This week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News covers several important updates from across Kankakee County as of Friday, January 9. Manteno police are reminding residents that door-to-door contractors must be registered with the village and verified through the police department to help prevent scams. Riverside Healthcare is rolling out upgraded imaging technology at multiple locations across Illinois to improve diagnostic speed and patient care. A Kankakee man charged in the fatal attack at an Oswego Chick-fil-A has been ruled unfit to stand trial and will undergo secure treatment. Kankakee police have made an arrest following a shots-fired incident on North Park Avenue, recovering stolen firearms and filing multiple felony charges. The episode also looks ahead to 2026, highlighting major projects and developments expected to shape the county, including school expansion plans, a proposed indoor waterpark, a high-profile court trial, and continued economic growth.

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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 Republic Services to continue its residential recycling program, determining that potential savings from eliminating recycling were minimal. The Salvation Army of Kankakee County reports it has reached just over one-third of its Red Kettle Campaign goal as colder weather impacts donations and volunteer turnout. Meanwhile, the Manteno Village Board unanimously passed an ordinance banning the sale of Delta-8 and other synthetic drugs, citing public safety concerns and enforcement challenges.

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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 extended its leaf-pickup service after November snowstorms disrupted collection, asking residents to keep leaf piles visible and accessible. School districts across the region are reviewing their latest Illinois State Report Card designations, with several schools earning commendable or exemplary ratings while others receive targeted support. Finally, starting after January 1, Kankakee will begin towing vehicles parked along designated snow-route streets during snow events, warning residents of potential $200–$300 recovery costs and urging attention to posted signage.

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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 laugh-out-loud childhood shenanigans and quieter moments of reflection about loss, love, and belonging, the night paints a vivid portrait of place and people. Tune in for a cozy, honest hour of storytelling that celebrates how everyday moments—big and small—make a town feel like home.

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In this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, Drew Raisor delivers the top headlines from around the county. Kankakee officials announced stricter enforcement of snow-route parking regulations this winter, emphasizing towing for vehicles blocking priority streets once snowfall reaches two inches. Illinois residents will see lower Thanksgiving costs this year as turkey prices fall more than 16 percent, bringing the average cost of a classic dinner for 10 down to $49.20 statewide. Manteno approved a new short-term rental ordinance for Airbnb and VRBO hosts, removing several proposed requirements and omitting a 5% hotel tax while strengthening tools to address problem properties. The Relay for Life of Kankakee County fundraiser exceeded expectations, raising more than $255,000 for cancer research and patient support programs. Finally, the Illinois Commerce Commission reduced Nicor Gas’s proposed rate hike by nearly half, lowering its profit rate and expanding protections for low-income customers.

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In this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, Drew Raisor covers the top headlines from across Kankakee County. Hundreds gathered at the Kankakee County Museum for the annual Veterans Day ceremony, celebrating service members of every background and their lasting contributions to the community. Otis Story Sr. has resigned as CEO of St. Mary’s Hospital, with Luis Leon stepping in as interim leader as Prime Healthcare continues facility upgrades. The Village of Bradley approved a $1.07 million project to expand the 315 Sports Park maintenance facility, addressing space needs for its growing operations. State Representative Jackie Haas announced she is undergoing cancer treatment, assuring supporters her outlook remains positive and her work will continue. And finally, firefighters in Kankakee Township battled a large early-morning structure fire, rescuing a cat and preventing further damage.

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In this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, Drew Raisor recaps the top local headlines from around Kankakee County. The popular New York City Deli is expanding to a second location in downtown Kankakee, with plans to open in spring 2026 following a $345,000 renovation supported by a city TIF incentive. Kankakee Community College announced its upcoming “Explore KCC Day,” inviting prospective students to learn about academic programs, financial aid, and campus life. In Bourbonnais, village trustees approved the purchase of a 2.19-acre parcel from Olivet Nazarene University to further development plans near The Grove. Manteno officials are weighing a proposal to apply the village’s 5% hotel tax to short-term rentals like Airbnb and Vrbo, potentially generating new tourism revenue. And finally, the March 2026 primary ballot is taking shape, with multiple contested county board races and a challenge to County Clerk Dan Hendrickson for the first time since 2018.

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It’s Halloween night in Kankakee County, and the Kankakee Podcast News team is wishing everyone a safe and spooky evening filled with costumes, candy, and community fun. This week’s episode covers the official trick-or-treat times across the county, along with the latest local headlines. The Illinois State Police have turned over the results of their investigation into several Watseka Police Department officers to a special prosecutor. In Oswego, a 19-year-old Kankakee man faces multiple felony charges following a fatal stabbing at a Chick-fil-A. The Bourbonnais Township Park District celebrates the retirement of longtime IT administrator Frank Cianci after 12 years of service, and the Village of Bradley prepares for its 40th annual Lighted Christmas Parade, themed “A Christmas Jubilee on Gingerbread Lane.” Finally, Manteno police arrest a man accused of driving his vehicle toward two local teens.

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