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CNN This Morning
Millions Of Americans Lose Access To SNAP Benefits; GOP Leaders Resist Trump's Call To Nuke The Senate Filibuster; FBI Stops Alleged Halloween Terror Plot In Michigan; Government Shutdown Threatens Head Start Services; Rescue Crews Race To Help As Hurricane Melissa Leaves 49 Dead Across Caribbean; Home Heating Assistance Program Loses Critical Funds. Aired 7-8a ET
Aired November 01, 2025 - 07:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
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[07:00:53]
VICTOR BLACKWELL, CNN ANCHOR: It is November 1st, October, put it behind you. We are starting fresh. Welcome to CNN THIS MORNING.
I'm Victor Blackwell. Here is what's happening today. Millions of people will not get their monthly allowance of SNAP benefits. Thanks to the ongoing government shutdown.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I don't want to be on SNAP benefits the rest of my life, but it has carried us over this far. So, yes, it's a big impact.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLACKWELL: SNAP is not the only program going without funding, The wide-ranging impacts to people across the country, as the shutdown enters now its second month.
There are new details in what officials are calling an ISIS-inspired terror attack. What we know about the people arrested and what officials think they were planning?
Also, Hurricane Melissa leaves destruction across the Caribbean.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What do you need most at this time?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: A roof over our head, sir. Me and my mother and my grandmother don't know what they are going to do.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLACKWELL: All right. We get a look at the recovery efforts and how the rest of hurricane season is shaping up. We still have a month of it. Plus, staffing shortages of plaguing air travel and the transportation secretary says it could get worse heading into the holidays.
Also, down to the wire. In the World Series. The Dodgers managed to hold off the Blue Jays to force a winner take all Game Seven. We got the highlights.
All right. Today, millions of people lost access to critical SNAP benefits. For context, here is how many people use food stamps. The Latest data from the USDA shows that in May, it was one in eight Americans.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GINA PLATA-NINO, SNAP DIRECTOR, FOOD RESEARCH AND ACTION CENTER: The majority of people who are receiving SNAP benefits are children, right? Followed by older adults and people with disabilities.
Majority are working two to three jobs that are just not making enough money because inflation, food prices, shelter prices are so incredibly high. And when you have to put 80 to 90 percent of your income on shelter, it leaves very little. For context, most of these folks are making less than $1,100 a month. So, it's incredibly difficult.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLACKWELL: Two judges ruled on Friday that the Trump administration must partially fund SNAP. But it's unlikely that will happen quickly, even though the president, he said that it will be his honor to fund the program.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PAMELA KELLY, RECIPIENT, SNAP: We don't know what we do. We are just would pray to God that these politicians would make up their minds.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLACKWELL: Of course, it's not just SNAP that's affected. Other critical programs like home heating assistance are struggling too, not to mention so many people using these benefits are also insured through the Affordable Care Act.
And as open enrollment starts today, in many states, premiums are skyrocketing.
Health policy research group KFF estimates monthly payments could more than double next year, in part, because those enhanced premium subsidy -- subsidies are ending. And the fight over those subsidies is really what's triggered the government shutdown in the first place.
Now, on SNAP recipients, they are not the only one struggling, as we know, so are the millions of federal workers who are without paychecks as the shutdown enters month two.
CNN's Leigh Waldman spoke with some who are hoping food banks can keep up with the surging need for help.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SARAH, EMPLOYEE, SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION: We are not mad at anybody. We just want to get our work done and get our paycheck. That's all. We didn't hurt anybody. We don't deserve this.
LEIGH WALDMAN, CNN NEWSOURCE CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Overwhelming frustration and sadness as a line of federal workers stand in the cold, waiting for food in New York City this week.
SARAH: The last paycheck we got was for seven days through the end of September, and that's it. But we've been there every single day.
WALDMAN (voice over): Sarah has worked for the Social Security Administration for 20 years.
SARAH: This is how bad it is --
WALDMAN (voice over): Never missing a paycheck, until now.
