Kyle Stokes
@kystokes.bsky.social
Now: @Axios.com Twin Cities reporter | Then: MinnPost; NPR stations in LA (@laist.com), Seattle, Indiana | Alum: Mizzou Journalism
Just watched a bunch of coastal yokels lower a small ball from the top of a small building and call it a New Year’s celebration… YAWN www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Take: Make Minneapolis City Hall the Midwest's "Ball Drop"
NYE celebrations with clock towers are awesome, as Big Ben proves.
www.axios.com
January 1, 2026 at 5:12 AM
Just watched a bunch of coastal yokels lower a small ball from the top of a small building and call it a New Year’s celebration… YAWN www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Facebook helpfully reminds of The Reason For The Season
December 26, 2025 at 3:32 AM
Facebook helpfully reminds of The Reason For The Season
I'm not covering tonight's special council meeting — I'm at my other volunteer job — but a lot of the details will be revealed there
December 16, 2025 at 10:57 PM
I'm not covering tonight's special council meeting — I'm at my other volunteer job — but a lot of the details will be revealed there
In a letter memorializing the deal, Frey said he would sign the budget with the understanding the Council will amend it in their meeting starting in ~5 minutes
The deal they've reached "avoids layoffs" that were central to Frey's objections.
Background >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
The deal they've reached "avoids layoffs" that were central to Frey's objections.
Background >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Minneapolis council, mayor clash over staff cuts
A council coalition has very few chances left to flex its veto-proof majority over Mayor Jacob Frey before four incumbents leave office.
www.axios.com
December 16, 2025 at 10:57 PM
In a letter memorializing the deal, Frey said he would sign the budget with the understanding the Council will amend it in their meeting starting in ~5 minutes
The deal they've reached "avoids layoffs" that were central to Frey's objections.
Background >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
The deal they've reached "avoids layoffs" that were central to Frey's objections.
Background >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
JUST IN: After weeks of talks, Minneapolis' mayor & City Council leadership have reached an agreement on the $2 billion city budget
Mayor Frey and council budget chair @aishaforward10.com jointly announced a deal that resolves the big sticking points — especially earmarks to MPD spending
Mayor Frey and council budget chair @aishaforward10.com jointly announced a deal that resolves the big sticking points — especially earmarks to MPD spending
December 16, 2025 at 10:56 PM
JUST IN: After weeks of talks, Minneapolis' mayor & City Council leadership have reached an agreement on the $2 billion city budget
Mayor Frey and council budget chair @aishaforward10.com jointly announced a deal that resolves the big sticking points — especially earmarks to MPD spending
Mayor Frey and council budget chair @aishaforward10.com jointly announced a deal that resolves the big sticking points — especially earmarks to MPD spending
There have been real negotiations with both camps making concessions going back to at least when markup started, and I’m told they’re still going on
Not sure at this point where they’re still stuck; I knew where they were stuck as of last Thursday
Not sure at this point where they’re still stuck; I knew where they were stuck as of last Thursday
December 15, 2025 at 11:05 PM
There have been real negotiations with both camps making concessions going back to at least when markup started, and I’m told they’re still going on
Not sure at this point where they’re still stuck; I knew where they were stuck as of last Thursday
Not sure at this point where they’re still stuck; I knew where they were stuck as of last Thursday
Yes it could just be full public notice of the hearing, and I’ve been told not to read too much into the wording necessarily
But I also am told the talks are ongoing. So there’s that. Veto hasn’t happened yet.
But I also am told the talks are ongoing. So there’s that. Veto hasn’t happened yet.
December 15, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Yes it could just be full public notice of the hearing, and I’ve been told not to read too much into the wording necessarily
But I also am told the talks are ongoing. So there’s that. Veto hasn’t happened yet.
But I also am told the talks are ongoing. So there’s that. Veto hasn’t happened yet.
Well this is interesting: The Minneapolis City Council has set a special meeting Tuesday night to "consider amendments" to the city budget.
The Council approved it last week, but Mayor Jacob Frey has been weighing a veto. The mayor must sign or veto by Tuesday lims.minneapolismn.gov/agenda/Counc...
The Council approved it last week, but Mayor Jacob Frey has been weighing a veto. The mayor must sign or veto by Tuesday lims.minneapolismn.gov/agenda/Counc...
December 15, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Well this is interesting: The Minneapolis City Council has set a special meeting Tuesday night to "consider amendments" to the city budget.
The Council approved it last week, but Mayor Jacob Frey has been weighing a veto. The mayor must sign or veto by Tuesday lims.minneapolismn.gov/agenda/Counc...
The Council approved it last week, but Mayor Jacob Frey has been weighing a veto. The mayor must sign or veto by Tuesday lims.minneapolismn.gov/agenda/Counc...
sorry I miscounted … Jenkins was absent: *10-1
December 9, 2025 at 4:32 PM
sorry I miscounted … Jenkins was absent: *10-1
After many bad puns, @katiecashman.bsky.social's proposal passes 11-1
"I would hate TOI-LET this funding go to waste"
— @katiecashman.bsky.social at today's meeting, eliciting a deep GROAN from me watching remotely
(Council had to recess the meeting until tomorrow before they could pass it.)
