By Devin Watkins Vatican News Service

At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the&nbsp;Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words:

"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."

The Pope was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025, after suffering from a bout of bronchitis for several days.

Pope Francis’ clinical situation gradually worsened, and his doctors diagnosed bilateral pneumonia on Tuesday, February 18.

After 38 days in hospital, the late Pope returned to his Vatican residence at the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.

In 1957, in his early 20s, Jorge Mario Bergoglio underwent surgery in his native Argentina to remove a portion of his lung that had been affected by a severe respiratory infection.

As he aged, Pope Francis frequently suffered bouts of respiratory illnesses, even cancelling a planned visit to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.

In April 2024, the late Pope Francis approved an updated edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, which will guide the funeral Mass which has yet to be announced.

The second edition of the&nbsp;Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis&nbsp;introduces several new elements, including how the Pope’s mortal remains are to be handled after death.

The ascertainment of death takes place in the chapel, rather than in the room where he died, and his body is immediately placed inside the coffin.

According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, the late Pope Francis had requested that the funeral rites be simplified and focused on expressing the faith of the Church in the Risen Body of Christ.

“The renewed rite,” said Archbishop Ravelli, “seeks to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.”

Pope Francis, Latin America's first pontiff, dies at 88

North Platte, Neb. — Backyard poultry producers and enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of flock health, nutrition, housing, and economics during a two-day seminar hosted by Nebraska Extension.

The seminar will be held May 2 in Kearney at the Buffalo County Extension Office, 1400 E. 34th Street, and May 3 in North Platte at the West Central Research, Extension, and Education Center, 402 West State Farm Road. Both events run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the North Platte seminar will also be available online via webinar.

PODCAST with Extension Educator Randy Saner (Sponsored by North Platte Kubota)

The seminar will feature presentations from poultry and agricultural experts:

The goal of the seminar is to equip attendees with knowledge and tools to improve disease management and sustainable practices for backyard poultry operations.

The $25 registration fee includes a meal for in-person attendees and access for webinar participants.

Backyard Poultry Seminar Set for May 3 in North Platte (PODCAST)

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The North Platte City Council approved several infrastructure improvements during its regular meeting Tuesday night, including the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to pave an expanded portion of West 15th Street.

Mayor Brandon Kelliher said the city was able to stretch its grant dollars further than anticipated after initial bids came in under budget.

“When the original bid came in, it was about $90,000 lower than the actual grant amount,” Kelliher said. “So, we went back to the state and asked if we could pave one more block with the extra funds, and they approved it.”

The council approved a $402,228 contract with Level, LLC of North Platte to pave West 15th Street from North Hayes Avenue to North Custer Avenue. Kelliher said the additional paving will eliminate remaining gravel patches and help modernize the north side of the city, although future improvements will depend on further grant funding.

“In areas where you’re putting in water, sewer and pavement, the cost is approaching $1,000 a foot,” he said.

The council also approved a second bid with Level, LLC for paving sidewalks and parking areas at Cody Park in the amount of $124,864.75. The improvements are part of ongoing renovations at the park, including new tennis and pickleball courts.

Kelliher announced the courts will be temporarily closed for approximately three weeks starting at the end of April for painting and finishing work.

“The company is coming back to finish the tennis and pickleball courts. It’s a very precise and time-consuming process,” he said. “It will cost about $130,000 to paint the courts, so we need people to stay off them while the work is done.”

The mayor added the courts will be locked and clearly marked as closed, and the city plans to host grand opening events once the project is complete.

In other business, the council held first readings and took action on three ordinances related to paving projects on Francis Street. Ordinances No. 4204, 4205 and 4206 would create paving districts extending from Tabor Avenue to Newberry Access.

The council also approved second readings to annex the Otter First and Second Subdivisions, Majors 3 Brothers Administrative Subdivisions, and Glennfields 3rd Subdivision into city limits. Kelliher said construction on the Francis Street paving could begin as early as this summer, supporting further development in the area.

 North Platte City Council Approves Street, Park Improvements with CDBG Funds (PODCAST)

North Platte, Neb. - The Prairie Arts Center in North Platte has announced that their will be some fun upcoming fundraisers the PAC will be hosting. Also raffle tickets will be sold for some painted chairs with cool designs. More and more classes are being added to the website and if you have a youth, you still have time to sign up for summer classes.

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Holly Carlini from the PAC about all the news things going on. The Prairie Arts Center is open Tuesday - Saturday from 11am - 4pm. To view the PAC website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prairieartscenter.org/">click here.</a>&nbsp;to learn more, check out the podcast below.

(Audio) Prairie Arts Center announces upcoming fundraisers, raffle ticket prizes, upcoming classes and more!

North Platte, Neb. - The Lincoln County CASA is hosting its yearly Kevin Kennedy 5K Run and Kids Fun Run this Saturday at Iron Park. The 5K race is set to kickoff at 5:00pm with the Kids Fun Race scheduled for 5:45pm. Following the race, hot dogs will be served. The theme is superhero's so runners are encouraged to wear their best superhero costume. &nbsp;

Also, if anyone is interested in wearing a villain costume, the Lincoln County CASA is looking for individuals to wear villain costumes. You can register for the run online by <a href="https://www.platteriverfitness.com/casa#register">clicking here</a> or sign up in person at the North Platte Rec Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;

POST news director Canon Rath chatted with Janet Vath about the upcoming race. To learn more, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Sign up for the Kevin Kennedy 5K Hero Run and Kids Fun Run!

