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 is a news podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 302 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts WVLI News Update, a news show with 302 episodes published.

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  WVLI News Update

  Mental Health Providers Testify in Harris Murder Trial, Paxton Emergency Declaration, and Vote by Mail Applications Out - Wednesday, August 19th, 2026

  Aug 19, 20267 min

  In this edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West, defense attorneys present their case in the murder trial of Xandria Harris in Kankakee County Circuit Court. Testimony from psychiatric and substance abuse specialists outlines mental health diagnoses, domestic trauma assessments, and evaluations of battered women's syndrome relating to the December 2021 shooting death of Bradley Police Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic and the severe wounding of Officer Tyler Bailey. The update also covers severe storm cleanup and flood recovery across Indiana, where state officials urge residents to document property damage by dialing 211 to assist emergency managers in determining scope and securing potential state or federal relief. Additional reporting includes NIPSCO power restoration progress, Paxton's state of emergency declaration, French Consul General Charlotte Montel's visit to Bourbonnais, vote-by-mail voter notices from Kankakee County Clerk Dan Hendrickson, a Crime Stoppers request regarding a Manteno hardware store burglary, and regional sports scores for the Chicago Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and Bears. Listen to the full episode for complete details, interviews, and comprehensive reporting on these stories. Episode artwork photo by: Shaw Media/Tiffany Blanchette. 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.

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  WVLI News Update

  Xandria Harris Trial Enters Week Two, Manteno Board Lacks Quorum, and New Kankakee Development Approved - Tuesday, August 18th, 2026

  Aug 18, 20269 min

  This episode of the WVLI News Update with Rob West covers critical legal, civic, and community developments across Kankakee County and Northwest Indiana. Coverage opens with week two of testimony in the Xandria Harris murder trial, detailing defense motions, witness testimonies from dispatchers and family members, and key proceedings surrounding the December 2021 shooting of Bradley police officers. In local government news, the Bourbonnais Police Department moves within one officer of full staffing following the swearing-in of Patrolman Joshua Reel, while a lack of quorum completely halts the Manteno Village Board meeting. Additionally, the Kankakee City Council advances an ordinance regarding conditional use for transitional housing and approves a liquor license for a new banquet hall located at the former Sully's Restaurant site. Further reporting includes NIPSCO's power restoration challenges in Northwest Indiana following a gunfire incident in Gary, a weapon-related arrest outside a Bourbonnais bar, and a special tribute by the Bourbonnais Village Board honoring the late K9 Officer Knight. The episode concludes with a roundup of local sports results and upcoming game schedules. Listen to the full episode for complete coverage and in-depth details on all of these stories. Episode artwork photo by: Shaw Media/Tiffany Blanchette. 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.

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  WVLI News Update

  Trial Updates in Bradley Police Shooting, School Zone Safety, and Stargazing Highlights - Monday, August 17th, 2026

  Aug 17, 20267 min

  In this episode of the WVLI News Update with Rob West, primary coverage focuses on the second full week of testimony in the Xandria Harris murder trial regarding the 2021 Bradley hotel shooting that killed Police Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic and critically injured Sergeant Tyler Bailey. The broadcast details emotional court testimonies from medical experts, officer Tyler Bailey, and details surrounding the bodycam footage shown to the jury. Additional stories include important back-to-school traffic safety reminders from Kankakee County Chief Deputy Trent Bukowski, details on a federal child pornography indictment following a search warrant executed in Diamond, Illinois, and news on severe flash flooding in Indiana that claimed seven lives. Finally, astronomy professor Madeleine Shepley outlines upcoming celestial events from the Strickler Planetarium at Olivet Nazarene University, followed by a comprehensive local sports recap covering the White Sox, Cubs, Sky, Fire FC, NASCAR, and Chicago Bears preseason action. Listen to the full episode for all the details and complete coverage. Artwork photo by: Shaw Media/Tiffany Blanchette 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.

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  WVLI News Update

  Bailey Testifies in Xandria Harris Murder Trial, Storm Recovery Efforts, and Weekend Events - Friday, August 14th, 2026

  Aug 14, 20269 min

  In this edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West , local headlines cover critical courtroom proceedings, law enforcement investigations, statewide emergency declarations, and community events across Kankakee County and the surrounding region. Key Stories Covered in This Episode Xandria Harris Murder Trial : Day-by-day courtroom reporting detailing testimony from former officer Tyler Bailey, medical experts, and forensic pathologists, alongside bodycam footage presented to jurors. Local Law Enforcement Updates : Kankakee City Police report the arrest of two individuals for robbery and battery following an altercation on West Court Street. An investigation is underway following a overnight break-in and machine damage at a gaming cafe on East Court Street. A Will County man has been sentenced to 27 years in prison following a conviction for transporting a minor. Severe Weather & Infrastructure : Indiana Governor Mike Braun issues a 30-day statewide disaster emergency order following severe storm damage. Updates on regional power restoration efforts by NIPSCO and ComEd. Kankakee County Board updates regarding removal permits for the old State Line Bridge and planning for Highway 23 (Guertin Street) in St. Anne. Community Events & Local Happenings : Planetarium shows at Olivet Nazarene University. The 6th Annual Bourbonnais Food Truck Fest at The Grove. 815 Day self-guided tours at the B. Harley Bradley House in Kankakee. Music Under the Oaks at Cobb Park featuring the Irish Ramblers. Regional Sports Update : Latest scores and schedules for the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Fire FC, Chicago Sky, NASCAR, and the Chicago Bears preseason opener. Listen to the full episode for all the details, complete audio reports, and in-depth local coverage. Photo in episode artwork provided by Shaw Media/Tiffany Blanchette. 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.

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  WVLI News Update

  Tornadoes Confirmed, Xandria Harris Trial Evidence, and Illinois State Fair Kickoff - Thursday, August 13th, 2026

  Aug 13, 20268 min

  In this edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West, comprehensive reporting covers regional storm recovery, county government financial updates, ongoing high-profile court proceedings, and key community headlines across Illinois and Northwest Indiana. Key stories covered in this episode: Severe Weather & Power Restoration: Indiana Governor Mike Braun indicates plans for a statewide emergency declaration following widespread storm damage. The National Weather Service confirms five tornadoes in Northern Illinois, including an EF2 running from Monee to St. John, with straight-line winds nearing 100 mph. Power restoration efforts continue across NIPSCO and ComEd service areas. Traffic & Public Safety: A semi rollover shut down the southbound lanes of I-57 near Clifton. In Rensselaer, police arrested a 33-year-old woman for neglect of a dependent after a child was found walking alone along a roadway. Kankakee County Government & Public Health: Sheriff Mike Downey reports an increased per-diem rate for housing US Marshals federal prisoners, projected to bring an additional $1 million to the county annually. Meanwhile, Kankakee County Animal Control reports an uptick in bat exposure cases and three positive rabies tests. Courtroom Coverage: Testimony continues in the murder trial of Xandria Harris, with state police presenting firearm evidence that was admitted by the judge despite defense objections. State & Local Community News: The 2026 Illinois State Fair opens in Springfield with the unveiling of the butter cow. In Bourbonnais, a secret mobile food pantry pop-up was canceled due to power outages. Additionally, a winning ticket for the $1 billion Powerball jackpot was sold in Illinois. Regional Sports: Highlights include victories for the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, and St. Louis Cardinals, along with updates on Chicago Sky, Chicago Fire FC, and the start of the NFL preseason. Listen to the full episode for all the details, official statements, and complete reporting. 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.

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