Kyle Stokes
@kystokes.bsky.social
Now: @Axios.com Twin Cities reporter | Then: MinnPost; NPR stations in LA (@laist.com), Seattle, Indiana | Alum: Mizzou Journalism
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...
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
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...
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
This all coincides with a resurgence of school segregation in the Twin Cities — and there’s some evidence that open enrollment is making the problem worse
A study of 2010 data found that white parents flocked in larger numbers to districts that were whiter than their own
A study of 2010 data found that white parents flocked in larger numbers to districts that were whiter than their own
May 29, 2025 at 7:28 PM
This all coincides with a resurgence of school segregation in the Twin Cities — and there’s some evidence that open enrollment is making the problem worse
A study of 2010 data found that white parents flocked in larger numbers to districts that were whiter than their own
A study of 2010 data found that white parents flocked in larger numbers to districts that were whiter than their own
On the other extreme is Minneapolis Public Schools.
MPS' overall enrollment has stabilized, but OPEN enrollment remains a huge drain. Students went to:
• Robbinsdale (971)
• Edina (856)
• Hopkins (754)
• Columbia Heights (710)
…and in smaller but still big #s elsewhere >>
MPS' overall enrollment has stabilized, but OPEN enrollment remains a huge drain. Students went to:
• Robbinsdale (971)
• Edina (856)
• Hopkins (754)
• Columbia Heights (710)
…and in smaller but still big #s elsewhere >>
May 29, 2025 at 7:27 PM
On the other extreme is Minneapolis Public Schools.
MPS' overall enrollment has stabilized, but OPEN enrollment remains a huge drain. Students went to:
• Robbinsdale (971)
• Edina (856)
• Hopkins (754)
• Columbia Heights (710)
…and in smaller but still big #s elsewhere >>
MPS' overall enrollment has stabilized, but OPEN enrollment remains a huge drain. Students went to:
• Robbinsdale (971)
• Edina (856)
• Hopkins (754)
• Columbia Heights (710)
…and in smaller but still big #s elsewhere >>
🗺️ In 13 out of 47 districts in the metro, at least 20% of the student body comes from open enrollment
WHY THIS MATTERS: State dollars follow students who open enroll
So each incoming student brings additional state funding to a district, and each student lost comes at a cost.
WHY THIS MATTERS: State dollars follow students who open enroll
So each incoming student brings additional state funding to a district, and each student lost comes at a cost.
May 29, 2025 at 7:26 PM
🗺️ In 13 out of 47 districts in the metro, at least 20% of the student body comes from open enrollment
WHY THIS MATTERS: State dollars follow students who open enroll
So each incoming student brings additional state funding to a district, and each student lost comes at a cost.
WHY THIS MATTERS: State dollars follow students who open enroll
So each incoming student brings additional state funding to a district, and each student lost comes at a cost.
📢 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
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
Well now I'm not so sure… Jost just tweeted this screenshot of the legislation, which lists her as the sponsor
March 28, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Well now I'm not so sure… Jost just tweeted this screenshot of the legislation, which lists her as the sponsor
@espn.com — not for the first time — calls the Minneapolis skyline “St. Paul.”
They actually had to **drive an additional distance** to earn this fuck-up
They actually had to **drive an additional distance** to earn this fuck-up
January 24, 2025 at 2:13 AM
@espn.com — not for the first time — calls the Minneapolis skyline “St. Paul.”
They actually had to **drive an additional distance** to earn this fuck-up
They actually had to **drive an additional distance** to earn this fuck-up
BONUS 🗺️: Our interactive map focused on the cities with the largest % growth — but here are the cities that will see a population growth of at least 10k
And according to the Met Council's latest forecast, the darker-shaded cities are projected to grow by at least 20k
And according to the Met Council's latest forecast, the darker-shaded cities are projected to grow by at least 20k
January 16, 2025 at 5:43 PM
BONUS 🗺️: Our interactive map focused on the cities with the largest % growth — but here are the cities that will see a population growth of at least 10k
And according to the Met Council's latest forecast, the darker-shaded cities are projected to grow by at least 20k
And according to the Met Council's latest forecast, the darker-shaded cities are projected to grow by at least 20k
🚨 TWIN SNOW EMERGENCIES >> St. Paul's takes effect at 9pm tonight
Tonight, don't park on streets with "NIGHT PLOW ROUTE" signs
Tomorrow, don't park on day plow routes (the streets *without* signs)
stpaul.gov/snow
Tonight, don't park on streets with "NIGHT PLOW ROUTE" signs
Tomorrow, don't park on day plow routes (the streets *without* signs)
stpaul.gov/snow
December 19, 2024 at 6:26 PM
🚨 TWIN SNOW EMERGENCIES >> St. Paul's takes effect at 9pm tonight
Tonight, don't park on streets with "NIGHT PLOW ROUTE" signs
Tomorrow, don't park on day plow routes (the streets *without* signs)
stpaul.gov/snow
Tonight, don't park on streets with "NIGHT PLOW ROUTE" signs
Tomorrow, don't park on day plow routes (the streets *without* signs)
stpaul.gov/snow
🚨 JUST IN >> Minneapolis declares a SNOW EMERGENCY — so move your cars!!
