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.

Gary Williams, the Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Carbondale and Steve Mitchell with Connect SI join The Morning Newswatch to discuss the process underway to build an ultra high-speed broadband internet network in Carbondale, making Carbondale the region's first "Gigabit City."

Republican candidate for Illinois Treasurer Jim Dodge joins The Morning Newswatch.