North Platte, Neb. - When most folks here 4-H, they instantly think it's animal showing, which there is plenty of that or animals in general. While there may be a ton of animal related events, 4'H has something for everyone to enjoy. Some kids may be interested in 4-H but can attend events like the Animal Science Discover Day.

Briawana Hinrichs, a local 4-Hr is entering her second year doing 4-H and has plenty of activities to look forward to this summer to participate in. Hinrichs shares her experience attending the 4-H Animal Science Discovery Day, where she learned about the anatomy of cows and different cuts of meat. While she may have just started doing 4-H last year, she states learning and making friends his her favorite thing about 4-H

"It is super fun. You get to make new friends and get to learn new things." said Hinrichs.

To learn more In-depth about the entrepreneurship project and Sheard experience with 4-H, check out the podcast below.&nbsp;

(Audio) Local 4'Hr discusses Animal Science Discover Day and more!

Back on Monday, March 24, Lisa Burke the Executive Director of Visit North Platte attended the Lincoln County Commissioners Board of Directors meeting to recap the 2024 year for tourism for North Platte and Lincoln County. POST news director Canon Rath met with Burke as Burke recapped the meeting. To learn more, check out the podcast below.

(Audio) Visit North Platte recaps board of directors meeting

North Platte, Neb. - The North Platte city council held a regular meeting on April 1st and different agendas were discussed amongst the council. Topics this session included the purchase of a new Chevy truck for the fire department, new auxiliary equipment for the fire department and more.

On Wednesday, Post Canon Rath chatted with North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher about the different topics from the council meeting. If you would like to learn more in-depth of what went on during the April 1st, North Platte City Council meeting check out the podcast below or check out the video below the podcast.

(Audio) North Platte City Council Meeting, April 1st recap

North Platte, Neb. - The Hershey Volunteer Fire Department is back again for its annual Free Will donation Spaghetti Dinner at the Hershey School Cafeteria. The event takes place from 11 am to 2 pm with all-you-can-eat spaghetti with meat sauce, Homemade buns, and deserts with a free-will donation.

Sports Director Paxton Gordon sat down with Toby, Amanda and Jenifer of the Hershey Volunteer Fire Department the to discuss the up coming event.

(Audio) Hershey Volunteer Fire Department Annual Spaghetti Dinner

The Heartland Singers are having a spring concert on Sunday afternoon at 3pm at the First Baptist Church on McDonald Road in North Platte. Mike Douty spoke with the post about the concert Sunday. A Free Will Donation will be taken during the show.

Heartland Singers having concert Sunday afternoon (Podcast)

Kasey Kroeker from the Perkins County Fair Board announced on Friday, that the fair will host Rock group Eve 6 on Friday, July 18. Tickets onsale today at www.PerkinsCountyFair.com (LISTEN TO ANNOUNCEMENT HERE)

Perkins County hosting Rock Concert at 2025 Fair with Eve 6

The Hot Sheets: April 21, 2025

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. – North Platte Stockyards recorded one of the most historic sales in U.S. cattle market history on Tuesday, April 15, with a standout performance in its feeder calf offering, including the third-highest 5-weight sale ever recorded nationally.

A powerful run of 145 head averaging 524 pounds brought in $439.50 per hundredweight, marking the highest 5-weight price in the country for the day. The sale came within 50 cents of the national all-time record and stands as the highest 5-weight price ever recorded in Nebraska. It also marked the top national price ever for a lot of 100 head or more.

“This was a truly historic day for our barn and for the cattle market,” North Platte Stockyards said in a statement. “We’re proud to be setting the pace nationally.”

Other notable sales included 24 head at 432 pounds selling for $441.00 per hundredweight—the highest 4-weight sale in North Platte history—and 26 head at 802 pounds fetching $280.00, the fourth-highest 8-weight price ever at the barn.

North Platte Stockyards will host its next feeder calf special on May 6. Consignments are currently being accepted through the office or local representatives.

North Platte Stockyards Sets Historic Records in Feeder Calf Sale

The Hot Sheets: April 20, 2025

The Hot Sheets: April 19, 2025

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman discusses foster care with Monica Boyd of TFI Family Services.

🎤 Forward Ever: Monica Boyd of TFI Family Services on foster care

The Hot Sheets: April 18, 2025

Nashville, TN - Country star Ella Langley called into the Big D &amp; Bubba show, heard on Z 93.5 Country, to tell the boys that they won the Acadamy of Country's National Daily Personality(s) of the Year award for 2025.&nbsp;

<a href="https://youtube.com/shorts/94fiyOzVoe4?si=utwQQEoXE3bbTwRS">WATCH FULL CLIP of the call with Ella here</a>

Big D &amp; Bubba are also being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame this year. You can listen exclusively to them in western Nebraska and northeastern Colorado on <a href="http://www.z935country.com">Z 93.5 Country</a>!

The 2025 ACM Awards, the 60th anniversary of the award show, will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025. It will be held at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The event will be hosted by Reba McEntire. The show will stream live on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch.

Z 93.5 Country's BIG D & BUBBA win ACM for Personality's of The Year

McCOOK, Neb. — The Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors met Wednesday evening for its regularly scheduled meeting at the McCook Community College East Campus, where members approved several academic and operational items, celebrated student achievements, and honored retiring staff.

