Dan Linn is the Executive Director for the Illinois Chapter of NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws). Linn joins The Morning Newswatch to discuss the Medical Marijuana program in Illinois, the delay in permits being given out so cultivation centers can be built, and several debilitations which are not allowed to be treated with MMJ under IL law, but can be eased with the plant's use.

Illinois State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) joins The Morning Newswatch.

April is Autism Awareness Month. Dr. Stephen Kanne is the associate professor and executive director of the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders at the University of Missouri. He spoke with Tom Miller over the phone about the autism spectrum and how medical researchers are studying early detection in helping children with autism.