Tom Lyden
Tom Lyden has covered, and uncovered, some of the biggest stories in the Twin Cities in the last 26 years. His reports have led to new laws, put criminals behind bars, led to a politician's resignation, and a governor's open hostility.
In the last few years, Tom has focused on in-depth reporting as part of the FOX 9 Investigators. He uncovered a religious cult operating in Minnesota who’s leader, Victor Barnard, sexually assaulted his underage followers. His reporting lead to an international manhunt for Barnard, resulting in his capture, conviction, and incarceration.
His reporting on the mysterious death of conspiracy filmmaker David Crowley was also featured in a full length documentary.
Tom is part of FOX 9’s “jump team” to cover news far from home. He’s brought home stories to Minnesota viewers from New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, the massacre at Virginia Tech, and the hunt for serial killer Andrew Cunanan in Miami.
Tom has won more than 20 Regional Emmy Awards, and five Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for his reporting.
Tom graduated from Lewis and Clark College (B.A. International Affairs) in Portland, OR., and he has a masters degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
He started his journalism career in newspapers at the Daily Star Progress in La Habra, CA.
Tom is an obsessive tennis fan and a moderately good player (3.8 USTA rating). He lives in Minneapolis with his husband, Fred.
The latest from Tom Lyden
Hennepin County trials to proceed Wednesday, backlog of 41 cases
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has decided not to appeal the case of two men awaiting trial, relieving a backlog of 41 defendants in jail awaiting trial.
Appeal could delay 41 trials in Hennepin County
Update: The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has decided not to appeal the case of two men awaiting trial, relieving a backlog of 41 defendants in jail awaiting trial.
Murder 3 back in Chauvin Trial, for now
Judge Peter Cahill reluctantly put the charge of Murder in the Third Degree back on the table Thursday for jurors in the trial of former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin. The Minnesota Court of Appeals left him little choice.
Jury selection not a side show, it’s the main event
With the world watching a live video feed of the proceedings on the 18th floor of the Hennepin County Government Center, selecting a jury to decide the fate of former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin might seem like tedious minutia setting the stage for the courtroom drama to come.
Delta 8: A legal 'Weed Light'?
The newest cannabis product showed up in Twin Cities smoke and vape shops last fall and has been selling out fast.
Sources: Federal grand jury looking into Derek Chauvin case
Sources familiar with the details and participants in the Derek Chauvin case say a federal grand jury has been meeting to look into civil rights violations by the former Minneapolis Police officer.
White riot: The threat from domestic violent extremism
As the political extremes have taken center stage in American life, domestic violent extremism has become the greatest threat to national security.
Jail suicides raise questions about mental health treatment behind bars
After he pleaded guilty to murdering his wife, the Hennepin County Jail seemed like the safest place for Joshua Fury, until it wasn't.
Glass Houses: Designer of IDS Center was Nazi sympathizer
Nearly 50 years ago, the IDS Center became the star of the Minneapolis skyline. At 57-stories it remains the city’s tallest building. For the man who designed it, architect Philip Johnson, it was also a breakthrough.
'I think she's playing possum': Woman's death one year later draws comparisons to George Floyd's
It was not the first time law enforcement was called to help Nekeya Moody during a mental health crisis, but it would be the last.