WVLI News Update

WVLI Podcast Network
WVLI Podcast Network
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Daily News

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. 9h ago

    Monday, November 2nd, 2026 - Bourbonnais Township Referendum Debate, Kankakee Felony Charges, and I-65 Rescue

    In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West delivers comprehensive local and regional news coverage across Kankakee County, eastern Illinois, and northwest Indiana. Top stories covered in this episode include: Bourbonnais Township Referendum: Ahead of election day, voters face a key ballot question regarding whether to abolish the Bourbonnais Township Road District. Township Supervisor Jeff Umphrey discusses the arguments for consolidation, while Highway Commissioner Jason Diaz presents the case for voting no. Kankakee Felony Arrest: The Illinois Attorney General's Office reports the arrest of 41-year-old Wesley Williams of Kankakee on multiple counts involving child sexual abuse material, carrying potential penalties of up to 116 years in prison. Regional Legal & Court Updates: A 27-year-old Gibson City man receives a 21-year prison sentence following a child pornography conviction. In Will County, a Joliet driver faces aggravated DUI charges in connection with an April fatal crash on Interstate 55 that claimed the life of a Bourbonnais resident. In Kankakee County Circuit Court, Xandria Harris secures new legal representation as post-trial motions proceed. Emergency Incidents & Life-Saving Rescues: Off-duty Indiana State Police troopers successfully pull a trapped pregnant woman from an overturned vehicle on Interstate 65 near Roselawn moments before it caught fire. Firefighters also respond to separate structural fires in Rensselaer and Peotone. Community & Holiday Announcements: The Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce opens registration for its annual lighted Christmas parade. Olivet Nazarene University announces ticket sales for its "Sounds of the Season" concert and details for its annual performance of Handel's "Messiah". Additional community updates cover the 114th USPS Operation Santa campaign and Fortitude Community Outreach's winter shelter fundraiser. Lottery, Health, & Sports: Multi-state lottery jackpots continue to climb, sleep researchers share insights following the end of Daylight Saving Time, and a full rundown covers area professional and collegiate sports results. Listen to the full episode for complete interviews, audio reports, and in-depth details on all of today's developing 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, November 2nd, 2026 - Bourbonnais Township Referendum Debate, Kankakee Felony Charges, and I-65 Rescue

  2. 3d ago ·  Bonus

    SPECIAL REPORT: Highway Commissioner Jason Diaz on the Bourbonnais Township Road District Referendum

    Ahead of the November 3rd election, Bourbonnais Township voters will decide whether to abolish the Bourbonnais Township Road District. In this special report from the WVLI News Update, host Jake LaMore sits down with Bourbonnais Township Highway Commissioner Jason Diaz to discuss his perspective on the referendum and why he is encouraging residents to vote "No." In this interview, Diaz addresses key arguments surrounding the ballot initiative, including: The daily responsibilities, jurisdiction, and maintenance operations of the Road District across roughly 41 centerline miles.His response to projected taxpayer savings claims of $500,000 to $600,000.Explanations regarding township fund reserves, recent tax levies, and future levy reductions.Clarifications on recent equipment purchases, vehicle maintenance, and the county reimbursement program.His perspective on the disputed fuel tank and facility project, competitive bidding thresholds, and mileage reimbursement policies.The governance relationship between the Highway Department and the Township Board, as well as the proposed forensic audit.Note: This report is part one of a two-part series examining the Bourbonnais Township Referendum. Part two features Bourbonnais Township Supervisor Jeff Umphrey presenting the perspective in favor of a "Yes" vote. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

    SPECIAL REPORT: Highway Commissioner Jason Diaz on the Bourbonnais Township Road District Referendum

  3. 3d ago ·  Bonus

    SPECIAL REPORT: Supervisor Jeff Umphrey on the Bourbonnais Township Road District Referendum

