Best Kankakee Podcasts (2026)

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Chris Curtis, Kankakee Mayor: Snow Plowing Regulations 5:44

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3h ago5:44

5:44

Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis talks with Mike Tomano regarding snow regulations for plowing in the city. Want more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform:…

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"We counted down the 3 most listened to episodes of 2025." 15:52

1h ago15:52

15:52

We launched This One Time in Kankakee on the WVLI Podcast Network in October 2025, and the stories have been nothing short of wild. In this year-end recap, host Jake LaMore cracks open the vault to count down the Top 3 Most Downloaded Episodes of the year. If you are new to the show, this is the perfect place to start. We revisit the funny, the his…

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Bourbonnais Lowers Tax Rate, Kankakee Keeps Recycling, Salvation Army Red Kettle Update, Manteno Bans Delta-8 & More 6:45

6d ago6:45

6:45

This week on Kankakee Podcast News, local leaders approved several key decisions affecting residents across the county. Bourbonnais Village Trustees approved a lower property tax rate for 2025, continuing a decade-long trend despite a higher total levy driven by rising property values. The City of Kankakee finalized a new five-year contract with Re…

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Monday, January 5, 2026 6:46

3h ago6:46

6:46

Notable Night Sky News for Monday January 5, 2026 Let's find out now what's going on overhead this week, with our Notable Night Sky News, here's Madeline Shepley, Astronomy Professor and Director of the Strickler Planetarium at Olivet IDHS reports "incident" The Illinois Department of Human Services says they've had a "security incident" involving …

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Friday, January 2, 2026 6:35

3h ago6:35

6:35

Grant Park Fire battles New Year's Eve Fire There was a fire in rural Grant Park on New Year's Eve. Few details are available, but just before midnight New Years Eve, Grant Park Fire posted on Facebook they were working with mutual aid departments on the scene of a structure fire in the area of 14-thousand East and Route 17. We'll have more details…

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Wednesday, December 31, 2025 6:32

2d ago6:32

6:32

City Police make arrest in December 21st Homicide Kankakee City Police report they've made an arrest in the December 21st shooting death of a Kankakee man. City Police Tuesday arrested 47-year-old Joseph N Harris on First Degree Murder charges. Harris originally told police he was in his apartment in the 12-hundred block of East Oak Street just bef…

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Tuesday, December 30, 2025 7:22

4h ago7:22

7:22

Fire displaces family of four Kankakee Fire Department personnel were called out to a house fire in the 13-hundred block of South Kensington Avenue last night. According to reports, the call came in about 8:30 last night with a report of fire on the first floor of the home and four people trapped on the second floor. Kankakee Fire, with the help of…

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Monday, December 29, 2025 5:10

1d ago5:10

5:10

Rough weather spawns Sunday tornadoes The old adage "if you don't like the weather, hang around a little bit, it'll change" is certainly something we've experienced here in the last 24 hours or so. Sunday brought near 70 degree temperatures and rain, with a high temp yesterday of 66 degrees recorded about three yesterday afternoon at the Greater Ka…

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Friday, December 26, 2025 6:24

4d ago6:24

6:24

Arrest reportedly made following a fire in Kankakee Wednesday Kankakee City Fire Department personnel were called out to a home in the one-thousand block of East Maple on Christmas Eve for a garage fire. When they got there they found heavy fire coming from the detached garage that belonged to a vacant house. The fire was put out quickly and report…

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Wednesday, December 24, 2025 9:25

6d ago9:25

9:25

Firefighter reported injured battling Tuesday evening blaze There are reports of a firefighter being injured while battling a fire in Essex last night. Few details are available, but what we do know is Essex fire was called to a house fire on Kody Alan Drive in Braidwood Tuesday evening. It's thought a firefighter fell through the floor of the home…

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Tuesday, December 23, 2025 7:13

7d ago7:13

7:13

UPDATES 12/23/25 10:30am Kankakee Police update weekend homicide Kankakee City Police released more information today about that shooting Sunday evening that took the life of a 35-year-old Kankakee man. In a press release, City Police say Travis L. Hayes and another man allegedly tried to force their way into an apartment in the 12-hundred block of…

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Dr. Stephanie Harris, Kankakee School District 111 4:35

3d ago4:35

4:35

Denny Case speaks with Dr. Stephanie Harris, Staff Engagement and Recruitment Coordinator for the Kankakee School District 111. They are discussing what makes them unique, mentoring programs, employment opportunities and more. Want more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days l…

