How Secure Are Our Elections? Plus, Fake St. Paul Band (Fake) Dies episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 19, 2026 · 38 MIN

How Secure Are Our Elections? Plus, Fake St. Paul Band (Fake) Dies

from City Cast Twin Cities · host City Cast

Earlier this week, a Facebook page for the St. Paul-based bluegrass band The Gillyweeds announced all six members had died in a plane crash. Turns out, The Gillyweeds were an invention of local designer Todd Pitman as part of an elaborate treasure hunt. Was it ethical to make people mourn for a made-up band? Plus, President Trump wants to require Americans to provide citizenship documentation before they vote. How could this impact Minnesota’s critical midterms? Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon joins the show to talk about keeping elections “free and fair.” Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Legal experts sound alarm over federal interference in Minnesota elections (Sahan Journal)  A fake St. Paul bluegrass band died Monday in a fake airplane crash (Pioneer Press) Learn more about the sponsors of this March 19th episode: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Berlin Xcel Energy Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

Earlier this week, a Facebook page for the St. Paul-based bluegrass band The Gillyweeds announced all six members had died in a plane crash. Turns out, The Gillyweeds were an invention of local designer Todd Pitman as part of an elaborate treasure hunt. Was it ethical to make people mourn for a made-up band? Plus, President Trump wants to require Americans to provide citizenship documentation before they vote. How could this impact Minnesota’s critical midterms? Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon joins the show to talk about keeping elections “free and fair.” Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Legal experts sound alarm over federal interference in Minnesota elections (Sahan Journal)  A fake St. Paul bluegrass band died Monday in a fake airplane crash (Pioneer Press) Learn more about the sponsors of this March 19th episode: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Berlin Xcel Energy Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

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How Secure Are Our Elections? Plus, Fake St. Paul Band (Fake) Dies

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This episode is 38 minutes long.

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This episode was published on March 19, 2026.

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Earlier this week, a Facebook page for the St. Paul-based bluegrass band The Gillyweeds announced all six members had died in a plane crash. Turns out, The Gillyweeds were an invention of local designer Todd Pitman as part of an elaborate treasure...

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