Matt Belanger
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Emmy-winning news anchor and occasional radio personality 🇺🇸🇨🇦🏳️🌈 @KSTP @mytalk1071 More: m.facebook.com/MattBelangerTV/
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Articles by Matt Belanger
SCSU acting president announces financial recovery plan, potential job cuts
The university is going to try to address a massive budget deficit. New details are shedding light on how St. Cloud State University (SCSU) will try to address a massive budget deficit, and the university’s acting president has started to lay out plans on how deep the cuts will go. He wrote that last year, SCSU had an $18 million operating loss, and is projected to lose another $5 million this year.
American Lung Association launches mask campaign
Photo: KSTP. The American Lung Association is launching a "Buy Two, Give Two" campaign in which for every two face masks purchased, two more will be donated to those in need. Matt Belanger Updated: July 22, 2020 06:09 AM Created: July 22, 2020 05:56 AM Like most nonprofits, the American Lung Association is being hit hard by the pandemic seeing fewer donations. But at the same time, the group's work has never been more important, and the ALA has launched a $25 million COVID-19 Action initiative.
Try The White Sands Highball By Matt Belanger Bartenders At Home
Thank you to the House of Suntory for partnering with Half Full and sponsoring this Bartenders At Home cocktail video. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “The flavor of Suntory Toki™ pairs so well with refreshing drinks, including classic Highballs, Sours and Gimlets, as well as with coconut, pineapple and other tropical flavors. I was attempting to bring those two worlds together in something that would be easy to replicate at home.” When would you serve this drink?
State leaders to announce guidance on graduation ceremonies Friday
Photo: KSTP. Josh Skluzacek & Matt Belanger Updated: May 08, 2020 05:38 AM Created: May 07, 2020 05:12 PM Friday, Minnesota state leaders are expected to provide guidance for schools on conducting graduation ceremonies amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
National unemployment numbers expected to release, Minnesotans feeling frustrated
Photo: AP Photo/David Goldman. The dining section is closed off at East Side Pockets, a small restaurant near Brown University, Wednesday, March 25, 2020, in Providence, R.I. President Donald Trump wants the country open for business by mid-April, but some experts warn it's not as easy as flipping a switch: Economies run on confidence, and that is likely to be in short supply for as long as coronavirus cases in the United States are still rising.
Fight for Air Climb to raise money for lung cancer research, awareness
Updated: January 08, 2020 05:54 PM "National Take the Stairs Day," on Wednesday, encouraged people to — as it sounds — take the stairs instead of escalators and elevators. It's an effort to get people to better their health. The day comes exactly one month before an event in Minneapolis, where people will climb the stairs of an office tower to support a good cause. Hundreds of people will climb 31 floors at U.S. Bank Plaza on Feb.
New food hall open in Minneapolis' North Loop neighborhood
Updated: December 16, 2019 06:29 PM There's a new food option in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis. The North Loop Galley opened its doors in the Nordic Building on Washington Avenue. The food hall, which has four full service restaurants and a bar, seats 200. The restaurants include SoulFu, Wrecktangle Pizza, Thigh Times Birdhouse and Ono Hawaiian Plates. Click the video box above for the full story.
Columbia Heights Public Schools honored with CMA grant, celebrity visit
Updated: November 20, 2019 06:12 PM A north metro school district received a big check and a big honor after being selected as one of four schools across the country to be honored by the County Music Association Foundation. The Foundation honored Columbia Heights Public Schools, giving the high school a $34,500 grant to strengthen its art program. The group also hosted an event for students Wednesday at the school with the award-winning country stars from Old Dominion.
Soldier surprises sister at Blaine school after serving overseas for 10 months
On Friday, with a little help from Blaine High School, Whipps got the chance to surprise her sister, who had no idea she was home. Before the surprise, Whipps told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS she was nervous to see her sister after so long. "Coming back right before the holidays is extra emotional, I suppose," Whipps said. The 20-year-old from Ham Lake was gone for almost a year and acknowleged that a lot can happen in that amount of time.