    On the November 3rd ballot, voters across Bourbonnais Township will decide whether to abolish the Bourbonnais Township Road District. In part two of this WVLI News Update Special Report, host Jake LaMore speaks with Bourbonnais Township Supervisor Jeff Umphrey to discuss the Township Board’s perspective on the referendum and the arguments supporting a "Yes" vote.  In this interview, Umphrey outlines the case for consolidation, including: The proposed governance structure: transitioning oversight from a single highway commissioner to a five-member elected township board. Projected taxpayer savings of $500,000 to $600,000 annually through administrative reductions, lower legal fees, and decreased property tax levies. Assurances regarding road services, including snow removal, brush pickup, and the retention of road crew personnel. The board's stance on recent equipment financing, statutory spending limitations between specific funds (such as Permanent Road vs. Building and Equipment), and budgeting authority. Explanations regarding fund balances, levy adjustments, and documentation regarding bank transactions and Certificate of Deposit (CD) transfers. Inquiries surrounding fuel facility installations, bidding thresholds, and referrals to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. The broader trend of road district consolidations across Illinois townships. Note: This episode is the second installment of a two-part series on the Bourbonnais Township Referendum. Part one features Bourbonnais Township Highway Commissioner Jason Diaz presenting the case for a "No" vote.  Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

    SPECIAL REPORT: Supervisor Jeff Umphrey on the Bourbonnais Township Road District Referendum

  4. 3d ago

    Friday, October 30th, 2026 - State Line Bridge Project, Braidwood Fire Referendum, and Weekend Events

    This edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West covers local and regional developments across eastern Illinois and northwest Indiana. The broadcast examines recent retail gasoline price movements and the scheduled expiration of Indiana's state gasoline tax suspension. Reporting also details the latest data from the U.S. Drought Monitor affecting area counties, the pending ballot referendum for the Braidwood Fire Protection District, and the ongoing stadium discussions regarding the Chicago Bears in Arlington Heights. Additional coverage includes a scam warning issued by the Jasper County Sheriff's Police, a milestone bridge removal on the Kankakee River, the upcoming return of standard time, and regional sports scores. Listen to the full episode for all the details and in-depth reporting 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.

    Friday, October 30th, 2026 - State Line Bridge Project, Braidwood Fire Referendum, and Weekend Events

  5. 4d ago

    Thursday, October 29th, 2026 - Bradley Child Sex Charges, Manhattan Vehicle Fire, and Harbor House Holiday Market

    In this edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West, Illinois State Police seek the public's assistance in identifying potential additional victims following the arrest of 46-year-old Michael L. Wiggins of Bradley on multiple child sexual assault and abuse charges. Investigators believe there may be additional unidentified victims across Kankakee, Watseka, Champaign, and Decatur. In Iroquois County, state police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Onarga after deputies encountered an armed man on a rooftop.  This broadcast also details a critical car crash and vehicle fire on Offner Road in Manhattan, where bystanders pulled a driver from a burning car before the individual was airlifted to Loyola University Medical Center. In consumer and public health alerts, the FDA has announced a multi-state recall of Miyoko's Creamery plant-based butter due to potential contamination, while the CDC warns that national flu hospitalizations have hit a 16-year high for this time of year.  Additionally, learn how to support local domestic violence survivors through Harbor House’s annual Holiday Market, hear expert guidance on managing Halloween candy consumption, and get a full regional sports recap featuring the Milwaukee Brewers' World Series title win and updates on the Bulls, Blackhawks, Packers, and Bears.  Listen to the full episode for comprehensive reporting, key phone numbers, and in-depth details on all of today’s top 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.