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Monday, December 22, 2025 6:44

8d ago6:44

6:44

Man shot/killed Sunday evening Kankakee City Police are investigating after a man was shot to death in the City Sunday evening. In a press release, City Police say it was just before six last night when they were called to the 12-hundred block of East Oak Street for a report of shots fired. The caller told dispatchers someone was trying to break in…

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Bourbonnais Lowers Tax Rate, Kankakee Keeps Recycling, Salvation Army Red Kettle Update, Manteno Bans Delta-8 & More 5:56

6d ago5:56

5:56

This week on Kankakee Podcast News, local leaders approved several key decisions affecting residents across the county. Bourbonnais Village Trustees approved a lower property tax rate for 2025, continuing a decade-long trend despite a higher total levy driven by rising property values. The City of Kankakee finalized a new five-year contract with Re…

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SPECIAL REPORT: Gayla Peevey, Vocalist: “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" 10:23

6d ago10:23

10:23

🎙️ Listen to Bill Dyche’s exclusive interview with Gayla Peevey, the iconic voice behind “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.”By WVLI Podcast Network

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Friday, December 19, 2025 7:33

11d ago7:33

7:33

Lawyers for man convicted of Delphi murders files appeal Attorneys for the man convicted of the Delphi murders have filed an appeal. Richard Allen was found guilty last year of the 2017 murders of Libby German and Abby Williams. Allen's attorneys have filed a 113-page brief appealing the conviction with the Indiana Court of Appeals. They argue that…

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Thursday, December 18, 2025 7:00

12d ago7:00

7:00

IL GOP on possible Madigan pardon Illinois' Republican Congress members are asking President Trump to not pardon former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. In a letter this week to Trump, U.S. Representative Mike Bost, Darin LaHood, and Mary Miller said pardoning the Chicago Democrat "would send a dangerous message that public officials can bet…

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Dr. Cole Verbrugge, Grumish Chiropractic: Healthy for the Holidays Workshop 4:33

13d ago4:33

4:33

Denny Case speaks with Dr. Cole Verbrugge from Grumish Chiropractic about their upcoming "Healthy For The Holidays Workshop" that will take place at 10am this Thursday, December 18th at Kankakee Natural Foods on Mulligan Drive in Bradley. Want more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Ge…

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Wednesday, December 17, 2025 7:41

13d ago7:41

7:41

Bradley Police make arrest in October incident Bradley Police report additional arrests in an incident where shots were fired in the Village back in October. In a press release, Bradley Police say it was just after three in the afternoon on October second when they were called to a home on South Jefferson Avenue for a reported burglary where shots …

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Tuesday, December 16, 2025 7:45

14d ago7:45

7:45

Winter plowing cost Bourbonnais some $130,000 so far this winter At last night's Bourbonnais Village Board meeting, Village Public Works Director Terry Memenga gave an update on Village efforts to keep the streets clear so far this winter. Memenga said keeping the roads clear this winter has so far cost the Village about 130-thousand dollars. I57/R…

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Monday, December 15, 2025 5:48

15d ago5:48

5:48

Powerball rolls over, again Monday night's Powerball drawing is worth more than a billion dollars. No one matched all six numbers in Saturday's drawing, so the already massive jackpot jumped again and now stands at one-point-one billion. The cash option on that works out to more than 503 million dollars but the odds of winning the grand prize are a…

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"I planned a flash mob on the courthouse lawn." 12:38

14d ago12:38

12:38

Jeff Cross isn’t usually a planner. But for his 30th wedding anniversary, he decided to go big. In this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, we hear the incredible true story of how a 1990s meet-cute at a Bourbonnais Blockbuster led to a secret flash mob in downtown Kankakee. Hear how Jeff organized 50 friends and family members, dodged suspicious…

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Friday, December 12, 2025 8:05

18d ago8:05

8:05

Emil Jones evades prosecution State Senator Emil Jones the Third is striking a deal with prosecutors. The Chicago Democrat agreed to a deferred prosecution deal that will leave him with no conviction. As part of the agreement, he must admit to certain illegal conduct and pay a fine. Jones was set for retrial next month on bribery charges. His first…

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Ahmy Pyle and Camari Tharpe, Bradley/Bourbonnais Subway: Holiday Catering 4:34

