@wccoradio news reporter, prep sports play-by-play broadcaster, Iowa native.
Articles by Mark Freie
MSHSL esports pilot season signals growth, opportunity
An esports pilot season approved by the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) over the summer is opening the door to competitive video gaming one day becoming an official league activity. The pilot season, which gets underway with preseason competition on Dec. 7, is part of an approved partnership model with North Dakota-based esports provider Fenworks. In 2025, 77 Minnesota schools took part in the Fenworks esports league.
A random drawing Monday night will determine the new Spring Lake Park mayor
A random drawing Monday night will determine the new Spring Lake Park mayor. Incumbent Robert Nelson and challenger Halyn Roth tied in last Tuesday's election. City Administrator Daniel Buchholtz says a canvassing board will first look to see if there are any voting errors that could sway votes toward either candidate. "A voter sometimes will make a mistake on their ballot, cross out one name and fill in the oval for another, where the machine will count that as an overvote," explains Buchholtz.
Measles cases on the rise in Minnesota with Todd County seeing by far the largest outbreak
Measles cases continue to climb across Minnesota, echoing a pattern seen across a number of U.S. states. The Minnesota Department of Health report earlier this week that there are now 122 confirmed cases of measles since mid-September. Todd County has seen the biggest outbreak this year, with 115 total cases, including 58 confirmed cases just in the last week due to what health officials say is a widespread lack of vaccination.
Republican Rep. Brad Finstad calls for recount in 1st Congressional District in tight race
Republican Representative Brad Finstad is planning for a recount in Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District. Unofficial results from Tuesday show Finstad trailing Democratic challenger Jake Johnson by just 321 votes. The race is close enough to qualify for a publicly funded recount under state law, which has to be requested by the losing candidate within 48 hours of the canvassing board meeting. The State Canvassing Board meets to officially certify the election results on November 19.
Highway 610 in the north metro now named in honor of Melissa and Mark Hortman
Highway 610 in the north metro is now officially the "Hortman Memorial Highway," honoring late Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. The couple were killed in 2025, a political assassination by the convicted killer Vance Boelter. Their son, Colin Hortman, spoke at Thursday morning's dedication ceremony. "This highway means a lot to me," he said at Thursday's dedication.
Spring Lake Park mayor's race ends in a tie - and the winner may be decided by a coin flip
Spring Lake Park's mayoral race appears to be headed for a coin flip after both candidates tied in Tuesday's election. Incumbent mayor Robert Nelson received 1,401 votes - and so did challenger Halyn Roth. "Just a lot of disbelief that a race like this could end up in a tie," says Spring Lake Park City Administrator Daniel Buchholtz. As for what's next, Buchholtz says votes will be canvassed next Monday, and if there's no change?
New reports suggests two federal immigration enforcement operations caused widespread harm across Minnesota
Two federal immigration enforcement operations caused widespread harm across Minnesota, according to a preliminary report released over the weekend. The Minnesota Truth Council, formed by Governor Tim Walz (D), says that Operation Metro Surge and Operation PARRIS disrupted families, schools, healthcare access, and the state's overall economy. That includes an estimated $244 million in lost wages in Minneapolis and St. Paul alone, over the course of three months this last winter.
Two out-of-state, conservative online influencers charged for impersonating voters during primary
Two out-of-state, conservative online influencers, have been charged in Hennepin County for impersonating voters during the August 11 primary. 42-year-old James O’Keefe and 26-year-old Cam Higby are accused of disguising themselves in an attempt to highlight Minnesota's vouching laws during primary voting. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty says both men illegally used names of registered Minnesota voters to identify themselves.
Behind the Ballot: Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District
As Election Day starts to take shape, WCCO Radio is going Behind the Ballot focusing on a number of key races and issues facing voters on November 3, including the race for U.S. House Minnesota District 2 featuring two well-known names from the Minnesota Senate. While the race may not be drawing the same level of national attention and financial backing compared to previous years, Republican Eric Pratt, a four-term Minnesota state senator, believes there is still a lot at stake.
