U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) joins The Morning Newswatch.

Marion Mayor Bob Butler speaks on WJPF about the overlooking of southern Illinois by lawmakers in Springfield and the money owed from the state of Illinois to the city of Marion for the construction and opening of the Hub Recreation Center. Butler also discusses the growth of business needed for the area and status of the Star Centre Mall.

Illinois State Representative Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) joins The Morning Newswatch.