The term “job hopper” typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting disloyalty and instability. However, frequent career changes are becoming more prevalent. But does job hopping ultimately harm or help your career? A study by SideHustles.com surveyed full-time employees about job hopping. It found that 12% identify as job hoppers, with Gen Z leading at 19%. Tech industry […]
Special Issues
Posted inArts & Culture
Shop these area vendor fairs
“Let’s root for each other and watch each other grow.” That motto of the Small Town Dreamers Market seems fitting with many specialized vendor fairs and small-town outdoor markets. The vendor fairs bring together like-minded people to share their passions and buy and sell their goods. Small town markets are outlets for local farmers and […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
NAACP president seeks partnerships
Austin Randolph, Jr., knows that some people may be surprised by the initiatives he is taking in his new role as president of the Springfield Branch of the NAACP. He took the top position last year when Teresa Haley stepped aside. He and other officers were formally installed Jan. 30 at a ceremony downtown. One […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Explore Your Community
See what’s happening near you As events may be canceled or rescheduled at the last moment, please first check with the host or venue when making plans to attend an event. MARCH Illinois Prairie Pastel Society 2025 Members Show Through March 22. The show features artwork from the society’s statewide members. Free. Edwards Place, Springfield […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Big-city amenities in a small Arkansas town
How likely is it you can find in one trip all things Walmart, a stunning art museum and world-class mountain biking? Pretty likely if you visit Bentonville, in the northwest corner of Arkansas. With a population of 67,000 and growing, Bentonville is definitely the town Walmart built. Its world headquarters expand into new digs this […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Catching up with Debbie Ross and her band
Debbie Ross has sung for three U.S. presidents, a vice president and for more brides and grooms and bar patrons than she can remember, and she plans “to do something musically” after retiring later this year from a long career in state government. By day she is still a librarian at the state prison in […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Camp Compass kids receive handmade quilts and blankets
Compass for Kids is well-known in the Springfield community for the many ways it serves children and families through after-school and summer programs that provide academic and social-emotional support. Their goal is to empower Springfield children and families underserved by the community. Club Compass is an after-school program for students at five elementary schools in District […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Sunshine
Sunshine “We’re just trying to make Springfield better” – Sunshine Clemons, co-president, Black Lives Matter SPI PROFILE | Ed Wojcicki Last summer, a group of people attempted to disrupt a popular Levitt AMP concert on the Y Block in downtown Springfield. They were angry about the recent murder of Sonya Massey, and the scene grew tense, […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
How to be awe-full
“Wisdom tells me I am nothing. Love tells me I am everything. And between the two my life flows.” – Nisargadatta Maharaj Awe is defined as “a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder.” It can come from different stimuli, including observing something extraordinary, a theoretical sense of being in someone’s presence and […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Wedding caterers
Arena Food Service, Inc. Since 1985, Arena Food Service has provided chef-driven catering services for events of more than 25 guests. Arena catering offers a wide range of menu options and styles to fulfill the needs of your unique event. With a wide range of ancillary services such as linen and china rental, table, chair […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
The Wedding Issue
More than 40% of engagements in the U.S. occur between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day, so this is the time of year many couples are starting to plan their weddings. We talked to area business owners involved in the wedding industry to find out the latest trends. An increasing number of people are looking beyond traditional […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Flowers for every season and budget
As far back as ancient civilizations, wedding flowers have been used to ward off evil spirits, symbolize fertility and encourage new beginnings. During the Victorian era, “floriography” became a popular practice in weddings, with specific flowers carrying specific meanings – for example, orange blossoms representing purity and roses symbolizing love. Nowadays, many engaged couples want […]
