Hortman family dog's legacy lives on through Helping Paws
Over the past year, many people have found ways to honor Mark and Melissa Hortman's dog, Gilbert. He, too, was shot on June 14, 2025, and had to be put down.
Watch CBS News
Over the past year, many people have found ways to honor Mark and Melissa Hortman's dog, Gilbert. He, too, was shot on June 14, 2025, and had to be put down.
A plea agreement in the killing of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman is bringing a mix of relief and emotion to the community she helped build.
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.
Connor Prielipp struck out a career-high 10 in six innings, Ryan Kreidler hit a go-ahead home run in the seventh and the Minnesota Twins edged the Colorado Rockies 3-2 on Sunday.
Two people were hurt when the motorcycle they were on struck a deer Saturday evening in northeastern Minnesota.
Hunter Goodman hit three homers and drove in five runs, powering the Colorado Rockies to an 8-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins.
The Minnesota Air Rescue Team rescued a man from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness late Friday night after he suffered a "severe leg injury" while wielding a machete.
Natasha Howard and Olivia Miles both scored 21 points and Cheryl Reeve tied the WNBA record for career coaching wins as the Minnesota Lynx beat the Dallas Wings 85-77.
Connor Prielipp struck out a career-high 10 in six innings, Ryan Kreidler hit a go-ahead home run in the seventh and the Minnesota Twins edged the Colorado Rockies 3-2 on Sunday.
Authorities are asking for the public's help to find 66-year-old Ying Lee, who went missing early Sunday morning in Andover, Minnesota.
A U.S. Supreme Court ruling that gives the Trump administration greater control over a special immigration designation could impact thousands of people in Minnesota.
One person is dead and eight others are hurt in a string of weekend shootings across Minneapolis.
Police in St. Paul, Minnesota, say a teen who was reported missing on Saturday night has been found safe on Sunday morning.
Two people were hurt when the motorcycle they were on struck a deer Saturday evening in northeastern Minnesota.
The Minnesota Air Rescue Team rescued a man from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness late Friday night after he suffered a "severe leg injury" while wielding a machete.
Police in Cold Spring, Minnesota, say a suspect is in custody in connection to a fatal stabbing on Saturday night.
On Friday afternoon, it was a warm welcome on St. Peter, Minnesota streets, a gesture many thought was their duty to do. Residents in the community showed up to support an officer, who was hurt in a shootout with a suspect, being escorted home by police from the hospital to recover.
The University of Minnesota Board of Regents have approved a budget that includes a tuition hike of up to 4.5% and the sale of part of the Les Bolstad Golf Course, officials said Friday.
A 63-year-old man was killed in a single-vehicle crash Sunday morning in western Wisconsin.
A federal judge ruled ICE failed to show enough evidence to justify holding Salah Sarsour, a legal permanent resident detained for 80 days after speaking out in support of Palestinian rights.
Jim Troupis, Mike Roman, and Ken Chesebro entered not guilty pleas in Dane County Circuit Court on Tuesday to 11 felony forgery charges tied to a scheme to submit false electoral certificates to Congress after Trump lost Wisconsin in 2020.
A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Hannah Dugan's obstruction of justice conviction will stand, rejecting her legal team's argument that a recent appeals court ruling should have invalidated the case.
A big birthday party is coming up this summer, one that every American can celebrate. And it could help the fireworks industry explode with record sales. WCCO explores how much Americans spend each year on fireworks.
Tucked away in the Midway neighborhood in St. Paul is a community treasure many have come to love and respect.
What started as a small fundraiser following one of Joe's surgeries at Gillette Children's has grown into a community tradition that has raised nearly $100,000 for the hospital.
A trip to the video store was once a weekly ritual, and now one Minnesota movie lover is trying to bring that experience back.
Betty and Kermit Eastman, both 99, celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary on June 6 — a milestone so rare that on average only one couple in the U.S. reaches it each year.
Created by artist Lilyan Lauzon, the mini art vending machine at Inkwell Booksellers charges no fees to artists and returns the full $1 sale price to each creator.
One of the most-watched primary match-ups pits Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan against U.S. Congresswoman Angie Craig in the race for the DFL nomination for U.S. Senate.
A U.S. Supreme Court ruling that gives the Trump administration greater control over a special immigration designation could impact thousands of people in Minnesota.
One of the most watched primary match-ups pits Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Congresswoman Angie Craig.
A U.S. Supreme Court ruling that gives the Trump administration greater control over a special immigration designation could impact thousands of people in Minnesota.
The running mate of Kendall Qualls, the Minnesota GOP-endorsed candidate for governor, says he won't apologize for attending the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.
Insurance experts say hail damage claims that once averaged $10,000–$15,000 now routinely reach $40,000–$60,000, even as many policies have shifted away from full replacement coverage.
Hundreds of workers, employed by Delaware North Company to serve food and drinks, say they are fighting for livable wages and healthcare benefits.
Target is tapping designer and TV personality Isaac Mizrahi for a newly created role as creative director at large as the discounter aims to reclaim its reputation for stylish clothing on a budget.
Target is voluntarily recalling two types of baby wipes due to concerns that the products may be contaminated with bacteria that may cause "serious and life-threatening infections," the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday.
The dream of a woman in Minnesota started with excitement, but quickly unraveled into loss after she said she fell victim to a scheme that targeted more than 30 Spanish speakers.
Police in Cold Spring, Minnesota, say a suspect is in custody in connection to a fatal stabbing on Saturday night.
