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.
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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.
A pedestrian suffered serious injuries when a Bemidji, Minnesota, police officer struck him with a squad car early Wednesday morning.
Court documents show Kendra Johnson was sentenced to more than 5 years in prison and Erling Holdahl was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison.
Extreme heat can interfere with some of the medications we take, leading to potentially severe side effects.
Earlier this month, 10 more Ramsey County communities and all of Washington County are now able to participate, with more rollouts to come.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday members of the Royal Canadian Air Force successfully evacuated 11 Minnesota teenagers and four staff members from wildfires north of the border.
Court documents show Kendra Johnson was sentenced to more than 5 years in prison and Erling Holdahl was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison.
Earlier this month, 10 more Ramsey County communities and all of Washington County are now able to participate, with more rollouts to come.
Eddi Phillips is one of more than 250 artists opening their doors for the first-ever National Craft Open Studios Weekend, organized by the American Craft Council.
A man pleaded guilty Wednesday to wire fraud in a scheme prosecutors said bilked a now-defunct Minnesota housing program out of millions of dollars.
A federal agent in Minnesota who pleaded guilty to transporting child sexual abuse material was sentenced Wednesday to seven years in prison.
A pedestrian suffered serious injuries when a Bemidji, Minnesota, police officer struck him with a squad car early Wednesday morning.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday members of the Royal Canadian Air Force successfully evacuated 11 Minnesota teenagers and four staff members from wildfires north of the border.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and other state leaders moved Wednesday to extend a peacetime emergency amid raging wildfires in the northern part of the state and southern Canada.
President Trump on Wednesday gave his "complete and total endorsement" to MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell in Minnesota's gubernatorial race.
Gabriel Crombie pleaded guilty to aiding an offender in May, according to court documents.
For 66 years, the Lumberjack World Championships have brought the world's best to Hayward, Wisconsin.
Three people who died after a pontoon overturned on Lake Pepin over the weekend have been identified.
Two of the decedents were members of the Wabasha Fire Department, the chief confirmed.
A Wisconsin family lost their ten-month-old daughter after she swallowed a water bead. They blame Target and the water bead manufacturer for her death.
Francesca Hong has not backed away from calls to defund and abolish the police, raise taxes on the wealthy, and create a state-owned bank — positions now facing voters in a state Trump has carried twice.
The city of St. Paul, Minnesota, is taking a stand and closing encampments amid growing concerns.
Baseball fans might remember the Metrodome's iconic blue seats, and now in Atwater, Minnesota, spectators can once again grab a blue seat and watch a game.
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.
Ramsey County leaders say they're suing for answers after ICE agents took a U-S citizen from his home in the dead of winter. Jason Rantala shows us why they believe this is their best move.
The Pentagon will now require service members over 30 to screen for testosterone deficiency, and if needed, they can elect to have testosterone replacement therapy.
Military planners have examined options for possible action against Cuba, including an Army-led air assault involving the 101st Airborne Division.
President Trump on Wednesday gave his "complete and total endorsement" to MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell in Minnesota's gubernatorial race. Esme Murphy talked with Democratic analyst Abou Amara on how this will impact Minnesota’s primary and general election.
MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell tells WCCO’s Esme Murphy that President Trump’s endorsement is "huge" and "exciting," and that he didn't know it was coming. Watch the full interview.
The lawsuit accuses Loon of using "kid-friendly characters" to promote its vapes in flavors such as Cotton Candy, Strawberry Popsicle, Banana Taffy and Blue Razz Slushy.
A Wisconsin family lost their ten-month-old daughter after she swallowed a water bead. They blame Target and the water bead manufacturer for her death.
For many Minnesotans, the road to the Fourth of July starts with a short drive across the St. Croix River to Wisconsin to stock up on fireworks. The kinds of pyrotechnics that can be legally ignited in Minnesota might be surprising.
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.
Court documents show Kendra Johnson was sentenced to more than 5 years in prison and Erling Holdahl was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison.
A man pleaded guilty Wednesday to wire fraud in a scheme prosecutors said bilked a now-defunct Minnesota housing program out of millions of dollars.
A federal agent in Minnesota who pleaded guilty to transporting child sexual abuse material was sentenced Wednesday to seven years in prison.
Police in Farmington, Minnesota, are investigating a hit-and-run Tuesday evening that killed a 13-year-old boy riding a bicycle.
Gabriel Crombie pleaded guilty to aiding an offender in May, according to court documents.
A state law passed last year directed the state Department of Health to create materials on "recognizing the signs of physical abuse in infants and how to report suspected physical abuse of infants" and make them available online.
