Service dogs providing comfort, companionship to Minnesota veterans
U.S. Army National Guard Veteran Levi Anderson-Knutson doesn't go far without his black lab, Judy. She's his constant companion and trained service dog through America's Vet Dogs.
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U.S. Army National Guard Veteran Levi Anderson-Knutson doesn't go far without his black lab, Judy. She's his constant companion and trained service dog through America's Vet Dogs.
In Minnesota, 3M is helping raise the next generation of service dogs through a partnership with America's Vet Dogs.
Can Do Canines announced a new celebrity partnership Wednesday and showed off their latest certified team.
The nonprofit on Monday announced the Hortman Heroes Fund.
There is a new way to honor the legacy of the fallen Minnesota house speaker, her husband, and their beloved dog. After learning how Melissa and Mark Hortman adopted Gilbert from a group that trains service dogs, donations poured in. Photojournalist Nick Lunemann and Jeff Wagner share how that's changing the lives of those with PTSD.
Since the spring, Helping Paws volunteers have been bringing dogs to the Twin Cities senior care homes once a month.
Helping Paws has been in the spotlight since a moment of tragedy. Late House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman fostered for the nonprofit. Volunteering to train these dogs to work with people with disabilities and Veterans with PTSD. New this year, Helping Paws began a partnership with English Rose senior homes. As WCCO's Marielle Mohs shows us, it goes beyond therapy - it's a mutually beneficial relationship.
A dog named Nova is suiting up for a very special purpose: keeping a close eye on her human, University of Minnesota medical student Wesley Flint.
A sign outside the main gate of the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Faribault warns of security dogs, but a special litter of Labrador puppies inside the fences that are providing inmates with a different kind of personal safety.
Some prisons in Wisconsin and Minnesota are welcoming some new Labrador puppies. As Jonah Kaplan reports, the dogs are there to help with a different kind of personal security.
The veterinarian who worked on the Hortmans' dog recalls those moments he was first rushed to the emergency vet.
The Hortmans ended up keeping the last dog they trained, Gilbert, after he flunked out because he was too friendly.
Melissa and Mark Hortman served their community in many ways, including training dogs to be service animals for people in need.
Melissa and Mark Hortman served their community in many ways, including training dogs to be service animals for people in need. WCCO's Marielle Mohs spoke with the volunteer group and a veteran who has benefited from their efforts.
The Minnesota Legislature finalized the next two-year state budget and wrapped up all of its work on Monday in a short special session, after lawmakers failed to make the deadline last month and were forced into overtime.
Gov. Tim Walz Thursday morning signed a bill granting trainers of service dogs the same housing protections as people who rely on the animals to navigate daily life.
Duke, a 2-year-old lab, is a critical incident response dog with the Burnsville Police Department, specially trained to detect cortisol — a stress hormone — in people.
We know dogs can sense our emotions, but did you know they can actually smell it, too? Kirsten Mitchell introduces us to Duke, a first-of-his-kind K-9 in Minnesota, who’s is helping sniff out stress.
A new puppy enrichment center in Eden Prairie is like a preschool for puppies. Designed to promote healthy development, this new facility aims to specifically prepare dogs who hope to one day become service animals. WCCO's Reg Chapman and Adam Del Rosso stopped by to visit some furry friends.
A Minneapolis family fundraising to train an Alert Seizure Dog for toddler reached their goal of $25,000.
Several service dogs went through an intense 12 weeks of training, and are now ready to work in the city of Minneapolis.
It can take two to three years to be paired with a service dog, and Helping Paws is always in need of donations and volunteers to be service dog trainers.
On this Veteran's Day weekend, local nonprofit Helping Paws says it's seeing a growing need for their invaluable support for our service members who struggle with PTSD after they come home.
Shayla Reaves talks with trainer Mike Boehmer and Riley from The Spot in Greenfield, where dog trainers are making sure service dogs are ready for their new important roles.
Barron County announced Thursday that long-standing K-9 service dog, Koda, is retiring.
Igor Shesterkin made 46 saves and Vladislav Gavrikov had a goal and two assists as the New York Rangers extended their winning streak to four games with a 4-2 win over the Minnesota Wild.
Six U.S. service members who were killed in a military refueling aircraft crash over Iraq last week have been identified as members of the Ohio Air National Guard and Florida-based crew members.
Minnesota is in the midst of a major March snowstorm, with serious impacts from Saturday evening through Sunday.
Minnesotans are preparing for a winter wallop. There have been no big changes to the forecast overnight. Everything remains on track for Minnesota's major winter storm, with major impacts from Saturday evening through Sunday.
Anthony Edwards scored 42 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves held off the injury-plagued Golden State Warriors for a 127-117 win.
Minnesota is in the midst of a major March snowstorm, with serious impacts from Saturday evening through Sunday.
Minnesotans are preparing for a winter wallop. There have been no big changes to the forecast overnight. Everything remains on track for Minnesota's major winter storm, with major impacts from Saturday evening through Sunday.