20d ago4:34

4:34

Denny Case speaks with the Director of Operations, Ahmy Pyle and General Manager, Camari Tharpe of the Bradley/Bourbonnais Subway restaurant locations. We are discussing their fundraising opportunities and Holiday catering options. Want more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the d…

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Yarn Factory Listeners: Small Town Stories, Big Heart 1:13:18

14d ago1:13:18

1:13:18

In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, This episode brings the Yarn Factory stage into your ears with a warm, wide-ranging set of stories from the community. Listeners share what it’s like to start over in a new hometown, the surprises and tenderness that come with blended families, and the kind of solo adventures that leave you changed. Between …

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Rachel Nietfeldt: Riverside Pathways Program 3:37

15d ago3:37

3:37

Rachel Nietfeldt spoke with Mike Tomano regarding seasonal stress management with Riverside Pathways Program. Want more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast pl…

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Thursday, December 11, 2025 8:02

19d ago8:02

8:02

State unemployment steady Illinois' unemployment rate remains steady. The state Department of Employment Security says the state's jobless rate in September was unchanged at four-point-four-percent. Non-farm payroll jobs decreased by 22-hundred. Herscher Police "lock your doors" Herscher Police are asking area residents to make sure they lock their…

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Lieutenant LaToya Surratt, The Salvation Army of Kankakee 4:40

16d ago4:40

4:40

Denny is speaking with Lieutenant LaToya Surratt from The Salvation Army of Kankakee. They are discussing the current status of the "Give With Joy" Red Kettle Campaign, volunteer bell-ringing opportunities, the Angel Tree Toy Drive which ends at 5pm this Friday, December 12th, and sharing the news that a gold coin was donated to a kettle early last…

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Wednesday, December 10, 2025 7:28

20d ago7:28

7:28

Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week There's been a rash of motor vehicle thefts in Kankakee County recently. With our Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week, here's Kankakee County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Trent Bukowski. Tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and could result in a cash reward. FDA issues cookie dough recall The FDA is issuing its highes…

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Randy Van Fossan and Father John Peeters: Christmas Day, Inc. 4:27

17d ago4:27

4:27

Denny Case is speaking with Randy Van Fossan and of "Christmas Day, Inc." about the free Christmas Day dinner they will be providing to the community at 10 different Kankakee County locations from 11am to 1pm on Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25th. Want more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekda…

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SPECIAL REPORT: Village of Bradley Signs Deal for Mattel Water Park on I-57 6:25

20d ago6:25

6:25

It is official: The Village of Bradley is partnering with global toy giant Mattel to bring iconic brands like Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Fisher-Price to a new water park development along I-57. In this WVLI New Update Special Report, we sit down with Bradley Mayor Mike Watson to break down the massive sub-license agreement with Project Play Holdings L…

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Mayor Jeff Keast, Bourbonnais: Christmas Events 4:33

17d ago4:33

4:33

Mayor Jeff Keast stopped by to chat with Mike Tomano about Christmas events in The Village of Bourbonnais. Want more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platf…

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Tuesday, December 9, 2025 9:28

21d ago9:28

9:28

Mattel coming to the Village of Bradley’s waterpark Mattel, the toy manufacturer behind such iconic brands as Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Fisher-Price, will be a big part of the waterpark the Village of Bradley plans to break ground on next year. A resolution to sign a sub-license agreement between Bradley and Project Play Holdings LLC to use Mattel br…

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Monday, December 8, 2025 6:38

22d ago6:38

6:38

Notable Night Sky News Time now to find out what's happening overhead this week. With a look at our Notable Night Sky News, here's Madeline Shepley - Astronomy Professor and Director of the Strickler Planetarium at Olivet Powerball jackpot climbs The Powerball jackpot is on a roll for the holidays. No one matched all six numbers in Saturday night's…

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First Community Insurance Move, Kankakee Leaf Pickup Extension, School Report Card Ratings, Snow-Route Towing 5:20

23d ago5:20

5:20

In this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, Drew Raisor covers the key stories from around the county. First Community Insurance & Annuity Center has officially moved its headquarters to a new location on Armour Road in Bourbonnais, continuing its more than 30-year commitment to serving local residents and businesses. The city of Kankakee has …

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First Community Insurance Move, Kankakee Leaf Pickup Extension, School Report Card Ratings, Snow-Route Towing 6:08

