Trish Van Pilsum is an in-depth and investigative reporter for FOX 9 News.
She is best known for her work related to driving safety. Currently several of her reports, including "Room to Live" and "Kids, Cars and Country Roads," are part of the curriculum of drivers' education programs throughout the country.
For her reports she has driven a car through the ice, crawled, through fire, learned to drive a school bus, a semi truck and a motorcycle and has driven a coach bus while sleep deprived. She also trained as a boxer.
Her highest impact investigations were into legislators drinking on-duty at the Minnesota State Capitol. She has also exposed Medicare fraud, dangerous consumer products and political corruption.
Before coming to FOX 9, Trish worked at WCCO-TV for 18 years. She has won numerous reporting awards including two national Edward R. Murrow Awards, two national Gracie Allen Grand Prize Awards and two dozen regional Emmy Awards.
Reporter, FOX 9 InvestigatorsTrish Van PilsumMore>>
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:06 AM EDT2013-05-22 13:06:36 GMT
Those who are addicted to heroin and prescription pain pills often need methadone to help cut their cravings during treatment. Some need it every day, and taxpayers pick up the multi-million dollar tab for transit.
Those who are addicted to heroin and prescription pain pills often need methadone to help cut their cravings during treatment. Some need it every day, but the FOX 9 Investigators found taxpayers are picking up the multi-million dollar tab for transit.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 10:03 PM EDT2013-05-16 02:03:51 GMT
The FOX 9 Investigators get lots of tips about contentious divorces and custody battles, but parent alienation brings out a big question: Could you lose your kids by turning them against your ex?
The FOX 9 Investigators get lots of tips about contentious divorces and custody battles, but parent alienation brings out a big question: Could you lose your kids by turning them against your ex?
Wednesday, May 8 2013 10:15 PM EDT2013-05-09 02:15:08 GMT
Putting his life on the line for a local charity that helps children around the world, Richard Lett will cross the Atlantic Ocean in a one-man sailboat in just a few months.
He is putting his life on the line for a local charity that helps children around the world, and Richard Lett will cross the Atlantic Ocean in a one-man sailboat in just a few months. Trish Van Pilsum talked to him about that journey -- and the adventure, romance and royal connections involved.
Tuesday, April 30 2013 2:02 AM EDT2013-04-30 06:02:46 GMT
The popularity of tattoos is growing, and that has the state of Minnesota looking for a little help enforcing its tattoo regulations -- and the FOX 9 Investigators found out they need it.
The popularity of tattoos is growing, and that has the state of Minnesota looking for a little help enforcing its tattoo regulations -- and the FOX 9 Investigators found out they need it.
Tuesday, April 16 2013 10:10 PM EDT2013-04-17 02:10:00 GMT
A former Minneapolis man who has been terrorizing women throughout his life has pleaded guilty to second-degree intentional murder charges in the death of his girlfriend.
A former Minneapolis man who has been terrorizing women throughout his life has pleaded guilty to second-degree intentional murder charges in the death of his girlfriend.
Thursday, March 21 2013 10:09 PM EDT2013-03-22 02:09:36 GMT
One local man's vision means you and your children could be in a music video that will help honor and help millions of families -- including children with special needs.
One local man's vision means you and your children could be in a music video that will help honor and help millions of families -- including children with special needs.
Wednesday, February 27 2013 11:00 PM EST2013-02-28 04:00:25 GMT
Think about the feeling of holding a sleeping baby and then imagine being able to give that sense of comfort to others. That's exactly what a Minnesota family that specializes in making babies does.
Think about the feeling of holding a sleeping baby and then imagine being able to give that sense of comfort to others. That's exactly what a Minnesota family that specializes in making babies does.
Tuesday, February 26 2013 8:02 AM EST2013-02-26 13:02:18 GMT
Stearns County investigators say they wondered whether Matthew Feeney -- a prominent Twin Cities talent scout and convicted sex offender -- could have been connected to Jacob Wetterling's disappearance.
One week after the FOX 9 Investigators uncovered some shocking admissions from Matthew Feeney -- a prominent Twin Cities talent scout and convicted sex offender, investigators say they also wondered whether he could have been connected to Jacob Wetterling's disappearance.
Thursday, February 21 2013 10:09 PM EST2013-02-22 03:09:56 GMT
Is your child's school drug-free -- and what is reasonable to make sure it is? Many districts are turning to drug-sniffing dogs in an effort to keep campus clean of narcotics.
Is your child's school drug-free -- and what is reasonable to make sure it is? Many districts are turning to drug-sniffing dogs in an effort to keep campus clean of narcotics, but that's raising concerns about students' rights.
Tuesday, February 19 2013 12:55 PM EST2013-02-19 17:55:31 GMT
Matthew Feeney was a prominent talent agent when he was charged with molesting two boys who were his clients. He claims he did nothing wrong, but Feeney's own words paint a startling picture.
Matthew Feeney was a prominent talent agent when he was charged with molesting two boys who were his clients. He claims he did nothing wrong, but the FOX 9 Investigators found Feeney's own words paint a startling picture.
Thursday, February 14 2013 8:55 AM EST2013-02-14 13:55:13 GMT
Many people turn to the Internet to get reviews on restaurants before deciding to dine there, but some local complaints about Yelp.com have some expressing reservations about using the site.
Many people turn to the Internet to get reviews on restaurants before deciding to dine there, but some local complaints about Yelp.com have some expressing reservations about using the site.
Friday, November 16 2012 1:05 PM EST2012-11-16 18:05:35 GMT
He's Brittani Senser's manager and a big party promoter, but Roy Belfrey also owns Integrated Nursing & Health Services Inc, which has struggled to pay workers who care for sick and elderly people.
