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

Families start picking up the pieces after tornado near St. Libory

Families start picking up the pieces after tornado near St. Libory

Minden Public Schools Breaks Ground for New Elementary School

Minden Public Schools Breaks Ground for New Elementary School

Streets Smart Safety Event Held in Hastings

Streets Smart Safety Event Held in Hastings

Food Bank for the Heartland brings rural pantry partners to Ord

Food Bank for the Heartland brings rural pantry partners to Ord

Hastings Police Participating in Spring “Make It Click” Initiative

Hastings Police Participating in Spring “Make It Click” Initiative

Hastings Daycare Employee Arrested on Child Abuse Charge

Hastings Daycare Employee Arrested on Child Abuse Charge

State

Nebraska Extension hosts drought management webinar for beef producers

California man faces felony drug charges in Cherry County

Families start picking up the pieces after tornado near St. Libory

I-80 construction project set to begin in Cheyenne, Kimball counties

Southeast Nebraska faces threat of large hail and severe storms today

Near-blizzard conditions shut down I-80 in Wyoming as spring snowstorm slams region

Sports

WNCC to hold volleyball individual, team camps in June

Merino Makes It Happen in Final Event; Unruh Ups Individual Title Total to 10

Corbin Carroll hits 2 homers, drives in 3 as the Diamondbacks beat the Rockies 8-6

McCarthy singles twice and has an RBI against former team, helping Rockies beat Diamondbacks 4-2

Deep, star-studded Avalanche reach the conference finals for 8th time since arriving in Denver

West Nebraska All-Star Games announce 2026 football, volleyball coaching staffs

Ag & Outdoor

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

Outdoor notes: NGPC offering pastures, hay tracts to those affected by wildfires

Outdoor notes: Work to begin soon on Smith Lake WMA Aquatic Habitat Project