Minnesota leads in lung cancer survival rate, behind in critical scans
Photo: KSTP Updated: November 13, 2019 05:47 PM The American Lung Association's "State of Lung Cancer" report, which was made public Wednesday, shows Minnesota has one of the best survival rates in the country. But, it also shows only a small number of Minnesotans who are eligible for a lifesaving scan that can catch lung cancer early have actually had the scan done. "You don't feel it. It doesn't cause pain.
Why We Give: Matt Belanger on the American Lung Association
Updated: November 01, 2019 07:14 PM It's November, and this month at 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS, we want to focus on giving. Every day until Thanksgiving, we're highlighting a charity that has impacted each of our lives and why we give. Connect with KSTP Join the conversation on our social media platforms. Share your comments on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.
Exhibitors show off latest medical technology at Minneapolis Convention Center
Updated: October 24, 2019 06:25 PM Hundreds of exhibitors showing off the latest medical technology filled the Minneapolis Convention Center for a two-day show this week. From synthetic cadavers to robotic assistants and even 3-D printers that can replicate the bones and tissues inside of your body – thousands of attendees got face-to-face with cutting-edge products.
Former Iraqi interpreter for National Guard recites Pledge of Allegiance at Trump rally
Updated: October 11, 2019 07:05 PM A local man who had the opportunity to meet and shake hands with President Donald Trump Thursday night said it's an honor he never would have thought possible. KSTP provided the story of Khalid 'Phillip' Awda earlier this year. He's from Iraq and served as an interpreter for the Minnesota National Guard in Basra in 2009. He arrived in Minnesota in 2013 and just last month he became a U.S. citizen. Thursday night was the opportunity of a lifetime for Awda. "I was...
Minnesota attorney turns over 'perversion files' to Boy Scouts after court ruling
Updated: October 07, 2019 06:46 PM A Minnesota attorney turned over files Monday to the Boy Scouts of America that contain records about volunteers with the program who are no longer allowed to work with children. Attorney Jeff Anderson calls them the 'perversion fil'. Anderson argues that making the files public is the only way to ensure children are protected. "They have chosen to hide these identities and hide these histories of offenders known to them," he said.
Hurricane Dorian recovery underway, top Bahamian official talks with 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS
Updated: September 10, 2019 06:15 PM The beat of the Bahamas goes on in the capital city of Nassau, left virtually untouched by Hurricane Dorian. Tourists arrive, thousands at a time on cruise ships, and flock to busy Bay Street. And it's all in stark contrast to the devastation of Grand Bahama and the Abaco Islands to the north. "We really took a blow," said Peter, a native from the area.
Minneapolis drops controversial 911 answering software
Dispatchers at the Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center have been using the ProQA software since July 2017. The program prompts dispatchers to ask specific questions, in a specific order, based on different emergency situations. In another email to city staffers Thursday, Minneapolis City Coordinator Nuria P.
Fairgrounds buzzing 1 week from State Fair opening day
With one week to go to the Great Minnesota Get Together, her team is busy unpacking products and putting them on display with hopes of enticing the thousands of people who will be walking by during the fair's 12-day stretch. "I think we're going to be ready. I think we just need a few more fixtures and maybe get some organization going," Weflen said. There are construction sounds happening all over the fairgrounds. Workers were assembling the 3rd Lair Skate Park in Adventure Park Thursday afternoon.
Historic drawdown of Little Rock Lake underway
This is the first time a drawdown of this type is being attempted on a lake the size of Little Rock Lake. The water level started dropping Thursday and was still falling Friday. Hundreds of acres of mud flats are being exposed to the sun and will soon start blooming with new plants. "There's a seed bed that's about 112 years old in here and a lot of that stuff is going to start popping," Altena said. The water level will stay reduced for about six weeks, until mid-September.
'2019 Congressional District Census' is a political mailing
Photo: KSTP Updated: August 01, 2019 05:02 PM There's a lot of talk about the census these days, but some official-looking forms showing up in mailboxes right now are not from the government or tied in any way to the upcoming 2020 census. "The candidates, parties and groups are all looking for ways to trick voters into paying attention to the mailings that they are putting so much money into," political analyst Larry Jacobs said.
Giant sturgeon eludes capture ... for now
Photo: KSTP Updated: July 25, 2019 03:47 PM The video above is from KSTP's original report on the sturgeon caught in Minnehaha Creek. The hunt continues in the water of Minnehaha Creek for a huge sturgeon that's reaching local celebrity status. "It's all that they are talking about, it's the news of Edina," Sam Traux said, who brought the kids she was watching over to the creek so they could all see if they could get a look at the big fish.
