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Kyle Stokes

@kystokes.bsky.social
3.1K followers 297 following 203 posts

Now: @Axios.com Twin Cities reporter | Then: MinnPost; NPR stations in LA (@laist.com), Seattle, Indiana | Alum: Mizzou Journalism

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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
A report from ICE suggests federal agents arrested more U.S. citizens during Operation Metro Surge than previously thought. ICE's report says prosecutors rejected 2/3 of their agents' claims that citizens had impeded/assaulted them. Reported first by @axios.com >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
axios.com
ICE reports arresting more U.S. citizens during Metro Surge
More citizens in Minnesota were caught in the immigration dragnet than previously thought.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Trees are really cool. But in the Twin Cities, we're losing tree cover. Some parts of the East Metro — including St. Paul — have lost ~30% of their canopy since 2013. BUT … the news is NOT all bad! Explore @axios.com's INTERACTIVE MAP of your city's tree health >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Lil neighborhood SCOOPlet: Yet another big chunk of St. Paul's Midway will soon be up for sale. Fairview's moving out of its huge empty admin campus on University Ave "Midway is clearly experiencing long-overdue change and investment," @mollycoleman.bsky.social says >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
axios.com
Fairview selling St. Paul Midway campus
It's another redevelopment opportunity for a neighborhood full of cranes.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Minneapolis mayor proposes job cuts, steep levy hike to counter budget gap www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
axios.com
Minneapolis mayor proposes steepest levy hike in recent memory
Years of generous salary increases and mounting inflationary pressures are beginning to overtake City Hall.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Scoop: In a private call with top officials, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her lashed at requests to delay a homeless encampment sweep. She attributed her anger to “fuckery” being said about her in public, 3 officials told @axios.com . One state rep logged off in frustration. www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
axios.com
Scoop: St. Paul's homelessness meeting with top officials went off the rails
Mayor Kaohly Her's controversial shift in homelessness policy comes as she faces a separate investigation.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
When Minnesotans speak today of living on "stolen land," the theft — and it really was a great swindle — took place 175 years ago today. The treaty that stripped Minnesota from the Dakota people, from this AM's @axios.com newsletter >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
axios.com
175 years ago today, this treaty stripped Minnesota from the Dakota
The 1851 treaty is the great double-cross that set Minnesota on its course to statehood.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Today, the Star Tribune is set to announce buyouts and layoffs that will shrink the newsroom by 15% Good stewardship of the Strib is a big reason the Twin Cities is a vibrant media market. The staff cuts are a reminder: There's no law that says we'll remain that way. www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
axios.com
Why Star Tribune layoffs matter beyond the newsroom
The cut threatens a key engine of local journalism in Minnesota.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
St. Paul's parks department has lifted its ban against a TikTok influencer who films his handouts to often-homeless people Josh Liljenquist says "the damage is done" I spoke with a handful of residents about their interactions with him >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
axios.com
St. Paul lifts park ban on TikToker Josh Liljenquist
The ban against @joshlilj had sparked widespread debate about the ethics of "kindness content."
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
An AI-powered local news network shut down after questions emerged about copied content on its local site in Virginia — and grew into a broader plagiarism scandal Story broken by my colleague at @axios.com Richmond >> www.axios.com/local/richmo...
axios.com
AI local news network shuts down after plagiarism found
Nota shut down its 11 sites after questions from Axios Richmond and Poynter about copied content.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
The Minneapolis City Council has voted 7-6 to delay buying a property city officials say is perfect for new public safety training facility to fulfill part of MPD's reform settlement Background >> www.axios.com/2026/03/24/m...
axios.com
Minneapolis training facility is a key test for police reform settlement
It could be the city's most painful lesson yet in what its police reform plan will cost.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
The Minneapolis City Council is taking a five-minute recess. Council Member @aurinmpls.bsky.social just said that she was called a "fucking child (direct quote)" by another CM while chairing a recent committee meeting.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Legally, MPD reform plan doesn't *require* building the all-new training facility on the City Council's agenda this week But practically, experts say the city is "pretty boxed in." It highlights a real debate about the costs and methods for police reform >> www.axios.com/2026/03/24/m...
axios.com
Minneapolis training facility is a key test for police reform settlement
It could be the city's most painful lesson yet in what its police reform plan will cost.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Breathtaking sums of donated money may be helping hold back a wave of eviction filings in the Twin Cities after the ICE enforcement surge A survey of 124 of those groups offers a sense of just how much mutual aid money was distributed… and it’s a LOT >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
axios.com
Donor cash helped Minnesota immigrants pay rent — now it's slowing
Advocates warn eviction risks could rise if state or local governments don't come through with aid.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
🥹🥹🥹 Johnny Gaudreau’s kids
Johnny Gaudreau’s kids
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
FanDuel Sports Net's parent company just gave notice it's laying off 20 Minneapolis-based employees FDSN broadcasts the Wild, Wolves and Lynx. It's been reported it might shut down if its parent company can't complete a sale. Layoffs are effective April 14 — the end of the NHL/NBA regular season
WARN 
MAIN STREET SPORTS GROUP
The State Rapid Response Team (SRRT) received a Federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, 29 U.S.C. § 2101 et seq. ("WARN") email from Main Street Sports Group, LLC (the “Company”) informing us of the closure and permanent layoff of approximately 20 employees from their facility located at:

800 LaSalle Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Per the WARN, the entire facility will close and all employees including those in remote positions will be impacted. The resulting action will occur during the 14-
day period beginning on April 14, 2026. 

