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 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.