Kate Baxter-Kauf
@kbaxterk.bsky.social
Class action & privacy lawyer at Lockridge Grindal Nauen. Abortion, debate access, & Central HS / St. Paul neighborhood volunteer. Lover of books, the West Wing & Feminist T-Shirt Friday. she/hers
Pinned
Kate Baxter-Kauf
@kbaxterk.bsky.social
· Dec 10
Hey, I bet you thought I was done with election blogging for the year but NO. Here's my post about the special election in 64A which is happening in ONE WEEK. (The primary is in one week, but that's the real election.)
naomikritzer.com/2025/12/10/s...
naomikritzer.com/2025/12/10/s...
Special Election 2025, State House 64A
“Where’s your gift guide?” It’s coming, I promise, but first and somewhat more urgently there is one more election this year. Saint Paul Mayor-Elect Kaohly Her was a State R…
naomikritzer.com
This is a great writeup. Here's why I think folks in 64A should vote for @megl.bsky.social (not campaign-affiliated, I've just known her forever and she's my friend) 🧵:
1. Meg is exceptionally well-qualified to start legislating and leading on day 1 because she’s been doing the work now.
1. Meg is exceptionally well-qualified to start legislating and leading on day 1 because she’s been doing the work now.
Reposted by Kate Baxter-Kauf
American Indian Movement (AIM) patrol trucks have been spotted around NE and folks are flagging them as suspicious and giving them unwelcoming glances because they don’t know who they are. This is the AIM logo and flag, which you might see on their trucks. They are friends!
January 16, 2026 at 4:35 PM
American Indian Movement (AIM) patrol trucks have been spotted around NE and folks are flagging them as suspicious and giving them unwelcoming glances because they don’t know who they are. This is the AIM logo and flag, which you might see on their trucks. They are friends!
Reposted by Kate Baxter-Kauf
the question to ask about this is, okay, he wants to cancel the midterms. how does he get the VA state board of elections to cancel the midterms? how does he get the georgia board of elections to do it? how does he convince republican house members to quit their jobs and give up their paychecks?
Trump says a lot of deranged shit, but, per this Reuters article — and the threats of invoking the Insurrection Act in Minnesota this morning — he is very clearly exploring how to cancel the midterms.
www.reuters.com/world/us/fiv...
www.reuters.com/world/us/fiv...
January 15, 2026 at 4:29 PM
the question to ask about this is, okay, he wants to cancel the midterms. how does he get the VA state board of elections to cancel the midterms? how does he get the georgia board of elections to do it? how does he convince republican house members to quit their jobs and give up their paychecks?
Reposted by Kate Baxter-Kauf
This. It is high past time that Mpls and StP public works used jersey barriers and other solutions to prevent speeding and other dangerous behaviors.
- Use routine powers (construction, traffic calming) that are neutral but would reclaim public space for resident use/safety -- esp around children/essential services
- Require warrants for every interaction that req's city involvement
- Inspect hotels for fire code violations caused by firearms
- Require warrants for every interaction that req's city involvement
- Inspect hotels for fire code violations caused by firearms
January 15, 2026 at 5:10 PM
This. It is high past time that Mpls and StP public works used jersey barriers and other solutions to prevent speeding and other dangerous behaviors.
Here's what I don't understand: why aren't ALL city and state leaders coming up with as many creative ideas as they can think of and telling them to us? Why aren't they trying stuff? You filed one lawsuit--why not 10? Why not blockade roads? Do stuff with rec centers & libraries? Why are we alone?
January 15, 2026 at 5:27 PM
Here's what I don't understand: why aren't ALL city and state leaders coming up with as many creative ideas as they can think of and telling them to us? Why aren't they trying stuff? You filed one lawsuit--why not 10? Why not blockade roads? Do stuff with rec centers & libraries? Why are we alone?
