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
FOX 9 Presents: The Last Harvest
For the last eight months, FOX 9 has been talking to farmers in every corner of their state for the "Last Harvest." This has been a harvest that will be remembered, and not fondly. The wettest year on record in Minnesota brought historically low yields. A trade war with China created a roller coaster of commodity prices. And farmers continue to struggle with an economic system that encourages small farm operations to get bigger, while going deeper into debt.
Out of time
Minnesota farmers lament the age-old feeling that time is running out at their local farms.
Going, going, gone: A farm family's last resort
The story the Bratsch family's farm is a kind of cautionary tale from the heartland: of choices made, chances taken, and the fickle whims of weather.
Speed: Canterbury Park race horses exposed to methamphetamine
The Minnesota Racing Commission levied fines and suspensions against horses that tested positive, but a FOX 9 investigation shows human methamphetamine use could be the culprit for the positive tests.
North Minneapolis riverfront project: If you build it, will Beyonce come?
Everyone involved with planning the Upper Harbor Terminal development in North Minneapolis agrees the project will be important for generations to come, but there are major disagreements on what the final project should include.
Former Wisconsin DA who harassed women facing charges reprimanded by Minnesota Supreme Court
The Minnesota Supreme Court is reprimanding a former Wisconsin District Attorney after a FOX 9 investigation found he sexually harassed women who were facing criminal charges.
Parents struggle to pay out of home placement, state spends $10 million to collect $3 million
Michelle’s son played hockey and raced motocross. He was from all accounts a normal teenager, but then something happened his parents never expected.
Green Acres: Minnesota farmers get $1 billion in subsidies, but checks also go to 'city slickers'
Minnesota farmers have collected more than a billion dollars in federal farm subsidies since the beginning of the trade war. Along with expected disaster aid and crop insurance, farm subsidies in Minnesota could reach a record $2 billion.
A serial arsonist and his vanishing rap sheet
When serial arsonist Alan Enger was sentenced for his fifth arson last July, he got what most would consider a pretty good deal: 90-days in the county workhouse.
The New Normal: Climate change poses challenges for Minnesota farmers
It’s been a year like none other for Minnesota farmers.