WVLI News Update

WVLI Podcast Network
WVLI Podcast Network
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Stay informed with "WVLI News Update", the podcast that reports on local news stories with expert analysis and engaging commentary.  Join Rob West, as he explores the political, economic, and social factors shaping the Kankakee area. Listen everyday, at your convenience, for all your local news. Subscribe to WVLI News Update podcast, or listen at wvli927.com and click On-Air.  New episodes drop every morning! It’s all part of the new WVLI Podcast Network.

  1. 13h ago

    Tuesday, October 6th, 2026 - Manteno Village Board Surprises, Gatorade Recall, & Bourbonnais App Launch

    This episode of the WVLI News Update with Rob West delivers key local headlines, health advisories, community developments, and sports news.  In local governance, the Manteno Village Board meeting saw praise for Mayor Annette LaMore from Trustee Joel Gesky following months of tension, while Mayor LaMore issued an apology regarding a recent incident with student volunteers. Meanwhile, data from Visit Kankakee County reveals that Manteno Oktoberfest recorded over 30,000 visits, ranking among the top attractions in Illinois.  The report also details a major FDA recall of more than 122,000 cases of Gatorade across 37 states due to undeclared food dyes, along with seasonal safety advice for pumpkin carving. Additional coverage includes the introduction of a new CFO at Iroquois Memorial Hospital, the launch of a mobile app for the Village of Bourbonnais, details on an upcoming Bears watch party at The Grove, and the latest post-season updates for the Chicago White Sox.  To hear all the details, interview clips, and full reporting on each story, listen to the complete audio episode. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network: This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling) Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits) The voices you trust, beyond the dial.

    Tuesday, October 6th, 2026 - Manteno Village Board Surprises, Gatorade Recall, & Bourbonnais App Launch

  2. 1d ago

    Monday, October 5th, 2026 - Kankakee County Firefighters Memorial, Harbor House Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and SBA Disaster Loan Deadlines

    This episode of the WVLI News Update with Rob West covers key local headlines, public safety advisories, community achievements, and regional sports updates across Kankakee and surrounding counties.  Jake LaMore reports from the Kankakee County Courthouse lawn on the annual Firefighters Memorial ceremony. The event featured remarks from Kankakee County State's Attorney Jim Rowe and retired Fire Chief Frank Hasik IV, honoring the eight local firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty since 1921.  In recognition of Fire Prevention Week and Fire Safety Month, Lt. Enrique Czako, community risk reduction officer and EMS coordinator for the Kankakee Fire Department, outlines crucial battery and electronic charging safety guidelines under this year's theme, "Charge into Fire Safety".  Additional news coverage includes: Details on the arrest of a 39-year-old Paxton man, Gary W. Combs, facing child pornography production charges. Important deadlines for US Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster recovery loans for property damaged by July severe storms, with the Will County loan center closing soon. Insights from Harbor House Executive Director Jenny Schoenwetter on recognizing emotional, psychological, and financial abuse during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Recognition of Bob Bohlmann, retired Executive Director of Wright in Kankakee, who received the AIA Illinois Gold Medal Lifetime Achievement Award. A night sky update from Madeleine Shepley of Olivet Nazarene University's Strickler Planetarium, highlighting a lunar occultation of Jupiter, the Draconid meteor shower peak, and the upcoming new moon. Regional sports scores and schedules for the Chicago Bears, White Sox, Blackhawks, Bulls, and NASCAR. Listen to the full episode for complete details on each of these stories and regional updates. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network: This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling) Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits) The voices you trust, beyond the dial.

    Monday, October 5th, 2026 - Kankakee County Firefighters Memorial, Harbor House Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and SBA Disaster Loan Deadlines

  3. 4d ago

    Friday, October 2nd, 2026 - Appeals Court Upholds Kankakee Murder Convictions, Momence Man Arrested on Drug Charges, and Fall Festivities in Kankakee County

    In this edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West, Kankakee County State's Attorney Jim Rowe announces that the Third District Appellate Court has upheld the murder convictions and life sentences for Dee Eastman and Phillip Horrell. The update also highlights the annual Fallen Heroes Memorial ceremony on the Kankakee Courthouse lawn, historical folklore traditions surrounding October, and a routine Illinois State Police traffic stop in Kankakee that resulted in a major cannabis trafficking arrest of a Momence resident.  Additional coverage includes highlights from the Kankakee County Chamber State of the Municipality event, information on the final seasonal park cleanup at Bird Park, and an official warning from Watseka city officials regarding a fraudulent property inspection phone scam. Listeners will also hear local political updates involving Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton's platform, state discussions on proposed Chicago Bears stadium projects, and a complete roundup of upcoming weekend events across Kankakee County—including the St. Anne Pumpkin Festival, planetarium light shows, and the Kankakee Greek Festival—along with regional sports scores and schedules. Listen to the full episode for all the details and complete local reporting. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network: This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling) Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits) The voices you trust, beyond the dial.

