In this episode, we let Joe talk about his retirement after 75 years at The Free Press. Listen, kid, ol’ Joe’s been runnin’ this newsroom since ink came in buckets! They say he’s got printer’s ink in his veins — and decaf coffee in his arteries! Guy edits copy like a surgeon with a hangover. Clean, precise, and somehow, someone still ends up in traction! Back in my day, the boss didn’t need no Google Docs — he just yelled your rewrite across the room and hoped you were fast enough to duck the typewriter ribbon! Y’know, I once saw Joe take a five-word lede and turn it into a three-part series. Now that’s journalism, sweetheart. They say he’s so old-school, his spellcheck’s a Webster’s from 1912. The man still thinks AP Style stands for Always Panic. Every time he says, ‘Let’s keep it tight,’ a feature writer loses their wings.

On this episode Managing Editor Joe Spear and Features Editor Robb Murray discuss Minnesota State University's big news, how local colleges and universities might be thinking about the threat of gun violence, and a new facility being built for youth wrestlers.

In this episode we bring in Mike Lagerquist for the vacationing Joe Spear. Mike and reporter Robb discuss the slate of theatrical productions at area colleges (and a deepish dive on Pete Bloedel, his heart attack, and his son taking the helm of Theater Physics in his absence). We also get into the cool new big thing MSU announced Wednesday.

In this episode Joe Spear and Robb Murray talk about the odd disclaimer that greeted a Joe Tougas & Associates gig, the opening of Mankato's first dispensary selling recreational cannabis, and the legendary JUG — the traveling trophy between Mankato's two public high schools — heads EAST after 20 years in the west.

Joe and Robb reflect on the recent political assassination of Charlie Kirk while expressing the desire for a collective cooling of political temperatures.

Plus, the pair discuss new costs at the Rapidan Dam site, a daycare expansion and more.

Finally, Joe sits down with Free Press Sports Editor Mitch Vosburg as they preview the upcoming Kato Jug game.

A Free Press deep dive into police incidents at the College Town apartments in Mankato, a tragic fire that claimed the lives of two children and an update on local football were among the topics discussed on the latest episode of FreepCast.

In this episode, Joe Spear and Robb Murray talk about a group brawl at the College Town apartment complex. They also get into the case of a St. Peter Police Department officer who ran a stop sign and smashed into a passing motorist.

On this episode we get to know Mitch Vosburg, the new sports editor with a great back story.