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Dear Friend of WILL,

In this time of constantly changing news about the COVID-19, WILL is here for you to provide you with essential information and to provide welcome entertainment. Here are a few resources that may come in handy in the coming days and weeks.

For the latest news and information about COVID-19's impact on our community, go to our news page at IllinoisNewsroom.org and listen to WILL AM 580. For the most informative national and international news, I recommend tuning into NPR's national shows and watching the PBS NewsHour each night at 6 PM (also available to stream at https://www.pbs.org/newshour/video). Also, our daily talk show, The 21st, has featured many stories on COVID-19 and will continue to have updates at the beginning of each show.

Since all of us will probably be spending more time at home over the coming weeks, I suggest you take the time to explore the PBS App, which provides all kinds of great content from PBS and WILL, including MASTERPIECE, Nature, Frontline, WILL's new documentary Illinois Country and recent episodes of Mid-American Gardener. If you donate $60 or more annually, you can use the app to access WILL Passport. Our Membership staff here is always happy to help you with technical issues (during normal business hours) at 800-898-1065 or will-membership@illinois.edu.

For those of you with children/grandchildren at home, know that PBS Kids shows and games are readily available and such an important educational resource for all of our children. In addition to kids programs on our main channel, we have a 24-hour PBS Kids channel. Plus, there is a PBS Kids app with shows available for phones and streaming devices. In addition, PBS Kids has an explainer for talking to kids about COVID-19. WILL's own education website also has many resources available for parents, and it is an excellent place for teachers to find information on remote learning exercises.

While it is important to stay informed in times like these, it is also essential to take time for yourself to relax. When you need a break, I encourage you to listen to our classical music on 90.9 FM or stream it at will.illinois.edu.

With misinformation prevalent during this time of rapidly changing news, you can trust WILL to provide you with fact-based journalism and also to provide a necessary escape. I encourage you to share these resources with others who might find them helpful.

Public media is for everyone, especially at times like this. We have a critical role to play for all of our community members. So thank you for helping to ensure we are here during times of great need. I am extremely grateful for your investment in WILL.

Sincerely,
Moss Bresnahan
President
WILL/Illinois Public Media