Employees are not represented by ta union and therefore do not have bumping rights.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
This morning, @governorwalz.mn.gov announced he'll pitch #mnleg on a small business relief package with emergency loans. It's a COVID-era solution to businesses currently experiencing strains they're comparing to the height of the pandemic >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
axios.com
ICE surge gives Minnesota businesses pandemic flashbacks
Some businesses face conditions "as bad, if not worse" than COVID — but dim prospects for COVID-style aid.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Speaking now: @governorwalz.mn.gov is "cautiously optimistic" about news of federal drawdown in MN. BUT "they left us with deep damage, generational trauma … and many unanswered questions: Where are our children?" Where do the investigations into Good and Pretti shootings stand?
Gov. Tim Walz at a podium in an ornamented room
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
The wildest court record you will ever read, full stop ⤵️
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
I'm a journalist. Here's the story based on a ridealong I did >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c... My rapid response ridealong host and I talked through concerns beforehand. I agreed that certain details about communication wouldn't be included, nor would identities of other RR volunteers w/o consent.
axios.com
How Minnesota's rapid responders track ICE agents in real time
Observer group activities have become a central point of tension between the Trump administration and the state's elected leaders.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
At 3:45, the ICE watch network spotted ICE agents as they entered the neighborhood By 4, they knew their final destination By 4:15, 40+ people were in the streets What I saw on a ridealong with Minnesota "rapid responders" that have been tracking ICE's every move: www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
axios.com
How Minnesota's rapid responders track ICE agents in real time
Observer group activities have become a central point of tension between the Trump administration and the state's elected leaders.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
BREAKING: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey issues a statement saying he spoke with Trump today "The president agreed that the present situation cannot continue. Some federal agents will begin leaving the area tomorrow, and I will continue pushing for the rest involved in this operation to go."
MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- Today, Mayor Jacob Frey released the following statement after speaking with President Donald Trump over the phone:  

 

“I spoke with President Trump this afternoon and appreciated the conversation. I expressed how much Minneapolis has benefited from our immigrant communities and was clear that my main ask is that Operation Metro Surge needs to end. The president agreed that the present situation cannot continue.

  

Some federal agents will begin leaving the area tomorrow, and I will continue pushing for the rest involved in this operation to go.  

 

Minneapolis will continue to cooperate with state and federal law enforcement on real criminal investigations — but we will not participate in unconstitutional arrests of our neighbors or enforce federal immigration law. Violent criminals should be held accountable based on the crimes they commit, not based on where they are from. 

 

I will continue working with all levels of government to keep our communities safe, keep crime down, and put Minneapolis residents first. 

 

