A Kankakee man has been charged with murder after allegedly lying about who possessed the gun used in a fatal shooting. The incident occurred in his apartment just before Christmas.
Kankakee News & Updates
Stay informed about the latest events and activities in Kankakee
Thursday, January 1, 2026
Monday, December 22, 2025
Teens in Kankakee County are invited to an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at the library on December 22nd. Participants should showcase their most outrageous holiday fashion.
Saturday, December 20, 2025
An emergency toy drive is underway in Kankakee County with less than a week until Christmas. Over 1000 local children are expected to benefit from the donations, but charity funds are currently under $200.
A Christmas event featuring free Santa photos will be held this Saturday from 1 PM to 4 PM at Village Realty in Manteno. The location is 63 N. Main St., within Kankakee County.
Friday, December 19, 2025
The Kankakee County Museum is hosting a festive holiday event tonight with Santa visits and a bake sale. Families can enjoy the holiday cheer from 4 PM to 7 PM.
Santa's Treat Stop & Holiday Market is happening tonight in Bradley, IL, offering festive treats and free crafts for families. The market will be open from 4 PM to 7 PM.
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Marine Toys for Tots Foundation officials in Kankakee County are reminding residents of donation guidelines for the holiday season. This information is crucial as the holiday distribution season ramps up.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Culver's of Bourbonnais is hosting a Christmas fundraiser tonight from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A portion of the sales will be donated to Project Fire Buddies. This event is located in Kankakee County.
Several suburban theaters in northern Illinois are still presenting holiday classics like "The Nutcracker" and "A Christmas Carol." This offers a chance to catch festive performances before the season ends.
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Families in Kankakee County can kick off the holiday season at the Santa's Treat Stop & Holiday Market in Bradley. The event is scheduled for Thursday evening at Northfield from 5-8 PM.
Photos capture the 2025 Kankakee Christmas Parade, where Santa Claus waved to the crowd from a fire truck. The parade took place on Saturday, December 13, 2025.
The Kankakee Christmas Parade proceeded on Saturday, December 13, 2025, despite single-digit temperatures and some snowfall. The event kicked off after a few hours of snow.
Monday, December 15, 2025
The Kankakee Christmas Market & Food Drive is set to return this Sunday at 10 AM at the YMCA. This event combines holiday shopping with a charitable food drive.
Sunday, December 14, 2025
The Comfort & Joy Market returns to the Kankakee YMCA this Sunday, inviting families to shop local and give back. This event offers an opportunity for community members to support local vendors while contributing to a food drive.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting the Grant Park Firehouse this Sunday from 1 PM to 4 PM for a special Christmas event. Families in Kankakee County are invited to attend this festive gathering.
Saturday, December 13, 2025
The "Miracle at the Grove" Christmas event has been moved indoors and will take place Sunday from 1 PM to 3 PM. The Kankakee Valley Theatre Association will be performing.
Christmas Day Inc. is providing free Christmas dinners on Wednesday, December 25th, from 11 AM to 1 PM. These meals will be available at ten different locations across Kankakee County.
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Monica Pizano has been named the first Hispanic parade marshal for the Kankakee Christmas Parade. This marks a significant milestone for her and the community's annual holiday celebration.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Families seeking Christmas assistance in Kankakee County are reminded to review eligibility rules for the Toys for Tots program. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is addressing misunderstandings regarding support for the holiday season.
Churches across La Salle, Bureau, and Putnam counties have released their service schedules for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2025. Residents can find details for holiday worship services.
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
The Bourbonnais Christmas Charity drive is in its final week, with donations being accepted until December 12th. This initiative provides an opportunity for the community to contribute to holiday giving.
Monday, December 8, 2025
The Village of Bourbonnais is hosting a Christmas market this Saturday, offering families a full slate of holiday fun. This local market will feature live reindeer and various crafts for shoppers.
Santa Claus will be visiting the Kankakee County Museum this week, with the event running through December 21st. This is part of the holiday fun planned for families across Kankakee County.
