Minnesota
What happens when someone’s gun rights are restored — or denied — in Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS — Last month, Minneapolis police officer Jamal Mitchell was shot and killed by a felon who shouldn’t have had a gun.
Before that, in February, a similar scene played out in Burnsville, killing three first responders. In that case, the shooter, Shannon Gooden had asked the courts to restore his gun rights. He was denied.
But what about the hundreds of other felons who asked for the same thing?
Over five years, 1,448 petitions to restore gun and ammo rights have been filed in Minnesota. They were originally stripped for convictions like drug offenses, assault, theft and terroristic threats. The courts approved more than half of them — mainly for people who had stayed out of trouble and requested to hunt or have personal protection. People like Troy Horning.
“It’s people that have been law-abiding. You know, grown up enough and understand enough the responsibility of carrying a live firearm,” Horning said.
WCCO went through case after case from 2019 through 2023. Of the rights restored, two people had a gun offense after — both misdemeanors.
In one case, the person had a rifle in a shotgun zone with an invalid permit. The other was for carrying a pistol while under the influence of alcohol. A third person was convicted of felony drug possession.
Senior Judge Jerome Abrams has been on the bench, deciding if there’s good cause to restore felons’ gun rights.
“I think what you found is very consistent with just the nature of the crimes and offense in the community. The people that are getting their firearms back are not likely the people who are committing new serious crimes in the community,” Abrams said.
It’s a similar story for felons who had their petition denied. A man who had his rights denied was later convicted of a violation after police found guns in his bedroom. A handful of people withdrew their petition or asked for a dismissal after being charged with crimes, some involving a firearm.
We found convictions for things like assault, disorderly conduct, DWI and speeding for people who had rights restored and denied.
“Well, I think the data suggests that it is [working]. I think the data supports the fact that so far, the judicial evaluation or role in that process has been fairly good. I mean, it’s consistent. In other words, we’re not giving guns back to people who are out to commit offenses with firearms. It happens to be that some of the people who get their gun rights back commit other crimes, but they’re not using the firearms as part of it,” Abrams said.
What does the data show about felons in Minnesota, who are caught with a gun after being prohibited from having one?
Tuesday at 10 p.m. WCCO shares the push to hold felons in possession accountable and talks with a mother who knows deep grief after her daughter’s life was taken by a felon with a gun.
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Minnesota
What’s open and what’s closed on Fourth of July in Minnesota?
MINNEAPOLIS — Thursday marks the Fourth of July holiday, and if you need to run out for some last-minute supplies or stock up for travel, WCCO has you covered.
With the forecast for much of Minnesota looking rainy, those cookout plans may be, well, cooked, so many are wondering what restaurants are open as well.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s open and what’s closed on July Fourth.
What’s open on July 4?
Most big box retailers, including Minnesota-based Target, will be open.
Many chain restaurants will also remain open, though hours may vary by location.
Most grocery stores, including Cub and Lunds & Byerlys, will be open.
For those seeking a caffeine fix, many Caribou Coffee locations are open, though it’s always best to double-check before heading to your store.
Most movie theaters will be open for those seeking a respite from the rain at the cinema.
Metro Transit buses and light rail trains will follow limited schedules on both Thursday and Friday. The Northstar train will only provide service to the Minnesota Twins game on Thursday.
What’s closed on July 4?
City, state and federal offices and other government buildings will be closed due to the holiday.
In some cities, if your garbage or recycling pickup is schedule for the holiday or the day after, it will be delayed by a day.
Most bank branches will be closed.
Costco will be closed.
While parks may remain open, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board workers announced a weeklong strike that will begin on Thursday.
Some fireworks shows have already been rescheduled or canceled due to the forecast.
Minnesota
Minnesota Wild regular season schedule released
On Tuesday, the National Hockey League released its schedules for the upcoming season.
The Minnesota Wild will start the season at home on Oct. 10, taking on the Columbus Blue Jackets. They will then play another home game against Seattle on Oct. 12. After two back-to-back games at home, the Wild will be all over the place for the next three weeks, playing seven away matches before returning to the land of 10,000 lakes.
That will be the Wild’s longest stretch away from home for the entire regular season. The rest of the Wild’s 2024-25 season can be found below:
The 82-game season will conclude for the Wild on Tuesday, April 15, before postseason play begins.
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