Kyle Stokes
@kystokes.bsky.social
Now: @Axios.com Twin Cities reporter | Then: MinnPost; NPR stations in LA (@laist.com), Seattle, Indiana | Alum: Mizzou Journalism
Minneapolis is set to revive pilot programs that give the city a role in shoveling snow and ice from many high-traffic sidewalks
The City Council voted 8-4 to set aside $595,000 in the Public Works budget (which will redirect some staff)
Background >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
The City Council voted 8-4 to set aside $595,000 in the Public Works budget (which will redirect some staff)
Background >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
What Minneapolis spent on sidewalk shoveling pilots
They cost a fraction of the $595,000 budgeted, but expanding the programs remains a costly challenge.
www.axios.com
December 5, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Minneapolis is set to revive pilot programs that give the city a role in shoveling snow and ice from many high-traffic sidewalks
The City Council voted 8-4 to set aside $595,000 in the Public Works budget (which will redirect some staff)
Background >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
The City Council voted 8-4 to set aside $595,000 in the Public Works budget (which will redirect some staff)
Background >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
SOON: A Minneapolis City Council panel is meeting to sort through options for George Floyd Square
What happens before a Dec. 11 deadline isn't clear…
But it does appear a pedestrian mall is off the table after a key grassroots group left it out of their own proposal: www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
What happens before a Dec. 11 deadline isn't clear…
But it does appear a pedestrian mall is off the table after a key grassroots group left it out of their own proposal: www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Key group proposes new George Floyd Square design
The fight has become a vessel for at least five years of pent-up frustration among activists, neighbors and business owners.
www.axios.com
December 4, 2025 at 7:06 PM
SOON: A Minneapolis City Council panel is meeting to sort through options for George Floyd Square
What happens before a Dec. 11 deadline isn't clear…
But it does appear a pedestrian mall is off the table after a key grassroots group left it out of their own proposal: www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
What happens before a Dec. 11 deadline isn't clear…
But it does appear a pedestrian mall is off the table after a key grassroots group left it out of their own proposal: www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
This winter may be especially brutal for Twin Cities homeless shelters, and not just because it's off to a cold start.
Federal rule changes have jeopardized millions in housing funding — which advocates say will strain an already fragile safety net >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Federal rule changes have jeopardized millions in housing funding — which advocates say will strain an already fragile safety net >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Homeless shelters face a bleak winter
With funding cuts looming and food costs rising, an early cold snap was just their first test.
www.axios.com
December 3, 2025 at 1:50 AM
This winter may be especially brutal for Twin Cities homeless shelters, and not just because it's off to a cold start.
Federal rule changes have jeopardized millions in housing funding — which advocates say will strain an already fragile safety net >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Federal rule changes have jeopardized millions in housing funding — which advocates say will strain an already fragile safety net >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
I went to a brass band performance and a future-of-George Floyd Square community meeting broke out
Okay, that’s not exactly it — but there is some news being made here tonight: the release of the grassroots group Community Visioning Council’s plan for the future of the intersection
Okay, that’s not exactly it — but there is some news being made here tonight: the release of the grassroots group Community Visioning Council’s plan for the future of the intersection
December 3, 2025 at 12:20 AM
I went to a brass band performance and a future-of-George Floyd Square community meeting broke out
Okay, that’s not exactly it — but there is some news being made here tonight: the release of the grassroots group Community Visioning Council’s plan for the future of the intersection
Okay, that’s not exactly it — but there is some news being made here tonight: the release of the grassroots group Community Visioning Council’s plan for the future of the intersection
Gopher football 🪓🪓🪓
November 29, 2025 at 11:58 PM
Gopher football 🪓🪓🪓
INTERACTIVE MAP >>
Before Minneapolis' election, Katie Cashman argued Ward 7 was only seen as a moderate stronghold because renter-heavy neighborhoods had rarely turned out in force.
Turnout did skyrocket in these wards — but it didn't save Cashman: www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Before Minneapolis' election, Katie Cashman argued Ward 7 was only seen as a moderate stronghold because renter-heavy neighborhoods had rarely turned out in force.