Her co-worker, Caitlin, is standing in line two waiting for produce and shelf staple items from the food bank for New York City.
CAITLIN, EMPLOYEE, SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (PH): We don't know what's going to happen for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
[07:05:02]
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Good morning.
CAITLIN: Everything is now up in the air.
WALDMAN (voice over): This food distribution is set up specifically for federal workers. The food bank expects to feed up to 500 people on the day CNN visited. Many of whom are coming on their lunch breaks or before their shifts start the day, like, Christina Dechabert.
CHRISTINA DECHABERT, EMPLOYEE TSA: It's just hard. They are still getting a paycheck, and we are not. They make hundreds of thousands of dollars, and we are not making that much money. So, to cut the little people down and you still get a paycheck is really unfair.
WALDMAN (voice over): During the last government shutdown, the food bank for New York City says 18,000 federal workers in New York were exposed to food insecurity, many of whom turn to the food bank for help. On top of the 1.3 million New Yorkers, it says it serves annually, it's a challenge they are facing yet again.
ZAC HALL, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF PROGRAMS, FOOD BANK FOR NEW YORK CITY: A lot of folks that are -- that are struggling more than last time.
WALDMAN (voice over): The food bank operates with little flexibility, the rising cost of food, and growing need have left them with little leeway. Zac Hall says he is worried now that 1.8 million New Yorkers are missing out on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP benefits this month because of the shutdown.
HALL: Very alarming and very concerning for us. We want to make sure that folks have the resources they need to put food on the table for their kids. Don't want to have seniors making those choices between medication or rent.
WALDMAN (voice over): SNAP provides roughly 95 million meals per month in New York City, according to the food bank, more than the 85 million meals the food bank says it provided all of last year.
GOV. KATHY HOCHUL (D-NY): It's hard to think about this.
WALDMAN (voice over): Thursday, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in response to the snap crisis, and announced $65 million in new state funds for emergency food assistance, providing 40 million meals to New Yorkers.
But Hall believes there is no way to make up for the loss of SNAP completely.
HALL: This is American issue on food insecurity, not simply a New York City problem. SNAP benefits are the key and the critical lifeline to make folks whole in terms of the meals that they need.
WALDMAN (voice over): Leigh Waldman, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLACKWELL: And airports are also feeling the strain of the shutdown. Staffing shortages are scattered across lots of the country's major airports. The FAA's latest operational update Friday night, cited 39 air traffic control facilities with staffing issues.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Government shutdown, so, we got a lot of time on our hands. I'm kind of worried, though, because what's up with air traffic control? I don't want to deal with any delays.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Seeking your support, reach out to your member of Congress, ask them to reopen the government please.
This morning, my bank account was the same that it was yesterday. So, no money in there today. No, no paycheck.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLACKWELL: Not every staffing shortage will create a delay, but the FAA advised that flyers could expect some ground delays longer than two hours.
President Trump wants to get rid of the Senate filibuster, but top Republicans in Congress are showing no interest in pursuing that idea. In a Truth Social post, the president called on his party to play what he called the Trump card, and used the nuclear option to get rid of the filibuster. That would mean a simple majority, not 60 votes would be needed to reopen the government. But the president's allies, they don't want to go there.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. MIKE JOHNSON (R-LA): We don't have that in the House, as you know. But the filibuster has traditionally been viewed as a very important safeguard. If the shoe was on the other foot, I don't think our team would like it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLACKWELL: With the government shutdown for more than a month now and counting, the courts are stepping in to try to provide some relief.
Let's get more now from CNN's chief national affairs correspondent Jeff Zeleny. Jeff.
JEFF ZELENY, CNN CHIEF NATIONAL AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT: And Victor, President Trump, responding after those two federal judges ruled on Friday evening that the administration must find money to keep, at least, some of these financial payments coming for the SNAP program, formerly known as the food stamp program.
