Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 1d

I am on vacation.

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 4d

When Springfield Contemporary Theatre closed earlier this year, I felt sad Springfield wasn't going to get to see Mosaic Arts Collective's version of "Hairspray." Shoulda known the forces of nature that are Amanda Snead and Nki Calloway would find a way to make it happen.

Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 4d

When Mosaic Arts Collective lost its partner in staging "Hairspray" this fall, it decided to push forward with the cult musical on its own. The community has rallied behind the production, which opens tonight at the Historic Fox Theatre.

Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

The cast of Mosaic Arts Collective's production of "Hairspray" rehearses at the Historic Fox Theatre on Oct. 2, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Kessinger)

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 4d

High Tide Theatrical's annual tradition is back: "The Rocky Horror Show" opens tonight. It's the last time you'll see Grace Billingsley play Janet. I appreciate her sharing with me what this character means to her and how her father helped encourage her on her path.

Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 5d

Grace Billingsley says High Tide Theatrical's 2025 production of "The Rocky Horror Show" is bigger and better than ever. It's also the last time she'll play Janet, a character that means so much to her.

Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

High Tide Theatrical stages “The Rocky Horror Show” every year because executive director Grace Billingsley says it’s a “a show where everyone is welcome, diverse stories are told and it’s a safe space for our actors and for our audience.” (Photo by High Tide Theatrical)

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 12d

I had so much fun meeting Andrea Copeland and Lori Casey from I Love Springfield, MO! And learning about the 2025-2026 Ozarks Coffee Trail. There are 40 stops and some cool prizes. I’m looking forward to visiting some old favorites and trying out new spots!

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 12d

Had to sneak downtown for a second to see how things are coming along on Overlay's 2025 mural. It's incredible how different that area feels now that some of the mural is up. Can't wait to see the finished product.

Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 12d

Artists Osiris Rain and Emily Ding are already at work on the six-story mural that is the centerpiece of this year's Overlay Fest, this Friday and Saturday in downtown Springfield. Here's what you need to know before you go to the festival.

Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

Artists Osiris Rain and Emily Ding paint a six-story-tall mural in downtown Springfield on Oct. 2, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Kessinger)

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 13d

Whoa!

Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 13d

NEW: The Gillioz Center for Arts & Entertainment will bring a concert series to Hammons Field as early as spring 2026. Ryan Collins has details on the partnership between the Gillioz and the Springfield Cardinals.

Read it: sgfcitizen.org/economy-grow...

Hammons Field opened in 2004 and has been home to the Springfield Cardinals Double-A team since 2005. (Photo by Cory Matteson)

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Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 14d

Big community events don't happen without volunteer help and right now, Overlay is in need of volunteers. Want to help create magic in downtown Springfield? Here's where you can sign up!

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

2025 Overlay Volunteer Application Form

Overlay 2025: Volunteer Application Form Thanks for your interest in Overlay Mural Art & Culture Festival. We are gearing up for our returning event on October 3 & 4, 2025 and we’re on the lookout for...

docs.google.com

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Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 15d

Thinking of all my LDS friends today.

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 18d

I think of Overlay as SGF's scrappy, underdog festival. Meg Wagler and team have some fun things planned Oct. 3-4 and tickets are very affordable. I'm so excited to see the 6-story mural Overlay gives to the community.

Also, if you need a boost, Meg's a good one to chat with.

Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 18d

The second edition of Overlay, Oct. 3-4, will add a six-story mural to a downtown Springfield building. The block party also features local artists, a pop-up skate park and your chance to participate in a laser-guided community art project.

Learn more: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

International artists Osiris Rain, left, and Emily Ding will paint a new mural downtown during Overlay, Oct. 3-4. (Photo provided by Overlay)

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 19d

Took a walking break today and bumped into Amaka Onyeka, who I wrote about last October. It was so lovely to catch up for a second and, as always, I was stunned anyone remembers me. I’m so grateful for all the connections my work as a journalist has helped me make.

sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

New web series from Missouri State students shares the experience of non-immigrants - Springfield Daily Citizen

Amaka Onyeka, a Missouri State University graduate student from Nigeria, has some big decisions in her future.

sgfcitizen.org

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Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 19d

First half North Division Champions.
Second half North Division Champions.
Franchise record for wins.
Texas League Champions.

What a summer.

Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 19d

The Springfield Cardinals capped a historic season with a Texas League championship Wednesday night, routing Midland 13-1 in Texas. The Cardinals collected 19 hits off seven Midland pitchers.

Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

Springfield Cardinals relief pitcher Nick Raquet, center, high fives teammates in the dugout before the first pitch against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. (Photo by Ellie Frysztak)

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 25d

“I love you. I would rather die than hate you.” — MLK

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 27d

I’ll tell you this much: I don’t trust a porch swing.

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · Sep 12

Being so involved in news social media M-F gets heavy. Really heavy sometimes. I can't avoid it because it's my job. For my mental health I'm staying off most platforms on the weekend, but I do hang out on Instagram a bit. I'd love to connect with you there, too. My @ is queencityfamilyman.

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Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · Sep 12

A most incredible thing is happening in Springfield this weekend, as two very different casts launch productions of the same classic musical, "Annie." I would argue they're both very worth your time.

Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · Sep 12

Two productions of "Annie" open in Springfield tonight and they could not be more different. But behind the scenes, the casts at Springfield Little Theatre and Theatre North of 60 are finding self-confidence and community.

Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

Morgan Baum, as Annie, and Esther Yen, as Molly, rehearse a scene from “Annie” at the Landers Theatre on Sept. 9. The musical opens Springfield Little Theatre’s 91st season. (Photo by Jeff Kessinger)

Marla Cantwell sings “Tomorrow” during a rehearsal for Theatre North of 60’s production of “Annie.” Cantwell is returning to the stage after a 40-year absence. (Photo by Jeff Kessinger)

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Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · Sep 12

🥺🥺

Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · Sep 12

It's twins!

The Dickerson Park Zoo is now home to endangered Chacoan peccary twins, born on Thursday. Caregivers say first-time parents Relish and Flash are doing well. The babies don't have names yet.

Learn more: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

Twin peccaries were born Thursday, Sept. 11 at the Dickerson Park Zoo. (Photo by Dickerson Park Zoo)

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · Sep 11

According to Everytown for Gun Safety, there have been at least 100 incidents of gunfire on school grounds, resulting in 32 deaths and 98 injuries so far in 2025. I don't believe it has to be this way.

apnews.com/article/colo...

A student is dead after shooting 2 teens at his Colorado high school and then himself

The handgun shooting was reported around 12:30 p.m. at Evergreen High School in Evergreen, Colorado, about 30 miles west of Denver.

apnews.com

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · Sep 10

If we continue to dehumanize the people we disagree with, we'll continue to get nothing but hatred and violence. There is a better way.

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Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · Sep 10

Tailgate prep is underway outside Plaster Stadium. Tents are going up.

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · Sep 8

The White River Brewing saga has a new development.

Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · Sep 8

The United States has taken civil action against White River Brewery and its current owner. The government wants to nullify the transfer of ownership of the business from Michael Felts to his now ex-wife, Jennifer Obert.

Read it: sgfcitizen.org/economy-grow...

White River Brewing Company opened in 2012. (Photo by Shannon Cay)

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Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · Sep 6

Tonight’s special guest on the patio was a skunk. 🦨

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Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · Sep 5

That’s quite a first quarter for the NFL season!

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Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · Aug 29

I think I’m about ready to start working on my holiday season bucket list. 🎄

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Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · Aug 25

MO State's first FBS game week is here! Catch me reading every story to get ready for Saturday's historic game at USC. I've literally dreamed of this day since I knew the difference between I-AA and I-A.

Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · Aug 25

Missouri State receiver Makai Cope has never lost to USC. The former Utah Ute and Los Angeles native wants to keep it that way.

Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

First-year Missouri State receiver Makai Cope spent his first three years at the University of Utah, which went 3-0 against USC during his time with the Utes. (Photo by University of Utah)

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · Aug 22

I'd been wanting to interview Guinevere Goodwin for a hot minute. I'm so pumped it worked out! I had the best chat with her this week and turned it into a Q&A. Keep an eye on Goodwin. She has plans for the future.

Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · Aug 22

Guinevere Goodwin hated the genre growing up, but now she's Springfield's country music sweetheart. Before she opens for nationally touring artist Pokey LaFarge on Aug. 29, she did a Q&A with Reader Engagement Editor @jkessingersgf.bsky.social.

Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

Guinevere Goodwin first started playing guitar around age 15. After hating the genre for years as a child, she's grown to love country music. (Photo by Kidsister)