Freepcast From The Free Press Media

On this week's episode, Free Press Managing Editor Joe Spear and Photo Editor Casey Ek detail reporter Mark Fischenich's recent chronicling of a slashing of fees for developers in Mankato. Plus, a new housing development may be in store for Good Counsel hill. 

On this week's episode reporters Brian Arola and Robb Murray discuss the explosion at the Blue Earth County Road 9 bridge, the wrongful death lawsuit stemming from the tragedy at Minneopa Falls, the closure of the Mankato Brewery and successful run Minnesota State's dance team had at nationals.

Photo Editor Casey Ek and reporter Holly Marie Moore offer a behind-the-scenes look at the convention. The pair also reflect on the stories, images and advertising efforts that earned The Free Press dozens of awards at the convention's Better Newspaper Contest.

On this week's episode of FreepCast, Joe Spear is joined by reporter Holly Marie Moore as they talk about Gov. Walz's visit to Mankato.

In this episode of FreepCast Managing Editor Joe Spear and Reporter Holly Marie Moore discuss the DFL boycott of the first day of the legislative session Monday, bonding bill projects and Maverick hockey.

In this episode of FreepCast Joe and Robb discuss the biggest stories of the week, including tree removal on Highway 22 between Mankato and St. Peter, a proposal for passenger train service between southern Minnesota and the Twin Cities, and the final departure of legendary coach Don Krusemark.

In this episode of FreepCast Managing Editor Joe Spear and writer Robb Murray discuss the spate of shootings in the Mankato area, North Mankato's tough stance on deer and the continued success of Maverick hockey.

In this episode, Managing Editor Joe Spear and photographer Casey Ek talk about the return of Dakota horse riders to Mankato's downtown as well as Ek's approach to photographing in the days leading up to the event. Spear also touches on recent murders in Mankato and other topics.

In this episode of FreepCast, Managing Editor Joe Spear and Photo Editor Casey Ek discuss news surrounding funding to relieve local homelessness, the two Dakota horseback rides coming to Mankato and Miss Minnesota's bid for Miss America.

In this episode Joe and Robb chat about Mankato's continued stray pets issue. We also talk about the sad, sad, sad news of Mankato Brewery closing, and the HUGE weekend for most of the active sports teams at MSU.

In this episde we take a deeper dive on what might happen to the Ardent Mills silos. We also delve into the sad story of a young man's death at Minneopa falls, and Minnesota State University's recent athletic dominance.

In this episode of FreepCast Managing Editor Joe Spear and reporter Robb Murray discuss the Ardent Mills sale and what will become of the silo mural. Also, more hockey! Both the men's and women's teams at MSU had great weekends.

John Brady, former Mankato mayor and current president of the board of directors at the Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society, stopped by chat about what's going on at BENCHS. A great conversation with a good dude.

Mental health coverage, a new manufacturing expansion and the local humane society troubles are featured topics in the latest episode.

In the journalism world, there's not bigger night than an presidential election. Managing Editor Joe Spear and photographer Casey Ek talk about covering the races as well as other news, including layoffs at KEYC and the story of a young boy who received a heart transplant.

On this episode of we take a deep dive on the elections with Blue Earth County's Mike Stalberger. Also, reporters Holly Marie Moore and Brian Arola join Managing Editor Joe Spear in a discussion about partisan groups influencing the non-partisan school board race. 

In this episode of FreepCast we've got special guest Free Press Sports Editor Chad Courrier. Chad takes us behind the scenes a bit on the annual Jug Game between Mankato East and West, and the special guest that brought heightened security to the game.

In this episode we discuss the continued love affair Mankato has with the beloved Dam Store. We also talk a bit about Mankato's new director of public safety.

In this episode of FreepCast we trumpet the return of the Dam Store to the site of the former Wagon Wheel restaurant in downtown Mankato. We also discuss the felony charges filed in the case of the dog that was shot in South Bend Township back in March, the highly anticipated decision on the hiring of the new director of public safety, and the city of Mankato making affordable housing a priority.

This week on FreepCast, we're doing something a little different.  Reporters Brian Arola and Robb Murray sat down with Ricky Necessary, Jr., an Ohio native who has lived in Minnesota for several years. His experience, struggles and nightmares with drug use are a cautionary tale. You won't want to skip this one, folks. This interview was part of our ongoing coverage of the fentanyl crisis and its impact on southern Minnesota.