The president writing on Truth Social this. He said, "I do not want Americans to go hungry just because the radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and reopen the government." The president says, "I have instructed our lawyers to ask the Court to clarify how we can legally fund SNAP as soon as possible." He goes on to say, "It will be my honor to provide the funding, just like I did with military and law enforcement pay.
But Victor, the bottom line here is the White House was hoping to use the SNAP program as leverage to get Democrats to come back to the negotiating table and vote with Republicans to reopen the government. Democrats have not blinked on this. They are holding fast wanting a broader conversation about extending Obamacare tax subsidies.
So, now, as the shutdown is heading into a second month, there is deep uncertainty for those 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP funding. Yes, the benefits will be coming at some point, but likely in a reduced form. There is only about half of the money for a month-long payment of a SNAP benefits to 42 million Americans. About one in eight Americans who rely on this funding.
[07:10:03]
So, the question is, when will that money come? And a broader question, the president in Florida for the weekend the House, of course, out of Washington for more than a month. The Senate also not here. He'll be coming back to Washington next week. Will this government shutdown end? Will this stalemate end? There are no signs of that now, even as more questions hang in the balance over SNAP funding. Victor?
BLACKWELL: All right, Jeff, thank you.
This morning, the FBI is revealing new information about an alleged planned attack in Michigan, tied to Halloween weekend.
Now, agents say the case involved weeks of tracking and coordination across several cities. Officials believe the suspects had been communicating online before arrests were made. CNN Sherrell Hubbard has more.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SHERRELL HUBBARD, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): FBI Director Kash Patel revealed the alleged plot and arrest of multiple suspects, and a social media post Friday morning, he said, "This morning, the FBI thwarted a potential terrorist attack and arrested multiple subjects in Michigan, who were allegedly plotting a violent attack over Halloween weekend.
JOHN MILLER, CNN CHIEF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND INTELLIGENCE ANALYST: What happened here was they have this group under surveillance for months. This week, a couple of things ticked up.
Number one, they went to shooting range with rifles. They fired a lot of ammunition.
HUBBARD (voice over): The FBI Detroit field office confirmed that FBI agents in Michigan were present in the cities of Dearborn and Inkster, conducting law enforcement activities. Authorities said the people involved in the chat being monitored by the FBI went to a shooting range with A.K.-47s, practice high-speed reloads and made a reference to "Pumpkin Day", which could mean Halloween.
Agents became concerned that a plot might be imminent according to Miller.
MILLER: The FBI had-high level discussions about we have this group under surveillance. We have them under electronic surveillance, physical surveillance. We are listening to their devices and following their texts.
HUBBARD (voice over): Two chat room members have been arrested. Three others are being questioned. Sources say an undercover FBI agent gained access to these chat rooms where members were in the early stages of discussion.
MILLER: The decision was made to move in, make arrests and see where the pieces fell.
HUBBARD (voice over): I'm Sherrell Hubbard, reporting.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLACKWELL: All right. Morning headlines for you now. The Pentagon says, in its fight against drug traffickers, that its most recent U.S., military strike targeted smugglers in the Eastern Pacific, this time, not the Caribbean.
Officials say they have stronger evidence linking those routes to cocaine shipments heading to the U.S. And since September, the military has 15 vessels, or hit 15 vessels, killing at least 61 people. Lawmakers from both parties now want answers about the legal authority behind these strikes.
CNN has new video from a chaotic Halloween night in D.C.'s Navy yard.
Look at this. Police say that several people were arrested after a large group started causing trouble in the park. Police did not specify what charges they are facing. But you can see the people running as members of the National Guard move in to break up a crowd. Officers say things are calm now.
All right. President Trump is showing off his latest White House remodel. A renovation of the Lincoln Bedroom Bathroom. He posted before and after photos online. He said that the old green tile designed from the 1940s didn't fit the Lincoln era. And apparently now, this black and white marble with gold fixtures does? The moves are part of Trump's effort to put his stamp on the White House.
So far, the renovations include paving over the grass in the Rose Garden, demolishing the East Wing to make way for a new ballroom.