Board Chair Cynthia Duncan called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. CDT. Present were MPCC President Ryan Purdy and board members Matthew Broz, Kirk Crawley, Molly Jeffres, Ted Klug Jr., Kim Korgan, Megan McGown, Kent Miller, Tyler Pribbeno, and Tricia Schaffer. Board member Dr. Ben Lashley was absent and excused. NPCC student trustee EmiLee Walnofer and MCC student trustee Kendree Kern were also in attendance.

During the open forum, student trustees shared campus updates from North Platte and McCook. Board member Matthew Broz commended MPCC Director of Financial Aid Erinn Brown for her work with the scholarship process. MPCC Director of Library Resources Katie Wheeler introduced the Phi Theta Kappa All-Nebraska Academic Team, and MPCC Business Instructor Renelle Mooney presented members of the FBLA Collegiate chapter. Retiring Ogallala Campus Administrator Mary Pierce and Imperial Campus Administrator Brenda Ledall were recognized for their years of service to MPCC.

On a consent motion, the board approved the March 19 board work session and meeting minutes, as well as the March financial report.

In action items, the board approved the formation of a new student powerlifting club, the “Mid-Plains Bar Benders.” Additionally, the board approved program reviews for Graphic Design and Early Childhood Education, which will now move forward to the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education.

Other approvals included a two-year renewal of the DocuSign contract for $54,250.56, an upgrade to the college's nursing software system, and a $90,237 contract with Platte Valley Electric for electrical distribution equipment at W.W. Wood. The board also approved March disbursements totaling $1,107,054.28.

The board heard cabinet reports from President Purdy and various administrators, including updates on academics, student affairs, finance, human resources, and marketing.

The meeting moved into closed session at 7:36 p.m. to discuss personnel and real estate matters and returned to open session at 8:45 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m.

The next MPCC Board of Governors meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on May 14 in Broken Bow.

Mid-Plains Community College Board Approves New Clubs, Program Reviews and Honors Retirees at April Meeting

Today is the final day of the Annual Spring-Time TAX ONLINE Auction from Eagle Media. Auctions end at 1pm CT today. <a href="https://lashleyland.com/homes-for-sale/">Sponsored by Tami Timmerman-Lashley with Lashley Land-Residential</a>. Below is the Sale bill for the week. See Days/Time for items you'd like to bid on. <a href="https://northplatte.bigdealsmedia.net/category/4755/auction">CLICK HERE TO BID!</a>

FINAL day of Eagle Media ONLINE Auction, see sale bill

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The North Platte Police Department is investigating a series of vehicle thefts that occurred in the early morning hours of April 15. Authorities say an unknown individual entered multiple unlocked vehicles between the 2000 and 1700 blocks of East D Street around 3 a.m., stealing several items, including a .45 caliber handgun.

Police are urging residents in the area to review any surveillance footage that may assist in identifying the suspect.

“If you have cameras in the area, please check your footage around that time to see if you captured any images of the suspect,” the department said in a statement.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the North Platte Police Department at 308-535-6789. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Lincoln County Crime Stoppers at <a href="http://lincolncountycrimestoppers.com">lincolncountycrimestoppers.com</a> or by calling 308-534-8400.

Authorities are reminding the public to lock their vehicles and avoid leaving valuables inside — particularly firearms — to help prevent similar crimes.

North Platte Police Investigating String of Vehicle Thefts, Firearm Reported Stolen

Story by NU Athletic Communication

The No. 18 Nebraska softball team is set to host the Indiana Hoosiers for a two-game Big Ten series on April 18-19. Friday’s game is set to start at 5 p.m. (CT), while Saturday’s matchup will start at 1 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;

NU was tabbed No. 18 by the NFCA Coaches Poll this week, No. 21 by USA Softball and D1 Softball and No. 22 by Softball America.

Last weekend, the Huskers traveled to Evanston, Ill., to take on the Northwestern Wildcats. The Big Red came out of the weekend with a sweep, where the first two games came in run-rule fashion. It was the first time that Northwestern had lost a conference series since 2022 and the first time they’d been run-ruled twice in a row since 2016. Jordyn Bahl pitched two complete games in the series and struck out 25 batters while allowing only one run. She earned Big Ten Pitcher of the Week honors for her performance. Kylee Magee threw the second game of the series, her first complete game of the year, and allowed one run and only three hits. Offensively, Bahl had eight RBIs, six hits and two homers, while Ava Kuszak, Samantha Bland and Hannah Camenzind added a homer apiece in the series.&nbsp;

Friday’s game will be on B1G+ and Saturday’s contest will be televised on Nebraska Public Media. Every game will&nbsp; have a free radio broadcast with Nate Rohr on the call. The radio broadcast is available at Huskers.com/listen and on the official Huskers app. Fans are reminded that Bowlin Stadium is cashless and reentry will not be allowed.&nbsp;

Jordyn Bahl, Ava Kuszak and Samantha Bland have been standing out, both in the Big Ten and nationally.&nbsp;

The Nebraska softball team has enjoyed a solid season at the plate, most notably with its home run numbers.&nbsp;

Nebraska softball pitcher and utility player Jordyn Bahl has not only had an impact in the circle, but her offense is a force to be reckoned with.

