Highland Park unites for first July 4 parade since 2022 mass shooting

For many people, the return of the Highland Park Fourth of July parade on Thursday brought complicated feelings — mourning and reflection but also a willingness to move forward after the mass shooting at the parade two years ago.

For 5-year-old Mina Popp, it was just a chance to experience joy.

“She’s just glowing right now after seeing it,” said her father, Tom Popp, 55, of Highland Park, who was present with his daughter at the 2022 event when a man opened fire with an assault rifle on parade-goers...