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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.
Episodes
306 episodes
Xandria Harris Takes Stand in Kankakee Murder Trial, Booster Club Theft, and Toll Hikes - Thursday, August 20th, 2026
In this edition of the WVLI News Update hosted by Rob West, primary coverage focuses on day nine of testimony in the Xandria Harris murder trial in Kankakee County Circuit Court. Reporter Jake LaMore outlines Harris taking the stand in her own ...
Mental Health Providers Testify in Harris Murder Trial, Paxton Emergency Declaration, and Vote by Mail Applications Out - Wednesday, August 19th, 2026
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 healt...
Xandria Harris Trial Enters Week Two, Manteno Board Lacks Quorum, and New Kankakee Development Approved - Tuesday, August 18th, 2026
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, detail...
Trial Updates in Bradley Police Shooting, School Zone Safety, and Stargazing Highlights - Monday, August 17th, 2026
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 ...
Bailey Testifies in Xandria Harris Murder Trial, Storm Recovery Efforts, and Weekend Events - Friday, August 14th, 2026
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 surroundin...
Tornadoes Confirmed, Xandria Harris Trial Evidence, and Illinois State Fair Kickoff - Thursday, August 13th, 2026
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 Northwes...
Storm Restoration Efforts, U-Haul Arson Arrest, and Kankakee County Developments- Wednesday August 12, 2026
In this edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West, storm restoration efforts continue across Illinois and Northwest Indiana following severe weather, leaving thousands without power and impacting local gas stations. In local government news...
Murder Trial Testimony Continues, Local Burglary, and School Safety Updates- Tuesday, August 11 2026
In this episode of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West covers key local headlines and regional updates. Defense cross-examination continues in the trial of Xanderia Harris regarding the line-of-duty death of Bradley Police Sergeant Marlene Ritt...
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Courtroom Drama, Statehouse Investigations, and Severe Weather Updates- Monday August 10, 2026
In this edition of the WVLI News Update, Rob West covers critical developments across local news, legal proceedings, state politics, and regional sports.The update begins with severe overnight weather in Kankakee County, where the Nation...
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Opening Statements Begin in Xandria Harris Trial, Sex Arrest in Kankakee County, and Local Weekend Events - Friday, August 7th, 2026
In this edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West, local coverage begins in Kankakee County Circuit Court as opening statements are set for the murder trial of 30-year-old Xandria Harris. Harris is accused in the December 2021 shooting deat...
Jury Selection in Police Shooting Trial Continues, Road Rage Arrest, and Momence Glad Fest - Thursday, August 6th, 2026
In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West delivers comprehensive local reporting on legal proceedings, law enforcement actions, community events, and regional news across Kankakee County and neighboring areas.Key topics cove...
Contempt Threat in Murder Trial, Road Rage Attack, Downtown Kankakee Business News - Wednesday, August 5th, 2026
This episode of the WVLI News Update with Rob West delivers essential local headlines and updates across Kankakee County and surrounding areas. Key stories in this edition include courtroom developments and jury selection in the Xandria Harris ...
Manteno Admin Suspended, Fatal Gilman Plant Accident, and National Night Out Celebrations - Tuesday, August 4th, 2026
This episode of the WVLI News Update with Rob West delivers comprehensive coverage of top stories across Kankakee and Will counties. Mayor Annette LaMore addresses ongoing friction within the Manteno Village Board, detailing the five-day unpaid...
Xandria Harris Venue Motion Denied, Arkansas Arrest in Kankakee Homicide, and Illinois Tech Safety Law - Monday, August 3rd, 2026
In this edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West, local headlines cover critical courtroom proceedings, law enforcement investigations, legislative actions, and regional news across Kankakee, Iroquois, and Will counties.Ke...
SPECIAL REPORT: Illinois 40th District State Senator Patrick Joyce Discusses Legislation, Energy, and the Chicago Bears
In this WVLI News Update Special Report, host Rob West sits down with Illinois 40th District State Senator Patrick Joyce to review key outcomes from the spring legislative session and analyze pressing statewide issues. Senator Joyce, who provid...
Fatal Manteno Crash, Kankakee Arson Arrest, and Weekend Events Guide - Friday, July 31st, 2026
In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West reports on critical local headlines, public safety updates, and upcoming weekend events across Kankakee County and neighboring communities. Key stories in this update include an official in...
Sheriff Employee Terminated, Bradley Explicit Content Arrest, and Local Crashes - Thursday, July 30th, 2026
This episode of the WVLI News Update with Rob West provides comprehensive coverage of top local news, public safety reports, health guidance, and community events across Kankakee County and surrounding areas.Key topics covered in this ep...
Kankakee Police Make Weapons Arrest, YMCA Unveils New Welcome Center, and County Fair Opens - Wednesday, July 29th, 2026
In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West covers key local news, legal updates, and community events across the Kankakee area and neighboring regions.Key stories in this episode include:Kankakee Weapons...
Local Storm Cleanup, Bradley Reckless Homicide Arrest, and Parade Grand Marshal Named - Tuesday, July 28th, 2026
This episode of the WVLI News Update with Rob West covers critical local news, weather recovery efforts, and community developments across Kankakee, Will, and surrounding counties.Assessment and cleanup continue following severe storms t...
Heat Advisory Issued, Amazon Truck Fire, and Skywatching with Olivet Planetarium - Monday, July 27th, 2026
This episode of the WVLI News Update with Rob West covers critical weather alerts, local public safety reminders, community news, and regional sports. A Heat Advisory is currently in effect for the area, with heat index values expected to reach...
Kankakee Dirt Bike Incident Arrest, Xandria Harris Trial Update, & Weekend Music Fest - Friday, July 24th, 2026
In this episode of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West covers essential local news, legal updates, community events, and sports coverage from across Kankakee County and surrounding areas.Key Stories Covered in This Episode:
Major Iroquois County Drug Bust, Route 17 Expansion, and Local Gas Price Spikes - Thursday, July 23rd, 2026
In this edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West, stay informed on the top local news stories, public health updates, road construction plans, and sports updates across Kankakee County and surrounding areas.Key Topics Covered...
Manteno Lawsuit Dismissed, Kankakee Passes Budget, and Major I-55 Cocaine Bust - Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026
In this edition of the WVLI News Update hosted by Rob West, key local headlines across Kankakee and Livingston counties are covered in depth. A Kankakee County Circuit Court judge has dismissed the lawsuit filed by the Village of Manteno agains...
SPECIAL REPORT: Mayor Annette LaMore Addresses Manteno Village Board Conflict and Legal Actions
In this edition of the WVLI News Update Special Report, host Jake LaMore presents the full, uninterrupted address delivered by Manteno Village President Annette LaMore during a recent village board meeting.Mayor LaMore addresses t...
Manteno Leadership Debates, Gotion Deadlines, and Bourbonnais Budget - Tuesday, July 21st, 2026
In this edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West, local government, legal developments, and community initiatives take center stage across Kankakee and Ford counties.Key topics covered in this episode:Ma...
