News briefs on the GoodBuddies scholarship, government shutdown, and TANF.

LOCAL NEWS: Supporting the community through being a GoodBuddy

IzumiHuangFujiwara

On Oct. 4, more than 100 people gathered at Prairie Lane Pool to celebrate the life of Mathew Hillebrandt.  The event included fundraisers, raffles and free will donations. 

Mathew Hillebrandt passed away in 2012 to heart failure. His love for life and others had inspired his family and friends to start Good Buddies. Good Buddies is a group that raises money and gives back to the community through service. Marian alumnae Theresa Hillebrandt ‘75, Mary Golwitzer ‘99, Kelly Meiners ‘95 and Nicky Rainbolt ‘98 were involved in the planning and set up of the event. GoodBuddies raised around $58,000 going to the Creighton Prep GoodBuddies scholarship and other foundations such as the Love, Will Foundation. 

WORLD NEWS: 2025 Government shutdown

EllaThibodeau

On Oct. 1, the United States government shut down. This shutdown is due to the Senate not being able to pass a continuing resolution (CR), or a temporary spending measure. The Senate cannot come to an agreement on a CR because of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For the government to reopen, there must be 60 total votes in the Senate for the CR. While the government is shut down, many federal employees are not working because their jobs are seen as “non-essential.” This includes agency employees like the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Education. Since Oct. 15, government employees have been working for free. When the government does reopen, people who have missed paychecks will receive back-pay. However, until the Senate is able to pass a budget, workers are unpaid.

STATE NEWS: TANF Nebraska

EllaThibodeau

In September, Nebraska was one of five states selected by the Trump administration to be a part of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program (TANF). This is a new program that will last for six years. TANF gives grants to the five selected states to help low-income families. According to nebraskaexaminer.com, starting on Oct. 1 there will be 2,700 Nebraska families on track to participate in TANF. These families will receive $466 a month for basic needs like rent and food. Families are only allowed to be a part of this program for 60 months. The money they receive is for basic needs, as well as to help find employment so they can eventually have a stable income.