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

John A Logan College has many concerns about the state budget crisis. John A Logan’s Steve O’Keefe tells WJPF that the state is going into it’s second year of budget problems, which is unheard of and ridiculous. O’Keefe also tells WJPF that JALC is financially okay through the calendar year and says he believes everyone thinks there will be a budget before the end of the calendar year.

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.