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How high can you go?
Usually, Amazon sells stuff at a discounted price. At the moment it is trying to sell something at the highest possible price – a second headquarters operation somewhere other than its hometown of Seattle. That takes in a lot of territory, and a hundred or so U.

Why we need to worry about federal debt
As Republicans in Congress move forward on their tax plan, it’s worth remembering one thing: whatever the legislative particulars, keep your eye on the plan’s impact on the federal debt. Our debt load is already worrisome. It’s almost certainly going to get worse.

Why reward bad corporate behavior with more tax breaks?
As anyone who has ever been to any of the many cities that are graced with a Trump hotel, casino, golf resort, etc. likely knows, Donald Trump insists that his name be gaudily displayed in giant letters across every structure he owns – preferably in gold.

LETTERS
Thanks in part to the many generous CWLP customers who already “round-up” their bills to next dollar, the overflow shelter was able to add 18 more beds and other enhancements this year. But more help is needed and “rounding up” is an easy way to do it.

That was one weird veto session
The two-week session was supposed to be about whether infuriated legislative Republicans would abandon Gov. Bruce Rauner in droves over his signature of HB40, which provides government funding of abortions for state workers and women on Medicaid. The potential for drama was high, but nobody was prepared for what actually happened.

Can I see your papers? No!
Published in 1938, the 672-page tome that traces the ancestry of the Isham clan from British roots to their service in the Revolutionary War would hardly appeal to fans of Stephen King or John Grisham. For genealogists, however, it’s a must read.

FOUND WILD ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLE. GREAT.
Researchers with the Illinois Natural History Survey recently reported the first Illinois sighting in 30 years of a wild alligator snapping turtle, discovered lurking at the bottom of Clear Creek in Union County.

FUN AT ALPLM
Black Friday, Cyber Monday – there’s so many special days leading up to Christmas these days that who can keep track anymore? But one day should be on the calendar of folks who have sworn off malls and big box stores on the day after Thanksgiving.

City takes aim at Poplar Place
Ward 3 Ald. Doris Turner and Mayor Jim Langfelder have proposed spending more than $1 million in city money to repair crumbling streets in the development, even though the city says that the streets are privately owned and so maintenance should be the responsibility of the owner.

THE FAST WAY to health and weight loss
In the guidebook for Narcotics Anonymous there is a paragraph which begins: “We have a disease; progressive, incurable and fatal.” The paragraph ends with the sentence: “Insanity is repeating the same mistakes and expecting different results.

Homeless. The daily struggle
Married for 18 years, the Graggs have been homeless for the last two. Michael’s faltering physical condition has heightened the couple’s hardships. Currently he is blind, has hypertension, kidney failure and Stage 5 renal failure.

Justice League: A ‘one step forward, two steps back’ affair
The plot – well, it’s inconsequential, so let’s dispense with it now. An alien threat is looming in the form of Steppenwolf (voice by Ciaran Hinds) and his army of parademons. Seems this eternal bad guy has returned to Earth to track down three devices known as Mother Boxes, which, when put together, have the power to change matter.

Solid history, entertainingly told
This work of solid history, entertainingly told, is mistitled, or rather mis-subtitled; it should read: “A Witty and Profound Account of Life in Central Illinois from Prehistoric Times to the Present.” The author, James Krohe Jr.

Arts weekend in Springfield
This past weekend saw four separate, unique art events happening in Springfield at four different venues, each with its own flavor and focus, featuring artists working in multiple media, from this region and from elsewhere, some professional, others therapeutic.

Remember November music
Well, to say this was a tough week is an understatement of large proportions. I’m sure I speak for the friends and family of John Brillhart in thanking everyone for condolences, music, stories and all that goes with processing grief. So now we are on to remember the passed ones and respect what they did and who they were.

BAND SPOTLIGHT | Craig Gerdes
Part of the burgeoning, modern, underground, outlaw, country music field, Craig Gerdes is makin’ tracks and on the move. His latest release, Smokin’, Drinkin’ & Gamblin’.

PUB CRAWL
Shiny Shiny Black, Dietrich Jon, Tom Irwin, Peaches and Bacon, Felicia Olin.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS | Dazzling trees, wreaths and decor
Enjoy a long-standing Jacksonville tradition from a new location as Jacksonville’s annual Festival of Trees has relocated from Woodhaven Hospice to Pathway Services Unlimited.

THE CALENDAR
Christmas concert featuring a mix of traditional and contemporary music by The Ball Brothers, an award-winning gospel quartet. Love offering. theballbrothers.com. Mt. Pulaski Family Life Center, 114 N. Lafayette St., Mount Pulaski, 792-5417..

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS | Artisan-made gifts
Kick off your holiday season with a special Thanksgiving and Christmas shopping event at the Lincoln Memorial Garden Nature Center, home to the Split Rail Shop. The annual holiday market features handcrafted items made over the past couple of months from area artisans, such as centerpieces, swags, wreaths, one-of-a-kind tree ornaments and more.

THEATER & COMEDY | A play at the Place
Don’t miss Peculiar Inspirations,.