How MPR News' "Bathrobe Lady" Sam Stroozas became State Fair art
Aug 28, 2026
This winter, after a pursuit by federal agents led to a multi-car crash in St. Paul, Minnesota, MPR News journalist Sam Stroozas had an unexpected viral moment.
The crash unfolded just blocks from Sam's home. When she heard what was happening, she ran outside in a bathrobe and slippers to document the scene and start reporting.
A photographer from the Minnesota Star Tribune captured the moment, and it quickly spread online. Sam became known to Minnesotans and beyond as "Bathrobe Lady."
From breaking news to State Fair art
Six months later, Bathrobe Lady has made it to perhaps the most Minnesota place imaginable: the Minnesota State Fair.
There are at least six pieces of art featuring Sam this year, including a sculpture, a painting, crop art and crocheted pieces.
The tributes showcase a moment that clearly stuck with Minnesotans. Behind the bathrobe was something more serious: a journalist showing up when breaking news was unfolding in her community.
Local journalism in communities
MPR News journalists live in the communities they cover. They know their neighborhoods, pay attention to what is happening around them and, when news breaks, they go. MPR News' work this year, most notably earlier this year, included reporting on immigration enforcement in Minnesota - a topic that is often fast-moving and affects families, neighborhoods, schools, workplaces and communities across the state.
Especially in times of confusion, especially when there aren't clear answers and especially when information is moving quickly, local journalism matters.
A tribute to Sam in her bathrobe through art is a testament to the work behind what you see and hear on MPR News every day. This is what public-service journalism is: showing up, bearing witness, and running towards a story.
Bathrobe, slippers and all.
MPR at the Fair
Follow along on mprnews.org and MPR News' Instagram for State Fair reporting. Plus, plan your visit with our guide and join MPR at MPR's State Fair Station all 12 days of the fair – see our booth programming here.