Klobuchar, Demuth spar in final gubernatorial debate
Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth and Democratic U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar squared off in what was likely their final gubernatorial debate on Wednesday night in Rochester, marking their second debate of the week ahead of the November 3 election. Demuth and Klobuchar went back and forth on a variety of topics including fraud, affordability, healthcare, gang violence, and gun safety.
St. Paul school board pushes layoff vote to next week
The Saint Paul school board voted unanimously Tuesday night to delay a vote focused on midyear layoffs that would affect 16 English learner teachers as the district faces a nearly $5 million budget shortfall. Saint Paul Public Schools attributed the deficit to hundreds of immigrant students not returning to school following Operation Metro Surge. Superintendent Stacie Stanley said the district enrolled over 500 fewer English learners than expected this year.
St. Paul school board to vote on midyear staffing cuts
St. Paul school leaders plan to vote Tuesday on whether or not to pursue midyear layoffs as Saint Paul Public Schools deals with declining enrollment as a result of Operation Metro Surge, ongoing immigration policies, and a decline in families settling down in the area. More than a dozen teachers who work with English Learners could lose their jobs when the second quarter begins on November 13.
Possible "space object" found in western Minnesota cornfield
Authorities in west-central Minnesota say possible space debris was discovered in a cornfield earlier this week. Deputies with the Stevens County Sheriff's Office were called Wednesday afternoon to the field in Scott Township were a large, metallic object, approximately 11-feet in diameter was discovered.
MDH: Measles cases on the rise across two Minnesota counties
25 measles cases have been reported since mid-September in two unrelated clusters in Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Health which said Thursday that all of the individuals sickened by measles in recent weeks were unvaccinated. Nineteen of the newly reported measles cases were reported in Todd County, with the other six cases reported in Fillmore County. "Given how contagious measles is, the case count will very likely grow in the days and weeks ahead.
DOJ sues St. Paul over mask ban, ID requirement for feds
A lawsuit filed Thursday by the Department of Justice against the City of St. Paul seeks to block local ordinances barring federal agents from wearing masks and requiring them to visibly display their agency names on their uniforms. The St. Paul City Council passed the ordinances in mid-February after White House border czar Tom Homan announced the end of Operation Metro Surge, which brought thousands of ICE and Border Patrol agents to the Twin Cities.
St. Paul to study impact of autonomous rideshare vehicles
St. Paul City Council President Rebecca Noecker is pushing a new effort for the city to study driverless rideshare vehicles, like Waymo and Tesla's Cybercab, before the technology arrives on city streets. The St. Paul City Council unanimously passed a resolution Wednesday directing the city's planning commission to study the potential impacts autonomous rideshares could have on safety, data-sharing, and worker protections.
MPS board nixes 2027-28 school closure plan
The Minneapolis Public Schools board reversed course and unanimously passed a resolution on Tuesday night that will save 16 schools from being closed in the 2027-2028 school year as part of a Transformation Plan. Over the last several weeks that included seven public meetings, board members along with Superintendent Lisa Sayles-Adams heard strong opposition to the plan which was set to be voted on in November.
Minnesota regulators continue to investigate rising utility rates
Today marked the first of three session hosted by Minnesota regulators investigating rising gas and electric rates Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says rising utility rates severely impact households are already struggling to get by financially "On the residential side, an increased utility bill could be a minor thing for some households," says Ellison, "but for so many others, It means foregoing essentials, food, transportation, important things." Minnesotans are being asked to...