Turnout did skyrocket in these wards — but it didn't save Cashman: www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
November 7, 2025 at 6:02 PM
INTERACTIVE MAP >>
Before Minneapolis' election, Katie Cashman argued Ward 7 was only seen as a moderate stronghold because renter-heavy neighborhoods had rarely turned out in force.
Turnout did skyrocket in these wards — but it didn't save Cashman: www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Before Minneapolis' election, Katie Cashman argued Ward 7 was only seen as a moderate stronghold because renter-heavy neighborhoods had rarely turned out in force.
Turnout did skyrocket in these wards — but it didn't save Cashman: www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
How did the "Don't Rank Frey" slate strategy fare in 2025?
Just like in 2021, a lot of voters didn't play along.
~40% of Davis' 20k voters and 64% of Hampton's 15k voters did not rank Fateh
1/4 of Davis voters and 2/5 of Hampton voters ranked Frey 2nd
Full story >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Just like in 2021, a lot of voters didn't play along.
~40% of Davis' 20k voters and 64% of Hampton's 15k voters did not rank Fateh
1/4 of Davis voters and 2/5 of Hampton voters ranked Frey 2nd
Full story >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
November 5, 2025 at 10:36 PM
How did the "Don't Rank Frey" slate strategy fare in 2025?
Just like in 2021, a lot of voters didn't play along.
~40% of Davis' 20k voters and 64% of Hampton's 15k voters did not rank Fateh
1/4 of Davis voters and 2/5 of Hampton voters ranked Frey 2nd
Full story >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Just like in 2021, a lot of voters didn't play along.
~40% of Davis' 20k voters and 64% of Hampton's 15k voters did not rank Fateh
1/4 of Davis voters and 2/5 of Hampton voters ranked Frey 2nd
Full story >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
BREAKING: Jacob Frey has been re-elected mayor of Minneapolis.
Frey received 50% of the vote after second- and third-choices were reallocated — a stronger share of the vote than in 2021
Omar Fateh is the second-place finisher at 44.4% >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Frey received 50% of the vote after second- and third-choices were reallocated — a stronger share of the vote than in 2021
Omar Fateh is the second-place finisher at 44.4% >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Jacob Frey wins re-election as Minneapolis mayor
Frey won a deep-blue city on a moderate platform.
www.axios.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:41 PM
BREAKING: Jacob Frey has been re-elected mayor of Minneapolis.
Frey received 50% of the vote after second- and third-choices were reallocated — a stronger share of the vote than in 2021
Omar Fateh is the second-place finisher at 44.4% >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Frey received 50% of the vote after second- and third-choices were reallocated — a stronger share of the vote than in 2021
Omar Fateh is the second-place finisher at 44.4% >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
ST PAUL STUNNER: Kaohly Her has won the mayor's race, ousting @melvincarter.bsky.social just four months after entering the race
@kaohlyherformayor.bsky.social argued St. Paul City Hall is stuck in the doldrums — and the mayor's administration was the cause >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
@kaohlyherformayor.bsky.social argued St. Paul City Hall is stuck in the doldrums — and the mayor's administration was the cause >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Kaohly Her pulls off upset in St. Paul mayor's race
She'll be the first woman and first Hmong American mayor of St. Paul.
www.axios.com
November 5, 2025 at 6:18 AM
ST PAUL STUNNER: Kaohly Her has won the mayor's race, ousting @melvincarter.bsky.social just four months after entering the race
@kaohlyherformayor.bsky.social argued St. Paul City Hall is stuck in the doldrums — and the mayor's administration was the cause >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
@kaohlyherformayor.bsky.social argued St. Paul City Hall is stuck in the doldrums — and the mayor's administration was the cause >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
It’s Election Night!! Reporting for duty at @omarfatehmn.com’s party in a Seven Corners hotel ballroom, which is expected to fill quickly with supporters.
