Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) –  Springfield Business Journal Publisher, Michelle Ownbey talks with Joey McLaughlin on the WTAX Morning NewsWatch about this week’s big business stories.

A budget proposal before Illinois lawmakers would use $500 million to turn some of Illinois’ biggest state-owned eyesores into economic development opportunities, including the former developmental centers in Jacksonville and Lincoln.

Cory Brown hopes to use his years of experience in the funeral business to simplify the planning process for grieving families with the launch of his new business, Memorial Tributes by Cory Brown.

Duane Wiliams and Jaime Estell are opening Fluid, a downtown bar where they say everyone will be welcome.

The new issue of Springfield Business Journal is out now, which includes a Q&A with the new executive director of Habitat for Humanity, an update on several area nonprofits that lost millions in federal funding for after-school and summer programs, and a profile on two sisters who launched a new business to help kids who struggle with reading.