Reposted by Kate Baxter-Kauf
I briefly scanned each eviction filed by Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) on 1/13/26 (including 3 more filed by Community Housing Resources, an entity affiliated with MPHA):
-41 evictions filed
-Average alleged overdue amounts: $362
-4 cases for < $100, 34 cases for <$500, 1 case over $1K
-41 evictions filed
-Average alleged overdue amounts: $362
-4 cases for < $100, 34 cases for <$500, 1 case over $1K
Neighbors in Minneapolis are keeping neighbors housed in the midst of the federal occupation—thousands of dollars are being raised via mutual aid networks to help pay rent.
Meanwhile, the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority filed 38 evictions yesterday against some of our most vulnerable neighbors
Meanwhile, the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority filed 38 evictions yesterday against some of our most vulnerable neighbors
January 15, 2026 at 3:25 PM
I briefly scanned each eviction filed by Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) on 1/13/26 (including 3 more filed by Community Housing Resources, an entity affiliated with MPHA):
-41 evictions filed
-Average alleged overdue amounts: $362
-4 cases for < $100, 34 cases for <$500, 1 case over $1K
-41 evictions filed
-Average alleged overdue amounts: $362
-4 cases for < $100, 34 cases for <$500, 1 case over $1K
Reposted by Kate Baxter-Kauf
This is actually a huge and underreported aspect of this situation. WE ALL HAVE SHIT TO DO. Got to work in the morning. Got to get our kids to school, if in fact the schools are open. Life was hard ALREADY and NOW we have to live with THIS taking all our valuable time, energy, and brain space.
January 15, 2026 at 4:13 PM
This is actually a huge and underreported aspect of this situation. WE ALL HAVE SHIT TO DO. Got to work in the morning. Got to get our kids to school, if in fact the schools are open. Life was hard ALREADY and NOW we have to live with THIS taking all our valuable time, energy, and brain space.
Reposted by Kate Baxter-Kauf
The Minneapolis mayor and police chief do not get it. By admonishing protesters, they are telling the WRONG PEOPLE to de-escalate and remain peaceful. They literally told everyone to go home tonight.
This is not going to solve their problem.
This is not going to solve their problem.
January 15, 2026 at 4:49 AM
The Minneapolis mayor and police chief do not get it. By admonishing protesters, they are telling the WRONG PEOPLE to de-escalate and remain peaceful. They literally told everyone to go home tonight.
This is not going to solve their problem.
This is not going to solve their problem.
Reposted by Kate Baxter-Kauf
Gov. Walz, please do more. People are getting hurt. We are not safe. Do more.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has a message for Donald Trump and Kristi Noem:
End this occupation. You've done enough.
End this occupation. You've done enough.
January 15, 2026 at 3:13 AM
Gov. Walz, please do more. People are getting hurt. We are not safe. Do more.
Reposted by Kate Baxter-Kauf
Folks, Trump has brought the full force of ICE to bear on a mid-sized city and he can't even stop the demonstrations there. He's not going to be able to cancel the midterm elections by fiat or station his goons outside more than a handful of polling places.
January 14, 2026 at 9:14 PM
Folks, Trump has brought the full force of ICE to bear on a mid-sized city and he can't even stop the demonstrations there. He's not going to be able to cancel the midterm elections by fiat or station his goons outside more than a handful of polling places.
Reposted by Kate Baxter-Kauf
I want to let you all know something important that I hope motivates you to keep showing up.
I get daily calls from neighbors who speak Spanish who want me to let you all know they are grateful for those looking out and patrolling. Our community is thankful.
Minneapolis is full of heroes.
I get daily calls from neighbors who speak Spanish who want me to let you all know they are grateful for those looking out and patrolling. Our community is thankful.
Minneapolis is full of heroes.
January 15, 2026 at 12:55 AM
I want to let you all know something important that I hope motivates you to keep showing up.
I get daily calls from neighbors who speak Spanish who want me to let you all know they are grateful for those looking out and patrolling. Our community is thankful.
Minneapolis is full of heroes.
I get daily calls from neighbors who speak Spanish who want me to let you all know they are grateful for those looking out and patrolling. Our community is thankful.
Minneapolis is full of heroes.
