.png)
WVLI News Update
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.
WVLI News Update
Friday, August 8, 2025
One killed in Rte 50 crash
Illinois State Police are investigating after another fatal crash this morning at Route 50 and County Line Road in far northern Kankakee County. Reports say the crash happened just after 7:30 this morning and involved three vehicles. Troopers say three people were taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries and one of the three died at the hospital. Route 50 had to be closed down for a time while the wreckage was cleared and the crash re-constructed. The name of the victim has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.
Kankakee City Police investigate overnight shooting
Kankakee City Police are asking for help to identify the person responsible for shooting two people outside an apartment complex on Crestlane overnight. According to reports, it was just after 11:30 last night when officers were called to the 200 block of Crestlane for a report of shots fired. When they got there, officers were told there had been a fight involving several people, over a parking spot. During that fight, someone fired a gun and two people were hit by the gunfire. The two were reportedly taken to the hospital in private cars. One of the two, identified as a juvenile male, was later airlifted to Chicago for further treatment. City Police say they've identified a suspect and are working now to take them into custody. They ask you call their office if you have any information about the shooting.
Drought conditions improve
There's been a bit of improvement in the latest map just released today from the US Drought Monitor. Today's map shows two-thirds of Kankakee County as "abnormally dry" and the remaining third without any drought concerns whatsoever. Nearly two-thirds of Iroquois County is listed with no drought concerns with the other third just "abnormally dry". Nearly 60 percent of Ford County is clear of drought concerns, but nearly 15 percent is considered to be in "moderate drought" . Pretty much all of Grundy County is considered just "abnormally dry" while about a quarter of Will County is considered to be in "moderate drought" and the remaining 75 percent just "abnormally dry".
Across the State line, all of Benton County, 48 percent of Newton County and 38 percent of Jasper County is considered to be "abnormally dry" with the remainder of those counties without any drought concern at all. The latest map includes data gathered by the US Drought Monitor through Tuesday of this week.
Momence Glad Fest continues today
The 87th annual Momence Gladiolus Festival continues today. The Fest runs through Sunday.
Veterans Commission at K3 Library
The Veterans Assistance Commission of Kankakee County will be at the Kankakee Public Library tomorrow to help assist vets with claims and help answer any questions they may have about VA benefits.
The Kankakee County VAC has a mobile office set up at the Kankakee Public Library every Friday from 9 to 3.
Lake County Fair continues
The Lake County Fair continues today at the fairgrounds just outside Crown Point, Indiana. The Lake County Fair runs through Sunday. Visit lake dash county dash fair dot com for more details.