One person is dead and eight others are hurt in a string of weekend shootings across Minneapolis.
A 32-year-old man accused of taking a rifle from an FBI vehicle during a federal operation in north Minneapolis pleaded guilty Friday.
Prosecutors have charged a man in a string of burglaries across the Twin Cities. A Minneapolis business who had a safe stolen from their establishment last month says it's a perfect reason to celebrate.
Abdikerm Eidleh, accused of playing a key role in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, was arrested in Somalia after more than four years, federal officials said.
A dangerous social media trend is circulating online, and Minnesota health experts are warning parents it involves allergy medication.
The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday voted to overturn a ban on adult bathhouses and sex venues that has been in place for 38 years.
Emily Pearson has a rare genetic disorder that causes severe, painful reactions to sunlight.
Jenn Glass has been taking a GLP-1 since last November. The 53-year-old mother of three has already lost more than 30 pounds, but she's focused on something beyond the number on the scale.
It's a gruesome problem impacting livestock in southern states and veterinarians worry it could come to Minnesota.
Tucked away in the Midway neighborhood in St. Paul is a community treasure many have come to love and respect.
Legendary musician Lionel Richie is postponing two upcoming concerts after he cut his performance short in St. Paul, Minnesota, earlier this week.
We have another action-packed weekend with events happening every day all across the state, including plenty of ways to celebrate Pride!
Legendary musician Lionel Richie had to cut his performance short Wednesday night in St. Paul, Minnesota, leaving fans with many questions.
A trip to the video store was once a weekly ritual, and now one Minnesota movie lover is trying to bring that experience back.
Connor Prielipp struck out a career-high 10 in six innings, Ryan Kreidler hit a go-ahead home run in the seventh and the Minnesota Twins edged the Colorado Rockies 3-2 on Sunday.
Hunter Goodman hit three homers and drove in five runs, powering the Colorado Rockies to an 8-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins.
Natasha Howard and Olivia Miles both scored 21 points and Cheryl Reeve tied the WNBA record for career coaching wins as the Minnesota Lynx beat the Dallas Wings 85-77.
Cheryl Reeve is taking a break from her busy WNBA season to head to Knoxville this weekend and be inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.
Royce Lewis slipped an RBI single up the middle in the 10th inning and the Minnesota Twins beat the Colorado Rockies 9-8 on Friday night after blowing a seven-run lead.
One of the most-watched primary match-ups pits Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan against U.S. Congresswoman Angie Craig in the race for the DFL nomination for U.S. Senate.
Fifteen people, most of them Minnesotans, were arrested and charged last week, accused of impeding Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.
Two anti-ICE protesters charged with felonies in federal court tell their story to WCCO's Esme Murphy.
Early voting for the Aug. 11 primary starts this Friday, and one of the most-watched races in Minnesota is the very tight contest for governor on the Republican side.
After disputes about ballots and concerns about voting totals, businessman Kendall Qualls won the endorsement.
It's a lake cruise in the middle of town, and there's more than pelicans on the Pelican Breeze tour in Albert Lea, Minnesota.
Currie, Minnesota, is truly small-town America. The population hovers at just over 200. But on the northern outskirts, you'll happen upon a place with plenty of bells and whistles: End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum
School's out, summer's here, and if you're heading to the lake on Highway 10, you may just stumble upon hidden treasure.
Nearly 40 years ago, a building was sent over piece by piece from Norway to a farm in Chippewa County, Minnesota. It's one of the only stabburs in the United States.
Minneiska, Minnesota, is a small river town on Highway 61 near the Mississippi River, but at one point it was home to a castle.
Water beckons Minnesotans this time of year, especially our lakes. But something in it can turn us away, even if other animals and organisms need it.
The latest data shows it's at 331.2 million barrels of oil.
Fifteen Minnesotans charged for conspiracy to impede or injure federal agents are part of what President Trump considers a terrorist group, prosecutors said.
A big birthday party is coming up this summer, one that every American can celebrate. And it could help the fireworks industry explode with record sales. WCCO explores how much Americans spend each year on fireworks.
Minnesotans weathered the third air quality alert triggered by ozone of the year Monday. If two more happen, it will tie the yearly record.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
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.
More storms will develop Sunday evening in the Twin Cities as dangerous heat approaches, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
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 line of thunderstorms is moving through the Twin Cities Sunday, delaying some Twin Cities Pride Parade events, says meteorologist Katie Steiner.
More storms will develop Sunday evening in the Twin Cities as dangerous heat approaches.
After some possible storms on Sunday morning, the heat and humidity will make a return.
More storms will develop Sunday evening in the Twin Cities as dangerous heat approaches, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
The weeklong celebration marking Somalia's independence is underway in the Twin Cities, plus more of the day’s top stories.
Before the fireworks go off on the Fourth of July, there will be beautiful music ringing through the Cathedral of St. Paul. Musicians Steven Anderson and Jillian Anderson discuss the heavenly event.
Most bands dream of playing in front of a crowd. For one Twin Cities group, that dream took them from a basement rehearsal space to the Special Olympics USA Games Fan Fest. Ruth "Pippa" LeMay, founder of 3 Strings, sits down with Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield to discuss the importance of adaptive music ensembles.
It's been one week since runners from all across the country gathered in northern Minnesota for the 50th annual Grandma's Marathon. Runner Emily Pearson sits down with Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield to discuss her marathon experience, and a how a drug trial test is changing her life.