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

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

Join Rob West for this edition of the WVLI News Update, covering the latest developing stories across Kankakee, Iroquois, and Grundy counties. This episode details recent criminal investigations, significant updates from local government boards, and a look at the economic future of the region.

In this episode, we cover:

• Violent Crime Investigation: Details regarding a stabbing incident reported early Tuesday morning on North Dearborn Avenue in Kankakee.
• Courthouse Renovations: The Kankakee County Board moves forward with architectural plans and budget adjustments for the courthouse remodel.
• State Legislation: Governor J.B. Pritzker comments on potential adjustments to the Illinois Safety Act and current crime rate trends.
• Major Narcotics Arrest: Police uncover a significant amount of methamphetamine and other controlled substances during a traffic stop on I-80 near Morris.
• Economic Outlook: The Economic Alliance of Kankakee County provides an annual update, highlighting billions in local investments and major infrastructure projects.
• Rural Transportation: An update on the ongoing challenges facing rural transit services in Iroquois County following the CRRS closure.
• Fraud Investigation: Kankakee City Police announce an arrest connected to forged property documents and quit claim deeds.
• County Leadership: The Iroquois County Board appoints a new Vice Chair.
• Crime Stoppers Alert: Authorities seek assistance identifying a suspect involved in a vehicle burglary where a firearm magazine was stolen.
• Sports Round-up: Scores and schedules for the Bulls, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini, and Chicago Bears.

Tune in now to get the full story on these headlines 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