Multiple Arrests in Kankakee Shootout, Bears Stadium Debate, and Rising Cookout Costs

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West and reporter Jake Lemoore bring you critical developments from across the region, local sports updates, and national economic trends.

The episode leads with a Kankakee City Police investigation into an early Monday evening shooting on the city's northeast side that involved a multi-car collision, a recovered firearm, and multiple arrests. Following these events, Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis issued an official statement addressing the recent uptick in community violence and outlining law enforcement's next steps.

In regional political news, the ongoing debate surrounding the future home of the Chicago Bears intensifies as Illinois and Indiana governors clash over a potential new stadium location in Hammond. Listeners will also hear updates regarding an ongoing watercraft accident investigation on the Kankakee River, a disturbing neglect case out of Rensselaer, and an unusual neighborhood burglary reported in Bradley.

Additionally, the team previews the opening day events for the Bourbonnais Friendship Festival and breaks down a new economic report from Wells Fargo explaining why your summer barbecues are costing significantly more this year. Finally, stay tuned for a comprehensive sports wrap-up covering recent wins for both the Cubs and White Sox, the Chicago Bulls' new first-round NBA draft picks, and the latest international soccer matchups.

Listen to the full episode to get all the details, official statements, and complete sports analysis.

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. 

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:00

Kankakee City Police report a shooting early Monday evening on the city's northeast side led to several arrests. Jake Lamore has that story.

SPEAKER_00 0:08

Rob, according to a press release, officers were called to the 300 block of North Evergreen Avenue around 530 Monday evening for a report of multiple shots fired. When police arrived, they saw several groups of people and two cars that appeared to have hit each other in a head-on collision. One of the cars, a white Toyota RAV-4, sustained damage from multiple gunshots. A preliminary investigation showed that as the people in cars fled the area, one person was struck by a car and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Police were able to locate another car allegedly involved in the incident, a White Dodge Journey, in the 900 block of East Chestnut Street a short time later. The car was occupied by seven women and officers were able to recover an AR-style firearm, ammunition, and multiple cell phones. All the passengers were detained and sent to the police station for questioning. Several people were arrested, many of them from Indiana, on charges of mob action, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and reckless discharge of a firearm. It's believed the confrontation stemmed from events that happened over the weekend. The investigation is ongoing, and city police ask anyone with information to call their office at 815-933-0426. I'm Jay Clamore.

SPEAKER_01 1:32

His comments followed remarks by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who says he doubts the new stadium in Northwest Indiana. The Bears say they want a final decision to be made on a new stadium by the end of the summer. The team has said they're going to leave Soldier Field soon. We have more now on a story we first told you about Tuesday, where a 54-year-old Moni man died over the weekend following an apparent watercraft accident on the Kankakee River. The Wilmington Fire Protection District released a statement Tuesday saying they were called to the river near the Displain's conservation boat launch about 6 15 Saturday night for a report of a body floating in the river. They, along with personnel from the Will County Coroner's office, recovered the body. Will County Coroner Lori Summers identified the man as Angelo J. Triolo. He was pronounced dead just before 7.30 Saturday evening. Summers says that her office and the Illinois Department of Conservation are investigating the incidents. Kiki Mayor Chris Curtis has released a statement regarding recent upticks and gun violence in the city. Jake Lamore has the details.

SPEAKER_00 2:32

Rob Mayor Curtis took to Facebook Tuesday to say the uptick and shooting incidents in the past 30 days is unacceptable and we have to do better. This includes myself. Those causing the problems are a small group of individuals, and if you choose to be a part of this group, you will be apprehended and arrested. The mayor's comments come after several arrests were made Monday evening after a shots fired incident in the 300 block of North Evergreen Avenue. There was also a fatal shooting on Father's Day in the 1100 block of East Merchant Street that left 40-year-old Randall D. Young of Kankakee dead after a gunshot wound to his head. Mayor Curtis said our public safety teams and departments are working tirelessly, and have been for several years, to make a difference and make our community safer. I'm Che Clamore.

SPEAKER_01 3:37

Less cattle means tighter beef supplies. Tighter supplies typically translate into higher prices at the grocery store. Rensselaer police report the arrest of a man after a 22-year-old autistic man was found living in squalor. In a press release, Rensselaer police say it was in late January they were called to a home in the 100 block of West Grace for a well-being check. The caller told police his 22-year-old autistic son was living in the home with his mother in unsafe conditions. When officers and representatives from the Department of Children's Services went to the home, they allegedly found unsanitary living conditions, including trash and feces accumulated throughout the home. Reports say officer spoke with 31-year-old Matthew Hyatt, who was living at the home, with 44-year-old Beth Foley, the mother of the autistic man. Reports say the 22-year-old was found unconscious and severely malnourished. He was taken to the hospital for treatment. Prosecutors had warrants issued for both Hyatt and Foley's arrest. Hyatt arrested last Thursday. Foley has an outstanding warrant for her arrest on two counts of neglect of a dependent. Some young chickens reportedly stolen during a burglary in Bradley overnight Sunday night. Bradley police called to the home on South Randolph just after 11 o'clock Monday morning by the homeowner, who told them someone had entered their backyard without permission and gotten into their shed and garage. The owner said the only thing they know for sure was missing was the young chickens. Bradley police continue to investigate. Jake Lamore has a rundown of today's events.

SPEAKER_00 5:11

Rob, the carnival opens up at five tonight, and two people can ride for the price of one. Opening ceremonies take place at six, with the Minickee Beer Garden opening up from six to ten. On the Commonwealth Credit Union main stage, it's the sixth position band at seven, followed by the next thing smoking at eight thirty. To find a full list of events, head to Bourbon A FriendshipFestival.com. I'm Chake Clamore.

SPEAKER_01 5:39

In sports, Sox and Cubs both won last night. Cardinals lost. The White Sox beat the Cleveland Guardians 2-1 in Chicago. The Cubs took down the Mets 9-6 in Queens. The Diamondbacks beat the Cards 4-3 in St. Louis. Sox host Cleveland again this afternoon, while the Cubs play a double header with the Mets in New York. Cards host the Diamondbacks. Chicago Sky looked to avoid a seventh straight loss as they host the fire tonight. Chicago Bulls added a pair of future cornerstones to the roster yesterday. Chicago selected UNC forward Caleb Wilson with the fourth overall pick in the NBA draft yesterday. They added Texas guard at Dalen Swain with pick 15. Group play continues in the World Cup with six matches today. Cutter plays Bosnia Herzegovina. Canada takes on Switzerland. Morocco battles Haiti. Brazil faces Scotland. Mexico challenges Czechia. That is a look at news and sports here on this Wednesday. Have a good rest of your day. Be safe, everybody. I'm Rob West.