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. Billion-Dollar Investment at CSL, Drysdale Murder Arraignment, & Bradley 315 Music Fest Lineup - Tuesday, March 10th, 2026

    1D AGO

    Billion-Dollar Investment at CSL, Drysdale Murder Arraignment, & Bradley 315 Music Fest Lineup - Tuesday, March 10th, 2026

    In this edition of the WVLI News Update, Rob West provides comprehensive coverage of several high-profile legal proceedings currently moving through the Kankakee County court system. The update includes the latest developments regarding the arraignment in the Courtney Drysdale case and a significant status update on the trial of Xandria Harris. Beyond the courtroom, this episode highlights a major economic development for the Village of Bradley following an announcement from CSL Behring and Governor J.B. Pritzker. Listeners will also find information on local infrastructure improvements, the finalized location for a new regional coffee franchise, and the full headlining lineup for the upcoming Bradley 315 Music Festival. The report concludes with a summary of recent law enforcement activity in Kankakee, a spike in regional gas prices, and a full look at the latest in professional and collegiate sports. Listen to the full episode for the complete details on these developing stories. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! Hear the unforgettable true stories of Kankakee County. Search for "This One Time in Kankakee" wherever you get your podcasts or click here: https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com

    8 min
  2. Special Olympics Polar Plunge Totals, Monee Barn Fire, and Bradley Police Warn of More Scams - Monday, March 9th, 2026

    2D AGO

    Special Olympics Polar Plunge Totals, Monee Barn Fire, and Bradley Police Warn of More Scams - Monday, March 9th, 2026

    This episode of the WVLI News Update covers a significant shift at the pump as gas prices see a notable increase across Illinois and Indiana. Host Rob West provides a breakdown of the latest AAA figures for Kankakee, Iroquois, and Will counties, as well as neighboring Hoosier state averages. The update also includes critical public safety reports, including a devastating barn fire in the Monee Fire Protection District and a warning from Bradley Police regarding a sophisticated scam targeting local seniors. In law enforcement news, KAMEG agents report on a recent search warrant execution on Kankakee’s northeast side resulting in multiple arrests. Listeners will also hear about the community's turnout for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge at the Manteno Sportsman Club, a scheduled power outage impacting Gilman residents, and a tragic hit-and-run investigation in Homer Glen. The episode concludes with a "Notable Night Sky" segment from Strickler Planetarium and a comprehensive Monday sports wrap-up covering the Bulls, Blackhawks, Illini, and spring training baseball. Listen to the full episode for specific price data, safety tips, and the complete local forecast. Special thanks to Bourbonnais Police Officer Travis Garcia for providing audio and photos from this year's Polar Plunge.  Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! Hear the unforgettable true stories of Kankakee County. Search for "This One Time in Kankakee" wherever you get your podcasts or click here: https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com

    7 min
  3. Kankakee Police Investigate Attempted Break-In, Bourbonnais Snow Removal Costs Double, Ford County Leadership Changes - Friday, March 6th, 2026

    5D AGO

    Kankakee Police Investigate Attempted Break-In, Bourbonnais Snow Removal Costs Double, Ford County Leadership Changes - Friday, March 6th, 2026

    In this edition of the WVLI News Update, Rob West covers significant shifts in local conditions across Kankakee, Ford, Iroquois, and surrounding counties. As the U.S. Drought Monitor releases its latest findings, we examine which areas are seeing relief and which remain in extreme drought. The episode also dives into the true cost of winter road maintenance following a recent Bourbonnais Village Board meeting, where budget numbers revealed a sharp increase in spending compared to previous years. Listeners will get the latest on a home invasion attempt in Kankakee and a new Indiana law that changes the legal landscape for those attempting to rescue pets from vehicles. As the weekend approaches, we provide a breakdown of the "Lock the Clock" legislation debate as Daylight Saving Time returns, along with the health and behavioral impacts it has on both humans and animals. Finally, catch up on the rising Mega Millions jackpot, a new transparency tool from IDOT, and a full schedule of weekend events and sports across the region. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! Hear the unforgettable true stories of Kankakee County. Search for "This One Time in Kankakee" wherever you get your podcasts or click here: https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com

    7 min
  4. Shots Fired Call Leads to Stabbing Discovery in Kankakee - Thursday, March 5th, 2026

    6D AGO

    Shots Fired Call Leads to Stabbing Discovery in Kankakee - Thursday, March 5th, 2026

    In this edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West, we cover a series of developing stories across Kankakee County and the surrounding region. The update begins with a police response to a shots fired call in Kankakee that led to the discovery of a stabbing victim and an investigation into a domestic dispute. We also have details on a multi-vehicle collision involving a semi-truck in Grant Park and a reported battery incident in the City of Kankakee. The news continues with a response from Governor JB Pritzker regarding recent allegations and a clarification concerning a 2008 foundation trip. Locally, a Kankakee County organization receives a significant financial boost to support their mission for the homeless, and KCC President Dr. Michael Boyd discusses upcoming legislation that could change the landscape of community college education in Illinois. The update concludes with a tragic report from the Will County Coroner, a bizarre report of a roadside battery following a jail release, and a full look at the regional sports landscape—including a tribute to a legendary college football coach and a preview of upcoming Bulls, Blackhawks, and Illini action. Listen to the full episode for the complete details on these stories and more. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! Hear the unforgettable true stories of Kankakee County. Search for "This One Time in Kankakee" wherever you get your podcasts or click here: https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com

    6 min
  5. State of the County Highlights, Burglary Arrest in Bradley, & Gas Prices Jump - Wednesday, March 4th, 2026

