Trent R. Nelson speaks with Michelle Ownbey, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times, about the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about.

Topics Discussed In This Interview:

• Academy Sports + Outdoors and Sierra both opening this week.

• A third fine in fewer than two years for Blue Cross Blue Shield proves that stronger regulations are needed to prevent insurers from promoting “ghost networks” of providers, state Rep. Sue Scherer says. She has reintroduced a health insurance reform bill that failed to pass the General Assembly in 2022.

• A lack of affordable daycare options is contributing to a workforce shortage in the Springfield area, contends Kayla Edwards, managing partner of Express Employment Professionals. In addition, a federal subsidy to childcare providers expired on Oct. 1, causing Illinois to lose $800 million in federal funding.

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