WVLI News Update

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. Attempted Murder of Lowell Officer, Kankakee Teacher Terminated, and Easter Weekend Events - Friday, April 3rd, 2026

    7H AGO

    Attempted Murder of Lowell Officer, Kankakee Teacher Terminated, and Easter Weekend Events - Friday, April 3rd, 2026

    In this edition of the WVLI News Update, Rob West covers a wide range of legal, legislative, and community developments affecting Kankakee County, Illinois, and Northwest Indiana. The episode begins with a report on a federal sentencing involving a Salvadoran national previously residing in Kankakee County. The segment outlines the charges leading to a 15-month prison term and the specific incidents involving federal officers. Following this, the update shifts to Indiana, where a new state law has resulted in the revocation of nearly 1,800 commercial driver’s licenses for certain non-citizen drivers. Listeners will hear about the safety concerns and economic warnings surrounding this legislative change. The update also covers: Public Safety: A life-threatening encounter for a Lowell, Indiana, police officer and the role local citizens played in the outcome.Illinois Legislation: Details on Senate Bill 3019, a bipartisan measure aimed at assisting first-time farmers by adjusting financial eligibility requirements.Education News: The recent Board of Education decision regarding a teacher in Kankakee School District 111 following allegations of inappropriate conduct.Economic Data: A look at the January jobs report, noting an Illinois unemployment rate of 4.9% and a significant jump in non-farm payroll positions.Community & Sports: A preview of local Easter festivities, the NIAA Kids Fishing Day, and a high-stakes "friendly wager" between the Governors of Illinois and Connecticut ahead of the NCAA Final Four.Stay informed on regional sports schedules for the White Sox, Cubs, and Blackhawks, as well as the upcoming Illinois Fighting Illini matchup. Listen to the full episode for complete reporting and local interviews 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.

    7 min
  2. Kankakee Arson Arrest, CSL Donation, and Bears Stadium Updates - Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

    1D AGO

    Kankakee Arson Arrest, CSL Donation, and Bears Stadium Updates - Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

    In this edition of the WVLI News Update, Rob West covers a series of developing stories impacting the Kankakee and Iroquois County areas. The update begins with details regarding a recent arrest made by the Kankakee City Police following an investigation into an alleged arson and home invasion on North Greenwood Avenue. The program also highlights a significant financial contribution from CSL to the Emergency Response Fund, aimed at assisting those affected by recent severe weather events. Listeners will hear about a new statewide initiative from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Tollway to honor fallen Illinois State Police officers with a standardized memorial program. Additional reports include: Emergency response details from a semi-truck rollover in Grant Park and an electrical fire in Bourbonnais.A report on a firefighter injury sustained during a brush and structure fire in Pembroke Township.An update on the Kankakee County State’s Attorney internship program milestone.A breakdown of the sharp increase in gas prices across Illinois and Indiana.Comments from Chicago Bears Chairman George McCaskey regarding the team’s potential stadium relocation.The episode concludes with a comprehensive sports update, covering the latest results for the Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and upcoming tournament games for Illinois State and the Fighting Illini. Listen to the full episode for the complete report and in-depth details on these local and regional headlines. 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.

    6 min
  3. Kankakee Arson Investigation, Bradley Stolen UTV Crash, and KCC Board Appoints new Trustee - Wednesday, April 1st, 2026

    2D AGO

    Kankakee Arson Investigation, Bradley Stolen UTV Crash, and KCC Board Appoints new Trustee - Wednesday, April 1st, 2026

    Jake LaMore hosts this edition of the WVLI News Update, filling in for Rob West. This episode covers a variety of developing stories across Kankakee and the surrounding counties. Headlines include a Tuesday morning fire in the 800 block of North Greenwood Avenue that Kankakee City Fire officials believe was the result of arson. We also provide an update on the court proceedings for the Indiana woman accused in the Crete Township triple murder case and detail a Bradley police investigation involving a DUI and child endangerment. Additional segments include: A report on a hit-and-run accident in Bradley involving a stolen UTV.The announcement of a new board member at Kankakee Community College.Information regarding funeral services for a Reed-Custer High School student.Changes to rural transit providers in Iroquois County.A look into the historical origins of April Fool's Day.A comprehensive sports recap covering the Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, and Bulls.For the full details on these stories and more local reporting, 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.

    6 min
  4. Crete Shooting Victim Identified, 60+ Guns Stolen in Rural Manteno, & Tornado Damage Assessment Complete - Tuesday, March 31st, 2026

    3D AGO

    Crete Shooting Victim Identified, 60+ Guns Stolen in Rural Manteno, & Tornado Damage Assessment Complete - Tuesday, March 31st, 2026

    In this edition of the WVLI News Update, Jake LaMore fills in for Rob West to deliver the latest local headlines impacting Kankakee and Will Counties. This update covers several developing criminal investigations, including the formal identification of a victim in the Crete Township mass shooting and a pivotal court appearance for a woman charged in a triple murder case. The briefing also provides updates on the discovery of additional remains in Mokena and a significant burglary investigation in rural Manteno involving the theft of more than 60 firearms. Additionally, listeners will hear reports on a series of weekend fires handled by the Kankakee Township Fire Protection District and the latest status of tornado damage assessments following the March 10th storms. The update further details a state-wide tribute to a fallen Chicago firefighter and provides an overview of upcoming insurance assistance available for Aroma Park residents. The episode concludes with a comprehensive sports report covering the latest results for the Chicago Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks. For the full details and complete reports on these stories, listen to the full 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.