Reposted by Kate Baxter-Kauf
Bro, they are closing schools because teachers need time to make virtual options for non-white students because lawless federal paramilitaries are terrorizing them.
Annnnnddddd St Paul schools are closing next week for 2 days to prepare for virtual learning options.
January 15, 2026 at 12:31 AM
Bro, they are closing schools because teachers need time to make virtual options for non-white students because lawless federal paramilitaries are terrorizing them.
Reposted by Kate Baxter-Kauf
Minnesota needs help from local attorneys -- read how you can assist:
open.substack.com/pub/acsmn/p/...
open.substack.com/pub/acsmn/p/...
Emergency Action Needed: Support Local Families & Legal Aid
Dear ACS Supporters,
open.substack.com
January 14, 2026 at 9:49 PM
Minnesota needs help from local attorneys -- read how you can assist:
open.substack.com/pub/acsmn/p/...
open.substack.com/pub/acsmn/p/...
Reposted by Kate Baxter-Kauf
Happening Now: Students have walked out of school and are protesting against ICE in Saint Paul, Minnesota
January 14, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Happening Now: Students have walked out of school and are protesting against ICE in Saint Paul, Minnesota
Reposted by Kate Baxter-Kauf
If you cannot make “these people are leaving BABIES in CARS in WINTER and then returning them to their carekeepers with BRUISES” into popular sentiment as a politician, you’re either inept or you want this to keep happening.
January 14, 2026 at 3:03 PM
If you cannot make “these people are leaving BABIES in CARS in WINTER and then returning them to their carekeepers with BRUISES” into popular sentiment as a politician, you’re either inept or you want this to keep happening.
Reposted by Kate Baxter-Kauf
Even just a name can put in motion efforts that get someone released. If they're a citizen, we can get them jail support. If they're an immigrant, there are groups working overtime to file habeas petitions before they're whisked out of state. But it starts with a name.
If you see one, the most important thing to say is “WHAT’S YOUR NAME” because otherwise the person is gone for good, maybe. I witnessed one in an alley as the sole pursuit car, I was the only witness, I froze for a second and didn’t shout it in time, and the guy is just… gone now. I’ll never know.
January 14, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Even just a name can put in motion efforts that get someone released. If they're a citizen, we can get them jail support. If they're an immigrant, there are groups working overtime to file habeas petitions before they're whisked out of state. But it starts with a name.
I know there are many important ways to spend your time these days; I also know that all three of the books by these authors (Tigers Between Empires, Owls of the Eastern Ice, Sharks in the Time of Saviors) that I’ve read are fantastic & that books will get us through this too. Join me?
Author event tomorrow night! @jonathanslaght.com in conversation with Kawai Strong Washburn (author of Sharks in the Time of Saviors) about Slaghts latest book, Tigers Between Empires.
January 13, 2026 at 1:16 PM
I know there are many important ways to spend your time these days; I also know that all three of the books by these authors (Tigers Between Empires, Owls of the Eastern Ice, Sharks in the Time of Saviors) that I’ve read are fantastic & that books will get us through this too. Join me?
+1. Also the treaty was never ratified correctly & when they went back to find the other 5 people they couldn't find them. The terms called for payment of at least 100x of that was eventually paid. All of Mac Groveland & Highland Park were originally part of Fort Snelling & all of this applies.
of the seven Dakota leaders present at the signing of the 1805 land secession, only two signed the document. and zebulon pike had no authority to negotiate a treaty in the first place.
fort snelling sits on land stolen by any definition
fort snelling sits on land stolen by any definition
Fort Snelling has been the advance guard of federal invasion in the homelands of the Dakota people since 1805. In the current “surge,” Fort Snelling is serving as the center of operations for ICE, the FBI, and other federal forces invading Minnesota.
January 10, 2026 at 3:37 AM
+1. Also the treaty was never ratified correctly & when they went back to find the other 5 people they couldn't find them. The terms called for payment of at least 100x of that was eventually paid. All of Mac Groveland & Highland Park were originally part of Fort Snelling & all of this applies.
