em cassel
@biketrouble.bsky.social
a guy drops one piece of ham in the snow and he never hears the end of it. co-owner/editor of @racketmn.com, em@racketmn.com. (she/they)
it’s still abolish ICE baby, it’s always abolish ICE
February 12, 2026 at 2:30 PM
it’s still abolish ICE baby, it’s always abolish ICE
Reposted by em cassel
First they came for the immigrants, and the freakiest people you know threw the fuck down because it was never going to end with immigrants.
for @autostraddle.bsky.social, i wrote about how minnesota's queer-owned businesses (and queer folks in general) are standing up to ICE and defending their communities:
How Minnesota’s Queer-Owned Businesses Are Leading the Fight Against ICE
As the federal occupation continues, community members are committing themselves to standing up to the feds while supporting the state’s immigrant communities in any way possible.
www.autostraddle.com
February 10, 2026 at 4:54 PM
First they came for the immigrants, and the freakiest people you know threw the fuck down because it was never going to end with immigrants.
for @autostraddle.bsky.social, i wrote about how minnesota's queer-owned businesses (and queer folks in general) are standing up to ICE and defending their communities:
How Minnesota’s Queer-Owned Businesses Are Leading the Fight Against ICE
As the federal occupation continues, community members are committing themselves to standing up to the feds while supporting the state’s immigrant communities in any way possible.
www.autostraddle.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:35 PM
for @autostraddle.bsky.social, i wrote about how minnesota's queer-owned businesses (and queer folks in general) are standing up to ICE and defending their communities:
holy shit y’all, in just over an hour you raised more than $5,000 to help a local family. blown away.
i’ll share receipts soon, and we’ll coordinate with stand with minnesota to get any additional funds where they’re needed most. I LOVE THE TWIN CITIES.
i’ll share receipts soon, and we’ll coordinate with stand with minnesota to get any additional funds where they’re needed most. I LOVE THE TWIN CITIES.
February 7, 2026 at 5:15 PM
holy shit y’all, in just over an hour you raised more than $5,000 to help a local family. blown away.
i’ll share receipts soon, and we’ll coordinate with stand with minnesota to get any additional funds where they’re needed most. I LOVE THE TWIN CITIES.
i’ll share receipts soon, and we’ll coordinate with stand with minnesota to get any additional funds where they’re needed most. I LOVE THE TWIN CITIES.
we’re up over $4,000, so let’s hit that $4,785 total and meet this family’s need today!!! just a lil over $500 to go💗
V: @em-cassel
PP: @biketrouble
V: @em-cassel
PP: @biketrouble
February 7, 2026 at 4:55 PM
we’re up over $4,000, so let’s hit that $4,785 total and meet this family’s need today!!! just a lil over $500 to go💗
V: @em-cassel
PP: @biketrouble
V: @em-cassel
PP: @biketrouble
y’all are incredible—we’re 3/4 of the way to our goal within the hour. i’m in awe. please keep donating!
V: @em-cassel
PP: @biketrouble
V: @em-cassel
PP: @biketrouble
February 7, 2026 at 4:41 PM
y’all are incredible—we’re 3/4 of the way to our goal within the hour. i’m in awe. please keep donating!
V: @em-cassel
PP: @biketrouble
V: @em-cassel
PP: @biketrouble
Reposted by em cassel
Reposted by em cassel
can I get one of my out of state followers and buds to match me? If we each do $50 that’s $100!!!
my colleagues at @racketmn.com are raising funds for a local mom who needs help with rent. the total is $4,785—we’re trying to raise $4,000 as a four-person newsroom.
i believe racket readers can do it this weekend!!!
V: @em-cassel
PP: @biketrouble
please share widely and donate if you can!
💗✨
i believe racket readers can do it this weekend!!!
V: @em-cassel
PP: @biketrouble
please share widely and donate if you can!
💗✨
tomorrow i would really like to challenge a few folks with larger followings than me to adopt a rent and raise it in one day.
my little group chat and my followers have paid like 70 families rents in the past four days. i believe that some of y’all could help us keep one family housed.
my little group chat and my followers have paid like 70 families rents in the past four days. i believe that some of y’all could help us keep one family housed.