He's Brittani Senser's manager and a big party promoter, but Roy Belfrey also owns a separate business called Integrated Nursing & Health Services Inc, which uses taxpayer dollars to care for sick and elderly people.
Monday, November 12 2012 1:39 PM EST2012-11-12 18:39:33 GMT
Silica sand has created a swirling sandstorm of controversy. Since much of it is located in Minnesota and Wisconsin, local residents fear that mining to get at the sand could tear up local landscapes.
Silica sand has created a swirling sandstorm of controversy. Since much of it is located in Minnesota and Wisconsin, local residents fear that mining to get at the sand could tear up local landscapes.
Thursday, November 8 2012 10:11 PM EST2012-11-09 03:11:40 GMT
Most parents talk to their children about the dangers of smoking, but many will probably be surprised to know that the FOX 9 Investigators have learned a growing trend in tobacco is even luring pre-teens.
Most parents talk to their children about the dangers of smoking, but many will probably be surprised to know that the FOX 9 Investigators have learned a growing trend in tobacco is even luring pre-teens.
Monday, November 5 2012 8:07 AM EST2012-11-05 13:07:29 GMT
Minnesota's central lakes area has always been treasured by those who love to swim and fish, but large hog farming operations from Iowa are now eyeing that part of our world.
Minnesota's central lakes area has always been treasured by those who love to swim and fish, but large hog farming operations from Iowa are now eyeing that part of our world.
Thursday, November 1 2012 10:13 PM EDT2012-11-02 02:13:25 GMT
When it comes to the world of police officers, partners come and go -- but when one as loyal as Officer Todd Black's partner, Jack, has to leave the force early, everyone feels the loss.
When it comes to the world of police officers, partners come and go -- but when one as loyal as Officer Todd Black's partner, Jack, has to leave the force early, everyone feels the loss.
Thursday, November 1 2012 11:13 AM EDT2012-11-01 15:13:35 GMT
Did you know it is illegal to pass on the right if there is not a designated turn lane for you -- and that trying to do it anyway can be deadly?
You're stopped behind a line of traffic. The right shoulder beckons, as if saying, 'Just go around them." But passing on the right is illegal and has been the wrong move more times than state safety folks realized until the FOX 9 Investigators started checking.
Wednesday, July 18 2012 9:16 PM EDT2012-07-19 01:16:55 GMT
For years a building in Litchfield housed a Mexican restaurant until owner Denny Rutledge decided to renovate the building last fall, tearing out floor tiles that were potentially full of asbestos.
For years a building in Litchfield on Highway 12 housed a Mexican restaurant until owner Denny Rutledge decided to renovate the building for new tenants last fall, tearing out floor tiles that were potentially full of asbestos.
Monday, July 9 2012 6:36 PM EDT2012-07-09 22:36:19 GMT
Mothers always hope their children will grow up safely and make a difference in the world, and one Minnesota mom has five sons did who that by becoming soldiers.
Mothers always hope their children will grow up safely and make a difference in the world, and one Minnesota mom has five sons did who that by becoming soldiers.
Wednesday, May 23 2012 2:01 AM EDT2012-05-23 06:01:59 GMT
Do you believe in happy endings? Jennifer Silvera was a young mother when her husband, a Lino Lakes police officer, died trying to stop a fleeing suspect on the freeway five years ago -- but that never shook her faith.
Do you believe in happy endings? Jennifer Silvera was a young mother when her husband, a Lino Lakes police officer, died trying to stop a fleeing suspect on the freeway five years ago -- but that never shook her faith.
Wednesday, May 16 2012 8:51 PM EDT2012-05-17 00:51:12 GMT
Kids with Angelman Syndrome have developmental challenges, speech problems and seizures. Despite the difficulties, they continue to smile -- and that is the remarkable thing about angel children.
Kids with Angelman Syndrome have developmental challenges, speech problems and seizures. Despite the difficulties, they continue to smile -- and that is the remarkable thing about angel children.
Thursday, May 10 2012 1:45 PM EDT2012-05-10 17:45:16 GMT
Four months after a woman died after being struck by a car in a crosswalk, a Twin Cities family finally feels they're being heard now that Carver County officials are admitting questions went unasked during
Four months after a woman died after being struck by a car in a crosswalk, a Twin Cities family finally feels they're being heard now that Carver County officials are admitting questions went unasked during the death investigation.
Wednesday, May 9 2012 1:18 PM EDT2012-05-09 17:18:49 GMT
The next time you go drinking at a local bar, you maybe able to measure your breath alcohol content before getting behind the wheel thanks to a Minnesota-made device that is similar to what a police officer
The next time you go drinking at a local bar, you maybe able to measure your breath alcohol content before getting behind the wheel thanks to a Minnesota-made device that is similar to what a police officer would use when pulling over a suspected drunken driver.
Thursday, May 3 2012 3:25 PM EDT2012-05-03 19:25:45 GMT
Most dog owners consider their four-legged friend a cherished family member, which is why it's heart-breaking when your normally docile dog gets injured in an unexpected fight. The FOX 9 Investigators
Most dog owners consider their four-legged friend a cherished family member, which is why it's heart-breaking when your normally docile dog gets injured in an unexpected fight. The FOX 9 Investigators examined dog-on-dog attack reports across the metro.
Tuesday, May 1 2012 11:47 PM EDT2012-05-02 03:47:46 GMT
Ask Minnesota State Trooper Gordan Shank what's so special about him and he'll say he's just a country boy from Ohio. He is as modest as he is hard-working, but his fellow officers call him a drunk magnet. In
Ask Minnesota State Trooper Gordan Shank what's so special about him and he'll say he's just a country boy from Ohio, but he's earned Mothers Against Drunk Driving's Rookie of the Year award and his coworkers call him a "drunk magnet."