Reposted by Kate Baxter-Kauf
AOC: What we saw today was a criminal murder a woman while she was trying to flee for her life. What we saw today was a manifestation of every American’s worst nightmare: their government turning into a tyranny.
January 8, 2026 at 12:20 AM
AOC: What we saw today was a criminal murder a woman while she was trying to flee for her life. What we saw today was a manifestation of every American’s worst nightmare: their government turning into a tyranny.
The Goodreads advertising powers that be are convinced that I am in the market for a $4000 microscope and are getting REALLY aggressive about it.
January 4, 2026 at 9:39 PM
The Goodreads advertising powers that be are convinced that I am in the market for a $4000 microscope and are getting REALLY aggressive about it.
Reskeeted most recent personal pet picture (in festive outfit)!
January 1, 2026 at 3:11 PM
Reskeeted most recent personal pet picture (in festive outfit)!
Reposted by Kate Baxter-Kauf
Join us in congratulating NAUDL's 2026 Debater of the Year Finalists!
📣📣Washington Urban Debate League, Chicago Debates, Nashville Urban Debate League, Los Angeles Metropolitan Debate League, Minnesota Urban Debate League, Bay Area Urban Debate League and Dallas Urban Debate Alliance!
📣📣Washington Urban Debate League, Chicago Debates, Nashville Urban Debate League, Los Angeles Metropolitan Debate League, Minnesota Urban Debate League, Bay Area Urban Debate League and Dallas Urban Debate Alliance!
December 12, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Join us in congratulating NAUDL's 2026 Debater of the Year Finalists!
📣📣Washington Urban Debate League, Chicago Debates, Nashville Urban Debate League, Los Angeles Metropolitan Debate League, Minnesota Urban Debate League, Bay Area Urban Debate League and Dallas Urban Debate Alliance!
📣📣Washington Urban Debate League, Chicago Debates, Nashville Urban Debate League, Los Angeles Metropolitan Debate League, Minnesota Urban Debate League, Bay Area Urban Debate League and Dallas Urban Debate Alliance!
Reposted by Kate Baxter-Kauf
Meg! Meg! Meg! Meg! Meg! Meg! Meg!
December 17, 2025 at 3:58 AM
Meg! Meg! Meg! Meg! Meg! Meg! Meg!
Reposted by Kate Baxter-Kauf
Congrats to Meg Lugar Nikolai and Shelley Buck on primary victories tonight. Strong wins are testament to the hard work you and your teams are doing.
Thank you to every candidate in the field.
Excited to hit the doors with you both before the January general and to serve our neighbors together.💙
Thank you to every candidate in the field.
Excited to hit the doors with you both before the January general and to serve our neighbors together.💙
December 17, 2025 at 3:49 AM
Congrats to Meg Lugar Nikolai and Shelley Buck on primary victories tonight. Strong wins are testament to the hard work you and your teams are doing.
Thank you to every candidate in the field.
Excited to hit the doors with you both before the January general and to serve our neighbors together.💙
Thank you to every candidate in the field.
Excited to hit the doors with you both before the January general and to serve our neighbors together.💙
Reposted by Kate Baxter-Kauf
So thrilled to see Meg Luger-Nikolai @megl.bsky.social secure the victory in the 64A primary! Meg’s dedication to our community and her vision for the future makes her a strong leader for this role.
Looking forward to seeing the positive impact she will continue to make!
Looking forward to seeing the positive impact she will continue to make!
December 17, 2025 at 4:52 AM
So thrilled to see Meg Luger-Nikolai @megl.bsky.social secure the victory in the 64A primary! Meg’s dedication to our community and her vision for the future makes her a strong leader for this role.
Looking forward to seeing the positive impact she will continue to make!
Looking forward to seeing the positive impact she will continue to make!
Meg! Meg! Meg! Meg! Meg! Meg! Meg!
December 17, 2025 at 3:58 AM
Meg! Meg! Meg! Meg! Meg! Meg! Meg!