Tucker Kennedy from Ameren Illinois was our guest on Tuned In on Wednesday. Tucker joined WKEi to tout Ameren Illinois' new Fresh Start Program which is offering energy assistance to those in need. The $8 million dollar initiative is part of an educational campaign to inform the public about the many forms of energy assistance available whether it comes from Ameren or the state of Illinois. Assistance with your Ameren Illinois bill is readily available via AmerenIllinois.com/recovery.

We are watching from thousands of miles away and because of that it's harder to recognize the tragedy, to bring it home and truly feel the loss. That's not the case however, for our friend Rita Speck from The Station restaurant. Though her life journey brought her to Kewanee, Rita was born in Beirut, Lebanon and lived there. Rita still has family there and the tragedy directly affected them. It's one of the most devastating, deadly and tragic moments in Beirut's history and Rita brings that home to us today in order to ask for our prayers for those who've died and to those now struggling to survive this devastating moment.

Why? Why did my loved one die? It's a question that likely has a tangible answer whether it be disease or accident. But the real why comes on a spiritual level: why God, didn't you save them? Why did you allow my loved one to die? Heavy questions and ones that even our friend Pastor Jim Reynolds asked himself when he and his wife lost a baby some 16 years ago. Death and crises of faith can feel like standing in quicksand and trying to lay a brand new foundation of faith that is solid enough and strong enough to keep you safe and steady takes work.

Cases of COVID-19 in Henry County are spiking upward. In July, Henry County added 100 confirmed cases of COVID-19. That was more than the previous 3 and a half months combined, during which time there were just 93 cases of COVID-19. And now, August is off to a fast start in terms of confirmed cases. The Henry and Stark County Health Department confirmed 15 new cases of COVID-19 just this past weekend. Now, that said, RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department's advice is not to obsess about the numbers but to obsess about making sure you don't become a number on this tally yourself. That means, wearing a mask, social distancing, hand washing, and covering your coughs and sneezes.

Sterling City Council with Mayor Lee by Regional Media

Relay for Life Update by Regional Media

The Greatest Comeback continues for area businesses as the gradual reopening of the state economy continues. Jay Schneider, owner of Apollo Theater in downtown Princeton, spoke with WZOE about how the theater has been doing. Jay and his wife Lara have owned the Apollo since 2009.

The Apollo had been closed for three and a half months, from mid-March until July 1, when Stage 4 of the state’s reopening plan began. Jay says their top priority is the safety of patrons and staff, so everyone entering the theater is required to wear a mask and maintain social distancing.

The theater is operating on a limited schedule, showing classic movies and only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Jay says they hope to eventually return to weekday evening showings as well. They had hoped to be showing new releases by now but with theaters still closed in big areas like New York and Los Angeles, new movies are not currently being released.

While the Apollo was closed, they made updates to the building including renovating the men’s restroom and sprucing up their popcorn machine. Speaking of popcorn, during the time they were closed, they started Essential Popcorn Fridays where folks with a craving for movie theater popcorn could buy a jumbo bag, the equivalent of four large buckets, for $20 and pick it up at the Apollo or have it delivered. Essential Popcorn Fridays are continuing even after the reopening. To place a popcorn order, check movie times, buy tickets, gift certificates or get a history of the Apollo, which has been around since 1883, visit them online at apolloprinceton.com. You can also check them out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

COVID-19 appears to be having a serious effect on kidney function. While damage to the lungs is the most notable among COVID-19 damage, the kidneys may be just as negatively effected by the virus. Kidney tissue is very sensitive and when the body starts the immune response to COVID-19 it has proven intense enough to damage the kidney tissue. In some cases, kidney damage from COVID-19 related immune response is severe enough to cause the need for dialysis. We spoke with Dr Cliff Martin, Vice President Chief Medical Officer serving OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, OSF Holy Family Medical Center, and OSF St. Mary Medical Center, about COVID-19 and kidney damage and the rest of the medical headlines surrounding the pandemic.

Cornerstone Credit Union Rock Solid Advice - July 2020 by Regional Media

Wethersfield High School Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach Jeff Parson joined WKEI on Thursday morning with his reaction to the IHSA Return to Play Guidelines. The new guidelines will wreak havoc on the High School Sports schedule but in the end, player safety and the safety of Coaches and staff were the most important factors. Coach Parsons has been in contact with coaches and players and talked through the new restrictions that place the start of the Football and Volleyball season in February while allowing Boys and Girls Basketball to start, relatively on time in November though minus large crowds and traditional tournaments.