Wild's Nico Sturm hospitalized after taking puck to the head
Minnesota Wild forward Nico Sturm was taken to the hospital on Monday night after being struck on the side of his helmet by a shot from captain Jared Spurgeon during the first period of the Wild's 4-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. Grand Casino Arena fell silent as Sturm fell to the ice and was evaluated, with many thinking of defenseman Brock Faber who suffered a skull fracture from getting hit in the ear by a shot in a September 25 preseason game.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey taps interim MPD chief Bill Peterson to permanently lead the department
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has tapped interim Minneapolis Police Chief Bill Peterson to permanently lead the Minneapolis Police Department. Peterson has served the Minneapolis Police Department for 30 years and was selected in May to lead MPD shortly after Chief Brian O'Hara resigned amid findings he interfered in an ongoing sexual misconduct investigation. Peterson initially stated he didn't want the permanent job.
Minneapolis police officer fires a weapon at 16-year-old during a carjacking pursuit
A Minneapolis police officer fired a weapon Thursday during an armed carjacking pursuit involving a 16-year-old. That boy was taken into custody Thursday just before 5:00 p.m. in South Minneapolis near West 31st Street and Grand Avenue South following an carjacking spree that involved that armed teen. That car's driver drove away and the teen then stole another car. Police tracked the car to Pleasant Avenue where it made contact with a MPD squad car, and that's when an officer opened fire.
Eden Prairie Police arrest 18-year-old in connection to Somali gang shooting at homecoming game
Eden Prairie police arrested an 18-year-old man Thursday in connection to last week's shooting at the Eden Prairie High School homecoming football game that injured two teens. That arrest happened around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday at the intersection of Highway 55 and Penn Avenue in Minneapolis. He's currently being held without bail at the Hennepin County jail on probable cause second-degree assault. An 18 and 17-year-old were both injured in the shooting related to Somali gangs in the Twin Cities.
Community members demanding a crackdown after spikes in violence tied to Somali gangs
Twin Cities residents continue to demand an immediate safety crackdown following a recent spike in crime involving Somali youth. A packed crowd once again filled Edina City Hall Tuesday night where public comments mainly focused on local gun violence. Edina resident Steve Clausen detailed a series of incidents he and his family have witnessed in the community over the last year, ranging from a vehicle break-in, to an assault at a school parking lot.
Law enforcement agencies face significant challenges arresting, prosecuting Somali gang members
The Twin Cities has seen an increase in gun violence tied to Somali youth gang members. That includes a shooting at the Eden Prairie homecoming football game last Friday, and calls for more action at a gun violence community meeting in Edina following incidents there in recent months. There's been yet another shooting, this time in Bloomington overnight Monday with just a minor injury, but signs point to more gang activity.
Calls for unity and accountability during a gun violence community meeting in Edina
There was fear, and anger, but also calls for unity and accountability during Monday night's gun violence community meeting in Edina. Edina Police Chief Todd Milburn outlined a timeline of the response to local gun violence during a community gathering amid calls for more accountability. Milburn addressed a packed City Hall detailing all of the incidents that have led up to the most recent shooting on September 22 at Our Lady of Grace Church, where police recovered 55 spent cartridge casings.
Edina Police looking for answers after Tuesday's shooting outside Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church
Edina's police chief is speaking out after Tuesday's shooting outside Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Edina police chief Todd Milburn says concerns are growing about a number of recent incidents in the city, and he specifically points towards incidents with Somali teenagers. "For the second time in recent months, Somali teens and young adults have been the targets of or have had some level of responsibility for shootings in community gathering places," Chief Milburn said.
Gophers have their hands full with another dual-threat QB in late-night game against the Washington Huskies
The Gophers football team begins conference play late on Saturday night, and they'll do it on the road against the 3-0 Washington Huskies. It's definitely going to be a challenging environment, especially for many Gopher players that have yet to play a Big Ten opponent, according to head coach PJ Fleck. "I think those first three games taught us a lot, especially the SEC game against Mississippi State," Fleck explains.
Roseville police are asking the public for help after a kidnapping and assault that took place Wednesday
Roseville police are asking the public for help after a kidnapping and assault that took place on Wednesday. A woman reported to police that a masked man with a gun approached her around 5pm Wednesday as she left a business near County Road C and East Snelling Service Drive in Roseville. She was eventually released several hours later on the east side of St. Paul and was treated at the hospital.