Nebraska utilized the transfer portal this offseason, bringing in six new players -- Hannah and Lauren Camenzind and Kacie Hoffmann from Arkansas, Olivia DiNardo from Arizona, Kylee Magee from Arizona State and Ava Kuszak from Wisconsin.

Nebraska’s 2025 roster consists of 25 total athletes. Fourteen of those are returners.

Nebraska faced significant adversity in 2024, as a total of six players suffered season-ending injuries, including four that are returning for the 2025 season. Additionally, Arizona State transfer Kylee Magee had to use the offseason for rehab.&nbsp;

Indiana is 28-12 on the season with an even 7-7 mark in Big Ten competition. As a team, the Hoosiers bat .384, which is the best average in the conference. Their pitching staff owns an ERA of 4.26.&nbsp;

Huskers welcome Indiana for two-game series

For its final duals of the regular season, the No. 73 Nebraska women’s tennis team is heading west. The Huskers (12-10, 2-9 Big Ten) will face No. 18 Washington (17-3, 9-2 Big Ten) on Friday, April 18, at 3 p.m. (CT). NU is set to take on Oregon (8-12, 1-10 Big Ten) on Sunday, April 20, at 11 a.m. (CT).

On the east coast, Maria Taranova claimed her 21st singles win of the season, the sophomore’s second time accomplishing 20+ victories in a year. Taranova leads the team with 14 spring singles wins, followed by Zamburek’s 12-3 mark. On the doubles side, Emma Rizzetto and Tiziana Rossini have tallied five victories together. The Big Ten weekend against the Huskies and Ducks will conclude regular season play for the Huskers.

History: 1-0 NU leads; The Huskies and Huskers have met once before on the court, in which the Big Red won.

UW split its last road Big Ten weekend, with a 4-0 sweep of Michigan State and a 1-4 loss to Michigan. Washington’s Reece Carter is on both sides of the current ITA rankings, coming in at No. 94 in singles and No. 52 in doubles with partner Alexia Jacobs. Heading into the weekend, UW is tied with Ohio State for third place in the Big Ten with a 9-2 conference record - the most conference wins by Washington since at least 1998.

History: 2-1 NU leads; In their three matches, the Big Red have won two against UO. Their last meeting was 30 years ago in 1995.

There are no Ducks in the current ITA rankings. In its last outing, Oregon nearly pulled off an upset of No. 58 Michigan State, pushing the match to its final point in a 4-3 defeat. UO got singles wins from freshman Patsy Daughters and Young in addition to the doubles point. The Ducks will host Iowa on Friday.

The Huskers are coming off the fall individual season in which the team tallied 34 singles wins. Taranova led the Big Red in fall singles wins with seven, and had a stellar freshman season in which she earned a 23-8 record, the most wins by a freshman since 2010.

In the 2023-24 season, led by head coach Dalmagro, his first year at NU, the Huskers went 14-11. The team accomplished two Big Ten Tournament wins for the first time in program history and senior Raphaelle Lacasse was named an All-Big Ten First Team honoree.

The conference matches will have a live stream available and linked on huskers.com. For match and spring season updates and content, follow @HuskerWTennis on Instagram and X, or Nebraska Women’s Tennis on Facebook.

Huskers head to #18 Washington, Oregon to close regular season

John Sims IV of Omaha Westview is the first recruit for the 2025-2026 season for second-year head coach Jacob Brandl. Sims averaged 11.2 points per game with 4.2 rebounds per game and 4.2 assists per game. Sims helped lead the Wolverines to their best finish in school history last season where they finished the year 22-3 falling one game shy of a State Championship bid in only their third year as a school.

North Platte Community College Men's Basketball land their first recruit of 2025-2026

Story by NU Athletic Communications

After notching its seventh conference win at Wisconsin, the No. 41 Nebraska men’s tennis team will host No. 26 USC and No. 21 UCLA this weekend to close the regular season. The Huskers (14-7, 7-4 Big Ten) face the Trojans on Friday, April 18, at 6 p.m. (CT). Then on Sunday, April 20, the Big Red meet up against the Bruins at noon (CT).

Both Big Ten matchups are the first between programs. Friday’s match will feature an iPad giveaway, while Sunday’s match is Senior Day. The Huskers will be honoring their five senior student-athletes prior to the match.

NU has three Huskers in the rankings as of April 15. Senior Calvin Mueller is currently ranked No. 63 in the ITA National Rankings, while doubles duo Lars Johann and Anton Shepp hold the No. 56 doubles spot.

History: 0-0; Friday will be the first meeting between NU and USC.

Trojan Peter Makk comes to Lincoln as the most recent Big Ten Player of the Week after his 4-0 performance at Michigan and Michigan State. Makk is currently ranked No. 17 by the ITA, and is the only Trojan in the rankings. USC is coming off a 4-0 sweep against No. 21 Michigan.

History: 0-0; Sunday will be the first meeting between NU and UCLA.

The Bruins are currently on a three-win streak, and will visit Wisconsin on Friday prior to their match in Lincoln. UCLA brings three-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week Rudy Quan, who most recently defeated No. 9 Ozan Baris of Michigan State and No. 80 Will Cooksey of Michigan. Quan is the highest ranked Bruin, coming in at No. 23. He is joined by No. 28 Spencer Johnson, No. 86 Emon Van Loben Sels and No. 110 Aardarsh Tripathi. On the doubles side, Tripathi pairs with Alexander Hoogmartens claim the No. 32 rank.