— @katiecashman.bsky.social at today's meeting, eliciting a deep GROAN from me watching remotely
(Council had to recess the meeting until tomorrow before they could pass it.)
Downtown Minneapolis has a "leaking" problem: There aren't enough good spots to take one.
Later today, the City Council is set to vote on @katiecashman.bsky.social's solution: ongoing funding for public restrooms www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Later today, the City Council is set to vote on @katiecashman.bsky.social's solution: ongoing funding for public restrooms www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
December 9, 2025 at 4:24 PM
After many bad puns, @katiecashman.bsky.social's proposal passes 11-1
"I would hate TOI-LET this funding go to waste"
— @katiecashman.bsky.social at today's meeting, eliciting a deep GROAN from me watching remotely
(Council had to recess the meeting until tomorrow before they could pass it.)
— @katiecashman.bsky.social at today's meeting, eliciting a deep GROAN from me watching remotely
(Council had to recess the meeting until tomorrow before they could pass it.)
Downtown Minneapolis has a "leaking" problem: There aren't enough good spots to take one.
Later today, the City Council is set to vote on @katiecashman.bsky.social's solution: ongoing funding for public restrooms www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Later today, the City Council is set to vote on @katiecashman.bsky.social's solution: ongoing funding for public restrooms www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Downtown Minneapolis' public bathroom problem
For years, downtown boosters have acknowledged a lack of loos makes the area less welcoming.
www.axios.com
December 9, 2025 at 12:51 AM
"I would hate TOI-LET this funding go to waste"
— @katiecashman.bsky.social at today's meeting, eliciting a deep GROAN from me watching remotely
(Council had to recess the meeting until tomorrow before they could pass it.)
— @katiecashman.bsky.social at today's meeting, eliciting a deep GROAN from me watching remotely
(Council had to recess the meeting until tomorrow before they could pass it.)
Downtown Minneapolis has a "leaking" problem: There aren't enough good spots to take one.
Later today, the City Council is set to vote on @katiecashman.bsky.social's solution: ongoing funding for public restrooms www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Later today, the City Council is set to vote on @katiecashman.bsky.social's solution: ongoing funding for public restrooms www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Downtown Minneapolis' public bathroom problem
For years, downtown boosters have acknowledged a lack of loos makes the area less welcoming.
www.axios.com
December 8, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Downtown Minneapolis has a "leaking" problem: There aren't enough good spots to take one.
Later today, the City Council is set to vote on @katiecashman.bsky.social's solution: ongoing funding for public restrooms www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Later today, the City Council is set to vote on @katiecashman.bsky.social's solution: ongoing funding for public restrooms www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
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...
Instead of a pedestrian mall—or Minneapolis officials' preferred plan, which locks in the current layout—the CVC proposes:
- Leaving only one southbound lane of traffic open
- Turning the other lane into diagonal parking spaces
- Speedbumps, bollards, other traffic calming measures
- Leaving only one southbound lane of traffic open
- Turning the other lane into diagonal parking spaces
- Speedbumps, bollards, other traffic calming measures
December 3, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Instead of a pedestrian mall—or Minneapolis officials' preferred plan, which locks in the current layout—the CVC proposes:
- Leaving only one southbound lane of traffic open
- Turning the other lane into diagonal parking spaces
- Speedbumps, bollards, other traffic calming measures
- Leaving only one southbound lane of traffic open
- Turning the other lane into diagonal parking spaces
- Speedbumps, bollards, other traffic calming measures
Handouts going around: The City Council's call for further study on a pedestrian mall "provided critical time for the community to engage in a year long conversation on the viability of a pedestrian plaza in George Floyd Square" — but also acknowledges biz groups oppose it…
December 3, 2025 at 12:28 AM
Handouts going around: The City Council's call for further study on a pedestrian mall "provided critical time for the community to engage in a year long conversation on the viability of a pedestrian plaza in George Floyd Square" — but also acknowledges biz groups oppose it…
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 🪓🪓🪓
Upper deck corners were a little sparse. A lot of people hanging out on the concourse to get warm. Other than that, respectable crowd!
November 29, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Upper deck corners were a little sparse. A lot of people hanging out on the concourse to get warm. Other than that, respectable crowd!
lol no matter how you shade that district, there was no way it wasn't going to skew my color scale. Palmisano got 95% of the vote everywhere
November 7, 2025 at 7:42 PM
lol no matter how you shade that district, there was no way it wasn't going to skew my color scale. Palmisano got 95% of the vote everywhere
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...
Biggest celeb in this photo if confirmed!
November 6, 2025 at 3:03 AM
Biggest celeb in this photo if confirmed!
Is that former NPR host and MN alum Michele Norris in the background?
November 6, 2025 at 2:46 AM
Is that former NPR host and MN alum Michele Norris in the background?
Oh and FYI @joshmartinmpls.bsky.social on X explained my math here is inelegant/inaccurate — I think the basic ideas still hold but don’t go quoting these numbers or nothin
November 5, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Oh and FYI @joshmartinmpls.bsky.social on X explained my math here is inelegant/inaccurate — I think the basic ideas still hold but don’t go quoting these numbers or nothin