Turning Point USA’s high school push in GOP states meets free speech and religion concerns

A push by Republican leaders to promote Turning Point USA chapters in public high schools is stirring a free speech debate

April 15, 2026Updated: April 15, 2026

By MARGERY A. BECK and SAHAR AKBARZAI

Regional

Nebraska Dunes golf course set to reopen after major renovations

Nebraska Dunes golf course set to reopen after major renovations

Swift to pay penalty for pollution violations at Grand Island plant

Swift to pay penalty for pollution violations at Grand Island plant

Hastings Museum Unveils Summer Program

Hastings Museum Unveils Summer Program

86 The Stigma event in Kearney promotes mental health awareness at Harmon Park

86 The Stigma event in Kearney promotes mental health awareness at Harmon Park

Grand Island bakery rallies support for employee after St. Libory tornado destroys home

Grand Island bakery rallies support for employee after St. Libory tornado destroys home

Hastings College Graduate Elected as Young Adult Advisory Delegate

Hastings College Graduate Elected as Young Adult Advisory Delegate

State

Endangered Missing Advisory issued for 18-year-old last possibly seen in Sidney

Wakefield Community Schools split ways with Dr. Matt Farup

Kearney Catholic girls track secures three-peat

Two seriously injured in I-80 construction zone crash near Ogallala

After near-record warm months, Nebraska could see top-10 hottest year

Addressing the housing issue in the Panhandle

Sports

Hertl’s late winner caps Golden Knights’ wild 5-3 rally, giving them a 3-0 series lead on Avalanche

Chadron State's Bynes places 5th at Outdoor Nationals

Shaydyn Rasby, Katelyn Walker win state titles as area athletes close strong in Omaha

Murray State CC, of Oklahoma, wins NJCAA Division 2 Golf Title

Barbashev, Eichel score in 2:07 span, Golden Knights stun Avs 3-1 to take 2-0 series lead

Lowery wins state high jump title as area athletes shine at Burke Stadium

Ag & Outdoor

Outdoor notes: Campers invited to take state park survey

Feed supplies tighten for Nebraska producers as drought persists

Outdoor notes: Invasive Species Awareness Week is May 24-30

Powell wins 56th Cornhusker Trap Shoot

Outdoor notes: Spring shotgun turkey season opens

Outdoor notes: Bighorn sheep regular lottery applications begin April 20