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.
Classes have been canceled in Delano, Minnesota, on Wednesday after the school district said it suffered a "cyber incident."
The Minnesota United have one more game left before the hiatus starts.
Several students were injured Monday afternoon after a school bus crashed in central Minnesota.
The state's busiest trauma hospital was on the brink of financial ruin, and still faces major challenges with leadership projecting $50 million in losses this year.
Shigeyuki Furukawa is the only person to bring home a nomination for the James Beard Award in Minnesota this year.
Classes have been canceled in Delano, Minnesota, on Wednesday after the school district said it suffered a "cyber incident."
The state's busiest trauma hospital was on the brink of financial ruin, and still faces major challenges with leadership projecting $50 million in losses this year.
Shigeyuki Furukawa is the only person to bring home a nomination for the James Beard Award in Minnesota this year.
The news of the deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego has mosques in the Twin Cities on alert.
A man accused of impersonating a high school student in the Twin Cities has been arrested after failing to show up to a court appearance late last month.
Several students were injured Monday afternoon after a school bus crashed in central Minnesota.
A wildfire roaring about 10 miles east of Breezy Point, Minnesota, has grown to over 1,600 acres, officials said in a Tuesday morning update.
At a hangar in St. Paul, Minnesota, engineers at Momentum Aeronautics are building Heatwave, a new generation scooping float system designed to make one of firefighting aviation's most dangerous jobs safer.
It's estimated that there are more than 15,000 black bears in Minnesota, with the majority of them in the northeastern part of the state.
Authorities arrested a 48-year-old man they believe is responsible for shooting at a fire suppression aircraft in northern Minnesota on Friday.
A driver went airborne during a high-speed police chase in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, after fleeing a traffic stop.
Fifty beagles rescued from animal testing in Wisconsin are set to arrive in Minnesota Thursday.
A 100-mile stretch of Mississippi River towns is hosting its annual 100 Mile Garage Sale this weekend, drawing shoppers and sellers from across the region and beyond.
Minnesota animal rescues are stepping up to take in dogs from a Wisconsin research facility accused of animal abuse.
You may have heard of Give to the Max Day, where people donate millions of dollars to hundreds of nonprofits and organizations across Minnesota on a single day. That idea has spread to western Wisconsin, called Give Big Valleys.
Quincy Street isn't just at the center of Art-A-Whirl, it's at the heart of the Arts District in northeast Minneapolis. The road itself, however, is falling apart. And the only thing bumpier than the exposed brick is the reaction to the city's plans to fix it.
Somali and Muslim leaders in Minnesota played a threatening voicemail at a public gathering Friday, saying businesses in their community are being targeted with messages warning of death.
The Black homeownership rate in the Twin Cities dropped to 29% in 2024, and the region had the largest gap between Black and White homeownership rates of any comparable metro in the country.
Bobby Rogers once came to the Minneapolis Institute of Art to sketch and study; now he leads its design and editorial work, shaping what visitors see and experience.
Moses Cooper, who has cerebral palsy, met running partner Mark Hulsey through My Team Triumph Minnesota two years ago and the pair qualified for the Boston Marathon at Grandma's Marathon last summer.
The state's busiest trauma hospital was on the brink of financial ruin, and still faces major challenges with leadership projecting $50 million in losses this year.
Minnesota has legalized marijuana. Could magic mushrooms be next?
Rochester Rep. Andy Smith, who sponsored the measure, said he expects a multi-million dollar magic mushroom pilot program to get legislative approval next session after this year's bill authorized only a research report.
President Trump said people convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack may be eligible for compensation from the Justice Department's nearly $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
The federal commodities regulator filed suit against Minnesota to stop a new state law, signed by Gov. Tim Walz, that would criminalize operating or participating in prediction markets starting Aug. 1.
The federal commodities regulator filed suit against Minnesota to stop a new state law, signed by Gov. Tim Walz, that would criminalize operating or participating in prediction markets starting Aug. 1.
Part of the end-of-session deal in the Minnesota Legislature rolls back skyrocketing tab renewal fees. Those fees have electric vehicle owners especially revved up.
In Minnesota, you'll be able to try one at St. Paul's CHS Field.
With more Americans opting to drive rather than fly amid higher costs, South Dakota tourism officials say the state is well-positioned as a regional road trip destination.
President Trump's idea to save drivers a few dollars at the pump could cost them in the long run.
A man accused of impersonating a high school student in the Twin Cities has been arrested after failing to show up to a court appearance late last month.
A security guard who was among the victims killed in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego is being hailed for his heroism and bravery during the attack.
The Minneapolis City Council wants a change in how the state handles domestic violence cases.
In a filing on Monday, prosecutors in Minnesota asked the court to sentence Feeding Our Future ringleader Aimee Bock to 50 years in prison.
A driver hit and killed a pedestrian in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, early Tuesday before leaving the scene, according to police.
Minnesota has legalized marijuana. Could magic mushrooms be next?
At least 80 deaths have been reported in a new Ebola disease outbreak in Congo and Uganda, authorities said.