    MAR 4

    State of the County Highlights, Burglary Arrest in Bradley, & Gas Prices Jump - Wednesday, March 4th, 2026

    In this edition of the WVLI News Update, Rob West reports on the significant increase in gasoline prices across Kankakee and surrounding counties. The update outlines the specific factors analysts believe are driving costs higher and provides a breakdown of current averages in Illinois and Indiana. The episode also covers the highlights of the annual State of the County event held at Olivet Nazarene University. Local officials, including the County Board Chairman and State’s Attorney, provide insight into the region's economic health, job market trends, and future growth projections. Listeners will also find information regarding a leadership change in the Grant Park Police Department and upcoming weather safety training opportunities available to the public. Additional segments include: A series of law enforcement reports concerning recent burglaries in Bradley and Aroma Park.Logistical reminders for the upcoming shift to Daylight Savings Time and its impact on household devices.Updates on local festival planning and street closure resolutions in Bourbonnais.A summary of the current Mega Millions jackpot and the latest scores from Chicago professional and collegiate sports.For the full details on these local stories and more, listen to the complete episode. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! Hear the unforgettable true stories of Kankakee County. Search for "This One Time in Kankakee" wherever you get your podcasts or click here: https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com

    9 min
  6. Shots Fired Arrest, Kankakee Gains Ownership of Oddfellows Building, plus Manteno’s I-57 Overpass Budget - Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026

    MAR 3

    Shots Fired Arrest, Kankakee Gains Ownership of Oddfellows Building, plus Manteno’s I-57 Overpass Budget - Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026

    In this edition of the WVLI News Update, Rob West covers a range of significant local developments across the Kankakee, Manteno, and Bourbonnais areas. The update begins with police reports regarding a recent arrest following a shots fired incident in Kankakee and a separate drug-related arrest stemming from a report of reckless driving. Local government remains a primary focus, with updates on the City of Kankakee’s plans for a prominent downtown building and a newly established timeline for a major apartment development project. In Manteno, news includes the latest on short-term rental regulations, fire department reports, and a significant fund transfer for the I-57 overpass project. Bourbonnais officials discuss new land-use planning for the village’s northern tier and a new intergovernmental agreement for IT services. The update also includes a report on an interstate crash, the latest Mega Millions jackpot figures, and a full sports preview for the Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks, and Fighting Illini. Listen to the full episode for the complete reports and detailed analysis of these stories. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! Hear the unforgettable true stories of Kankakee County. Search for "This One Time in Kankakee" wherever you get your podcasts or click here: https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com

    9 min
  7. Milford Murder Arrest, Manteno Leadership Changes, and the Total Lunar Eclipse - Monday, March 2nd, 2026

    MAR 2

    Milford Murder Arrest, Manteno Leadership Changes, and the Total Lunar Eclipse - Monday, March 2nd, 2026

    In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West reports on a series of significant developments affecting Iroquois and Kankakee Counties. The episode leads with a major update from the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police regarding a fatal 2025 house fire in Milford, resulting in a first-degree murder charge. The update also covers legal actions in Aroma Park involving a drone-assisted investigation into a shots-fired report, and an arrest in Chatsworth on multi-count sexual assault and drug-related charges. In local government and community news, the President and CEO of the Manteno Chamber of Commerce has announced his upcoming resignation from his dual roles within the village. The broadcast also features Madeline Shepley, Director of the Strickler Planetarium, who provides details on the total lunar eclipse occurring Tuesday morning and an organized viewing party at Willow Haven Park. Political coverage includes highlights from the Iroquois County Republicans’ Lincoln Day dinner, where State Representative Jason Bunting addressed concerns regarding the Illinois state budget and the cost of living. Additional segments cover weekend fire responses in Paxton and a comprehensive sports update featuring the Bulls, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini, and Chicago Fire FC, alongside a historic start to the NASCAR season. For the full details on these stories and the complete regional news report, listen to the full episode. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! Hear the unforgettable true stories of Kankakee County. Search for "This One Time in Kankakee" wherever you get your podcasts or click here: https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com

    6 min
  8. Potential Mattel Expansion in Bradley, Bears Stadium Saga, & 5-Year Bomb Sentence in Onarga - Friday, February 27th, 2026

    FEB 27

    Potential Mattel Expansion in Bradley, Bears Stadium Saga, & 5-Year Bomb Sentence in Onarga - Friday, February 27th, 2026

    In this edition of the WVLI News Update, Rob West provides a comprehensive look at the pressing issues affecting Kankakee, Iroquois, and Ford counties, along with updates from across the state line. The program begins with the latest data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, detailing a significant shift in conditions that has left several local areas facing extreme and severe classifications. The update also features a report on Bradley Mayor Mike Watson’s recent discussions with Mattel officials. While plans for the upcoming water park are moving forward, the Mayor shares new details regarding the potential for an expanded corporate footprint within the village and the expected timeline for development. In legal and safety news, the episode covers a federal sentencing following a high-profile barricade situation in Onarga and a major investigation in Cedar Lake involving multiple felony charges. Listeners will also hear the latest on the Chicago Bears’ stadium negotiations, including legislative movements in Springfield and a new framework established in Indiana. Additional segments include: The status of the Iroquois County burn ban.New equipment grants for the Grant Park Fire Department.A guide to weekend events in Kankakee County, featuring live music and community fundraisers.A full sports wrap-up covering the Bulls, Blackhawks, and upcoming collegiate matchups.For the complete details on these stories and more, listen to the full episode. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! Hear the unforgettable true stories of Kankakee County. Search for "This One Time in Kankakee" wherever you get your podcasts or click here: https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com

    7 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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