    7 min
  5. Triple Murder Court Date, Crete Party Shooting, and Kankakee County Floodplain Buyouts - Monday, March 30th, 2026

    4D AGO

    Triple Murder Court Date, Crete Party Shooting, and Kankakee County Floodplain Buyouts - Monday, March 30th, 2026

    In this edition of the WVLI News Update, Jake LaMore fills in for Rob West to deliver the latest headlines affecting Kankakee and Will Counties. The report covers a fatal shooting at a family gathering in Crete and provides an update on the court appearance for an Indiana woman facing multiple murder charges in Crete Township. The update also details a new voluntary floodplain buyout program for Kankakee County residents following recent storm damage and an ongoing investigation into a staff member's conduct at Kankakee School District 111. Additional reports include the identification of skeletal remains found in Mokena, a cross-state police pursuit involving a burglary in Wheatfield, and a recent residential burglary in Bradley. Stay tuned for the Notable Night Sky segment regarding this week’s lunar and planetary activity, followed by a comprehensive sports wrap-up covering the Cubs, White Sox, Illini, and local tournament results. Listen to the full episode for the complete details on these stories and more. 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.

    7 min
  6. $3,000 West Kankakee Theft, Missing Lockport Man Search, and Newton County Tornado Cleanup Efforts - Friday, March 27th, 2026

    MAR 27

    $3,000 West Kankakee Theft, Missing Lockport Man Search, and Newton County Tornado Cleanup Efforts - Friday, March 27th, 2026

    In this edition of the WVLI News Update, guest host Jake LaMore fills in for Rob West to bring you the latest headlines affecting Kankakee and the surrounding counties. The update begins with a report from Kankakee City Police regarding a high-value residential theft on the city's west side and a separate drug arrest stemming from a routine traffic stop. In Will County, authorities are requesting public assistance in the search for a missing and endangered 27-year-old man last seen in Lockport. Community coverage continues with an urgent call for volunteers and heavy equipment to assist with tornado cleanup in Newton County, Indiana, following the severe weather earlier this month. On the legislative side, we look at a new pilot program passed out of committee by State Representative Jason Bunting that aims to improve road safety with solar technology. Additional stories include: A prestigious national fellowship awarded to Kankakee Community College President Dr. Michael Boyd.Essential safety warnings from the Illinois Secretary of State regarding a surge in text message scams.Details on an upcoming "No Kings" protest at the Kankakee County Courthouse.A guide to weekend activities, including events at the Strickler Planetarium and the Kankakee County Museum.The episode concludes with a comprehensive sports report covering opening day results for the Cubs, White Sox, and Cardinals, as well as the latest updates on the Blackhawks, Bulls, and the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments. For the full details on these stories and more, 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.

    9 min
  7. Momence Man Faces Child Porn Charges, Crete Fire Claims 4 Lives, and Severe Weather Alert - Thursday, March 26th, 2026

    MAR 26

    Momence Man Faces Child Porn Charges, Crete Fire Claims 4 Lives, and Severe Weather Alert - Thursday, March 26th, 2026

    In this edition of the WVLI News Update, Jake LaMore fills in for Rob West to bring you the latest headlines from across the region. The update begins with a developing story regarding a fatal house fire in Crete Township that has claimed the lives of four individuals. The broadcast also covers a severe weather outlook issued by the National Weather Service, with potential threats including large hail and tornadoes for areas south of I-80. Local law enforcement updates include a significant arrest in Momence on child pornography charges, the recovery of a stolen firearm in Kankakee, and new developments in the legal case involving a former Paxton-Buckley-Loda teacher. Additional segments include: An assessment of extensive storm damage at Kankakee High School and throughout District 111.Details on the discovery of human remains by land surveyors in the Mokena and Minooka area.The postponement of Illinois Department of Insurance meetings due to weather conditions.Information on a vehicle fire at Olivet Nazarene University and a car crash into a residence in Crown Point.Important deadlines for the Village of Bradley property tax refund application.A recap of Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day and upcoming community events for Women’s History Month.A comprehensive sports report covering the Bulls, Blackhawks, NCAA Sweet 16, and MLB Opening Day.For the full details on these stories and more, listen to the complete episode of the WVLI News Update. 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.

    9 min
  8. Charges Filed in Crete Township Triple Homicide, Shots Fired in Kankakee, and Bradley Ham Giveaway - Wednesday, March 25th, 2026

    MAR 25

    Charges Filed in Crete Township Triple Homicide, Shots Fired in Kankakee, and Bradley Ham Giveaway - Wednesday, March 25th, 2026

    In this edition of the WVLI News Update, guest host Jake LaMore fills in for Rob West to deliver the latest headlines affecting Kankakee and Will Counties. The update begins with a developing report on a triple homicide investigation in Crete Township, including details on the suspect currently in custody. The episode also covers multiple law enforcement actions, including a firearm-related arrest on Kankakee’s south side and an investigation into shots fired on the city’s east side. Additionally, listeners will hear about a residential burglary in Bradley where surveillance footage led to a swift identification and booking. Beyond local crime reports, this update highlights community initiatives and local achievements. Get the details on an upcoming holiday giveaway hosted by the Village of Bradley and learn how Kankakee County ranks statewide in several agricultural categories for National Agriculture Month. The segment concludes with a comprehensive look at the latest scores and upcoming schedules for the Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs, and White Sox. Listen to the full episode for complete details on these stories, including specific event times, locations, and investigative findings. 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.

    6 min
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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.

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