All though Illinois’ budget impasse, one part of the budget has continued --- state funding for public schools.

But local school officials complain the school budget does not include so-called “categoricals”. That’s state funding for certain designated purposes, like school bus programs and Special Education personnel.

As if Abraham Lincoln wasn’t enough, a small central Illinois town can lay claim to a visit from Marilyn Monroe. The actress visited the community of Bement in Piatt County 60 years ago this week.  It's known for being the site where Lincoln and Stephen Douglas met to plan their famous debates.  But on a day in the summer of 1955, it was Marilyn’s town.