Dayton's building joins National Register of Historic Places
“Sometimes I wonder, what was that?” Patnode said, referring to the construction sounds emerging from within the old Dayton’s Department Store building at S. 7th Street and Nicollet Mall. Like so many Minnesotans, Patnode has fond memories of the iconic building. "Well, I like it,” she said.
Walz: State can help with southeast flood recovery
Local officials estimated the damage at between $600,000 and $800,000 across Olmsted County. There’s so much storm debris in and around Oxbow Park in Byron that they’re burning it in huge piles. Walz said it’s important for state leaders to visit hard-hit areas in person. "It's important to get out here to hear the human side and for local officials to tell us what can be done,” Walz said. RELATED:Walz to tour flood damage in southeastern Minn.
South Minneapolis burglaries have residents on edge
Whoever broke in took an older digital camera. But, the bigger loss is the irreplaceable family photos on the device that are now gone. She said she feels violated by the crime. "I don't know how many times I cried yesterday thinking this isn't just happening to us and we're sitting ducks," she said. "It's shocking, I'm shaking just thinking about it," said another neighbor who didn't want to be identified.
St. Louis Park council to discuss decision to drop pledge of allegiance
"It blew up on social media," Floyd Nagler said, a Vietnam veteran who said the decision really struck a nerve with those who have served. Nagler used to live in St. Louis Park and says veterans everywhere are talking about the decision. RELATED: St. Louis Park City Council drops Pledge of Allegiance "It gives you that focus that this is the country we are here for," Nagler said.
Vietnam veteran shares PTSD struggle to help others
June 27 is PTSD Awareness Day – a day meant to bring attention to the mental condition thousands of veterans live with as they are haunted by tragic experiences from war. It can affect anyone who has experienced trauma. For Hanson, who was a sergeant in the Air Force, the flashbacks and nightmares came decades after his time in combat during Vietnam. He said he became obsessed with safety and security at his home, checking locks multiple times and hiding weapons in several places.
Slow left lane drivers face fine under updated law
State lawmakers updated the wording of the law, which includes a $50 fine. Drivers would also have to pay about $75 in a surcharge for court costs bringing the total penalty to $125. "This is a really practical thing that I think will really help even if Minnesotans just hear about it and know the rule it's a good reminder," said Katherine Tinucci, a Democratic strategist. The Minnesota State Patrol said the revised law requires drivers to use the right lane unless they are passing another vehicle.
Top TSA official responds to security lines at MSP
June 20, 2019 06:25 PM Security lines are creeping deeper and deeper into the terminal at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Thursday afternoon, the line for the north checkpoint stretched out to the middle of the terminal one building where workers started yet another queue. “I've never seen this before,” Twin Cities resident Susanne Herrlan said who was catching an international flight.
Proposed changes to Minneapolis ordinances get pushback
The proposed ordinance changes would limit how property owners can use criminal, credit and eviction histories to screen potential tenants. Landlords would no longer be able to reject tenants for felony convictions older than five years, misdemeanors older than two years, or for credit scores below 500.
Officials urge boaters to prepare for cold water, wake restrictions
Magnuson said, much like boaters are busy preparing for the busy weekend, members of law enforcement are, as well. KSTP "We will be ready to go help if needed, but more than anything we want people to plan their trip," Magnuson said. Hennepin County is urging boaters to prepare for the weekend by designating a sober boat operator in advance. You should also make sure your boat also has all of the required safety equipment, including properly fitting life jackets for everyone onboard.
A rare look inside as Dayton's Project in Minneapolis reaches halfway
Renovation of the century-old building into a mixed-use complex with retail and office space is largely taking place out of sight inside of the historic building's walls. It has passersby curious about the project's progress. "It seems to be taking a long time," Quinn said. "It's a real honor to be involved in a project like this that's not just the brick and mortar, but also part of the fabric of this community," Don Kohlenberger said.