Nonprofit responsible for sending $100 million to fraudsters settles with Minnesota Attorney General
A nonprofit responsible for sending $100 million to fraudsters has reportedly reached a settlement with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, Partners in Nutrition will hand over $18.5 million to the Minnesota Department of Education, which paid out the funds as part of a federal meals program for needy children during the pandemic era. That money will then get returned to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Renee Good's mother renewed calls for accountability after daughter's shooting by ICE agents
The mother of Renee Good, the woman shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, renewed calls for accountability in the federal government as she testified on Capitol Hill. Donna Genger says she initially believed in President Trump's immigration policy. "I voted for President Trump under the impression that these agents were here to protect the citizens of the United States, innocents like our family, and the others here against terrorists," she explained.
Minnesota Lynx lose to Fever, clinch No. 1 playoff seed
Despite a 96-77 loss to Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on Thursday night, there was still room to celebrate off the court for the Minnesota Lynx as they clinched the top-seed in the WNBA Playoffs and home court advantage thanks to an overtime loss by the Golden State Valkyries to the Portland Fire.
Bird flu appears to be expanding in Minnesota
Bird flu appears to be expanding in Minnesota. That is according to data from the Board of Animal Health. Three outbreaks were reported from September 10 through the 15 impacting over 118,000 birds, including at a pair of turkey operations in Big Stone and Becker County. There was also some reported and at a poultry breeder in Otter Tail County.
Blaine police officer recovering after being thrown from a vehicle during a chaotic DWI arrest
A Blaine police officer is out of the hospital and recovering after being thrown from a vehicle during a chaotic DWI arrest on Monday. The Blaine Police Department says officers responded to a crash around 2:30 p.m. near Jefferson Street and Northtown Drive and were told the vehicle had been driving erratically before the crash. Officers noticed signs of impairment on the driver, who then defied orders, re-entered his vehicle, and reversed.
New Richland recovering after weekend flooding
New Richland city administrator Tyler Lendt says the city is coming together after widespread flooding over the weekend impacted 80% of the homes in the city and forced evacuations from the New Richland Care Center.
Sexual harassment investigation into St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her reportedly complete
There are several reports Friday morning that an outside investigation into the conduct of St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her is complete after allegations of sexual harassment. The investigation stems from complaints filed against Mayor Her earlier this year by St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry. Chief Henry was reportedly notified Thursday that the investigation was finished, but no other details, or results of the investigation, were shared.
Are airline issues lurking ahead of one of Minnesota's busiest travel weekends?
Some airline issues may be lurking and that is due to issues with now Allegiant-owned Sun Country, and a lack of competition for Delta, which uses MSP as one of its main hubs. Minnesotans trying to get away for MEA break in October may quickly notice those familiar Sun Country flights aren't flying out of MSP as much. The budget airline has been a local favorite, especially for those warmer-weather destinations, for decades.
MPD staffing numbers continue to be far too low with overtime costs raising tension with City Council
The City of Minneapolis continues a search for a new chief of police, and questions continue to be raised about staffing numbers, and spiraling overtime budgets for the department. For his part, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says the department has seen historic interest from individuals wanting to join the police department which has struggled mightily to fill its ranks since COVID, and the George Floyd unrest of 2020.
ICE agent Christian Castro arrested in Minneapolis
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent who was charged after shooting and injuring a Venezuelan immigrant during Operation Metro Surge and then lying about the incident is was taken into custody on Wednesday in Minneapolis. Christian Castro, 52, was taken into custody around 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
MPD releases bodycam footage from deadly apartment shooting
Newly released body camera video shows the moments Minneapolis police officers encountered a gunman during a deadly September 2 mass shooting inside a Minneapolis apartment complex. The videos, which come with a viewer discretion warning, were released by the City of Minneapolis and show four different perspectives, including that of Officer Joseph Michnowski, who was shot twice in the stomach.
