Springfield residents can attend a free public event on Saturday, November 14, at 6:00 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium at the University of Illinois Springfield Center for the Performing Arts (UIS PAC). The program, titled “Is Springfield America?”, will feature three writers from the long‑running animated series The Simpsons.

According to Capitol City Now, the writers are Bill Odenkirk, Josh Weinstein and Dan Greaney. Odenkirk has written for Mr. Show with Bob and David, Futurama and Disenchantment, and has both written and executive‑produced episodes of The Simpsons. Weinstein served as showrunner during the series’ classic era, later co‑creating Mission Hill and co‑developing Netflix’s Disenchantment with Matt Groening in 2018. Greaney is an Emmy‑winning writer who contributed to The Simpsons from Season 7 through Season 11 and also wrote for The Office. He is noted for the 2000 episode “Bart to the Future,” which predicted a Trump presidency.

Greaney is currently running for the 2028 Republican nomination for President, describing himself as a “progressive Republican.” NewsChannel20 reports that he launched his “Springfield USA” tour on November 5 at the Springfield Memorial Building in Springfield, New Hampshire, and that the UIS stop is part of that tour.

The UIS Performing Arts Center says attendees can expect stories from the writers’ room, a few predictions that came true, and an honest look at what the show gets right and wrong about America. The event is free and open to the public.

Following the discussion, the venue will host “Golden Girls – The Laughs Continue” in Sangamon Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.; tickets for that show remain available, according to the UIS PAC announcement.

What’s next: Residents who wish to attend should arrive early, as seating is on a first‑come, first‑served basis. The discussion will conclude around 7:00 p.m., after which the “Golden Girls” program begins. No registration is required, and the event is fully free of charge.

Sources: capitolcitynow.com, newschannel20.com