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Riverbend West is collecting new, unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots program until December 13th. Community organizers are asking for donations to help local children this holiday season.
Kankakee High School will host its annual 'Miracle on Jeffery Street' community event on December 18th at 6 PM. Families are invited to enjoy a festive evening filled with holiday cheer.
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in Kankakee County is seeking volunteers this week for toy sorting. This is an urgent call to help ensure all children receive toys this Christmas.
The village of Manteno is hosting its annual Christmas Festival today, starting at 3 PM, with sleigh rides, festive lights, and Santa Claus visits. Residents of Kankakee County are invited to enjoy the winter attractions.
Santa Claus has officially arrived in Kankakee, marking the beginning of the holiday season. This event signals the start of many Christmas festivities planned for the Kankakee area.
Saturday, December 6, 2025
The Christmas Lighting Contest in Kankakee County has officially begun, with homes shining brightly. Residents can enjoy the festive light displays through December 25th.
The annual Kankakee Mistletoe Market is returning this Saturday, offering residents a chance to shop small and embrace the holiday spirit. The market will be open from 10 AM to 2 PM.
The Kankakee County Museum is now aglow with the 47th annual Gallery of Trees, featuring a "Blast from the Past" theme. This festive display offers a wonderland of Christmas trees for visitors to enjoy.
Families in Kankakee County can enjoy a festive activity with the "What the Elf?" Mystery Adventure in Bourbonnais. This event is scheduled for Friday, December 19th.
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
A Bourbonnais spa is offering free hot stones with gift certificate purchases through December 24th. This promotion is available to residents in Bourbonnais, Bradley, and the greater Kankakee area. The article also mentions a Christmas tree lighting ceremony returning with Santa.
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
The Second City is bringing a Christmas comedy show to the McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn. This event is part of holiday celebrations featuring special Santa brunch and dinner events in northern Illinois.
Monday, December 1, 2025
The fourth annual Kankakee Christmas Parade is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. This event is a highlight of the holiday season in Kankakee County.
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Miriam LaPorte, who passed away in 2025, had a profound love for Christmas that she wished would never end. Her obituary notes that her utmost love outside of her family was the Christmas season.
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Residents looking for a live Christmas tree this year can find options in and around Manhattan, IL. The article provides guidance on where to cut or buy your own fresh tree for the holiday season.
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Families can kick off the holidays with the Kankakee Valley Park District's annual Supper With Santa event. This classic holiday gathering offers a festive start to the season for all ages.
The Kankakee Valley Theatre Association is hosting its Tinseltown Christmas fundraiser on Friday, December 12th. Only a few tables remain for this festive holiday event.
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
The Kankakee Valley Theatre Association is presenting "The Christmas Schooner" starting December 5th at 7 PM. This musical tradition is a cherished holiday event for the community.
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in Kankakee County is seeking local volunteers for an upcoming event this Saturday. This drive aims to collect toys for children in need.
Monday, November 24, 2025
The holiday season officially begins in Kankakee with the annual Tree Lighting Celebration at Bird Park. This event will take place from 5-7 PM on December 2nd.
Families across Kankakee County are invited to a Christmas Gathering in downtown Momence this Saturday. The event includes a parade, tree lighting, and carriage rides.
Sunday, November 23, 2025
Families in Kankakee County are invited to a holiday celebration on December 14th. The Grant Park Fire Protection District is hosting a Santa visit and a food drive.
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Heritage Tractor is planning a Christmas event, with registration details available via QR code or at ku.citykankakee-il.gov/event-registration.php. This event is part of the broader holiday season activities in the Kankakee area.
The Illinois Sheriffs' 2025 Christmas Store is accepting orders now and will close on November 29th. This initiative supports holiday shopping needs across the state.
Friday, November 21, 2025
A Christmas Market will be held this Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM, featuring a food drive, gifts, and raffle prizes. This event aims to bring holiday cheer and support to the Kankakee community.
Families in Kankakee County are invited to participate in a free gingerbread house decorating contest. The event runs through November 25th, offering a fun, festive activity for all.