Leon Purvis
From the East Coast to the West Coast and the Heartland, award-winning journalist Leon Purvis joined the FOX 9 Team in September 2024.
Before coming to The Land of 10,000 Lakes, he was in Wichita, Kansas, as the weekend anchor/reporter at KAKE News. During his time at KAKE, he covered the prayer vigil after the unfortunate Chief Superbowl Parade shooting, reported on severe weather events like tornadoes and grass fires, and many big stories and breaking news. He won two Kansas Association of Broadcasters Awards. One for Single Topic News Coverage for anchoring the year anniversary of the Andover Tornado, and best weathercast for reporting on storm damage from the Cowley County Tornado.
Before coming to the Midwest, Leon also worked in Springfield, Massachusetts, and got his start in Eureka, California.
The South Jersey native’s passion for journalism and storytelling all started at Rowan University, where he studied radio/television/film and journalism. During his time at Rowan, he covered the 2016 Democratic National Convention. He interned on nationally known shows like "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," "Good Morning America," and NBC’s "The Today Show."
Outside of work, Leon loves to go salsa dancing, belt his favorite karaoke song, go on walks, and root for the Philadelphia Eagles.
He’s excited to explore vegan restaurants and see what the Twin Cities has to offer.
The latest from Leon Purvis
Olmsted County tornado: EF-2 twister tears through Marion Road neighborhood
Neighbors are picking up the pieces after a powerful tornado tore through part of Olmsted County, leaving widespread damage and a community leaning on each other.
Rochester tornado: Residents describe close call as twister tears through town
Cleanup is underway as families assess the aftermath and begin repairs after a tornado touched down near Rochester, causing damage in Stewartville and nearby areas.
Community honors Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center 5 years after death
Community members gathered to remember Daunte Wright, five years after he was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center.
Twins host high school baseball games at Target Field, giving players big-league experience
Some Minnesota high school baseball players got a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play where the pros do.
Michelin Guide coming to Minneapolis: City pays $250K annually for 3-year dining recognition
The Michelin Guide is coming to Minneapolis, bringing new attention to a food scene that many say has long deserved national recognition.
MSP travelers report smooth security lines despite 50-day government shutdown
Travelers at MSP International Airport are seeing smoother security lines, but concerns remain as the partial government shutdown stretches into its 50th day.
Operation Not Forgotten: Native advocates urge trust-building as FBI tackles open cases
Federal officials are stepping up efforts to solve unresolved cases in Native American communities, but some in the community say trust must be built for real progress.
Average Joes, Olympians square off in charity curling match
A friendly showdown took place Thursday night at the Frogtown Curling Club as local curlers face off against the men’s Olympic team, all for a good cause.
Crystal park disturbances: Police disperse crowds of 75-150 unsupervised teens for 3 straight days
Unsupervised teenagers gathered in large numbers at Becker Park in Crystal, leading to repeated police intervention over several days.
Minnesota No Kings protest: 100,000 rally at State Capitol as midterms approach
Thousands gathered outside the State Capitol for the No Kings rally, joining millions nationwide in a protest against President Donald Trump and his policies.