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highland local

Free Speech Battles After Charlie Kirk’s Death

February 12, 2026

The death of right‑wing activist Charlie Kirk sparked a flood of lawsuits that show how people were targeted for their online comments. In one case, Larry Bushart, a retired officer in Lexington, Tennessee, was arrested after posting memes that mocked Republican mourners. Sheriff Nick Weems claim

politics

Russia’s Move to Replace WhatsApp with a State‑Made Messenger

February 12, 2026

The Russian government has stopped the popular messaging app WhatsApp in an effort to push people toward a new, state‑backed platform called Max. The change follows years of pressure on foreign messaging services that the authorities say do not keep user data inside Russia or stop illegal use. Ma

politics

Unexpected Airspace Pause Over El Paso

February 12, 2026

The FAA abruptly halted all flights to and from El Paso International Airport at 11:30 p. m. local time, citing “special security reasons. ” The ban covered a 10‑mile radius around the city and reached into Santa Teresa, New Mexico, but left aircraft above 18, 000 feet unaffected. Officials did not

entertainment

Portland Streets Inspire the Simpsons Family

February 12, 2026

The next episode of the longest‑running U. S. primetime series airs on Sunday, marking its 800th episode. The show’s famous family finds themselves in Philadelphia for this milestone, yet the roots of many characters run much farther west, deep in Portland, Ore. The creator grew up there and drew

sports

Bus Crash in Rural Iowa Leaves One Dead and 32 Injured

February 12, 2026

A school bus that was transporting the Iowa Lakes Community College baseball squad hit a ditch on a quiet highway near Twin Lakes, Iowa. The vehicle flipped over and caused serious injuries to everyone on board except for one fatality. The incident happened early in the morning, with no other car

politics

Neighbors Fight Back as ICE Stalks Minneapolis

February 12, 2026

Minneapolis is no longer the quiet city many thought it was. A few blocks can feel normal, but behind that calm a tense watch is happening every day. Federal agents show up in plain clothes and blend into neighborhoods, making people feel watched even though they are not everywhere at once. The fear

sports

When a Football Club Owner Speaks About Politics

February 12, 2026

The owner of Manchester United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, recently made a public statement that sparked debate. He described the United Kingdom as being “colonised” by immigrants, a comment that many found offensive. The Prime Minister of the UK called his remarks “wrong” and urged him to apologize. Ratcl

education

New Board Member Aims to Strengthen Highland Schools

February 12, 2026

John Ross recently joined the board of education for Highland Local Schools, bringing a fresh outlook and a focus on solid leadership. He emphasizes the importance of listening to parents, teachers, and students while steering the district toward academic success. Ross wants the board to stay financ

politics

Minnesota’s Immigration Agent Pull‑Back: A Shift in Enforcement

February 12, 2026

A new phase has begun for immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Earlier this year, a large group of armed agents—about 3, 000 people—was sent to Minneapolis and surrounding areas under a program called Operation Metro Surge. These agents wore face masks and military‑style uniforms, sparking pr

politics

White House Climate Rollback and Minnesota Immigration Shift

February 12, 2026

President Trump and EPA head Lee Zeldin will speak at the White House today, announcing a reversal of an Obama‑era climate assessment that had triggered extensive new rules and billions in spending. The decision marks a sharp pivot from past environmental policies, sparking debate over its long‑term

Free Speech Battles After Charlie Kirk’s Death

Russia’s Move to Replace WhatsApp with a State‑Made Messenger

Unexpected Airspace Pause Over El Paso

Portland Streets Inspire the Simpsons Family

Bus Crash in Rural Iowa Leaves One Dead and 32 Injured

Neighbors Fight Back as ICE Stalks Minneapolis

When a Football Club Owner Speaks About Politics

New Board Member Aims to Strengthen Highland Schools

Minnesota’s Immigration Agent Pull‑Back: A Shift in Enforcement

White House Climate Rollback and Minnesota Immigration Shift

Unexpected Airspace Pause Over El Paso