February 7, 2026 at 4:31 PM
can I get one of my out of state followers and buds to match me? If we each do $50 that’s $100!!!
y’all have already donated over $1,000! can we meet this mom’s need today?? i would love to see it!!!
V: @em-cassel
PP: @biketrouble
V: @em-cassel
PP: @biketrouble
February 7, 2026 at 4:27 PM
y’all have already donated over $1,000! can we meet this mom’s need today?? i would love to see it!!!
V: @em-cassel
PP: @biketrouble
V: @em-cassel
PP: @biketrouble
Reposted by em cassel
In addition to @racketmn.com being a wonderful source of Twin Cities news (support them with a subscription), they’re also all good people. Help them help others!
my colleagues at @racketmn.com are raising funds for a local mom who needs help with rent. the total is $4,785—we’re trying to raise $4,000 as a four-person newsroom.
i believe racket readers can do it this weekend!!!
V: @em-cassel
PP: @biketrouble
please share widely and donate if you can!
💗✨
i believe racket readers can do it this weekend!!!
V: @em-cassel
PP: @biketrouble
please share widely and donate if you can!
💗✨
tomorrow i would really like to challenge a few folks with larger followings than me to adopt a rent and raise it in one day.
my little group chat and my followers have paid like 70 families rents in the past four days. i believe that some of y’all could help us keep one family housed.
my little group chat and my followers have paid like 70 families rents in the past four days. i believe that some of y’all could help us keep one family housed.
February 7, 2026 at 4:06 PM
In addition to @racketmn.com being a wonderful source of Twin Cities news (support them with a subscription), they’re also all good people. Help them help others!
my colleagues at @racketmn.com are raising funds for a local mom who needs help with rent. the total is $4,785—we’re trying to raise $4,000 as a four-person newsroom.
i believe racket readers can do it this weekend!!!
V: @em-cassel
PP: @biketrouble
please share widely and donate if you can!
💗✨
i believe racket readers can do it this weekend!!!
V: @em-cassel
PP: @biketrouble
please share widely and donate if you can!
💗✨
tomorrow i would really like to challenge a few folks with larger followings than me to adopt a rent and raise it in one day.
my little group chat and my followers have paid like 70 families rents in the past four days. i believe that some of y’all could help us keep one family housed.
my little group chat and my followers have paid like 70 families rents in the past four days. i believe that some of y’all could help us keep one family housed.
today's report:
our "adopt a rent" venmo campaign paid 43 families rents who were at risk of evictions, including several moms of 4+ children
this is the way to get rent paid fast. like. 1000x better than any other way.
our "adopt a rent" venmo campaign paid 43 families rents who were at risk of evictions, including several moms of 4+ children
this is the way to get rent paid fast. like. 1000x better than any other way.
February 7, 2026 at 4:04 PM
my colleagues at @racketmn.com are raising funds for a local mom who needs help with rent. the total is $4,785—we’re trying to raise $4,000 as a four-person newsroom.
i believe racket readers can do it this weekend!!!
V: @em-cassel
PP: @biketrouble
please share widely and donate if you can!
💗✨
i believe racket readers can do it this weekend!!!
V: @em-cassel
PP: @biketrouble
please share widely and donate if you can!
💗✨
Reposted by em cassel
ICE is still in Minnesota. ICE is still breaking down glass windows and doors. ICE is still separating families. ICE is still targeting our neighbors who need to go to work because they cannot afford food, rent, and basic living expenses. 1/
February 5, 2026 at 3:34 PM
ICE is still in Minnesota. ICE is still breaking down glass windows and doors. ICE is still separating families. ICE is still targeting our neighbors who need to go to work because they cannot afford food, rent, and basic living expenses. 1/
Reposted by em cassel
I think one thing people outside Minnesota don't understand is that after Good and Pretti were killed by feds while observing, the most normal people you could imagine have made peace with the fact that they could be next, and they are still out there because they say it's the right thing to do.