Officials are still searching for the source of the outbreak, prompting consumers to seek advice on social media about which foods to avoid.
"Very heavy smoke" from fires in the Arrowhead, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and southern Canada will quickly inundate much of Minnesota with the help of a sagging front that will drag that air on south, the MPCA says.
More than 75,000 Minnesotans have been approved for the state's paid family and medical leave program, which launched at the beginning of the year.
Skip the latest fad diet. The best way to manage your weight might already be sitting on your plate.
Three Minnesota ice cream shops are in the running for a national title this summer.
New Zealand actor Sam Neill, known for "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano," died Monday at 78, his family says.
A St. Paul, Minnesota, neighborhood that has struggled to keep businesses might be turning a corner.
It's another action-packed weekend here in Minnesota, featuring hot dogs, book fairs, community celebrations and more.
Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh pop star best known for singing the chart-topping power ballad "Total Eclipse of the Heart" in 1983, has died. She was 75.
Defending World Cup champion Argentina rallied to edge England 2-1 to advance to Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium, where they will face Spain.
In a match Tuesday featuring two of soccer's biggest heavyweights, Spain put in a masterful performance, frustrating France to the tune of a 2-0 win to advance to Sunday's World Cup final.
Suni Lee is making a run at a third Olympics.
Ball, who won Rookie of the Year over Anthony Edwards after the 2020-2021 season, averaged 20.1 points and 7.1 assists last season. President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly called him "a real point guard, which is — they're hard to find."
Kayla McBride scored a season-high 37 points, rookie Olivia Miles had a career-high 33 and the Minnesota Lynx beat the Phoenix Mercury 104-100 on Monday night for their third straight victory.
There's less than a month to go before the Aug. 11 primary, and one of the most watched and competitive races is the DFL race for the nomination for U.S. Senate between Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig.
New campaign finance numbers are expected out later this week in federal races, including Minnesota's U.S. Senate race, where a flood of ads is evidence of a highly competitive race.
Minnesota Republicans head into an August primary shaped by a president who has lost the state three times but still commands outsized loyalty from its conservative base.
Minnesota Republicans head into an August primary shaped by a president who has lost the state three times but still commands outsized loyalty from its conservative base.
Mike Lindell, who leads the Minnesota Republican gubernatorial primary at 27%, is proposing conditional non-resident visas for undocumented immigrants with no criminal record — a position that differs from the Trump administration's approach.
There's a scenic, nearly century-old spot in St. Cloud, Minnesota, where right now you'll find thousands of flowers in bloom.
Baseball fans might remember the Metrodome's iconic blue seats, and now in Atwater, Minnesota, spectators can once again grab a blue seat and watch a game.
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.
When you get home from work in the evening, your first thought may be dinner. You might fire up the stove or oven, you could also start a load of laundry. Not long after that, you're running the dishwasher. You may think you're being efficient, but your house during this heat wave disagrees.
It's one of Minnesota's rules of the road in which two is better than one. But Jodi from Lakeville emailed WCCO saying a lot of drivers don't seem to care about the law.
Catching a flight with just a carry-on can make travel feel easy. No need to check a bag and all your belongings stay with you. But quite often, that suddenly changes before boarding.
Skip the latest fad diet. The best way to manage your weight might already be sitting on your plate.
There's no doubt your air conditioning unit is working overtime this week as oppressive heat blankets Minnesota.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new foods for 2026.
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.
Extreme heat can interfere with some of the medications we take, leading to potentially severe side effects.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says an air quality alert is in effect until Friday morning as plumes of smoky air from wildfires up north keep sagging south.
This heat can interfere with some of the medications we take, leading to potentially severe side effects. Photojournalist Joe Van Ryn and reporter Derek James learned how some people living with mental health conditions are especially at risk.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and other state leaders moved Wednesday to extend a wildfire peacetime emergency amid the Royal Canadian Air Force's successful mission to rescue two groups of teenage YMCA campers from Minnesota across the border.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says an air quality alert is in effect until Friday morning as plumes of smoky air from wildfires up north keep sagging south.
This heat can interfere with some of the medications we take, leading to potentially severe side effects. Photojournalist Joe Van Ryn and reporter Derek James learned how some people living with mental health conditions are especially at risk.
Ramsey County leaders say they're suing for answers after ICE agents took a U-S citizen from his home in the dead of winter. Jason Rantala shows us why they believe this is their best move.
The U.S. Forest Service has issued a mandatory, closure and evacuation in place for the million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area, forcing tour groups, many with children to get out immediately.
Earlier this month, 10 more Ramsey County communities and all of Washington County are now able to participate, with more rollouts to come.