Having already claimed its best conference finish yet, NU looks to improve on its 2023-24 spring season record of 17-10. The team reached the Big Ten Tournament semifinals for the first time in program history, and concluded with the most dual wins in a season since 1990. The Big Red finished with a national ranking of No. 49, and Mueller was named First Team All-Big Ten.

Both duals will have live stats and streams available. Updates and content will be shared on social media channels, @HuskerMTennis.

NU hosts #26 USC, Senior Day against #21 UCLA

Story by Omaha Supernovas Communication

OMAHA, Neb. –&nbsp;The first-place&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001aGhvi1VDkhwN3lVoQ69JDFZcOEhLwl3vGB-bcd0jSeVbyFqU2SeLGxDxpHomlmwjqEoCp8H87QBo1pJJ8JEWTHodEhMudk9jTvgwOSfbqjTgkoVLUFCfptpxz6emFLaoGb1Lpq6En5Wsq6M7iB-yBmvJoxsMdqIb5N-Yuu-300x1C0jIEWq22MOc3YwTEQan&amp;c=5qFLTVHLOhik2eBdHRMuMABP--gXWe2p0-Ut1gWzsQpQJ8FBboHgPA==&amp;ch=o5XB_2oqoKBAmYWlGv-AE-8yLhzxQaNcgU_Ozx7UrnDJKp5gXa89BA==">Omaha Supernovas</a>, Nebraska’s professional volleyball team and first pro volleyball champions, limited the Grand Rapids Rise offense to a .089 hitting percentage in a dominant 25-16, 25-23, 26-24 sweep Thursday night on&nbsp;Kiewit Court&nbsp;at the&nbsp;CHI Health Center&nbsp;in front of 8,577 fans.&nbsp;

The win marked Omaha’s league-leading ninth sweep of the season, as the Supernovas (17-6) maintained their grip on the top spot in the Pro Volleyball Federation standings. The Rise (10-14), who entered Thursday as the league’s top blocking team, were out-blocked 12-8 and held below a .100 hitting percentage for just the second time in 2025.

Supernovas outside hitter&nbsp;Brooke Nuneviller&nbsp;led the charge with a match-high 14 points compiled by 10 kills, two blocks, two aces and six digs.&nbsp;Reagan Cooper&nbsp;tied her teammate with 10 kills while adding eight digs and one block. Grand Rapids attacked opposite&nbsp;Kelsie Payne&nbsp;for most of the night, but the six-year pro held strong with a match-high 14 digs, plus eight kills and two blocks.&nbsp;

Rookie middle blocker&nbsp;Phoebe Awoleye&nbsp;made her first career start and hit .308 on the night with five kills and two blocks.&nbsp;Kaitlyn Hord&nbsp;put down a trio of kills to go with one block. Setter&nbsp;Natalia Valentín-Anderson&nbsp;dished out 30 assists and totaled 10 digs with two blocks and one kill. Libero&nbsp;Camila Gómez&nbsp;chipped in five kills and four assists.&nbsp;

No player from Grand Rapids reached double-digit points, but it was Carli Snyder who tallied a team-high eight points on six kills, one block and one ace. Eleanor Holthaus paced the Rise offense with seven kills while Erika Pritchard and former Supernova Paige Briggs-Romine added six kills apiece.&nbsp;

The Supernovas return home on Saturday, April 19 for a colossal No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown against the Atlanta Vibe, who enter the match on a league record 10-match winning streak. First serve is set for 6 p.m. CDT with the match being steamed nationally on the&nbsp;Roku Channel. It can also be heard on the&nbsp;Supernovas Radio Network.&nbsp;

Set 1:&nbsp;Payne got the Supernovas on the board early with a kill, while Grand Rapids’ Alyssa Jensen answered with a block to even the score. Nuneviller and Briggs-Romine traded kills before an exchange of errors set up a 4-0 run for Omaha. Cooper sparked the series with a block and a kill, joined by a Payne kill and a Rise miscue to give the Supernovas an 8-3 lead. Grand Rapids found a brief response behind Holthaus, but two more Rise errors forced a timeout at 11-5. Payne landed another swing before Holthaus and Briggs-Romine chipped in kills to keep Grand Rapids in the mix. Cooper added two more kills and Awoleye converted on a swing in the middle to send the match into the media timeout with a 16-8 Omaha advantage. Out of the break, Nuneviller, Awoleye and Valentín-Anderson strung together three straight points to extend the lead to 19-8. Ali Bastianelli snapped the run with a kill, and Grand Rapids followed with Pritchard and Snyder’s first points of the night. Then, Omaha capitalized on two Rise errors and another Payne termination to reach 23-11. Grand Rapids put together a late four-point push behind kills from Jensen and Pritchard, a block from August Raskie, and an Omaha net violation, but a service error sealed the set in Omaha’s favor, 25-16.