    Friday, October 2nd, 2026 - Appeals Court Upholds Kankakee Murder Convictions, Momence Man Arrested on Drug Charges, and Fall Festivities in Kankakee County

  4. 5d ago

    Thursday, October 1st, 2026 - Fatal Frankfort Crash, River Rescue in Wilmington, and Halloween House Decorating Contest in Bradley.

    In this episode of the WVLI News Update, guest host Jake LaMore fills in for Rob West to deliver essential local and regional headlines. Coverage begins with a report from the Frankfort Police Department regarding a fatal two-vehicle crash on Lincoln Highway. The update also highlights Indiana Governor Mike Braun's decision to extend the state's gas tax suspension for another 30 days, keeping state gas prices well below the national average.  Listeners will hear about Silver Dome Award recognition for WVLI's morning show from the Illinois Broadcasters Association, alongside law enforcement reports including a weapons and drug arrest in Iroquois County and a juvenile arrest in Crete involving a replica firearm. Additional coverage includes a successful water rescue on the Kankakee River in Wilmington, new progressive disciplinary policies announced by Kankakee High School administration in response to student fights, and the launch of both property tax rebate applications and the annual Halloween house decorating contest in the Village of Bradley. The report concludes with Chicago sports news, including White Sox playoff results.  To get all the details and full context on each of these stories, listen to the complete episode. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network: This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling) Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits) The voices you trust, beyond the dial.

    Thursday, October 1st, 2026 - Fatal Frankfort Crash, River Rescue in Wilmington, and Halloween House Decorating Contest in Bradley.

  5. 6d ago

    Wednesday, September 30th, 2026 - Fatal Iroquois County Collision, Braidwood House Fire, and Gotion Battery Plant Update

    This episode of the WVLI News Update with Rob West covers key developments and headlines across Illinois and Indiana. Key stories in this broadcast include: Braidwood House Fire: Firefighters respond to a heavy garage fire on North Washington Street; all residents escaped safely, and the cause remains under investigation.Olivet Nazarene University Recognition: U.S. News & World Report ranks ONU among the top regional universities and private schools in the Midwest.Illinois Tourism Funding: Governor J.B. Pritzker announces $4.6 million in grant awards to promote state tourism, including projects along Route 66.Fatal Iroquois County Collision: Illinois State Police and local authorities investigate a two-car crash on Route 49 that claimed the life of a Kankakee resident.Beecher Fire District Community Workshop: Chief Joe Falaschetti hosts a public discussion addressing local healthcare facility transitions, response times, aging equipment, and staffing challenges.Gotion Battery Plant Progress: An update on the Manteno facility as it prepares for Phase 2 cell manufacturing and local workforce expansion.Dick Van Dyke Childhood Home Demolition: The city of Danville confirms the planned removal of the condemned structure due to safety hazards.Additional Headlines: Investigations into a Kankakee County church burglary, Indiana legislative discussions on utility storm responses and harvest fuel regulations, national lottery jackpots, pet Halloween spending trends, and current regional sports scores.Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network: This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling) Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits) The voices you trust, beyond the dial.

    Wednesday, September 30th, 2026 - Fatal Iroquois County Collision, Braidwood House Fire, and Gotion Battery Plant Update

  6. Sep 29

    Tuesday, September 29th, 2026 - 300 New Jobs Coming to Momence, I-57 Crash Investigation, and ONU Grads Receive National Music Award