“If I am killed doing this, throw my body at the White House, martyr the shit out of me & raise hell. Do not be sad. Do not think I would do anything differently. I would do it over & over again — this is too important to sit down & shut up and not do anything.” www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Pursued by federal agents, suburban ICE observers remain resolved
After a frightening pursuit by federal agents, suburban ICE observers say fear hasn’t stopped them from protecting their communities.
www.mprnews.org
February 4, 2026 at 4:30 PM
I think one thing people outside Minnesota don't understand is that after Good and Pretti were killed by feds while observing, the most normal people you could imagine have made peace with the fact that they could be next, and they are still out there because they say it's the right thing to do.
Reposted by em cassel
If you are out observing or rapid responding to ICE today, let them know that they’ve lost. Remind them that they’ve failed and they should go home and call a lawyer.
February 4, 2026 at 4:07 PM
If you are out observing or rapid responding to ICE today, let them know that they’ve lost. Remind them that they’ve failed and they should go home and call a lawyer.
Reposted by em cassel
Just after writing this article, I took a nap, woke up still uncomfortably full, and did not eat anything but popcorn for the rest of the day.
This is a glutton’s delight, easily two meals for a modest eater, available for less than the price of a large chips and guac at Chipotle.
Best Budget Bites: Torta de Tamal From Hermanos Locos Tacos - Racket
This two-hander originated in Mexico City and is a messy delight.
racketmn.com
February 2, 2026 at 8:06 PM
Just after writing this article, I took a nap, woke up still uncomfortably full, and did not eat anything but popcorn for the rest of the day.
Reposted by em cassel
A little-known perk of joining Racket at the highest membership tier is that you get to request a custom cross stitch by @biketrouble.bsky.social. Anyway, here’s our latest Racketeer-level subscriber’s MPLS > ICE laser loon!
January 31, 2026 at 3:26 PM
A little-known perk of joining Racket at the highest membership tier is that you get to request a custom cross stitch by @biketrouble.bsky.social. Anyway, here’s our latest Racketeer-level subscriber’s MPLS > ICE laser loon!
Reposted by em cassel
"Chanting “Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me” sure feels more righteous when thugs have overrun the streets of your city than it did in the ’90s, when that chorus was just as likely to seized by fratty malcontents looking for an excuse to collide with each other."
We got the concert we needed at First Ave this afternoon.
Bruce Springsteen and Tom Morello Rouse Anti-Fascist Fervor at First Ave - Racket
Fists were pumped, tears were cried, and "fuck" was shouted at the anti-ICE rally we all needed.
racketmn.com
January 31, 2026 at 3:03 AM
"Chanting “Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me” sure feels more righteous when thugs have overrun the streets of your city than it did in the ’90s, when that chorus was just as likely to seized by fratty malcontents looking for an excuse to collide with each other."
Reposted by em cassel
I enjoyed reading this interview with @biketrouble.bsky.social and @racketmn.com. Maybe you will too.
www.coyotemedia.org/how-racket-m...
www.coyotemedia.org/how-racket-m...
January 30, 2026 at 6:28 PM
I enjoyed reading this interview with @biketrouble.bsky.social and @racketmn.com. Maybe you will too.
www.coyotemedia.org/how-racket-m...
www.coyotemedia.org/how-racket-m...
i am really romantic about mutual aid, and seeing everyday folks spring into action over the last two months has made me so proud to be a minnesotan.
simultaneously, the need is huge right now, especially with rent due february 1. this would be a good time to donate if you have the means.
simultaneously, the need is huge right now, especially with rent due february 1. this would be a good time to donate if you have the means.
They Asked for Donations to Buy $10 Burritos. They Raised More Than $10K. - Racket
As Operation Metro Surge continues, community-led mutual aid efforts are feeding and housing Minnesotans in need—but there’s a lot of work yet to be done.
racketmn.com
January 29, 2026 at 5:58 PM
i am really romantic about mutual aid, and seeing everyday folks spring into action over the last two months has made me so proud to be a minnesotan.
simultaneously, the need is huge right now, especially with rent due february 1. this would be a good time to donate if you have the means.
simultaneously, the need is huge right now, especially with rent due february 1. this would be a good time to donate if you have the means.
