Two centuries after his birth, Springfield’s best-known resident remains a revered icon, a leader who bore the weight of destiny to his untimely demise. Born in dire poverty and self-educated, Abraham Lincoln rose to lead our nation during its darkest time. His words inspired Americans during the Civil War, and they inspire us today. Lincoln […]
Special Issues
Posted inSpring Guide
Where to find spring flowers
While April showers traditionally have been said to bring May flowers, there are plenty of spring blooms on display beginning much before May. Whether it’s wildflowers or blossoming trees your tired winter eyes crave, there are a surprising number of opportunities to take in nature’s pretty spring flowers within easy driving distance of Springfield. For […]
Posted inSpring Guide
Voices of America Festival
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, communities across the nation are reflecting on the many stories that have shaped who we are. Some of those stories are written in textbooks. Others live in monuments and historic buildings. But many of the most enduring are carried in something less tangible and more deeply human: […]
Posted inSpring Guide
Spring guide calendar 2026
ONGOING Lilacs and Letters Through April 8. The play is set at the Armory Square Military Hospital in Washington, D.C., in 1865. Poet Walt Whitman, a hospital volunteer, sits among the sleeping wounded as he reflects on national grief and puts the finishing touches on poetry eulogizing President Abraham Lincoln. Free with museum admission. Abraham […]
Posted inSpring Guide
Spring Guide 2026
Spring Guide has information on seasonal day and weekend trips, how to bring spring into your home, an expanded three-month calendar of events and more.
Posted inSpring Guide
Explore Route 66 close to home
You may not be planning to join the crowd driving Route 66 as it turns 100 this year, but you can kick off your own celebration by tooling down the road to Litchfield. The town of 6,500 is less than an hour south of Springfield and chock-full of spots for a day or weekend trip. […]
Posted inSpring Guide
Enjoy spring flowers sooner
March weather is reliably unpredictable. A day of blissful sunshine can turn cold and icy overnight, quashing dreams of cheerful blooms and lazy afternoons sprawled out on a picnic blanket. No matter what the weather’s mood, hopeful gardeners can bring a bit of spring into their homes by forcing certain spring flowering shrubs and trees […]
Posted inSpring Guide
“Seam to Shining Seam” Quilt ShowÂ
More than 400 colorful quilts, along with other quilt-related items, will fill the Orr Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds on March 20 and 21. The 2026 “Seam to Shining Seam” show features quilts made by Springfield-area quilters who are part of Q.U.I.L.T.S – Quilters United in Learning, Teaching and Self-Improvement. Now held every two […]
Posted inArticles
Results from the latest Job Seeker Report
To track the latest trends, The Harris Poll, on behalf of Express Employment Professionals, conducts a biannual Job Seeker Report survey tracking job market trends across a wide range of industries. The report also features training, development and skills-building opportunities developed by Express to support job seekers in their career journeys. Discover more current job […]
Posted inArticles
Myth vs. Fact: Misconceptions about the current job market
No lies about it – finding a job in this market is challenging. With AI advancements, ghost jobs, skilled workers retiring, and new generations making their mark, the workforce is changing – and so are many companies’ hiring practices. Even so, some principles still ring true when it comes to misconceptions about the job market. […]
Posted inArticles
When to step back from a leadership role
Taking a step back: Does less responsibility lead to more fulfillment? For many seasoned leaders facing burnout, the idea of stepping back into an individual-contributor role can be tempting. The memory of simpler days, when success was measured by personal output rather than team performance, and evenings were free from after-hours emails, can be alluring. […]
Posted inArticles
Researching and benchmarking a job offer
Evaluating a job offer is one of the most important decisions a job seeker can make. To determine if an offer is competitive, you should consider three key factors: industry, market demand and location, plus your level of experience. By comparing these elements, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of your true market value. Enhance your […]