20d ago6:08

6:08

In this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, Drew Raisor covers the key stories from around the county. First Community Insurance & Annuity Center has officially moved its headquarters to a new location on Armour Road in Bourbonnais, continuing its more than 30-year commitment to serving local residents and businesses. The city of Kankakee has …

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Angela Morrey, Economic Alliance of Kankakee County: Small Businesses 4:06

21d ago4:06

4:06

Angela Morrey of Economic Alliance of Kankakee County stopped by to chat with Mike Tomano about small businesses in Kankakee county. Want more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on yo…

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Friday, December 5, 2025 10:20

25d ago10:20

10:20

Park Forest Police Officer Passes Away The Park Forest Police Department is mourning the passing of a beloved officer. Park Forest Detective Tim Jones has died, nearly a decade after he was shot in the line of duty in March 2016. He was 24 years old at the time of the shooting, which left him paralyzed. The department praised Jones, saying he "will…

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#229: Sailing Into Christmas: KVTA Presents The Christmas Schooner 21:20

21d ago21:20

21:20

In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Andrew McBurney sits down with Sharla Ronchetto of the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association to talk about their upcoming holiday production, The Christmas Schooner. Based on true Great Lakes history, the musical follows a fictional family inspired by the real “Christmas tree ships” that carried evergreen…

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Thursday, December 4, 2025 7:56

26d ago7:56

7:56

Powerball jackpot grows, again The Powerball jackpot is climbing again after no one won the jackpot in last night's drawing. The estimated jackpot for Saturday's drawing is now 820-million-dollars, with the cash option working out to around 383-million-dollars. Some players did luck out, however, with a two-million-dollar ticket sold in Kentucky an…

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Jim Wasser, 79th Annual Fish Fry at St. George Church 4:03

29d ago4:03

4:03

Want more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.…

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Wednesday, December 3, 2025 8:24

27d ago8:24

8:24

Crime Stoppers tip of the week Law enforcement authorities continue to look for help in connection with a double homicide from almost a year ago. Kankakee County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Trent Bukowski has our Crime Stoppers Tip of the week. Tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and could result in a cash reward Manteno trustees set levy fo…

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Tuesday, December 2, 2025 9:43

28d ago9:43

9:43

Bourbonnais Trustees hear tax levy proposal Bourbonnais trustees last night took the first steps toward levying taxes for the Village for the new fiscal year. Village Finance Director Tara Latz. Latz credited increased property values for the decrease in taxing rates and reminded Village residents that Village taxes amount to about five percent of …

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#228: Singing for a Cause: The Story Behind Ordinary Dads 23:07

24d ago23:07

23:07

On this episode of Kankakee Podcast, host Drew Raisor sits down once again with Jeff Cross to talk about Ordinary Dads, a local group of about 15 fathers who come together each holiday season to sing Christmas music and raise money for families in need. Jeff shares the humble beginnings of the group, why “ordinary” is the point, and how a handful o…

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Monday, December 1, 2025 7:12

29d ago7:12

7:12

Notable night Sky News for December 1st Time now to find out what's going on overhead this week. With our Notable Night Sky News, here's Madeline Shepley, Astronomy Professor and Director of the Strickler Planetarium at Olivet Sounds of the Season this weekend It's another sure sign that Christmas isn't far away, Sounds of the Season is coming up t…

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"I covered my car completely in duct tape." 12:21

28d ago12:21

12:21

It was the winter of 2001. The muffler had just fallen off, and the rust was setting in. But Nick Stalnos wasn't ready to give up on his 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera. Instead, he grabbed his friends, bought every roll of silver tape he could find, and created a local legend. In this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, we sit down with Nick to he…

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Darrin from KIA 6:05

28d ago6:05

6:05

Want more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.…

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Friday, November 28, 2025 7:16

1M ago7:16

7:16

Winter Storm Predicted this Weekend A winter storm is expected to hit a large portion of Illinois and Indiana this weekend. The National Weather Service says heavy snow will likely begin falling tomorrow, with up to six inches possible in some parts. A winter storm watch will be in effect throughout the day. The hazardous conditions could make trav…

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Phil Angelo, Arthritis Foundation of Illinois: Jingle Bell Run 4:20

1M ago4:20

4:20

Denny Case is speaking here with Phil Angelo about the upcoming "Jingle Bell Run" at KCC on Sunday, December 7th to raise funds for the Arthritis Foundation of Illinois. Want more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10…

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Mayor Chris Curtis, Kankakee 3:33

1M ago3:33

3:33

Want more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.…