Reposted by em cassel
"This is the worst fucking time. But watching people's response to ICE has just been the most affirming thing in the world.” We interviewed our friends over at @racketmn.com about what it’s like to cover the crisis in Minneapolis as community-centered journalists
How Racket, Minneapolis’s Worker-Owned Newsroom, Is Covering Its Hometown Fascist Invasion
“This is the worst fucking time. But watching people’s response to ICE has been the most affirming thing in the world.”
www.coyotemedia.org
January 29, 2026 at 4:08 PM
"This is the worst fucking time. But watching people's response to ICE has just been the most affirming thing in the world.” We interviewed our friends over at @racketmn.com about what it’s like to cover the crisis in Minneapolis as community-centered journalists
Reposted by em cassel
Very little if anything seems to have changed on the ground. ICE is still out there terrorizing neighborhoods and trying to disappear neighbors. None of us on the ground are buying this bullshit. We will keep organizing and fighting.
The intense fallout from the killing of Alex Pretti has forced President Trump to publicly change course in Minneapolis.
Listen to our White House reporters discuss the changes on today's episode of "The Daily."
Listen to our White House reporters discuss the changes on today's episode of "The Daily."
Trump Changes Course in Minneapolis
The White House has been met with broad outcry over the killing of Alex Pretti, as well as pushback from Congress.
nyti.ms
January 28, 2026 at 1:27 PM
Very little if anything seems to have changed on the ground. ICE is still out there terrorizing neighborhoods and trying to disappear neighbors. None of us on the ground are buying this bullshit. We will keep organizing and fighting.
Reposted by em cassel
Friends, this relative lost his life due to exposure in the elements last weekend. His family needs support, and this GFM is woefully underfunded.
Please consider donating if you’re able.
gofund.me/5bddd9549
Please consider donating if you’re able.
gofund.me/5bddd9549
Donate to Honoring Harold Lightfeather (Benny Boy), organized by Joey goodman
My name is Joey Goodman, and I am reaching out for help to honor my big brother,… Joey goodman needs your support for Honoring Harold Lightfeather (Benny Boy)
gofund.me
January 22, 2026 at 7:16 AM
Friends, this relative lost his life due to exposure in the elements last weekend. His family needs support, and this GFM is woefully underfunded.
Please consider donating if you’re able.
gofund.me/5bddd9549
Please consider donating if you’re able.
gofund.me/5bddd9549
Reposted by em cassel
I wrote about my childhood friend Alexi Pretti. Please read it and share it and remember him as a human being. @theverge.com
I grew up with Alex Pretti
The kind-hearted ICU nurse shot by ICE agents was my childhood best friend.
www.theverge.com
January 27, 2026 at 4:45 PM
I wrote about my childhood friend Alexi Pretti. Please read it and share it and remember him as a human being. @theverge.com
at modern times today—a tuesday morning—there was a waitlist 20 minutes long and growing by 11 a.m.
hell, and i cannot emphasize this enough, yeah.
hell, and i cannot emphasize this enough, yeah.
At 'Post Modern Times,' There's Free Food for All (Except ICE) Until the Federal Invasion Ends - Racket
'We absolutely cannot go on as we have,' says the owner of the south Minneapolis brunch spot.
racketmn.com
January 27, 2026 at 6:19 PM
at modern times today—a tuesday morning—there was a waitlist 20 minutes long and growing by 11 a.m.
hell, and i cannot emphasize this enough, yeah.
hell, and i cannot emphasize this enough, yeah.
on eat street today, pho 79 was giving out no-cost community meals; luna and the bear had free coffee for folks; cheapo had a sign up encouraging folks visiting alex pretti's memorial site to come in, warm up, and use the bathroom. good city full of good people imo.
A first-person account from the Copper Hen's restaurant and ad-hoc field hospital, where volunteer medics helped tear gassed protesters as staffers ran around with cinnamon buns and coffee orders.
How Neighbors Transformed a Brunch Spot Into a Field Hospital After ICE Assaulted Eat Street - Racket
On Saturday, restaurants and businesses all along Nicollet Avenue opened their doors for protesters and mourners.
racketmn.com
January 26, 2026 at 9:03 PM
on eat street today, pho 79 was giving out no-cost community meals; luna and the bear had free coffee for folks; cheapo had a sign up encouraging folks visiting alex pretti's memorial site to come in, warm up, and use the bathroom. good city full of good people imo.