Here’s what we’re watching in Minneapolis and St. Paul >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Here’s what we’re watching in Minneapolis and St. Paul >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
November 5, 2025 at 2:22 AM
It’s Election Night!! Reporting for duty at @omarfatehmn.com’s party in a Seven Corners hotel ballroom, which is expected to fill quickly with supporters.
Here’s what we’re watching in Minneapolis and St. Paul >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Here’s what we’re watching in Minneapolis and St. Paul >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Voter No. 293 at Hancock Rec Center in St. Paul’s magnificent Midway
November 4, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Voter No. 293 at Hancock Rec Center in St. Paul’s magnificent Midway
Minneapolis mayoral candidate Omar Fateh has an idea for filling empty storefronts: When they're vacant, tax the landlord.
A look at "commercial vacancy taxes," which experts say could curb speculation (and gentrification) — but could also backfire on local biz >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
A look at "commercial vacancy taxes," which experts say could curb speculation (and gentrification) — but could also backfire on local biz >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Mayoral candidate's idea to fill empty shops: Tax the landlords
Downtown Minneapolis' retail vacancy rate is nearly 29% — twice the pre-pandemic level.
www.axios.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Minneapolis mayoral candidate Omar Fateh has an idea for filling empty storefronts: When they're vacant, tax the landlord.
A look at "commercial vacancy taxes," which experts say could curb speculation (and gentrification) — but could also backfire on local biz >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
A look at "commercial vacancy taxes," which experts say could curb speculation (and gentrification) — but could also backfire on local biz >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
One of Minneapolis' most successful homelessness prevention programs is not accepting new referrals, and could run out of money by next spring unless the mayor and City Council can agree on a rescue plan >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Minneapolis' model anti-homelessness program faces "fiscal cliff"
Mayor Jacob Frey has a plan to prop up Stable Homes Stable Schools — but it would cancel another anti-homelessness effort.
www.axios.com
October 14, 2025 at 9:17 PM
One of Minneapolis' most successful homelessness prevention programs is not accepting new referrals, and could run out of money by next spring unless the mayor and City Council can agree on a rescue plan >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
🗼 I arrived in Tokyo recently excited to try their legendarily efficient train system.
I left wowed by another mode of transit: its surprisingly safe streets.
Can Minnesota learn lessons from Japan’s war on traffic deaths? My reflection for @axios.com >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
I left wowed by another mode of transit: its surprisingly safe streets.
Can Minnesota learn lessons from Japan’s war on traffic deaths? My reflection for @axios.com >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
What Minnesota can learn from Japan about street safety
Most major U.S. cities, including Minneapolis, have struggled to reduce traffic deaths. Japan has all but eliminated them.
www.axios.com
October 3, 2025 at 4:07 PM
🗼 I arrived in Tokyo recently excited to try their legendarily efficient train system.
I left wowed by another mode of transit: its surprisingly safe streets.
Can Minnesota learn lessons from Japan’s war on traffic deaths? My reflection for @axios.com >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
I left wowed by another mode of transit: its surprisingly safe streets.
Can Minnesota learn lessons from Japan’s war on traffic deaths? My reflection for @axios.com >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
I recently returned from vacation in Tokyo, where I was excited to try Japan’s legendarily efficient train system.
I left wowed by another mode of transit: its surprisingly safe streets.
I reflected on whether lessons from Japan apply to Minnesota for @axios.com >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
I left wowed by another mode of transit: its surprisingly safe streets.
I reflected on whether lessons from Japan apply to Minnesota for @axios.com >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
What Minnesota can learn from Japan about street safety
Most major U.S. cities, including Minneapolis, have struggled to reduce traffic deaths. Japan has all but eliminated them.
www.axios.com
October 3, 2025 at 4:07 PM
I recently returned from vacation in Tokyo, where I was excited to try Japan’s legendarily efficient train system.
I left wowed by another mode of transit: its surprisingly safe streets.
I reflected on whether lessons from Japan apply to Minnesota for @axios.com >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
I left wowed by another mode of transit: its surprisingly safe streets.
