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
'We’re in a race': Minnesota scrambles as feds shift vaccine strategy
Federal officials shifted the nation’s vaccine strategy on Tuesday, eight days before President-Elect Joe Biden is to take office, saying states should begin vaccinating older adults over 65 and those with documented pre-existing conditions.
Hidden pandemic in Minnesota’s assisted living facilities: More regulation coming, but when?
Jack Bogenreif’s daughter-in-law, Kerry, came to check on him every day while he lived in assisted living.
MAD DADS leader accused of harassment
For more than 20 years, VJ Smith has been a foot soldier in the battle against violent crime in Minneapolis as leader of the nonprofit group MAD DADS.
Business that ‘doesn’t exist’ gets PPP loan
If you went only by the pictures promoting her business ventures, Kim Singh looked like a woman on top of her game.
Minnesota police explore BolaWrap as possible less lethal alternative
It looks like something Batman might carry on his utility belt: a device that shoots an eight-foot Kevlar rope that captures a suspect from a distance of 10 to 25 feet.
After the Harvest: Farmers face an uncertain future despite bountiful harvests
For Minnesota farmers, it seems no good yield goes unpunished.
During livestream, Sheriff Fletcher chases stolen car, which violates St. Paul police policy
On Wednesday night, Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher was on patrol in the City of St. Paul during his "Live on Patrol" livestream, when he took over a stolen car chase for St. Paul Police who were unable to continue under department policy.
Strangers in the night; UFOs, drones or government surveillance?
A couple miles from Flying Cloud Airport, in a quiet neighborhood, an Eden Prairie man saw a light in the sky last May, the curiosity became an obsession.
The truth is out there: UFO Sightings up this year
There has been a significant increase in sightings of UFO’s in 2020, both here in Minnesota and across the nation, according to groups who track such events.
Excited Delirium dilemma: Explanation or excuse for in-custody deaths?
During the excruciating nine minutes that George Floyd laid face-down on the asphalt, with former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin’s knee on his neck, there is a critical and insightful moment.