Fourth of July Travel Records, Falling Gas Prices, and Local Kankakee Updates - Thursday, July 2nd, 2026

In this episode of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West delivers critical updates for Kankakee County and the surrounding areas ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend. The broadcast opens with an active extreme heat warning, alongside a public safety advisory regarding beefed-up law enforcement patrols and safe travel tips from Deputy Chief Trent Bukowski. Listeners will learn about holiday shopping discounts with Daria Albinger and the latest falling gas prices across Illinois and Indiana.The update also covers AAA's record-breaking travel projections with Mark Mayfield, while IDOT's Maria Castaneda shares updates on suspended road construction lane closures. Local news segments cover an alleged assault incident on Kankakee's east side reported by Jake LaMore, the winners of the Kankakee County Museum tablescapes exhibit, and patriotic summer concert details from Bob Evans. Finally, Rob West wraps up with the latest scores for the Cubs, White Sox, and Cardinals, alongside World Cup tournament results. Listen to the full episode for complete details on all of these stories.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.