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

Meet the aircraft, crews on standby in Ainsworth following Sandhills fires

Meet the aircraft, crews on standby in Ainsworth following Sandhills fires

Gordon man sentenced for sexually assaulting children

Gordon man sentenced for sexually assaulting children

Indiana woman faces felony drug charge in Cherry County

Indiana woman faces felony drug charge in Cherry County

Chadron State College sculpture dedication set for Friday

Chadron State College sculpture dedication set for Friday

State

Onstott, Whatley seek voter support at Republican Assembly

CHI St. Mary's to Focus on Addiction Recovery

Red Flag Warning issued for Thursday as critical fire conditions threaten Panhandle region

Tegtmeier, Evnen headline Cheyenne County Republican Assembly

‘I don’t want to go outside — it’s scary’: Parents of boy attacked at Omaha Walmart talk in aftermath of fatal incident

Several county offices are uncontested races in Primary

Sports

Cougar notes: WNCC's Travers earns Region IX softball player of the week

Johnson-Brock earns eight top medals

Scottsbluff, Hemingford highlight strong day at Mitchell golf invites

Potter-Dix boys, Ogallala girls claim titles at Leyton Invite

Kimball Junior High Track begins track season, setting personal records

Cougar notes: WNCC baseball sweeps Otero on Sunday

Ag & Outdoor

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

Outdoor notes: Game and Parks urges caution when recreating outdoors due to wildfires

Outdoor notes: Temporary closure of Clear Creek WMA for safety

‘Worst-case scenario’: Fertilizer, fuel cost spikes hitting Nebraska farmers hard