Sophie's Squad raising money for mental health support

A local organization is inviting the community out to run, walk, or tee it up to raise awareness for mental health. Sophie's Squad was founded in 2021 in honor of 14-year-old Sophie Wieland with the goal of removing the stigma of seeking mental health help for athletes. Sophie took her own life after struggling with mental health. This Saturday, the organization is hosting a 5k run/walk and golf tournament to raise money. Sophie's Squad Vice President Mike Lee joined the FOX 9 Morning news to talk about the upcoming events.

U of M freshmen move-in day

Freshmen at the University of Minnesota are on Day 2 of moving onto campus. This week will include activities, which are required for freshmen so they can get prepared for college and get to know the campus.

Eagan Food Truck Festival this weekend

The City of Eagan is inviting people to bring their appetites for a fun family-friendly event this weekend. Friday August 8th, they'll be hosting their annual Food Truck Festival. More than 20 vendors will be on hand to feed the masses at the Eagan Festival Grounds. The event runs from 4-9 p.m. Lauren Andrego caught up with organizers and vendors to see what people can expect.

MN law gives housing protections for service dog trainers

A Minnesota law approved this legislative session will give new housing protections for people with service animals in training. Among the changes, a person with a service dog in training will be granted the same access to housing accommodations as a person with a trained animal. A landlord is also not allowed to charge a tenant for a service dog in training. Landlords and homeowners associations can require a tenant to provide certification from the organization overseeing the training.

Catching up with Daniel & Taylor from Love is Blind

Daniel and Taylor Hastings fell in love through a wall on the Netflix series 'Love is Blind'. Five months after their wedding episode aired, the FOX 9 Good Day team caught up with them on their life post-reality TV and Daniel and Taylor showed off their adorable new puppy Sunny.

Senior Dances: Proving You're Never Too Old to Strut Your Stuff!

You're only as old as you think you are, and on the third Friday of every month Legion Outpost 225, in Forest Lake, puts on a senior dance to show how true that is. FOX 9 Photojournalist Jadon Lamphear took a trip to see what the dances are all about and to see how Seniors are finding connection through movement.

Inflation's impact on pet ownership

Inflation is impacting prices of everything, including pet care essentials. As prices rise, some pet owners are forced to make tough decisions when it comes to paying for groceries vs. paying for pet food and vet bills. The Animal Humane Society joined FOX 9 Good Day to talk about programs they have in place to help pet owners facing financial struggles

Air quality alert: How to help your pets

Air quality alerts from wildfires burning in Canada continue to impact parts of the U.S. It's not just humans impacted by the smoky air, our pets can feel the effects too. Dr. Eric Ruhland from the St. Paul Pet Hospital shares useful advice on how pet owners can navigate future air quality alerts that might pop up throughout the summer.

Golf tournament raising money for St. Jude

A local golf classic is back for its 16th year. The Dylan Witschen Golf Tournament remembers the life of Dylan Witschen while raising money for St. Jude Children's Hospital. In June of 2010, Witschen, a football player at Anoka High School, died of brain cancer. Before his death, he asked his family to raise money for the hospital that fought to save his life. His mother Debbie joined the FOX 9 Morning news to talk about the upcoming golf fundraiser. FOX 9's Tom Butler is emcee for the annual event.

Timberwolves music director talks fan hype

As the Minnesota Timberwolves look to close out the series against The Golden State Warriors tonight, fan excitement at Target Center will be at an all-time high. Kelly O'Connell caught up with the team's music director Tim Miller to see what goes into all the noises that play throughout the game.

Huddy?s Hike for SUDC Awareness

A local family is hoping to turn their loss into change and action. Last January, Sam and Ginna Henriksen lost their little boy Hudson. He was 18-months-old. He went to sleep and never woke up. He died from Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood or SUDC. SUDC is considered 5th leading category of death in kids ages 1-4, and yet very few people have ever heard of it. After Hudson?s death, the Henriksen?s launched an event in his memory. Huddy?s Hike is taking place Sunday, June 8 at Harriet?s Island in St. Paul. The event will feature music by the band, Yam Haus, a 1-mile walk, kids activities, a silent auction, food trucks and more.

Sensory classroom on wheels

A mobile sensory classroom is cruising the streets of the Twin Cities.Jenny Glickstein launched the SenseUp School, a mobile classroom for young children with sensory development needs. She is part of the Fraser Festival. It is returning to Saint Paul RiverCentre on Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. ? 1 p.m.

Low-cost vet care through AHS

The Animal Humane Society's largest fundraiser of the year is coming up on May 3rd. The Walk for Animals helps with AHS's mission to help animals in need. It also helps them with programs including low-cost vet care services. Dr. Graham Brayshaw joined the FOX 9 Morning News to chat about the programming and the upcoming walk.

Treasure Island Casino hosting playoff watch parties

Treasure Island Casino is hosting two watch parties Tuesday night as the Minnesota Wild and the Timberwolves continue their playoff run. Both watch parties feature live game broadcasts, complimentary food, drink specials and prize giveaways.

Kitten found after fire adopted by rescuer

The kitten was found in a field in Coon Rapids as first responders were responding to a grass fire at a homeless encampment. Coon Rapids Community Officer Eric Prindle brought the kitten to the Animal Humane Society in Coon Rapids were veterinarians weren?t sure if he would survive his injuries. Officer Prindle felt such a strong connection with the kitten, named JJ, he decided to adopt the cat after his original owner decided she could not properly care for his injuries.

Temporary pet housing through AHS

Ahead of the Walk For Animals, the Animal Humane Society joined Fox 9 Good Day to chat about one of their important programs. AHS offers temporary pet housing for those in short-term crisis. Temporary pet housing helps individuals experiencing extended hospital stays, a sudden change in their living situation, family emergencies, and more.

Children's Theatre sexual abuse survivors share stories in film

A film documenting sexual abuse in the 70s and 80s at The Children's Theatre Company is making its film debut in Minneapolis. Magic & Monsters features stories of survivors breaking their silence. The film is directed by Norah Shapiro. It's being shown as part of the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival.

Roseville's role in the board game realm

Minnesota is home to Asmodee North America, a leader in the board game publishing and distribution industry. Asmodee?s catalog of games includes more than 3,000 titles. The board game industry saw renewed interest during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and companies including Asmodee continue to thrive.