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.
The Rosemount boys hockey team is going to their first state tournament since 1992. The Irish beat St. Thomas Academy in the section final to punch their ticket.
Thousands of Minnesotans enrolled in Medicaid take a total of millions of trips to their medical appointments each year through nonemergency medical transportation services, a federally required, taxpayer-funded program that's among more than a dozen others Minnesota determined to be at "high risk" for fraud.
As the war in Iran evolves, National Guardsmen from Wisconsin are being recognized for what they are doing in the Middle East.
The Salvation Army is in the midst of its largest food drive of the year, called Meals 4 Minnesota.
Something special is being carved into the Minnesota history books at Apple Valley High School's ice rink, 50 seasons of the Icettes figure skating team.
As the war in Iran evolves, National Guardsmen from Wisconsin are being recognized for what they are doing in the Middle East.
The Salvation Army is in the midst of its largest food drive of the year, called Meals 4 Minnesota.
Something special is being carved into the Minnesota history books at Apple Valley High School's ice rink, 50 seasons of the Icettes figure skating team.
A group of civic leaders are rolling out what they call "The St. Paul Defibrillator" — a plan they say is meant to jolt the city's core back to life.
A Minneapolis man who pleaded guilty to murdering a high school student in 2022 was sentenced to nearly 30 years in prison on Monday.
As the war in Iran evolves, National Guardsmen from Wisconsin are being recognized for what they are doing in the Middle East.
The Salvation Army is in the midst of its largest food drive of the year, called Meals 4 Minnesota.
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 19-year-old man pleaded guilty to criminal vehicular homicide Monday in a crash that killed an 11-year-old girl in Independence, Minnesota, last year.
The Hennepin County Attorney's Office has unveiled a new online portal for the public to submit evidence in connection to more than a dozen incidents involving federal agents in the Twin Cities during Operation Metro Surge.
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.
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.
Karmel Mall has been mostly silent, with shops closed at the building on East Lake Street. Operation Metro Surge has caused many Somalis to stay home.
The ongoing presence of ICE and federal law enforcement in the Minneapolis area has kept many immigrants at home for fear of being arrested. Now, their neighbors are crowdsourcing to cover their rent.
Thousands of Minnesotans enrolled in Medicaid take a total of millions of trips to their medical appointments each year through nonemergency medical transportation services, a federally required, taxpayer-funded program that's among more than a dozen others Minnesota determined to be at "high risk" for fraud.
Minnesota lawmakers say they want the state to shift gears on fraud and accelerate proposals that would prevent the problem in the first place. That includes a program designed to transport people to medical appointments. Caroline Cummings explains the risks and potential solutions.
Minnesota Republicans are praising President Trump's military move against Iran, while Democrats say he needed congressional approval before launching an attack.
A group of civic leaders are rolling out what they call "The St. Paul Defibrillator" — a plan they say is meant to jolt the city's core back to life.
Minnesota Republicans are praising President Trump's military move against Iran, while Democrats say he needed congressional approval before launching an attack.
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.
As the strikes from U.S. and Israel continue, and Iran strikes back, the violence and turmoil could have significant worldwide ramifications.
On Friday, hundreds of leaders from Minnesota food banks and food shelves came together in Brooklyn Center. Their goal is to find the best ways to help hungry families in the aftermath of Operation Metro Surge, and while food prices remain high.
Target will stop selling its entire assortment of cereal with certified synthetic colors by the end of May.
Consumers are urged to stop using the pressure cookers and dispose of them immediately.
A Minneapolis man who pleaded guilty to murdering a high school student in 2022 was sentenced to nearly 30 years in prison on Monday.
A former Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, school counselor accused of recording a teen student changing in his classroom in 2024 has pleaded guilty in connection with the incident, according to court records filed Monday.
A 19-year-old man pleaded guilty to criminal vehicular homicide Monday in a crash that killed an 11-year-old girl in Independence, Minnesota, last year.
The Hennepin County Attorney's Office has unveiled a new online portal for the public to submit evidence in connection to more than a dozen incidents involving federal agents in the Twin Cities during Operation Metro Surge.
Minneapolis police need help solving a brutal attack that left a 45-year-old man in a coma.
Thousands of Minnesotans enrolled in Medicaid take a total of millions of trips to their medical appointments each year through nonemergency medical transportation services, a federally required, taxpayer-funded program that's among more than a dozen others Minnesota determined to be at "high risk" for fraud.