Minneapolis police are searching for the suspect or suspects in a fatal shooting in a parking lot overnight.
A man is in the hospital after police said he was hit by a stray bullet in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday night.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has again set up a livestream of a peregrine falcon nest in downtown St. Paul in an effort to monitor and protect the species.
Minnesota is in the midst of a major March snowstorm, with serious impacts from Saturday evening through Sunday.
Minnesotans are preparing for a winter wallop. There have been no big changes to the forecast overnight. Everything remains on track for Minnesota's major winter storm, with major impacts from Saturday evening through Sunday.
A man and a woman are in custody after a shootout between the man and Swift County deputies in Appleton, Minnesota, on Friday, according to police.
The hit HBO Max series "The Pitt" is getting buzz for how real it feels, and there's a Minnesota doctor making sure it stays that way.
Gas prices are up for the 12th straight day as the war with Iran pushes up crude oil prices. In Minnesota, the average went up 4 cents overnight. It's now $3.29 a gallon. That's 18-cents higher than just a week ago.
As the war in Iran evolves, National Guardsmen from Wisconsin are being recognized for what they are doing in the Middle East.
It's the season for booking those spring break getaways, and if you're looking to skip the airport this year, take a page out of the Condé Nast Traveler.
A judge has sentenced a Wisconsin man who forged threats against President Donald Trump as part of a deportation scheme to 16½ years in prison.
A fire at a hotel in Superior, Wisconsin, Monday night left one person hurt and forced guests to move to new lodgings.
Excitement is in the air in northern Wisconsin with the 52nd annual American Birkebeiner underway.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections says 95% of all incarcerated individuals will eventually be released from prison. The DOC says it does all it can to help people transition back into the community as productive citizens.
Minnesota native and World War II veteran Les Schrenk died earlier this week. He was 102 years old.
People from across the nation are traveling to the Twin Cities, but not as tourists. Many want to learn in person from Minnesota protestors to bring that knowledge back to their own cities.
The Edina wife and mother of three said she felt called to go and protest in south Minneapolis after learning that Alex Pretti had been shot and killed by two Border Patrol agents.
Tuesday afternoon, more than 20 people gathered on the Highway 62 bridge between Minneapolis and Richfield after a small protest sparked a confrontation there last week.
TSA officers faced their first full missed paycheck Friday.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine briefed on Operation Epic Fury in Iran Friday.
President Trump alleged that Iran is "totally defeated and wants a deal," but not one he "would accept."
More than half-a-million taxpayer dollars meant to help Minnesotans was stolen, according to state investigators, who say a home health care provider took the money to buy flights, order food and take rides instead of helping the needy.
Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered in their home in June 2025. On top of grieving the sudden, tragic loss of his parents, Colin Hortman says the cleanup of his childhood home was a headache.
Delta is canceling flights at Midwest airports, including its Minneapolis-St. Paul hub, ahead of expected significant snow and winds starting Saturday evening through Sunday, the airline said Friday.
Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered in their home in June 2025. On top of grieving the sudden, tragic loss of his parents, Colin Hortman says the cleanup of his childhood home was a headache.
Data show that catalytic converter thefts are on the rise again in the Twin Cities.
The war in Iran is not only blocking oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, it is also holding up much of the world's fertilizer supply, a development that is drawing close attention from farmers preparing for spring planting.
Renters' rights advocates and tenants gathered outside Hennepin County courtrooms Thursday to protest Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's recent veto of an eviction notice extension ordinance.
Minneapolis police are searching for the suspect or suspects in a fatal shooting in a parking lot overnight.
Ayman Mohamad Ghazali made two purchases at a Phantom Fireworks store in Livonia, Michigan. He told the store staff the fireworks were for the end of Ramadan.
Police in St. Paul, Minnesota are investigating after a student at Macalester College accused a former professor of urinating on her belongings.
More than half-a-million taxpayer dollars meant to help Minnesotans was stolen, according to state investigators, who say a home health care provider took the money to buy flights, order food and take rides instead of helping the needy.
Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered in their home in June 2025. On top of grieving the sudden, tragic loss of his parents, Colin Hortman says the cleanup of his childhood home was a headache.
The hit HBO Max series "The Pitt" is getting buzz for how real it feels, and there's a Minnesota doctor making sure it stays that way.
More than half-a-million taxpayer dollars meant to help Minnesotans was stolen, according to state investigators, who say a home health care provider took the money to buy flights, order food and take rides instead of helping the needy.
Can a quick workout and your phone reveal something about your heart health? Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School say yes, and they've built an app to prove it.
A new Iowa law bans local nondiscrimination protections on the basis of gender identity after the state became the first in the U.S. to roll back its civil rights code last year.
At a Minnesota State Capitol hearing Wednesday morning, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs unveiled its "Veteran Suicide Prevention Plan."
The hit HBO Max series "The Pitt" is getting buzz for how real it feels, and there's a Minnesota doctor making sure it stays that way.
A woman was arrested on Sunday for firing multiple shots at the Beverly Hills home of Rihanna, Los Angeles Police Department officials say.
