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Should support of Israel become conditional?
Recently Secretary of State John Kerry delivered a provocative and sobering speech touching on the viability of future Israeli- Palestinian peace talks, and again brought into question the nature of the U.S.-Israeli relationship under the Obama administration.

Red brick roads
Presumably the city government did a better job covering itself with glory than it did coverings its streets with bricks. Pavers were made from shale rather than ordinary brick clays, then fired twice or vitrified at higher temperatures than building bricks.

Searching for integrity in Trumplandia
Ivanka’s multimillion-dollar line of clothing and accessories are sold through major national retailers, ranging from Macy’s to Amazon, and she pitches her Ivanka Trump-branded dresses, handbags, boots, blouses, etc. to America’s working women.

LETTERS
AMERICANS UNITED What caused the election for president in 2016 to go to a complete outsider? There was no question that with the many candidates running for president of the United States in the 2015/2016 election cycle, one established insider was destined to win.

A study in contrasts
The speeches seemed directly aimed at Madigan’s toughest critics – and there are plenty of those out there. The nominators at times angrily justified their own votes for Madigan and their continued willingness to support him while under siege by a hostile kabillionaire governor and much of the state’s media.

Lawmakers propose tax on sugary beverages
Senate Bill 009, the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax Act, was introduced by Sen. Toi Hutchinson on Jan. 11. The bill pledges to increase the sales tax on sugar-flavored beverages such as juices, tea, coffee and soda drinks, at a rate of one cent per ounce. The tax is projected to increase the cost of these beverages by 50 percent.

HOTELS PUSH TO STOP TAX PROPOSAL
Darin Dame, president of the SHLA, expressed his concern. “The mayor is the ultimate leader of the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau as his offi ce oversees their direct efforts,” said Dame. “Over the last year, we have communicated several times that any tax increase needs to be earmarked for something that will deliver a true return on investment.

Madigan rallies, pro and con
As Michael Madigan was being reelected speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives for an unprecedented 17 th time, the day the 100 th General Assembly was inaugurated, protesters from the Illinois Policy Institute (IPI) staged a rally to criticize Madigan outside the ceremonies at University of Illinois Springfield.

UNITY RALLY SATURDAY
A group identifying itself as “Springfi eld Call To Action” (SC2A) is organizing a rally for 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Old State Capitol plaza. The event is timed to coincide with the Women’s March on Washington and similar demonstrations happening throughout the country in the wake of the presidential inauguration of Donald J.

Criminal justice reform report lands on Rauner’s desk
The final report by the Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform includes measures that could achieve Gov. Bruce Rauner’s goal of reducing the prison population by 25 percent over the next 10 years, according to commission chairman and public safety director Rodger Heaton.

An orchestra in transition
With Saturday’s concert, “American Voices,” the Illinois Symphony Orchestra will complete phase one of this season’s vetting of candidates for the position of new music director for the ISO, with the fourth and final candidate, Boston native Aram Demirjian, taking his place in the conductor’s position.

Downtown. Can we talk?
There are bright spots. Maldaner’s and Augie’s Front Burner serve, arguably, the best food in the city. Prairie Archives is an OMG-look-at-this treasure trove for anyone interested in books and the flotsam and jetsam of Illinois history. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is a national attraction.

The mayor’s view
The mayor says he’s waiting to see detailed plans for a park on the YWCA block that could one day be part of a pedestrian corridor that would reach to Lincoln’s home. The mayor added that a park needs a “wow factor” and must be something more than just lawn and trees.

217BURGERWEEK
We encourage you to turn 217 Burger Week into a culinary tour for your taste buds. Download our 217 Burger Week Passport. During the week eat three or more burgers from participating restaurants, get your passport stamped and turn it in for your chance to win our 217 Burger Week Epic Grill Package – valued at $600.

PARTCIPATING LOCATIONS
Located inside the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel 701 E. Adams St., Springfi eld, 217-544-8800. 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily The Ariba burger consists of a chargrilled beef patty cooked to perfection with habanero jack cheese, topped with avocado aioli and pico de gallo and served on a toasted, buttered brioche bun.

JANUARY 23-29, 2017
301 West Edwards, Springfi eld, 217-679-3752 M-F 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Kitchen closes at 11 p.m. Sat 8 a.m.-1 a.m. Kitchen closes at 11 p.m. Sun 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Kitchen closes at 9 p.m. Open for Breakfast Saturday and Sunday mornings. Seven-oz.

Keaton riveting in The Founder
Of course I can’t be for certain, but I can’t imagine that even in his wildest dreams Ray Kroc could have conceived that McDonald’s restaurants would have the impact on the world that they do today.

Show me shows
We survived the great ice scare of last weekend with a few cancellations and a little rescheduling, which resulted in bonus attendance at the gigs that remained, attended by brave and reckless souls determined to experience live music at all costs. This weekend is bursting with in-town and out-of-town music all over town.

It’s citrus season
After weeks of rich wintery fare, nature has a way of offering her own elixir. Citrus fruits are in peak season now through early spring, arriving just in time to pull us out of our butter-laden holiday haze. Bright, refreshing and packed with nutrients, these sunny fruits liven up savory and sweet dishes alike.

PUB CRAWL
Open Mic w/ Roger Wilco and the Starship Troopers.

BAND SPOTLIGHT | Ultraviolet
Back in 2003, Suzie Stephens decided to get a group together to expand and expose her love of music and performance, creating Ultraviolet in the process.

HISTORY | Inauguration questions answered
The 2016 election has shaken longstanding assumptions about American politics, leaving many people with more questions than answers.

THE CALENDAR
Featuring Laura Roth. ic.edu/fas. 217-243-5678. Illinois College Sibert Theatre, McGaw Fine Arts Center, Jacksonville, 245-3000..

COMMUNITY | Reflections on race
The Springfield Race Unity Committee presents eight local small conversation groups (including Springfield police officers) reporting on past, present and future efforts to promote unity, interracial understanding and empathy in Springfield. The two-hour program, which will take place on Jan.