Marion Mayor Bob Butler discusses the decisions of the city council meeting, the back taxes purchases of the Illinois Star Center Mall, and the growth of businesses in the city.

Frank Butterfield, director Landmark Illinois' Springfield office, joins The Morning Newswatch.

Steve Brown is the spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan. He spoke with Tom Miller on the phone about the state budget impasse and lack of higher education funding along with the number of bills being sent to the House floor.