I reflected on whether lessons from Japan apply to Minnesota for @axios.com >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
TODAY, the St. Paul City Council will take a key vote that could help kick off redevelopment of the former Hamm's Brewing complex
St. Paul Brewing — whose patio arguably made the complex a destination in the first place — argue the plan will kill their business >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
St. Paul Brewing — whose patio arguably made the complex a destination in the first place — argue the plan will kill their business >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
St. Paul Brewing sounds alarm over Hamm's site redevelopment
Council members are set to vote to rezone the property Wednesday, a major hurdle facing the redevelopment project.
www.axios.com
July 23, 2025 at 3:28 PM
TODAY, the St. Paul City Council will take a key vote that could help kick off redevelopment of the former Hamm's Brewing complex
St. Paul Brewing — whose patio arguably made the complex a destination in the first place — argue the plan will kill their business >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
St. Paul Brewing — whose patio arguably made the complex a destination in the first place — argue the plan will kill their business >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
These high school competitors proved themselves in the Twin Cities.
Now they're in Des Moines, hoping to once again dominate the National Speech & Debate Tournament — where Minnesotans have *cleaned house* since 2000
Fellow Minnesota Speech kids, this one's for you: www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Now they're in Des Moines, hoping to once again dominate the National Speech & Debate Tournament — where Minnesotans have *cleaned house* since 2000
Fellow Minnesota Speech kids, this one's for you: www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Minnesota students have owned this national speech and debate tournament for years
The next great voice in politics or pop culture? They just might be at the championships this week.
www.axios.com
June 18, 2025 at 1:27 PM
These high school competitors proved themselves in the Twin Cities.
Now they're in Des Moines, hoping to once again dominate the National Speech & Debate Tournament — where Minnesotans have *cleaned house* since 2000
Fellow Minnesota Speech kids, this one's for you: www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Now they're in Des Moines, hoping to once again dominate the National Speech & Debate Tournament — where Minnesotans have *cleaned house* since 2000
Fellow Minnesota Speech kids, this one's for you: www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
📢 Hey Minnesota parents: We should talk more about open enrollment!!!
Take Minnetonka Public Schools. Nearly 40% of its students live in other districts, but open-enroll in.
They're the most extreme example — but they're far from alone
Take Minnetonka Public Schools. Nearly 40% of its students live in other districts, but open-enroll in.
They're the most extreme example — but they're far from alone
May 29, 2025 at 7:24 PM
📢 Hey Minnesota parents: We should talk more about open enrollment!!!
Take Minnetonka Public Schools. Nearly 40% of its students live in other districts, but open-enroll in.
They're the most extreme example — but they're far from alone
Take Minnetonka Public Schools. Nearly 40% of its students live in other districts, but open-enroll in.
They're the most extreme example — but they're far from alone
The debate is about more than just street design — it's about who gets to shape the future of George Floyd Square.
🔎 PLUS: A closer look at the survey that's become a central point of contention at City Hall >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
🔎 PLUS: A closer look at the survey that's become a central point of contention at City Hall >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
The fight for the soul of George Floyd Square
Five years after Floyd's murder, debate remains about the future of the intersection where he died
www.axios.com
May 23, 2025 at 2:36 PM
The debate is about more than just street design — it's about who gets to shape the future of George Floyd Square.
🔎 PLUS: A closer look at the survey that's become a central point of contention at City Hall >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
🔎 PLUS: A closer look at the survey that's become a central point of contention at City Hall >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Today, the Justice Department moved to dismiss Minneapolis' federal consent decree for police reform — which a judge is still reviewing
MPD is already under a state-level court settlement
Here's how the agreed-upon federal reform plan is(/was?) more detailed >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
MPD is already under a state-level court settlement
Here's how the agreed-upon federal reform plan is(/was?) more detailed >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Comparing Minneapolis' federal, state police reform plans
The new federal oversight document does include some new requirements for MPD.
