FreepCast

The NEW FreepCast, Episode 12 - Prison talk

In the latest episode of FreepCast Free Press Managing Editor Joe Spear and reporters Brian Arola and Robb Murray discuss the heinous crime and severe sentencing in a recent domestic and sexual assault case.
The case, which Arola covered for The Free Press, concluded with a prison sentence of 48 years — longer than any recent case with similar charges.
Also discussed in this episode were the fate of the Judson Bottom Road and the deluge of comments on political stories.

The NEW FreepCast, Episode 11 — The world is watching 'Kato, election coverage

In this episode of FreepCast, Managing Editor Joe Spear and reporters Holly Marie Moore and Robb Murray discuss the continuing saga of Mankato's favorite son, Tim Walz. Also discussed: recently published and upcoming election coverage.

The NEW FreepCast, Episode 10 — The writing was on the Walz! Plus, cameras in the courtroom

On this episode of FreepCast we talk about the only thing anyone's talking about this week: the ascension of our humble coach, teacher, National Guardsman, congressman, governor and now vice presidential candidate: the affable Tim Walz.
We also get the inside scoop from photographer Casey Ek on what it's like to photograph a dramatic court hearing.

The NEW FreepCast, Episode 9 — Walz-ing his way to VP?

On this episode we talk about what everyone seems to be talking about: the possibility of Tim Walz being tapped as a vice presidential candidate.
We also talk about Bernie Sanders' upcoming visit to Mankato Friday as well as the upcoming sentencing for a vehicular manslaughter case in Mankato.

The NEW FreepCast, Episode 8-The Dam, the murder, and the photographer

The latest episode of FreepCast, featuring Free Press Managing Editor Joe Spear, photographer Casey Ed and writer Robb Murray, is now available.
This episode discusses the latest news including the homicide in North Mankato, the relocation of the Dam Store to the former Wagon Wheel Restaurant site, North Mankato Fun Days and more.

The NEW FreepCast, Episode 7-Meet Calli Hadler!

In the latest episode of The Free Press' podcast, "FreepCast," summer intern Callie Hadler talks about being the new kid covering the biggest story to hit the region in years.
Hadler, a journalism student from the University of Minnesota, had only been part of the newsroom for a few weeks when she was told to help cover a story that wound up on the national news: the floods and the crisis at the Rapidan Dam.
Hadler, who is from Annandale, also talks with hosts Joe Spear and Robb Murray about why she chose to get into journalism and the challenges her generation face in a world with seemingly unending waves of negative news.

The NEW FreepCast, Episode 6 — The Fentanyl Crisis

The latest episode of FreepCast features Managing Editor Joe Spear and reporter Brian Arola discussing the growing crisis of fentanyl use.
Fentanyl-related deaths have grown steadily the last few years, and Arola has been the reporter called upon most to cover that story.
In this episode, Spear and Arola discuss recent cases that have involved fentanyl use or sale, as well what's being done in the community to solve the problem, including the widespread use of drug Narcan, which can, in some cases, reverse the fatal effects of an opioid overdose.
They also discuss an upcoming Free Press series based on the fentanyl crisis.

The NEW FreepCast, Episode 5 — More flood! When will it end???

Free Press Managing Editor Joe Spear and writer Robb Murray discuss yet another week of covering the wettest summer in years. Also covered: What's coming up for Mankato Magazine, which is now in its 20th year.

The NEW FreepCast, Episode 4 - The Dam

Free Press newsroom employees Tim Krohn, Brian Arola, Casey Ek and Robb Murray talk about covering the biggest story this community has seen in a while: The potential failure of the Rapidan Dam.

The NEW FreepCast, Episode 3

In this week's episode, Joe and Robb discuss some of the most interesting news of the week including racist messages left on a Mankato resident's car, the soon-to-be-open Tourtelotte Park pool and the retirement of local radio guy Mike Sullivan.