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

DEA Investigation in Lowell, Proposed Aqua Illinois Rate Hike, and Kankakee Street Designations - Thursday, July 9th, 2026

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West delivers comprehensive coverage of top stories impacting Kankakee County and surrounding areas. Coverage begins with reports of a federal drug enforcement agency search warrant executed at an animal hospital in Lowell, Indiana, regarding the alleged diversion of controlled substances. In local business news, Frank’s Appliance Center and Sleep Source announces the closure of its Manteno storefront to consolidate operations in Bradley, while Lush Wine Bar prepares to expand into Manteno. Additional stories include new honorary street designations approved by the Kankakee City Council for Frank Lloyd Wright Way and Ira D. Nelson Avenue, a sheriff’s investigation into significant copper cable theft in rural Manteno, and a proposed $26.5 million rate increase request filed by Aqua Illinois. The update also covers Ford’s nationwide vehicle recall, the designation of Illinois’ new official state bee, details on the upcoming Kankakee Municipal Band concert, and local sports scores. Listen to the full episode for all the details and in-depth reporting on these local and regional 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 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.