Fair Drama: Stolen Posters, Failed Handshake Stunt, and a Doxxed Crop Artist
The 2026 Minnesota State Fair is over, and boy did it have some drama this year! Host Sean McPherson and contributor Tane Danger dig into the most drama-filled headlines from this year’s fair. Then, Star Tribune political columnist Rochelle Olson breaks down the governor's race, the fraud-heavy Republican pitch, and why Twin Cities legislators have long irritated their Capitol colleagues. Plus, Mohannad Ghawanmeh, executive director of Public Art St. Paul, previews the Wakpa Triennial Festival – a month-long public art event launching this weekend on the St. Paul riverfront.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
Become a City Cast Twin Cities NeighborState Fair Attendance
'Terrifying': Crop artist speaks out after harassment over anti-Trump '8647' piece (MPR News)
Lisa Demuth poster allegedly stolen from MN State Fair booth, GOP offering $500 reward (Fox 9)
Anyone Else Mad About the Ads on the State Fair Sky Rides? (MSP Mag)
State Fair shuts down Congressional candidate Matt Little's world handshake record attempt (Fox 9)
Rochelle Olson (Star Tribune)
If you enjoyed today's interview with Tess Rowser, the Marketing Manager of the Water Lantern Festival, learn more here.
Learn more about the sponsors of this September 9th episode:
Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau
Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637.
For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Twin Cities and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Why Was Ilhan Omar Raided? Plus, Gas Prices From Behind the Counter
Federal agents raided Rep. Ilhan Omar's Washington, D.C., home over the weekend, and President Trump urged non-Somali Minnesotans to "fig...
‘An Ojibwe Home in the City’ and Twin Cities Horror Fest
Catch live horror at Twin Cities Horror Fest beginning this Friday through Halloween. Directors Duck Washington and Nissa Nordland highli...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: A St. Paul Cell Phone Ban Teens Might Actually Like
Now that Minnesota has mandated that all schools have policies on cell phones, which ones stand out? A strong example is St. Paul Central...
Twin Cities Hip Hop Day, Gay Super Bowl, and Bussin' Black-Jewish Cuisine
It's Friday, so we're celebrating some Twin Cities Wins! We're rounding up some good things that happened around town this week. Later, w...
Why Nurses and Doctors Went on Strike. Plus, Surprising Political Takes
Three hospital mergers have been announced just this year, leading to labor unrest and what’s believed to be the state’s first doctor’s s...
Where's the Best Matcha in the Twin Cities? Plus, Hyper-Local Halloween and Bon Iver's Meatloaf Song
Today we're revisiting a few conversations about hyper-local Halloween costume ideas, Bon Iver's super catchy jingle for a Stillwater bar...
Election Races to Watch, Twin Cities' Best Weekly Live Music, and In the Dark’s Journey
Today, we get into Minnesota's Attorney General race with contributor Tane Danger, break down the judicial candidates nobody's talking ab...
Mpls Blew Its Overtime Budget on a Vigil. Plus, St. Paul Wants Walkable Blocks
Today we dig into an investigation of how the Minneapolis Police Department spent nearly $2 million in overtime in just four days followi...
Mayor Her Investigation Released, Renée Good’s Family Seeks Justice, and Biking with Rebecca Noecker
The report on St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her’s conduct just dropped. Findings by an external law firm cleared the mayor of sexual harassment a...
How Neighbors Saved a Library. Plus, Free Money for Schools On the Ballot
After St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her announced that closing the Dayton's Bluff Library would be a part of her proposed city budget, neighbors...