Target will stop selling its entire assortment of cereal with certified synthetic colors by the end of May.
The Minnesota Department of Health said there have been 10 reported cases in the state so far this year. There were five cases as of the last update, which came on Feb. 19.
Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz laid out his anti-fraud legislative package on Thursday, one day after the White House paused $259 million in federal Medicaid payments to the state until a comprehensive action plan is laid out to fight fraud.
Vice President JD Vance says the Trump administration will "temporarily halt" some Medicaid funding to the state of Minnesota over fraud concerns.
The 80-year-old will play at Grand Casino Arena on Sept. 15. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.
Hillary Knight, Megan Keller and Jack and Quinn Hughes made a surprise appearance during "Heated Rivalry" star Connor Storrie's opening monologue on "SNL."
As a musician and performer, Prince showed a generation that being different wasn't a liability. Now, an author and illustrator are telling the story of Prince's life in a new children's book.
A 19th-century George Méliès film, thought to be long lost, has been found among a box of brittle movie reels that a Michigan donor brought to the Library of Congress, officials said.
Bobby J. Brown's breakout role was as a police officer on HBO's "The Wire." He appeared in 12 episodes across four seasons.
The Rosemount boys hockey team is going to their first state tournament since 1992. The Irish beat St. Thomas Academy in the section final to punch their ticket.
Something special is being carved into the Minnesota history books at Apple Valley High School's ice rink, 50 seasons of the Icettes figure skating team.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have moved a game ahead of Denver in the Western Conference with a 117-108 win over the Nuggets.
Pavel Buchnevich scored late in the third period and the St. Louis Blues snapped a 10-game road losing streak by beating the Minnesota Wild 3-1.
Sophie Hart scored 17 points, Amaya Battle added 10 of her 16 points in the second half and No. 22 Minnesota beat Illinois 78-73 in the regular-season finale for both teams to clinch a double-bye in the Big Ten Tournament.
The month of March will be a pivotal one as Minnesota attempts to emerge from the shadow of massive fraud.
The month of March will be a pivotal one as Minnesota attempts to emerge from the shadow of massive fraud.
In the aftermath of Operation Metro Surge, a bill to make it easier for someone to sue the federal government is advancing at the Minnesota Capitol.
Two major priorities are on a collision course in the Minnesota Legislature.
The GOP is promoting an aggressive anti-fraud agenda while the DFL is hammering hard on the immigration crackdown and the continuing fallout.
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.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
Northland Arboretum was built half a century ago on top of what was once a city dump. But over time, nature carved its own path with a little help from a Zamboni.
Traveling is already stressful, especially flying, but the deadly conflict south of the border might have some travelers second-guessing their upcoming trips.
Drivers beware. Cities are seeing an uptick in stolen cars this winter.
On the first day of the Minnesota Legislature, artificial intelligence is giving visitors and lawmakers at the State Capitol a new sense of security.
From the flu to the common cold, viruses keep knocking out Minnesotans this winter. A physician with Hennepin Healthcare breaks down how long an individual may be contagious after they start to feel better.
White House border czar Tom Homan, without offering further explanation, claimed the federal immigration operation in Minnesota uncovered thousands of missing children in the state, but it's likely related to a much larger number the administration has been touting for a few years.
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.
High temperatures will be in the 40s across most of the Twin Cities on Tuesday, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
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 weak disturbance may throw a few rain showers from the metro on south Monday night and early Tuesday morning, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
A weeklong warmup begins Monday in Minnesota, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
We warm more into the 40s and 50s through the midweek with the jet stream lifting farther north, WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso reports.
For the first time since the early 90s, the Rosemount Irish boys hockey squad is going to the state tournament. Ren Clayton paid a visit to see how the team is reacting.
High temperatures will be in the 40s across most of the Twin Cities on Tuesday, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
The Salvation Army is running its largest food drive of the year called Meals 4 Minnesota. Frankie Mclister introduces us to an Apple Valley woman who says your donations are something she relies on.
Hundreds of our National Guard members are stationed in the Middle East as the war with Iran widens. As John Lauritsen reports, Wisconsin Guard soldiers got some high praise from a major military leader.
The man who killed beloved Minneapolis student-athlete Deshaun Hill will spend decades behind bars. His family had some harsh words before he learned his sentence. Ashley Grams reports.