You know the drill:
* TONIGHT at 9p thru 8a Friday — restrictions begin
* TOMORROW from 8a-8p — parking limited on EVEN sides
* SATURDAY from 8a-8p — parking limited on ODD sides
www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-arou...
You know the drill:
* TONIGHT at 9p thru 8a Friday — restrictions begin
* TOMORROW from 8a-8p — parking limited on EVEN sides
* SATURDAY from 8a-8p — parking limited on ODD sides
www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-arou...
December 19, 2024 at 6:12 PM
🚨 JUST IN >> Minneapolis declares a SNOW EMERGENCY — so move your cars!!
You know the drill:
* TONIGHT at 9p thru 8a Friday — restrictions begin
* TOMORROW from 8a-8p — parking limited on EVEN sides
* SATURDAY from 8a-8p — parking limited on ODD sides
www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-arou...
You know the drill:
* TONIGHT at 9p thru 8a Friday — restrictions begin
* TOMORROW from 8a-8p — parking limited on EVEN sides
* SATURDAY from 8a-8p — parking limited on ODD sides
www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-arou...
BREAKING: The Minneapolis City Council just voted 9-4 to override Mayor Jacob Frey's veto of the city budget. Their spending plan is now in place
Frey had previously approved the levy increase the council proposed: 6.8% — still one of the largest in years, but lower than the 8.3% it might've been
Frey had previously approved the levy increase the council proposed: 6.8% — still one of the largest in years, but lower than the 8.3% it might've been
December 12, 2024 at 4:45 PM
BREAKING: The Minneapolis City Council just voted 9-4 to override Mayor Jacob Frey's veto of the city budget. Their spending plan is now in place
Frey had previously approved the levy increase the council proposed: 6.8% — still one of the largest in years, but lower than the 8.3% it might've been
Frey had previously approved the levy increase the council proposed: 6.8% — still one of the largest in years, but lower than the 8.3% it might've been
RIGHT NOW: Budget battle in St. Paul
If the council passes a budget with a 5.9% levy increase, @MayorCarter (who wants 6.9%) says the city would need to implement a hiring & spending freeze until it could assess the impacts — because it’s not clear what would need to be cut
If the council passes a budget with a 5.9% levy increase, @MayorCarter (who wants 6.9%) says the city would need to implement a hiring & spending freeze until it could assess the impacts — because it’s not clear what would need to be cut
December 11, 2024 at 9:06 PM
RIGHT NOW: Budget battle in St. Paul
If the council passes a budget with a 5.9% levy increase, @MayorCarter (who wants 6.9%) says the city would need to implement a hiring & spending freeze until it could assess the impacts — because it’s not clear what would need to be cut
If the council passes a budget with a 5.9% levy increase, @MayorCarter (who wants 6.9%) says the city would need to implement a hiring & spending freeze until it could assess the impacts — because it’s not clear what would need to be cut
INBOX: St. Paul school board members picked three finalists for their next superintendent’s job, including former MN Education Commissioner (and Boston supe) Brenda Casselius
Also finalists: current supes in Hopkins, Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed, and Edina, Stacie Stanley.
Also finalists: current supes in Hopkins, Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed, and Edina, Stacie Stanley.
December 6, 2024 at 12:25 AM
INBOX: St. Paul school board members picked three finalists for their next superintendent’s job, including former MN Education Commissioner (and Boston supe) Brenda Casselius
Also finalists: current supes in Hopkins, Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed, and Edina, Stacie Stanley.
Also finalists: current supes in Hopkins, Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed, and Edina, Stacie Stanley.
JUST NOW: By an 8-5 vote, the Minneapolis City Council has voted to throw the brakes on a plan to rebuild the streets through George Floyd Square.
They've directed city staff to instead explore building a pedestrian mall at the site of Floyd's murder.
They've directed city staff to instead explore building a pedestrian mall at the site of Floyd's murder.
December 5, 2024 at 5:47 PM
JUST NOW: By an 8-5 vote, the Minneapolis City Council has voted to throw the brakes on a plan to rebuild the streets through George Floyd Square.
They've directed city staff to instead explore building a pedestrian mall at the site of Floyd's murder.
They've directed city staff to instead explore building a pedestrian mall at the site of Floyd's murder.