Valleyfair in Shakopee, Minnesota, will soon come under new ownership.
A new art exhibition in Shoreview, Minnesota, is inviting visitors to see art — and maybe themselves — a little differently.
Actor and filmmaker Bruce Campbell told fans that he is in treatment for cancer and will cancel some upcoming public appearances.
Igor Shesterkin made 46 saves and Vladislav Gavrikov had a goal and two assists as the New York Rangers extended their winning streak to four games with a 4-2 win over the Minnesota Wild.
Anthony Edwards scored 42 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves held off the injury-plagued Golden State Warriors for a 127-117 win.
Rookie Peyton Anderson scored her first career goal to spark the Minnesota Frost to a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Torrent in the PWHL.
Minnesota siblings Jamison and Amaya Battle are both basketball stars, with the brother playing forward for the Toronto Raptors and sister playing point guard for the Gopher women's team.
Travis Konecny scored the lone goal in a shootout to give the Philadelphia Flyers a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night.
Talking Points is tracking a partisan push to end surveillance pricing this legislative session.
This session, a bipartisan bill to end surveillance pricing is moving forward at the Minnesota Capitol. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Minnesota DFL Rep. Erin Koegel about the push and how the ban could protection your personal data.
Minnesota Democratic Rep. Angie Craig, who is running for U.S. Senate, says she now regrets her vote in favor of the Laken Riley Act last year.
With severe weather season right around the corner, what homeowners need to know about the evolving coverage for your roof.
With severe weather season right around the corner, what homeowners need to know about the evolving coverage for your roof. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Grace Arnold, Department of Commerce commissioner about what's driving rising insurance premiums and what you should look from in home insurance coverage.
Denis Doyle was born in Kilkenny, Ireland. He emigrated to the U.S. and in 1856, Doyle traveled to Le Sueur County. Other Irish immigrants joined Doyle and the town was born.
One of the oldest operating theaters in the Midwest is in danger of closing its doors for good.
In St. Louis Park, Minnesota, there's a place where you can find radio and television technology that's nearly a century old — and it still works.
One of the best views in Minnesota is at the top of a Bloomington hill. But 15-year-old Jacob Larson isn't here for the scenery. He's here for the jump.
Pine trees are a common sight up north. But on a Carlton, Minnesota, road, they're joined by giant lollipops. They serve as the welcoming committee for Sweetly Kismet, one of the largest candy stores in the state.
Minnesota lakes remain frozen. The people walking on trails around them remain bundled up. After a warm start to March, the seasonal shift is sputtering as it often tends to do.
Drivers are bracing themselves for higher prices when they pull up to gas stations. But the pump isn't the only place you can expect to pay more in the weeks ahead.
A push for stricter gun laws in Minnesota is not new. However, this session comes on the heels of a devastating mass shooting last summer in which the target was students in prayer at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.
The military strikes against Iran have sparked intense debate in Congress. U.S. lawmakers are not only split on whether to support the operation but also on whether President Trump should have sought congressional approval in advance. WCCO investigates how the Constitution defines declarations of war.
Traveling is already stressful, especially flying, but the deadly conflict south of the border might have some travelers second-guessing their upcoming trips.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
Minnesota is in the midst of a major March snowstorm, with serious impacts from Saturday evening through Sunday.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
A blizzard warning encompassing Alexandria to western Wisconsin, including the metro area, is in effect until 4 a.m. Monday. The heaviest snowfall will start around 11 p.m. and continue overnight. Meteorologist Lisa Meadows shares when the winds whip up, when the snow finally starts to slow and what else you need to know to stay weather aware.
Snow will start to fall Saturday evening, with 1-3 inches falling per hour. Most of Minnesota is now under a blizzard advisory and several cities have issued snow emergencies. Meteorologist Lisa Meadows shares what you need to know to stay weather aware over the next few days.
There have been no big changes to the forecast overnight. Everything is still on track for Minnesota's significant winter storm with major impacts Saturday evening through Sunday.
A blizzard warning encompassing Alexandria to western Wisconsin, including the metro area, is in effect until 4 a.m. Monday. The heaviest snowfall will start around 11 p.m. and continue overnight. Meteorologist Lisa Meadows shares when the winds whip up, when the snow finally starts to slow and what else you need to know to stay weather aware.
The worst of Minnesota's weekend winter storm will start after midnight Sunday. Saturday, Twin Cities leaders updated on what to expect and how to stay safe. Travelers and MSP also shared how they're already feeling the impact.
Snow will start to fall Saturday evening, with 1-3 inches falling per hour. Most of Minnesota is now under a blizzard advisory and several cities have issued snow emergencies. Meteorologist Lisa Meadows shares what you need to know to stay weather aware over the next few days.
Hot Hands Pie has a Pi day special. Go treat yourself to a delicious treat.
It's almost the start of spring which means maple syrup season is also almost here. For the next two weekends you can celebrate all things maple syrup at the Lowry Nature Center.