    Thursday, October 29th, 2026 - Bradley Child Sex Charges, Manhattan Vehicle Fire, and Harbor House Holiday Market

  6. 5d ago

    Wednesday, October 28th, 2026 - East Court Street Shooting Arrest, Kankakee County Clerk Race, and Daylight Saving Time

    In this edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West, Kankakee City Police apprehend a 28-year-old Bourbonnais man following a Monday morning shooting on East Court Street that left one person hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The episode provides coverage of the contested Kankakee County Clerk election ahead of Election Day, featuring statements from incumbent Dan Hendrickson and challenger Brian Vaughn regarding office accessibility, budgets, and voting expansion.  Additional stories include an arrest linked to an intentional dumpster fire in Kankakee, an undercover narcotics arrest by the Iroquois County Sheriff's Police in Sheldon, the upcoming return of Daylight Saving Time, climbing jackpots for Powerball and Mega Millions, and a recap of regional sports action.  Listen to the full episode for complete details, investigative updates, and candidate remarks.  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, October 28th, 2026 - East Court Street Shooting Arrest, Kankakee County Clerk Race, and Daylight Saving Time

  7. 6d ago

    Tuesday, October 27th, 2026 - Kankakee Shootings Investigation, Bourbonnais Library Referendum, and Bradley Mattel Waterpark Updates

    In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West delivers comprehensive coverage of breaking local news and key civic developments across Kankakee County and the surrounding region.  Topics covered in this episode include: Kankakee police investigations into a Monday morning shooting on East Court Street that left one suspect wounded, alongside reports of shots fired over the weekend on East Water Street and South Osborn Avenue. A Sunday night attic fire on Allison Drive in Paxton that resulted in an estimated $40,000 to $50,000 in damages. An analysis of the proposed Bourbonnais Public Library District funding referendum on the upcoming ballot, including estimated property tax impacts for local homeowners. Developments from the Bradley Village Board meeting, including resident questions regarding the Summerfield subdivision park plans and the approval of a $1.5 million concrete contract for infrastructure surrounding the Mattel-branded indoor waterpark. The arrest of a 27-year-old Wheatfield resident in Jasper County following an alleged pickaxe assault at a gas station. Updates on the CDC's reformulated flu vaccine, multi-state lottery jackpots, Dictionary.com's word of the year, and regional scores covering the NFL, World Series, and NBA. Listen to the full episode for complete reports, official statements, and in-depth details on all 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, October 27th, 2026 - Kankakee Shootings Investigation, Bourbonnais Library Referendum, and Bradley Mattel Waterpark Updates

  8. Oct 26

    Monday, October 26th, 2026 - Fatal Peotone Crash, Ballot Rumors Debunked, and Kankakee Riverwalk Construction Progress

    In this edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West, comprehensive local and regional coverage spans breaking public safety news, local governance, infrastructure, and community events across Kankakee, Will, and Iroquois counties.  Will County authorities are investigating a fatal crash on Peotone-Wilmington Road at Center Road involving a passenger car and a semi-truck that resulted in two fatalities. In Iroquois County, sheriff's deputies report several juveniles were hospitalized following a rollover golf cart accident in Loda. Meanwhile, emergency repairs by IDOT lead to lane closures and anticipated delays on Interstate 80 in Joliet.  Local government reporting features Kankakee County Clerk Dan Hendrickson directly addressing and clarifying social media rumors concerning election judge initials on ballots. State Representative Jackie Haas provides insight into the upcoming fall veto session in Springfield, discussing the BELD Act, public school funding, and the proposed stadium authority bill involving the Chicago Bears.  Listeners will also hear updates on the progress of the Kankakee East Riverwalk project from City Engineer Neil Piggush, details on Mayor Chris Curtis leading a delegation to sister city Yuriria Mexico, and announcements regarding the county's upcoming Veterans Day ceremony. Additional segments include harvest safety tips from the Kankakee Fire Department, the physical health impacts of daylight saving time, regional lottery spending statistics, night sky viewing opportunities from the Strickler Planetarium, and a complete Chicago area sports recap.  Please listen to the full episode for complete interviews, official statements, and all the details 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, October 26th, 2026 - Fatal Peotone Crash, Ballot Rumors Debunked, and Kankakee Riverwalk Construction Progress
See All (360)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

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.

Information

More From WVLI Podcast Network

You Might Also Like