The Supernovas hit .303 with one block as Cooper paced the group with four kills on a .333 clip. Grand Rapids limped to a .053 clip with two blocks. Pritchard put down three kills and three swings to lead the offense.&nbsp;

Set 2:&nbsp;Snyder opened the second set with a kill for the Rise, but Payne responded right away for Omaha. Pritchard followed with a kill and a Supernovas’ service error gave Grand Rapids the early edge. After an exchange of errors, Snyder landed another swing for the Rise. Payne answered with back-to-back kills, and Valentín-Anderson added a block to pull Omaha within one at 6-5. Grand Rapids built some cushion with kills from Bastianelli and Prichard, and Briggs-Romine dropped in the first ace of the night. Cooper and Prichard traded kills before the Supernovas earned consecutive points off a Hord block and a Rise net violation to lead the set 10-9. Snyder fired back with an ace, but Nuneviller and Awoleye responded with kills. Jensen tied it up again with a block, but Omaha created separation by stringing together a four-point run with kills from Nuneviller, Cooper, Awoleye, and capped by a Nuneviller for a 16-12 lead. Holthaus rallied Grand Rapids with two kills and a Bastianelli block, but Cooper and Nuneviller delivered two kills for Omaha, and a Nuneviller block forced a Grand Rapids timeout at 20-17. Snyder landed a kill out of the break, but Nuneviller matched it with one of her own. Jensen’s block tightened the gap at 21-20, but a Supernovas net violation and a Holthaus kill kept the set close. Awoleye came through with a big swing, and Nuneviller followed with her second ace of the set to make it 24-21. Holthaus and a Supernovas’ error made things tense at match point, but Cooper slammed the door shut with a kill to win the set 25-23 and put Omaha up 2-0.

The Supernovas hit .174 in the set with four blocks and its only two aces of the night. Nuneviller and Cooper each had four kills while Payne and Awoleye added three apiece. The Rise hit .171 with a trio of blocks and two aces. Holthaus pounded four kills on five swings.&nbsp;

Set 3:&nbsp;Snyder added the first point of the set with a kill before Omaha answered with a 4-0 run fueled by a pair of blocks and a kill from Nuneviller and Cooper. Snyder responded with a block, but Nuneviller kept the momentum with another swing before Awoleye stuffed another attack. A service error helped the Rise side out, but Omaha stayed steady behind kills from Cooper and Hord, plus a Valentín-Anderson block to make it 9-4. Holthaus tallied one for Grand Rapids, but Payne answered with a kill. After another Omaha service error, Hord and Bastianelli traded points at the net. Payne followed up with a block before Marin Grote got on the board for the Rise. Nuneviller and Briggs-Romine exchanged kills, but Nuneviller struck again just before the media timeout with Omaha up 16-10. Out of the break, the Supernovas emptied the bench with&nbsp;Mac Podraza, Ally Batenhorst, Allison Whitten, Toyosi Onabanjo, Lindsay Krause, Emily Londot,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kayla Caffey&nbsp;all checking in. Bastianelli scored for the Rise, but a service error gave Omaha a sideout. Briggs-Romine landed a kill before Londot recorded her first point of the match. Grand Rapids then rallied with a four-point run, powered by a kill and block from Devyn Robinson and a pair of Omaha miscues. Caffey stopped the surge with a kill to make it 20-16. Robinson and Briggs-Romine responded for Grand Rapids, but Omaha pulled away behind blocks from Podraza and Onabanjo, and a Rise service error to go up 23-18. The Rise wouldn’t go down as Grote added a kill and a block. Symone Abbott dropped in an ace, and Briggs-Romine completed the comeback with a kill to tie the set at 23. After a pair of traded errors, Podraza and Londot slammed down a pair of kills to cap the sweep with a 26-24 victory.

Omaha had a .136 hitting percentage in the final frame, including seven blocks. Nuneviller tallied four kills to lead the team. Grand Rapids hit .059 with three blocks and one ace. Briggs-Romine collected four kills in the set.

Supernovas shut down Rise for League-Leading ninth sweep

Adams Central Vs. Gothenburg&nbsp;

Area Sports Scores from 4-18

Former Nebraska volleyball libero Lexi Rodriguez made history Tuesday night, becoming the first Nebraska volleyball student-athlete to win the AAU James E. Sullivan Award, presented annually to the most exceptional athlete at the collegiate, Olympic, or other similarly elite level in the United States.

Rodriguez was announced as the winner of the 95th AAU Sullivan Award at the New York Athletic Club. The other finalists were Trey Augustine (Ice Hockey, Michigan State), Cooper Flagg (Basketball, Duke), Ashton Jeanty (Football, Boise State), Lee Kiefer (Fencing, USA) and Ilia Malinin (Figure Skating, USA). 

As well as honoring athletic excellence, the AAU Sullivan award also recognizes the chosen athlete’s character and honors their quality of leadership, citizenship and sportsmanship.

A native of Sterling, Ill., Rodriguez joins a renowned list of recipients. Last year, Caitlin Clark became the first two-time winner of the award. Other prior winners include Michael Phelps, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Michelle Kwan, Peyton Manning, Simone Biles, Carl Lewis and Carissa Moore. Rodriguez is just the third volleyball player to earn the award, joining Lauren Carlini (2016) and Kathryn Plummer (2018). 

Rulon Gardner (2000) is the only other University of Nebraska student-athlete to receive the award. Four other Nebraska volleyball players had previously been finalists for the honor: Kelsey Robinson (2014-15), Mikaela Foecke (2016-17 and 2018-19), Kelly Hunter (2017-18) and Annika Albrecht (2017-18). 

Rodriguez finished her Husker career in December as a four-time AVCA All-American, a four-time All-Big Ten selection, and a three-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. She was an AVCA National Player of the Year finalist and a Honda Sport Award for Volleyball finalist in 2024, and she became the first-ever libero to be named AVCA Region Player of the Year.

