Grant Park Fire, Snow Squall Chaos, and a Push for the Bears - Thursday, January 15th, 2026

Join Rob West for this edition of the WVLI News Update, covering the top stories impacting Kankakee County and the surrounding region. From emergency response efforts to major sports headlines, we break down the events shaping your community this week.

In this episode:

• Grant Park Fire Response: Details emerge regarding a significant blaze at Woldhuis Farms and Sunrise Greenhouses, including the estimated damages and the scope of the emergency response.
• County Traffic Statistics: Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey breaks down the three-year trend for traffic accidents on local roadways and identifies the most dangerous times to drive.
• Chicago Bears Relocation: Indiana Governor Mike Braun made a bold statement during his State of the State address regarding the future of the Chicago Bears.
• Weather Impact: A recap of the recent snow squalls that halted air traffic at O’Hare and forced multiple road closures across the region, including parts of I-57.
• Legislative Updates: Sheriff Downey discusses potential tweaks to the Illinois SAFE-T Act and when new details might be released.
• Political Headlines: Congresswoman Robin Kelly introduces articles of impeachment against a high-ranking federal official.
• Community Development: The City of Braidwood secures a major grant from the state for town center improvements.
• Local Events: Information on the upcoming First Responders Night at the ONU hockey game and a mobile food pantry event in Bourbonnais.
• Sports Round-Up: Scores and updates for the Bulls, Fighting Illini, Blackhawks, and the upcoming Bears matchup.

Tune in to get the full story on these developments and more.

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