Truancy Numbers High in Kankakee & Iroquois Counties, Bourbonnais Fire Update, New Developments in the Kankakee Riverfront Trail - Thursday, April 23rd, 2026

In this episode of the WVLI News Update, Rob West provides a detailed report on several developing stories across the Kankakee and Iroquois County regions. The report begins with an account of a Thursday night residential fire in Bourbonnais and the resulting property damage assessment.This episode also examines critical educational challenges as regional officials discuss high truancy numbers and the obstacles facing intervention teams. Additionally, the report covers a significant legislative move in the Illinois House that could impact the future of the Chicago Bears’ stadium project.Other local highlights in this episode include a major charitable donation to 18 area high school athletic programs, the next phase of the Kankakee Riverfront Trail development, and upcoming community events focused on youth violence prevention.Listen to the full episode for complete details on these local headlines, regional sports updates, and community news.Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)The voices you trust, beyond the dial.