First rails for Southwest Light Rail project roll into St. Louis Park
Freight train traffic in the area is halted for the delivery, which, at times, is painstakingly slow. The 54 rail segments are massive, stretching about 1,600 feet, or just shy of one-third of a mile. The delivery is the first high-profile work to be done in constructing the long-planned light rail extension. The 14.5 miles of track will eventually directly link Eden Prairie with Minneapolis and St. Paul. The line is expected to welcome its first passengers in the year 2023.
From party balloons to research and medicine, Twin Cities eyes helium shortage
"So yes, it is our busiest time," said Jodi Schoenaur. Like all other party supply stores, Schoenaur said Litin's is feeling an impact of the global helium shortage. She said luckily, their supplier has only cut their yearly supply of helium by 25 percent – many other stores aren't able to get any helium right now. And they've only made small increase in prices despite surges in helium costs.
Invasive weed 'Palmer amaranth' threatens Minnesota crops
Photo: File Palmer amaranth. May 06, 2019 05:46 PM There's a new threat popping up on farms across Minnesota this month and agriculture experts are warning it could devastate entire fields of crops this summer. "That's the problem. It's fast growing and produces a lot of seed," Professor Jeff Gunsolus said, a scientist at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul who has researched the invasive weed Palmer amaranth for years. "So we're trying to be ahead of the curve.
First responders save Brooklyn Park man's life twice
Monday, Piel got the chance to meet and thank the police officers, firefighters and paramedics in Brooklyn Park who responded to save his life not once, but twice. "The quick response for everyone here today allowed Rich to return home and to continue to live his life," Brooklyn park Fire Chief John Cunningham said. Brooklyn park Fire Chief John Cunningham. Matt Belanger/KSTP Emergency responders at the Brooklyn Park Fire Department.
Thousands of goldfish inundate Chaska area lakes
But Madeline Seveland with the Carver County Water Management organization says the fish are causing a serious problem for water quality. The fish, known for being harmless pets at home, are a harmful invasive species in the wild. "They kind of muddy up the water when they eat and stir sediments up and release phosphorus and rip up aquatic plans, which we need to keep the lakes clean, and they out compete our native fish for food and shelter," Seveland said.
Final Four events tip-off across Minneapolis
Along Nicollet Mall, the Final Four's Tip-Off Tailgate has vendors, food and drinks and other activities to entertain visitors. The star attraction is the Ferris wheel set up at the intersection with 10th Street. Street team volunteers wearing question marks are positioned to easily help people find their way.
Concepts for Hiawatha Golf Course redevelopment unveiled
Photo: KSTP March 18, 2019 03:52 PM The future of flood-prone Hiawatha Golf Course in Minneapolis is slowly taking shape with three new concept plans now made public. "Really, what we are focusing on now is the use of the site," said Tyler Pederson with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. "Most of the golf fairways are two feet below the surface water of Lake Hiawatha." Flooding at the course has been an ongoing issue, requiring water to be pumped off of the land.
Rash of potholes opens up on metro roads
Bruce Paulson from Eagan hit a big one on I-35W north near the Lake Street exit, Monday morning, and ended up with two flat tires and a big repair bill. "It was a big boom," he said. "I got out of the car and it had taken out both tires on the driver's side." "It was like turning the light switch off and on… it was just that quick," said Brad Solem with Bobby & Steve's Auto World in Minneapolis, talking about how quickly the potholes seemed to open up and started damaging vehicles, this week.
Cambridge-Isanti students taken to hospital after smoking electronic cigarette with THC
Linda Wright is the parent of two students at the high school who were not involved. She said, at first, she didn't think much about the alert. But then, she got on social media and saw a lot of concerned parents. "You're not thinking this direction and minutes later this stuff comes out on Facebook and you're in a panic," Wright said. Friday, Cambridge Police Chief Todd Schuster confirmed over the phone for 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS six female students became sick after smoking the e-cigarette.
With record-breaking snow, Minneapolis considers winter parking restrictions
February 22, 2019 06:25 PM February's record-breaking snowfall has leaders in Minnesota's largest city contemplating putting extensive parking restrictions in place to make sure streets are passable in case of emergency. It's a step they haven't had to take in recent years with relatively mild winters. "With all the snow we're getting in a short amount of time it looks like it's a real possibility here," Minneapolis Fire Department Asst. Chief Bryan Tyner said.
