get all the specific details, figures, and complete local reporting. 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.

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.