NEW: Minneapolis City Council Member @emilykoskimpls.bsky.social is officially announcing her run for mayor right now
A way-too-early-[but is it really too early? probably not actually] look at how the 2025 race is shaping up >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
A way-too-early-[but is it really too early? probably not actually] look at how the 2025 race is shaping up >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
December 4, 2024 at 4:10 PM
NEW: Minneapolis City Council Member @emilykoskimpls.bsky.social is officially announcing her run for mayor right now
A way-too-early-[but is it really too early? probably not actually] look at how the 2025 race is shaping up >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
A way-too-early-[but is it really too early? probably not actually] look at how the 2025 race is shaping up >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Former longtime Council Member Jane Prince even made a cameo appearance to thank the current council for pushing for a smaller 5.7% levy increase
Carter wants a 7.2% increase, saying the trims the council wants would undercut the city's police and snow removal services
Carter wants a 7.2% increase, saying the trims the council wants would undercut the city's police and snow removal services
December 3, 2024 at 1:42 AM
Former longtime Council Member Jane Prince even made a cameo appearance to thank the current council for pushing for a smaller 5.7% levy increase
Carter wants a 7.2% increase, saying the trims the council wants would undercut the city's police and snow removal services
Carter wants a 7.2% increase, saying the trims the council wants would undercut the city's police and snow removal services
St. Paul is holding its final public hearing on its budget amid a tug-of-war with between the City Council and Mayor @melvincarter.bsky.social over the size of the tax increase
Some speakers here argue the city needs to limit its levy increases as overall property tax bills rise
Some speakers here argue the city needs to limit its levy increases as overall property tax bills rise
December 3, 2024 at 1:40 AM
St. Paul is holding its final public hearing on its budget amid a tug-of-war with between the City Council and Mayor @melvincarter.bsky.social over the size of the tax increase
Some speakers here argue the city needs to limit its levy increases as overall property tax bills rise
Some speakers here argue the city needs to limit its levy increases as overall property tax bills rise
As God is my witness, I just saw Charlie Brown & Linus walk into Rice Park.
Linus rapped his knuckle with a clang on this tree, which epitomizes the modern spirit.
“This really brings Christmas close to a person,” Linus said, none too convincingly.
Charlie nodded. “Fantastic.”
Linus rapped his knuckle with a clang on this tree, which epitomizes the modern spirit.
“This really brings Christmas close to a person,” Linus said, none too convincingly.
Charlie nodded. “Fantastic.”
December 2, 2024 at 11:59 PM
As God is my witness, I just saw Charlie Brown & Linus walk into Rice Park.
Linus rapped his knuckle with a clang on this tree, which epitomizes the modern spirit.
“This really brings Christmas close to a person,” Linus said, none too convincingly.
Charlie nodded. “Fantastic.”
Linus rapped his knuckle with a clang on this tree, which epitomizes the modern spirit.
“This really brings Christmas close to a person,” Linus said, none too convincingly.
Charlie nodded. “Fantastic.”
NBOX — Mayor Jacob Frey's campaign spokesperson:
"We … look forward to presenting voters with a clear choice between two contrasting visions for the future of Minneapolis. Mayor Frey's responsible leadership has helped the city recover while making critical progress"
"We … look forward to presenting voters with a clear choice between two contrasting visions for the future of Minneapolis. Mayor Frey's responsible leadership has helped the city recover while making critical progress"
December 2, 2024 at 9:59 PM
NBOX — Mayor Jacob Frey's campaign spokesperson:
"We … look forward to presenting voters with a clear choice between two contrasting visions for the future of Minneapolis. Mayor Frey's responsible leadership has helped the city recover while making critical progress"
"We … look forward to presenting voters with a clear choice between two contrasting visions for the future of Minneapolis. Mayor Frey's responsible leadership has helped the city recover while making critical progress"
"It’s getting harder to build our lives in Minneapolis. Mayor Frey and the status quo are failing Minneapolis residents."
—State Sen. @omarfatehmn.com announced his run for mayor today, officially joining a field of challengers hoping to unseat incumbent Jacob Frey in November 2025
—State Sen. @omarfatehmn.com announced his run for mayor today, officially joining a field of challengers hoping to unseat incumbent Jacob Frey in November 2025
December 2, 2024 at 7:45 PM
"It’s getting harder to build our lives in Minneapolis. Mayor Frey and the status quo are failing Minneapolis residents."
—State Sen. @omarfatehmn.com announced his run for mayor today, officially joining a field of challengers hoping to unseat incumbent Jacob Frey in November 2025
—State Sen. @omarfatehmn.com announced his run for mayor today, officially joining a field of challengers hoping to unseat incumbent Jacob Frey in November 2025