Billions in heating aid paused until Nov. 30, affecting low-income households
Billions in heating aid paused until Nov. 30, affecting low-income households — because nothing says “winter preparedness” like Washington hitting the snooze button during a cold snap. After a 43-day shutdown and HHS staffing cuts that reportedly axed the entire 14-person LIHEAP team, the Trump administration now says $3.7 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will be released by the end of the month. An HHS official told grant recipients funds should go out no later than Nov. 30, roughly two months later than the usual Oct. 1 start, meaning many families won’t see help until early to mid-December.
That delay lands hardest where the mercury is already dropping. In New York’s Catskills, Heidi O’Donnell—on disability and Social Security—crowdfunded $535 for a half-tank of heating oil while waiting for aid she’s relied on for seven winters. She’s exactly who LIHEAP is designed for: households spending a high share of income on energy, with average heating benefits ranging from $415 to $634 since 2019. New York, with high utility rates and widespread heating-oil use, receives the largest share.
Meanwhile, Capitol combatants traded frostbitten finger-pointing—Republicans blaming Democrats for the shutdown, Democrats accusing the administration of slow-walking funds—until a bipartisan letter prodded HHS to move. Some states are fronting limited help; most are just taking applications and hoping the money shows up before the next cold front does.
Clerk robbed during fatal heart attack remembered for knowing every customer’s name
Clerk robbed during fatal heart attack remembered for knowing every customer’s name: Portland police are searching for a man who allegedly posed as a Good Samaritan at Bins & Barrels on Oct. 25, reportedly taking 53-year-old clerk Jason Hay’s pulse while patting him down for his wallet, then stealing about $800—including bank bags from an open change safe—and fleeing as others tried to save him. Hay, known for greeting customers by name, died about a week later; he leaves a wife and a 15-year-old son. Investigators describe it as a crime of opportunity, and Hay’s family believes the thief was someone he knew. Tips can be sent to
[email protected] with case 25-259043. A GoFundMe is raising support for his family.
Enter for a Chance to Win a Walt Disney World Trip
Enter for a Chance to Win a Walt Disney World Trip: 6abc is offering viewers a shot at a Walt Disney World® vacation—your chance to mainline Disney magic without selling your voice to a sea witch. Enter, wish upon a star, and hope the pixie dust lands your way.
Police: Man killed his father in front of ex-girlfriend—also the victim’s stepdaughter—telling officers he doesn’t “let anyone harm him”
Police say a 28-year-old Wisconsin man killed his father in front of his ex-girlfriend—who is also the victim’s stepdaughter—then told officers he doesn’t “let anyone harm him.” Milwaukee police found 56-year-old Miguel Arocho shot dead Thursday night at a home on the 1900 block of South 16th Street; his son, Miguel Ocasio, was arrested the next day and charged with first-degree homicide with a dangerous weapon modifier. The witness, who lived with Arocho, said an argument erupted after she returned home with a male friend, and Ocasio fired multiple shots; she said her stepfather was unarmed when he was hit. In a police interview, Ocasio admitted shooting his father, claiming he was threatened and fired a “warning shot,” but also said he didn’t see anything in his father’s hands before firing two rounds. Ocasio is held on $100,000 cash bond, with a preliminary hearing set for Nov. 25.
Jordan Brand Opens ‘World of Flight’ Flagship in Philadelphia
Jordan Brand opens its ‘World of Flight’ flagship in Philadelphia, planting the label’s first U.S. flagship on Walnut Street. Philly gets the nod as the launchpad for this high-gloss temple to sneaker culture—where soaring nostalgia meets prices trying their best to jump from the free-throw line. No passport required, just a strong ankle and a stronger credit limit.
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