www.axios.com
May 21, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Today, the Justice Department moved to dismiss Minneapolis' federal consent decree for police reform — which a judge is still reviewing
MPD is already under a state-level court settlement
Here's how the agreed-upon federal reform plan is(/was?) more detailed >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
MPD is already under a state-level court settlement
Here's how the agreed-upon federal reform plan is(/was?) more detailed >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
St. Paul has rejoined Minneapolis on a growing list of major cities with sweeping tenant laws meant to protect high-risk renters
Landlord groups say parts of the new ordinance are "unworkable" >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Landlord groups say parts of the new ordinance are "unworkable" >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Renter protections return to St. Paul
New limits on landlords' actions are meant to protect tenants with the least housing security.
www.axios.com
May 14, 2025 at 3:20 PM
St. Paul has rejoined Minneapolis on a growing list of major cities with sweeping tenant laws meant to protect high-risk renters
Landlord groups say parts of the new ordinance are "unworkable" >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Landlord groups say parts of the new ordinance are "unworkable" >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
👀 < 🍩🍩
A search for the Twin Cities' best donut
My toughest assignment yet for the @axios.com newsletter >>
www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
A search for the Twin Cities' best donut
My toughest assignment yet for the @axios.com newsletter >>
www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
The Twin Cities' best doughnuts, according to Axios readers
We tried more than 30 of them just to make sure.
www.axios.com
May 9, 2025 at 4:29 PM
👀 < 🍩🍩
A search for the Twin Cities' best donut
My toughest assignment yet for the @axios.com newsletter >>
www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
A search for the Twin Cities' best donut
My toughest assignment yet for the @axios.com newsletter >>
www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
SCOOP: A fight over where to store St. Paul's garbage trucks almost halted citywide trash pickup.
Under City Council pressure to move the truck lot elsewhere, emails @axios.com obtained show Mayor Melvin Carter's staff has already rejected 3 other sites >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Under City Council pressure to move the truck lot elsewhere, emails @axios.com obtained show Mayor Melvin Carter's staff has already rejected 3 other sites >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Scoop: St. Paul officials rejected alternate trash truck sites
The dispute over where to keep garbage trucks nearly halted citywide trash collection this month.
www.axios.com
April 21, 2025 at 12:07 PM
SCOOP: A fight over where to store St. Paul's garbage trucks almost halted citywide trash pickup.
Under City Council pressure to move the truck lot elsewhere, emails @axios.com obtained show Mayor Melvin Carter's staff has already rejected 3 other sites >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Under City Council pressure to move the truck lot elsewhere, emails @axios.com obtained show Mayor Melvin Carter's staff has already rejected 3 other sites >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
In today's @axios.com Twin Cities newsletter >> A vibe check on St. Paul City Hall — and there's definitely some tension.
Some of it is legitimate disagreement over policy issues
But some of the friction is over process and workplace behavior www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Some of it is legitimate disagreement over policy issues
But some of the friction is over process and workplace behavior www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
St. Paul City Hall drama spills into public view
There are serious policy disagreements, but some of the tension is about process and workplace behavior.
www.axios.com
April 15, 2025 at 1:58 PM
In today's @axios.com Twin Cities newsletter >> A vibe check on St. Paul City Hall — and there's definitely some tension.
Some of it is legitimate disagreement over policy issues
But some of the friction is over process and workplace behavior www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Some of it is legitimate disagreement over policy issues
But some of the friction is over process and workplace behavior www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Tonight, the St. Paul City Council again deadlocked on selecting a new Ward 4 representative, which will in all likelihood will leave Mayor Carter to make the appointment
But most council members *did agree the appointment process was at least “clunky” and at worst untransparent
But most council members *did agree the appointment process was at least “clunky” and at worst untransparent
April 2, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Tonight, the St. Paul City Council again deadlocked on selecting a new Ward 4 representative, which will in all likelihood will leave Mayor Carter to make the appointment
But most council members *did agree the appointment process was at least “clunky” and at worst untransparent
But most council members *did agree the appointment process was at least “clunky” and at worst untransparent