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

Fatal Crash in Jasper County, Kankakee River Changes, and Indiana Gas Tax Relief Extended - Thursday, June 4th, 2026

In this edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West, we bring you the latest breaking news, political updates, and community events impacting Indiana and Illinois. Today's episode covers a tragic, fatal accident reported by the Jasper County Sheriff's Department and an important financial update for motorists following an announcement from Indiana Governor Mike Braun regarding the state's gasoline tax suspension. We also analyze the latest economic data from the U.S. Department of Labor regarding first-time unemployment filings across Illinois. In local infrastructure and government news, city officials have announced scheduled maintenance on the Kankakee River Dam that will temporarily alter river levels, and the Kankakee City Council is seeking residents to fill crucial roles on a local committee. Additionally, we review the fallout from the Illinois legislature adjourning without a resolution on the future stadium for the Chicago Bears, featuring insights from local lawmakers. Finally, we preview the local entertainment landscape, including the return of a beloved summer concert series and a major music festival starting this weekend. A lot is happening across the region today. Listen to the full episode for all the details, local interviews, and complete reports. 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 Developments in Downtown Kankakee Move Forward, Senator Joyce on the State Budget, and Arlington Heights Still Bears Hopeful - Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West covers critical local developments and regional headlines impacting Kankakee County and the state of Illinois. This episode features an update from Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis regarding timeline changes for major downtown housing and renovation projects, alongside the shifting dynamics between Illinois and Indiana in the pursuit of a new stadium for the Chicago Bears. Listeners will also hear about a notable shift in Illinois economic data over the past year, legislative insights from State Senator Patrick Joyce on the newly approved state budget, and a public safety warning from the Kankakee County Sheriff's Department following a series of recent property crimes. The update concludes with upcoming community events at the St. Anne Ponds and Kankakee County Museum, followed by a comprehensive recap of regional and national sports scores. Listen to the full episode for complete details, expert commentary, and in-depth reporting 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.

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.