It comes after insurers stopped paying for their kids' daily care, which they argue was covered as part of a 15-year-old state law. As the end of the Minnesota session nears, lawmakers have four days to make a change.
A Twin Cities teenager is facing an unimaginable battle: terminal cancer. She's fortunate enough to have family by her side through her fearless fight as they all hope for a miracle.
Dr. Gianrico Farrugia has led Mayo Clinic since 2019, and the organization said it was his decision to "complete his tenure at the end of this year."
Dave Ryan has been a pillar of Minnesota radio for over three decades who last week made the surprise announcement that he would retire from his morning show at KDWB.
If you're a Smashing Pumpkins fan in Minnesota, today may be the greatest day you've ever known. Billy Corgan and his band are bringing their next tour to Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul.
The Library of Congress revealed this year's list of 25 recordings to be preserved for future generations on the National Recording Registry.
Dave Ryan announced Wednesday that May 22 will be his last day at KDWB, ending a 33-year run at the Twin Cities station.
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are calling their Aug. 29 show "Homecoming: A Celebration of the Minneapolis Sound."
The Minnesota United have one more game left before the hiatus starts.
The Minnesota Twins have demoted former No. 1 draft pick Royce Lewis to the minor leagues.
The Minnesota Wild have a new minor league affiliate, inking a deal with the Jacksonville Icemen of the ECHL.
Josh Bell homered twice and drove in four runs as the Minnesota Twins beat the Houston Astros 6-3.
The summer will be jam-packed for Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin. He made it abundantly clear on Monday that re-signing Quinn Hughes is at the top of the list.
Amy Klobuchar is putting her gubernatorial campaign into high gear. She faces no significant opposition in the race for the DFL endorsement and her existing record of statewide wins is formidable.
The legislation establishes a list of requirements aimed at improving transparency and reducing conflicts within HOAs. Minnesota estimates that 25% of its residents live in an HOA, and 82% of new homes are built within one.
The Minnesota Senate passed a bill with mandatory requirements for homeowners associations aimed at improving transparency and preventing disputes, after two years of legislative work driven by public complaints.
The Minnesota Senate passed a bill with mandatory requirements for homeowners associations aimed at improving transparency and preventing disputes, after two years of legislative work driven by public complaints. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Dana Ohman, an attorney who handles HOA disputes, about some of the most common questions homeowners have.
Sen. Tina Smith is using her last months in office to vocally campaign for progressive and environmental causes. She hopes that a progressive will succeed her when Minnesotans go to the polls next November.
There's a place in Wabasha County, Minnesota, where people go wild for wildflowers.
For nearly 50 years, Farmamerica has been sowing agricultural knowledge near Waseca, Minnesota.
The carillon has 56 bells, and the Mayo Clinic said that makes it one of the largest instruments in the world and the largest instrument in Minnesota.
When you think of masterful, memorable works of art, grain elevators don't typically come to mind. But in towns across the country, including in Minnesota, they're becoming an unlikely canvas for creativity.
At Arnie Lillo's Creations in Blue Earth County, you can visit a metal-scaled version of the Eiffel Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge. The works of art have taken on a shape of their own.
Dozens of recreational marijuana dispensaries can now be found across Minnesota. Many of them opened last year, but it's still relatively new. And if you've visited dispensaries in other states, the rules can be different.
President Trump's idea to save drivers a few dollars at the pump could cost them in the long run.
More people than the entire population of Minneapolis, or half a million, were estimated to go fishing in Minnesota this past weekend. WCCO looks at how the tradition stacks up with other outdoor events that keep the state's economy running.
A deadly virus that's killed cruise ship passengers can be traced to small critters found hiding in homes.
So far this decade, the Twin Cities metro has, on average, added about 17,000 housing units per year, according to data from the Metropolitan Council.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says tomorrow will be sunny with highs that are below average.
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.
Temperatures drop tonight with frost and freeze concerns west and north of the metro, but a warm stretch is on the way with 70s expected this weekend and 80s by Monday, WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer reports.
The sky clears out tonight and the temps drop. Sunny and still below average Wednesday, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
It'll be a slightly gloomy Tuesday with temps reaching the mid-50s.
More than $700 million of your tax dollars will be used to help prop up Minnesota's hospitals. As our Conor Wight shows us, one hospital will likely get most of that money, while some are worried it won't be enough.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says tomorrow will be sunny with highs that are below average.
One of Earth's brightest lights is gone. Kenny Jary, better known as Patriotic Kenny, passed away at the age of 84. Born in Willernie, Minnesota the Navy Veteran used his platform of more than 4 million social media followers to help veterans across the country. Here's Reg Chapman.
Police say a decorated Army veteran lost his life while confronting car thieves. He was also a father of two. As Jason Rantala shows us, the combat medic leaves behind a lasting legacy.
Rather than building new infrastructure, Stillwater crews connected to an abandoned 1920s sewer tunnel to permanently fix a failure caused by a pipe built in 1887, a move the city says will save money.