    In this edition of the WVLI News Update, anchor Rob West delivers comprehensive coverage of top stories across Kankakee County and surrounding areas. Key topics covered in this episode: I-57 Traffic Collision: Illinois State Police investigate a four-vehicle crash on northbound Interstate 57 between Bourbonnais Parkway and the Manteno exit that sent two individuals to the hospital.Economic Development in Momence: Angela Morrey, President and CEO of the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County, discusses the relocation of Mighty Cake Company to the former Johnsonville facility in Momence. The wholesale bakery plans to create approximately 300 jobs and begin croissant production by winter.National Farm Safety Week: Illinois State Police Trooper Ryan Wagand provides essential road safety guidelines for agricultural equipment operators during harvest season to reduce traffic incidents.Bradley Police Department Reports: Details on an ongoing investigation into a customer assault at a local restaurant on Bradley Boulevard and a residential burglary on North Grand Avenue.Bradley Village Board Updates: Mayor Mike Watson outlines a $360,000 sanitary sewer infrastructure repair project replacing clay tiles with PVC lining, alongside details and registration information for the upcoming 3rd Annual Wag-O-Ween community event.Local Cultural Achievements: Olivet Nazarene University graduates Teron Fairchild and Andrew McBurnie win Best Musical Film of the Year at the 12th Annual Josie Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry for their musical "The Muse."Regional Sports Coverage: Highlights on the Chicago Bears victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, MLB playoff Wild Card matchups for the White Sox and Cubs, and the NHL season opener for the Chicago Blackhawks.Listen to the full audio episode for complete reporting, official statements, and full details on each of these stories. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network: This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling) Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits) The voices you trust, beyond the dial.

    Tuesday, September 29th, 2026 - 300 New Jobs Coming to Momence, I-57 Crash Investigation, and ONU Grads Receive National Music Award

  7. Sep 28

    Monday, September 28th, 2026 - Federal Jury Conviction in Detention Attack, $832K FEMA Grant for Manteno, and Pritzker on Data Centers

    This episode of the WVLI News Update with Rob West delivers complete coverage of critical local headlines, law enforcement developments, and community news across Kankakee County and surrounding areas. Coverage opens with a federal jury conviction of a Chicago man following an assault on two correctional officers with a wooden broom handle at the Jerome Combs Detention Center. In Champaign County, an arrest has been made on preliminary attempted murder charges following a shooting on Cunningham Avenue in Urbana. In local government news, the Manteno Community Fire Protection District has been awarded an $832,000 FEMA SAFER grant—one of only four departments in Illinois to receive the funding—to hire three full-time firefighters. Governor JB Pritzker outlines his position on regulating data centers without imposing a state moratorium. Additional reporting highlights Illinois utility bill assistance through the LIHEAP program, national consumer spending trends on recreation, and an aggravated assault arrest in Iroquois County. The broadcast also features a Night Sky News segment with Madeleine Sheply from the Strickler Planetarium at Olivet Nazarene University, detailing telescope viewing for two active comets and a moon-Pleiades pairing, followed by a comprehensive sports recap covering MLB wild-card playoff setups for both the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs, college football results, and Monday Night Football. Listen to the full episode for all the details and complete reporting on these stories. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network: This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling) Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits) The voices you trust, beyond the dial.

    Monday, September 28th, 2026 - Federal Jury Conviction in Detention Attack, $832K FEMA Grant for Manteno, and Pritzker on Data Centers

  8. Sep 25

    Friday, September 25th, 2026 - Bradley Police Sued Over SAFE-T Act, $51M Monee Expansion, and Kankakee County Weekend Events

    This episode of the WVLI News Update with Rob West covers critical local news, legal developments, and community events across Kankakee and Will counties. A Village of Bradley Police Sergeant has filed a whistleblower lawsuit in Kankakee County Circuit Court against the village and Police Chief Don Barber, alleging a 15-day suspension for refusing to violate Illinois' SAFE-T Act. The update also covers an ongoing police investigation into early-morning business burglaries in Bradley and Will County, as well as United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties' annual meeting highlighting over $655,000 raised for tornado relief. Additional coverage includes National Farm Safety and Health Week reminders from the Illinois State Police, details on the rescheduled 44th Annual Kankakee and Iroquois River Cleanup, a first-degree murder charge in Frankfort, and Limestone Township Fire Protection District's 75th Anniversary open house. Listeners will also get updates on a $51M steel machinery expansion in Monee celebrated by Governor JB Pritzker, disaster loan assistance extensions, local fall festivities including Manteno Oktoberfest, and a recap of regional sports scores. Listen to the full episode for all the details and complete reporting on these stories. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network: This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling) Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits) The voices you trust, beyond the dial.

    Friday, September 25th, 2026 - Bradley Police Sued Over SAFE-T Act, $51M Monee Expansion, and Kankakee County Weekend Events
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About

Stay informed with "WVLI News Update", the podcast that reports on local news stories with expert analysis and engaging commentary.  Join Rob West, as he explores the political, economic, and social factors shaping the Kankakee area. Listen everyday, at your convenience, for all your local news. Subscribe to WVLI News Update podcast, or listen at wvli927.com and click On-Air.  New episodes drop every morning! It’s all part of the new WVLI Podcast Network.

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