Rodriguez is Nebraska's all-time career leader in digs with 1,897. She is also a three-time Academic All-American, including two first-team accolades. Rodriguez completed her first professional season over the weekend with LOVB Omaha, as they finished as runner-up in the inaugural season of League One Volleyball. 

Rodriguez wins AAU James E. Sullivan Award

Dylan Carey went 3-for-3 with two doubles and a pair of RBI in Nebraska’s 6-3 win at Creighton on Tuesday night at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.

Nebraska (17-20) scored six runs on 12 hits, while Creighton (20-12) totaled three runs, seven hits and two errors.

Case Sanderson was 2-for-5 with a triple and a run scored, while Joshua Overbeek drove in a run on a 2-for-5 night. Robby Bolin and Hogan Helligso recorded a double, while Tyler Stone, Max Buettenback and Cayden Brumbaugh had one hit apiece.

Ryan Harrahill surrendered a pair of runs on two hits in one inning of work. Gavin Blachowicz tossed a pair of scoreless frames, while Pryce Bender moved to 2-0 on the season after working a season-high 2.2 innings. The freshman allowed one run on two hits and struck out three with one walk.

Grant Cleavinger and Casey Daiss teamed up to throw 1.1 scoreless innings, followed by Luke Broderick dealing scoreless eighth and ninth innings to pick up his eighth save of the year.

Creighton jumped out to a two-run lead behind a pair of hits in the bottom of the first. A leadoff double down the left-field line and a plunked batter put runners on first and second with no outs.

An RBI single through the right side broke the scoreless tie, while a sacrifice fly lifted to deep center field tacked on another run to make it a 2-0 game through the first.

The Huskers answered with a run on two hits to cut the deficit in half in the top of the second. Carey’s one-out single to center, and a full-count walk to Cael Frost had runners on first and second, before Overbeek’s RBI single to center plated Carey from second base to trim the CU lead to 2-1 through two innings.

Nebraska added another run in the top of the third to tie the game back up at two apiece. The Huskers had runners on first and second with one out after Buettenback singled to left field, followed by a full-count walk to Stone. Carey smacked a 1-0 pitch for an RBI double down the right-field line to score Buettenback and even the game at two.

Creighton took the lead back at 3-2 in the bottom of the fourth with a two-out solo home run down the right-field line.

The Huskers responded immediately with a run of their own in the top of the fifth to tie the game back up at three. Stone’s leadoff single down the left-field line, and Carey plunked on a 1-1 pitch had runners on first and second with no outs for the NU offense. Frost reached on a throwing error, allowing Stone to score all the way from second to lock the game at three with four innings to play.

Nebraska added a pair of runs with two hits in the top of the sixth to grab a 5-3 lead over the Bluejays. Sanderson began the inning with a triple off the center-field wall and trotted home on an RBI single off the bat of Brumbaugh. Buettenback drew a walk, while a groundout to first by Stone moved Brumbaugh and Buettenback to second and third with one out.

Carey lifted a 1-2 pitch to center field for his team-leading sixth sacrifice fly of the season, scoring Brumbaugh from third and doubling the lead to 5-3.

The NU offense added an insurance run in the top of the eighth with back-to-back two-out doubles off the bats of Carey and Bolin.

Creighton threatened in the bottom of the eighth, bringing the tying run to the plate with one out after a pair of singles. Broderick eluded any damage, inducing an inning-ending, 4-6-3 double play to send a 6-3 lead into the ninth inning.

Nebraska welcomes Northwestern to Lincoln for a three-game series this weekend at Hawks Field at Haymarket Park. First pitch between the Huskers and Wildcats in the series opener on Friday night is set for 6:02 p.m. on B1G+.

Carey, Huskers tame Bluejays on Tuesday

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications

Hastings, Neb.&nbsp; – The Knights opened their road trip by splitting games with Hastings College JV on Tuesday.

An RBI double by Heaven Hutchison scored the opening run in the top of the first inning to kick start an action-packed game one. Hastings capitalized in the bottom half of the frame with two runs, but eight runs over the next two innings pushed the Knights comfortably out front.

Hastings added a run in the bottom of the sixth inning, but North Platte countered with two runs in the top of the seventh to stretch their lead to 11-3. Down to their final three outs, the Broncos managed to push three runners across the plate, but the Knights held on to claim the win.

Sarah Perez got the start in the circle and pitched 6.2 innings. She allowed six runs on seven hits and struck out three, while Alieze Moreno came on in relief and allowed no runs on no hits.

Hastings grabbed the lead in the bottom of the first inning on an RBI double by Gracey Graf. The Broncos stretched their lead while adding three runs in the third and fifth innings. North Platte was held to just four hits in the final four innings as the Broncos earned the split.

Moreno took the loss for the Knights while allowing four runs on four hits in 2.2 innings. Victoria Arellano pitched the final 3.1 innings allowing three runs on three hits, striking out one and walking two.

Knights (5-21) will continue their road trip as they head to Sterling, Colo. for a doubleheader with Northeastern Junior College. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22.

Knights split doubleheader with Broncos

Area Sports Scores from 4-15

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/rsequeira/">Robbie Sequeira</a>&nbsp;

Many conservative-led states rely heavily on dollars from Washington.

Early this month, the U.S. Department of Education issued an ultimatum to K-12 public schools and state education agencies: Certify that you are not engaging in discrimination under the banner of diversity, equity and inclusion, or risk losing federal funding — including billions in support for low-income students.