Students could soon be snowmobiling to school again in Milaca
Photo: KSTP February 22, 2019 03:02 PM Students in Milaca Public Schools could soon be able to ride their snowmobiles to school once again. Recently, students arriving by sled had been told to turn around. That's because riding a snowmobile to school violated a city ordinance, and district policy prohibits snowmobiles on school grounds.
Snowmobiling to school a hot issue in Milaca
"For this community, snowmobiling is a big thing. It's a big money industry," Scott Haley, with Rum River Sno Riders, said. Haley said his phone started ringing off the hook after the Milaca School District sent an email to parents last week reminding parents snowmobiles are not allows on school property. "All of these kids who've worked their butts off to get snowmobiles and took classes to get certified to ride are very upset they were told they can't ride to school," Haley said.
Shorewood man credits Apple's Siri for saving his life
February 15, 2019 06:50 PM A Shorewood man credits Apple's Siri on his iPhone for saving his life after he crashed his snowmobile on Lake Minnetonka late Saturday night. John Henry III, 41, said he has snowmobiled for most of his life and had never had a crash until last weekend. "All of a sudden, 'Boom," he said. "I was up in the air, and the next thing you know I was aside of the snowmobile and I was on my back." Henry hit a large pressure ridge in the dark near Big Island.
Insurance experts warn of growing app-based services coverage gap
Bungert said he was hit while driving his wife to work in downtown Minneapolis. "It spun me around and pushed me into a lamp pole," Bungert said. "I was going through an intersection and a car ran a red light and hit me in the door." KSTP No one was hurt, but his car is totaled. And it turns out the other driver was an on-duty Uber driver who had a passenger.
Restoration companies prepare for blast of burst pipes from rapid warm-up
February 01, 2019 06:21 PM The temperature is above zero and Minnesotans have made it through the deep freeze. Life is good, right? Not so fast. The warm up has restoration companies preparing for the worst day of property damage the Twin Cities has seen in years. "We get calls twenty four hours a day at this point," said Cian Chase with Paul Davis Restoration in St. Paul.
TSA creates food pantry for workers at MSP, air traffic controllers lobby public over government shutdown
Photo: Matt Belanger/KSTP Airport food pantry for TSA workers at MSP-Airport. January 14, 2019 05:47 PM More than 1,100 Transportation Security Administration agents and air traffic controllers in the Twin Cities just missed their first paychecks and they're working through the uncertainty together – even asking the public for help to break the impasse shutting down the government in Washington.
Above average temperatures impact homes, winter activities
The first sign of a frozen pipe is a low flow or no flow of water from a faucet or shower. Keep in mind, not every frozen pipe will burst. Homeowners who suspect they may have frozen pipes should turn off the main water supply to their home. Homeowners should not use an open flame or electric heater to thaw pipes. Instead, they should get the house as warm as possible to slowly thaw things out.
From avoiding bankruptcy to suicide prevention, farm bill offers critical help to Minn. farmers
And Minnesota farmers say the help included in the plan couldn’t be coming at a more critical time. "I think for many farms it's a very critical time,” Fran Miron said, who is a dairy farmer. "I don't see myself doing anything else." Miron and generations of his family have raised dairy cows on their Washington County farm for more than 130 years. It’s a passion he’s passed on to his son, Andrew. "Whether you know it or not we are involved in every aspect of your daily life,” Andrew Miron said.
Fire destroys historic Norwood Young America church
"It's shocking. It's very shocking to see," said Pastor Eli Somers. RELATED: Cause of Norwood Young America church fire under investigation Just like the trees that are its namesake, Church in the Maples has deep roots in Norwood Young America. But it only took a few hours to destroy the building with such rich history. "I think the town members whether they go to this church or not know this church," Somers said. Somers took over leading the congregation about five months ago.
Minneapolis advances plan for municipal ID cards
"It's needed because there are a lot of people in the city of Minneapolis who don't have a form of legal identification they can use," Council Member Cam Gordon said. Gordon said he wants Minnesota's largest city to follow the lead of other large cities across the U.S. that have started the programs. Municipal ID cards are available in Chicago, Detroit and Los Angeles. "They have trouble opening a bank account, trouble enrolling children in school, difficulty filing a police report," Gordon said.
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