From Racetrack Fires to Cell Phone Bans: Monday, May 18th, 2026

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West covers critical local and regional headlines affecting Illinois and Indiana residents. As the summer travel season kicks off, drivers and flyers face a significant financial pinch with skyrocketing gas prices and surging airfares. Local law enforcement officials also reveal the fundraising results from the annual Cop on a Rooftop event benefiting the Special Olympics, while a major new cell phone ban is officially signed into law for Indiana students.The update also covers local breaking news, including a destructive weekend fire at a historic regional landmark and updates on a fatal highway accident. Additionally, hear inspiring words from the 57th annual Kankakee Community College commencement ceremony and find out how local libraries are celebrating National Get Caught Reading Month. Finally, get a comprehensive wrap-up of the weekend's sports action, featuring intense matchups for the White Sox, Cubs, Chicago Fire FC, and the latest shifts in the NBA and NHL playoff brackets.Listen to the full episode for the exact county-by-county gas price breakdowns, specific details on a major regional dairy recall, and the complete local news report.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.