I plan to meet with Border Czar Tom Homan tomorrow to further discuss next steps.”
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Mayor Jacob Frey said Secretary Noem's suggestion that he set up "safe zones" for protests is unconstitutional: "The entire country is a safe zone" for free speech Also, he quipped: "Could you imagine *ME* telling *Minneapolis activists,* 'Hey guys. Just protest in this single park. Nowhere else.'"
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
"There’s an old Jewish phrase which goes… [a few lines of Hebrew*]… which is generally translates to, 'There’s nothing that brings two mayors together like a bullshit federal investigation." —Mpls Mayor Jacob Frey, on stage with St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her this morning
A large convention hall where Jacob Frey and Kaohly Her are onstage
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Canadian PM Mark Carney “ran the Bank of England. He ran the Bank of Canada. He's not a bomb-thrower. When someone like that says the old alliance is over — not pausing, not wobbling, over — that's a seismic marker.” www.axios.com/2026/01/21/d...
axios.com
Trump, AI at Davos: Living history — and the future
Trump, AI at Davos: Living history — and the future
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
BREAKING: A federal judge ordered ICE agents to stop retaliating against peaceful protesters and observers in Minnesota www.axios.com/2026/01/17/f...
axios.com
Federal judge bars ICE from retaliating against protesters in Minnesota
Six U.S. citizens who had encounters with ICE sued, seeking to rein in the agency's tactics.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
As Manny González of "Tortas" fame talked to @nickhalter.bsky.social from his kitchen, the sound of whistles could be heard just outside Midtown Global Market's doors as ICE agents walked by. "They just abducted another person," a market staff person said. www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
axios.com
At Midtown Global Market, constant ICE presence has chilled business
Immigrant-owned businesses say they're weeks from insolvency.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
Every modern use of the Insurrection Act has come either at a governor's request or to expand federal civil rights protections. Trump would flip that script, sending troops against a governor's wishes to crush protests of the federal government's own actions. www.axios.com/2026/01/15/t...
axios.com
Trump threatens Insurrection Act for Minnesota
The president warned he may deploy the military without state consent.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
Axios has video from the scene where federal agents fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis this AM. According to footage obtained by Axios' Nick Hatler, an SUV attempts to drive past several ICE vehicles — and the SUV does appear to strike an agent >> www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
axios.com
What we know about the ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis
Federal officials are engaged in what they call "the largest immigration enforcement operation ever" in the state.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 01/01/2026
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...
axios.com
Take: Make Minneapolis City Hall the Midwest's "Ball Drop"
NYE celebrations with clock towers are awesome, as Big Ben proves.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 26/12/2025
Facebook helpfully reminds of The Reason For The Season
A Facebook mobile notification that reads “Birthday is almost over. Jesus C’s birthday is today. You can still send a wish before the day wraps up.”
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
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
The critical areas of the amended agreement are:
• An amended source and duration for an emergency housing voucher program. With the
agreement of Hennepin County and the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, the City will
appropriate $1M per year for the next three years for an emergency housing vouchers pilot
program. This compromise will ensure we are able to operate the voucher pilot without laying
off hard working City employees and prevent a permanent $1 million cut to the Minneapolis
Police Department.
• Clarification on establishment of a non-fatal shooting task force. There is a shared
commitment to establish a non-fatal shooting task force. The amended language, as well the
attached memo from the City Attorney, clarifies that Council’s only role is to appropriate funds.
The Administration has the sole authority to establish a new Police Department task force, and
will do so in a way that will not strain already very limited staffing resources. An implementation
plan for this task force will be presented early next year, including required funding. Any
remaining, unneeded funds will then be released.
• An amendment on the earmark for civilian investigators. Removing the requirement that the
funds must be used for civilian investigators will make it easier for the Police Department to
investigate all crimes effectively.
This is not a perfect budget. In particular, I disagree with the more than $10 million in increased
spending and the sizable impact that it will have on property taxes in future years. I also have concerns
about how this budget may impact our ability to fully implement the reforms required under the
Settlement Agreement and Consent Decree.
However, I am committed to enacting this amendment budget agreement because it preserves core City
services, avoids layoffs, limits new ongoing spending, and largely reflects the shared responsibility we
have to govern responsibly. My administration will continue to work collaboratively with the Council for
…
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
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...
Minneapolis City Council AgendaAdjourned MeetingDecember 16, 2025 - 5:00 pm250 S. 4th St., Minneapolis, MN 55415Room 350, Public Service Center
Members: Council Members Elliott Payne (President), Aisha Chughtai (Vice-President), Robin Wonsley, Michael Rainville, LaTrisha Vetaw, Jeremiah Ellison, Jamal Osman, Katie Cashman, Andrea Jenkins, Jason Chavez, Emily Koski, Aurin Chowdhury, and Linea Palmisano
(Majority vote of all members, 7; 2/3 vote of all members, 9; quorum 7)
Clerk: Ken Dahler, (612) 673-2216
Call to Order
Roll Call.
Adoption of the agenda.
Unfinished Business
1. 2026 City Budget (2025-00901)
Considering amendments to the 2026 City Budget.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
After many bad puns, @katiecashman.bsky.social's proposal passes 11-1
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
"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.)
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
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...
axios.com
Downtown Minneapolis' public bathroom problem
For years, downtown boosters have acknowledged a lack of loos makes the area less welcoming.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
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...
axios.com
What Minneapolis spent on sidewalk shoveling pilots
They cost a fraction of the $595,000 budgeted, but expanding the programs remains a costly challenge.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
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...
axios.com
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.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
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...
axios.com
Homeless shelters face a bleak winter
With funding cuts looming and food costs rising, an early cold snap was just their first test.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
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
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 29/11/2025
Gopher football 🪓🪓🪓
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
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...
A chloropleth map of Minneapolis election results
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
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...
A Sankey diagram flow chart of Minneapolis' mayoral results showing Jacob Frey winning with significant portions of votes flowign from Dewayne Davis and Jazz Hampton to Frey
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
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...
axios.com
Jacob Frey wins re-election as Minneapolis mayor
Frey won a deep-blue city on a moderate platform.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
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...
axios.com
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.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
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...
Signs at the Omar Fateh election night partyA hotel ballroom with tv cameras and workers setting up a stage
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
Voter No. 293 at Hancock Rec Center in St. Paul’s magnificent Midway
Exterior of a polling place with people walking in and out
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
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...
axios.com
Mayoral candidate's idea to fill empty shops: Tax the landlords
Downtown Minneapolis' retail vacancy rate is nearly 29% — twice the pre-pandemic level.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
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...
axios.com
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.
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Kyle Stokes @kystokes.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
🗼 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...
axios.com
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.
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