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 defense, detailing allegations of long-term abuse and her account of the fatal shooting night, followed by cross-examination from State's Attorney Jim Rowe regarding key inconsistencies in her actions.Additional regional reporting includes the arrest of a Paxton woman accused of skimming over $21,000 from a school booster club account, progress on NIPSCO storm restoration in Northwest Indiana, and clarification from Kankakee County Clerk Dan Hendrickson on vote-by-mail applications and signature verification. The update also covers Kankakee's plan to relicense the river hydroelectric dam, county insurance updates following March tornado damage, Governor JB Pritzker's backing of Illinois Tollway rate increases, a health study on coffee consumption, and regional sports updates. Listen to the full episode for all the details and comprehensive 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.