MPS plan could close more than a dozen schools
As many as 16 Minneapolis schools face potential closure as part of a "transformation plan" unveiled Tuesday night by Minneapolis Public Schools as the district looks to address dwindling enrollment and a nearly $40 million budget deficit. Tuesday's meeting brought strong reactions from the crowd in attendance as Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) officials detailed three proposals—opting to label potential closures as schools being "unprogrammed" instead of closed.
Farmers face significant head winds this fall harvest thanks to high fuel costs and dry conditions
Harvest season is slowly getting underway. In Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, farmers face significant head winds this fall. That includes record-high diesel prices and a summer that lacked moisture, heading into an El Nino winter. "Diesel fuel is a concern," says University of Minnesota Extension Educator Dave Nicolai.
Inver Grove Heights avoids multi-million dollar lawsuit, makes exception to their moratorium on data centers
Inver Grove Heights taxpayers are off the hook when it comes to allowing a new, multi-million dollar lawsuit despite a recently approved data center moratorium. During a Monday evening meeting, the Inver Grove Heights city council approved a plan to exclude data center developer Qlevr from the one-year moratorium after it sued the city. The city passed a one-year data center moratorium back in June.
Vikings rally to beat Packers, lose starting QB, in week one
It wasn't the debut the Minnesota Vikings had hope for from starting quarterback Kyler Murray, who left the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium, but the team did rally in the second half to beat Green Bay 39-22 behind newly named backup quarterback Carson Wentz. Murray, who signed a one-year deal with the Vikings in March, suffered a concussion during a third-and-7 scramble in the first quarter.
Allina Health hospice nurses launch strike in the wake of what they call 'unbearable working conditions'
Represented hospice nurses at Allina Health have officially begun a seven day strike following prolonged contract negotiations over staffing demands, overtime pay, and holiday compensation. "We are exhausted for our patients," says Allina Hospice RN case manager Abby McDonald. "We are exhausted for ourselves, and we are exhausted for our families. When we work on Christmas, there's no holiday pay, none whatsoever.
Remembering 9/11: Minnesota Memorial Stair Climb honors fallen first responders
It was a solemn and respectful morning in Eagan, Minnesota during the first annual Minnesota 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb to honor first responders. It came 25 years after the tragic terrorist attacks killed nearly 3,000, including over 300 firefighters.
New forward Jonathan Kuminga introduced to Minnesota Timberwolves fans Thursday at Target Center
The new starting power forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves was officially introduced to the media Thursday. While the deal's been done for a while now, Jonathan Kuminga didn't arrive in Minnesota until earlier this week. Kuming, now 24, calls the decision to join the Timberwolves the best decision he's ever made.
Couple who pleaded guilty for their roles in Feeding our Future fraud sentenced in Federal Court Wednesday
A couple who pleaded guilty for their roles in the $250 million Feeding our Future fraud scheme learned their sentences Wednesday in federal court. 42-year Mekfira Hussein and 45-year-old Abduljabar Hussein both pleaded guilty last year to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The Shakopee couple operated phony meal distribution sites and received nearly $9 million in federal funds, which they used to pay off their home mortgage and buy luxury vehicles.
Minnesota nursing home workers are getting a pay raise
Minnesota nursing home workers are getting a pay raise starting Thursday. The state's minimum wage standards received federal approval last month, meaning thousands of workers will get new hourly wage floors across four job categories. DFL State Representative Esther Agbaje told Vineeta Sawkar on the WCCO Morning News that it's been a long time coming.
One person injured during a shootout near the Mall of America Wednesday
One person was injured during a mid-afternoon shootout Wednesday about a half-mile from the Mall of America. Police were called to an apartment building around 1:40 p.m. near American Boulevard and 30th Avenue on a report of two groups shooting at one another. Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges says two groups were shooting at one another.
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