The backlash was immediate. Some states with Democratic governors refused to comply, arguing that the directive lacks legal basis, fails to clearly define what constitutes “<a href="https://www.ed.gov/media/document/reminder-of-legal-obligations-undertaken-exchange-receiving-federal-financial-assistance-and-request-certification-under-title-vi-and-sffa-v-harvard-april-3" target="_blank">illegal DEI practices</a>,” and threatens vital equity-based initiatives in their schools.

After lawsuits from the National Education Association teachers union and the American Civil Liberties Union, the Department of Education agreed to delay enforcement until&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclu.org/cases/national-education-association-et-al-v-us-department-of-education-et-al?document=Agreement" target="_blank">after April 24</a>.

But states across the country, both liberal- and conservative-led, are worried about losing other aid: the pandemic-era money that in some cases they’ve already spent or committed to spending.

The Department of Education has long played a critical role in distributing federal funds to states for K-12 education, including Title I grants to boost staffing in schools with high percentages of low-income students, and emergency relief like that provided during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conservative-led states — particularly Mississippi, South Dakota and Arkansas — rely the most heavily on these funds to sustain services in high-need districts.

The 15 states with the highest percentage of their K-12 budget coming from federal funding in fiscal year 2022 — the latest year with data available from the National Center for Education Statistics — voted for Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Similarly, 10 of the 15 states receiving the highest amounts of Title I funding in fiscal year 2024 also voted for Trump.

Mississippi and Kentucky have sent letters to the Department of Education expressing concern over halted pandemic aid.

The clash over federal funding comes even as the future of the Department of Education is murky, given President Donald Trump’s pledge to dismantle the department.

<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/H69Mw/">Click here to see K-12 funding in all states</a>

In letters to the Department of Education, state officials and superintendents in Illinois, New York and Wisconsin pushed back against the DEI directive.

<a href="https://www.nyssba.org/clientuploads/nyssba_pdf/titlevi-040525.pdf#:~:text=The%20certification%20remains%20in%20effect%2C%20as%20do,judicial%20decision%20or%20change%20the%20terms%20and" target="_blank">New York officials</a>&nbsp;said they would not provide additional certification beyond what the state already has done, asserting that there “are no federal or State laws prohibiting the principles of DEI.” Illinois Superintendent Tony Sanders&nbsp;<a href="https://www.isbe.net/Documents/ISBE-Response-Title-VI-Certification.pdf" target="_blank">wrote that</a>&nbsp;he was concerned that the Department of Education was changing the conditions of federal funding without a formal administrative process. Wisconsin Superintendent Jill Underly&nbsp;<a href="https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/news/4.9.25_-_DPI_Letter_to_USDE.pdf" target="_blank">questioned the legality of the order</a>.

New York State Department of Education Counsel and Deputy Commissioner Daniel Morton-Bentley noted that the federal department’s current stance on DEI starkly contrasts with its position during Trump’s first term, when then-Education Secretary Betsy DeVos supported such efforts.

<a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2025/04/10/colorado-trump-dei-order-state-education-board/" target="_blank">Colorado</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-04-11/california-defies-trump-education-order-certify-school-districts-eliminate-dei" target="_blank">&nbsp;California</a>&nbsp;also confirmed they would not comply with the Department of Education’s order.

While some states with liberal leaders are gearing up for legal battles and possible revocation of funding, conservative-led states such as Florida have embraced the federal directive as part of a broader push to reshape public education.

In Florida,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/266" target="_blank">anti-DEI laws</a>&nbsp;have been in place dating back to 2023. In fact,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2025/03/03/florida-schools-say-theyll-comply-with-federal-push-eliminate-dei/" target="_blank">many&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2025/03/03/florida-schools-say-theyll-comply-with-federal-push-eliminate-dei/" target="_blank">school&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2025/03/03/florida-schools-say-theyll-comply-with-federal-push-eliminate-dei/" target="_blank">districts&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2025/03/03/florida-schools-say-theyll-comply-with-federal-push-eliminate-dei/" target="_blank">and the state education department</a>&nbsp;say they plan to follow the federal department’s directives, noting the similar state laws.

In March, the Department of Education abruptly rescinded previously approved extensions of pandemic-era aid, ending access to funds months ahead of the original March 2026 deadline.

When the Massachusetts governor’s office voiced concern over that decision, the federal department’s reply on social media was blunt: “<a href="https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fexplore%3Fref_src%3Dtwsrc%255Etfw%257Ctwcamp%255Etweetembed%257Ctwterm%255E1907126614107816273%257Ctwgr%255E13023b2f184f133a77dd7478cf0809d5afc7e4bf%257Ctwcon%255Es1_%26ref_url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.k12dive.com%252Fnews%252Fstates-lawmakers-pushback-on-covid-fund-spending-extensions%252F744811%252F" target="_blank">COVID is over.</a>”

Sixteen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/state-covid-schools-funding-complaint.pdf" target="_blank">mostly Democratic-led&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/state-covid-schools-funding-complaint.pdf" target="_blank">states</a>&nbsp;and the District of Columbia filed a federal lawsuit against the Department of Education and Secretary Linda McMahon, challenging the abrupt rescission of previously approved extensions for spending COVID-19 education relief funds.

But backlash against abrupt federal cuts to education has not been limited to blue states.

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