Fatal School Bus Accident, Gun Arrests, Plus Weekend Events in Kankakee County - Friday, January 16th, 2026

In this episode of the WVLI News Update, Rob West covers breaking stories and local developments impacting the Kankakee Valley and beyond.

The update begins with a report on a fatal traffic accident involving a school bus on Monee Manhattan Road. Listen in for details from the Illinois State Police regarding the investigation, road closures, and the status of those involved.

In regional sports business news, the Chicago Bears have responded to a new legislative bill introduced in Indiana. The episode explores how this legislation could shift the team’s stadium search toward Northwest Indiana and what the proposed "Stadium Authority" entails for the franchise's future.

Looking for weekend plans? Angelina Gear from Visit Kankakee County joins the program to highlight upcoming events, including a wizard-themed experience in Grant Park and how to explore the Kankakee County Craft Beverage Trail.

Local crime reports include details on a "shots fired" call in Kankakee that resulted in a traffic stop and felony charges for two individuals. Additionally, Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey discusses the high volume of "failure to appear" warrants processed at the Jerome Combs Detention Center in 2025 and shares his perspective on how current laws are affecting law enforcement safety.

Finally, get the latest sports forecast as the Bears prepare for what could be a historically cold matchup against the Rams at Soldier Field, along with updates on the Blackhawks, Bulls, and Fighting Illini.

Tune in now to hear the full details on these headlines.

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