The World Series is heading to game seven tonight, after a thrilling finish to Game Six. CNN SPORTS Andy Scholes is now here with more.
(CROSSTALK)
ANDY SCHOLES, CNN SPORTS ANCHOR: Yes.
BLACKWELL: Who didn't love a Game Seven?
SCHOLES: Oh, everybody loves a Game Seven, Victor. And, you know, win one game now to become World Series champions. That's what's ahead now for the Blue Jays and the Dodgers tonight, after a just nail biter in Game Six.
It was another raucous atmosphere in Toronto as they had the chance to win their first World Series title since 1993. But as the Dodgers getting on the board for its up 1-0, Mookie Betts, who's been struggling this postseason comes through with the two RBI single. That made it 3-1.
And we would go all the way to the ninth with that being the score. Thanks to another great outing from Dodgers ace, Yoshi Yamamoto.
Then, Addison Barger. Up here, he gets a hold of this one. Look where this ball lands. It gets wedged in the bottom of the wall. Justin Dean just throws his hands up immediately. The umpires then rule, ground- rule double for a lodged baseball.
Now, lots of Blue Jays fans not happy about that. It certainly seems like the ball could have just been grabbed, but the ball's natural trajectory was interrupted, so, it's a judgment call by the umpire, ground-rule double. So, we got second and third no outs after a quick out.
[07:15:04]
Tyler Glassnow comes in to pitch for L.A. Andres Gimenez, it's a liner to left. Kike Hernandez, the great running catch fires. It's a second to double off. Barger to end the game. This was the first double play like this to end the postseason game ever. Dodgers win 3-1 even that series three games apiece.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHN SCHNEIDER, MANAGER, BLUE JAYS: That's the two best words in sports. You know, Game Seven.
No better guy to have on the mound to kind of navigate the emotions, the stuff, max has been getting ready for game seven when he knew he was pitching Game Three.
So, all the confidence in the world, in him and everyone.
DAVE ROBERTS, MANAGER, DODGERS: We are just -- it's going to -- we are going to leave it out there. I don't think that the pressure, the moment is going to be too big for us. We got to go out there and win one baseball game.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SCHOLES: Yes. So, it is going to be Max Scherzer on the mound for the Blue Jays. And Victor, they haven't announced it yet, but it's likely going to be Shohei Ohtani on the mound for the Dodger.
You know, he just pitched Game Five. But because he also hits as a D.H. and the rules are funky, he is probably going to have to start on the mound for the Dodgers. We'll see how many endings he pitches, but doesn't get any better than that.
Ohtani on the mound. Game Seven. 41, year old, Max Scherzer tonight. Good tonight. Going to be a good one.
BLACKWELL: All right, Andy. Thank you.
SCHOLES: All right.
BLACKWELL: All right. Millions of families, they are not getting that much needed assistance because of the government shutdown. That includes young children now locked out of the program, providing them with early learning resources, a warm meal where maybe they wouldn't get another one during the day. A look at what's happening with Head Start.
Plus, a look inside Hurricane Melissa's path of destruction.
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[07:21:28] BLACKWELL: Some of the 65,000 children and families who rely on Head Start programs could lose access to services starting today. The government shutdown threatens to interrupt not just early education programs, but also access to free meals and reliable childcare.
Here with me now, Tommy Sheridan. He is the deputy director of the National Head Start Association.
Tommy, hello to you. That's 65,000 that are losing this access, what percentage do they make up of overall kids and families who rely on Head Start?
TOMMY SHERIDAN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, NATIONAL HEAD START ASSOCIATION: Yes. Well, thank you for having me this morning, Victor.
That 65,000 -- more than 65,000 children and families that will -- their programs will be without federal funding as of today. Make up just under 10 percent of all Head Start programs nationwide.
BLACKWELL: So, 10 percent losing that support. Does that number increase as the months go on? If the government shutdown is resolved in two, three, four weeks?
SHERIDAN: Yes. And actually, by the -- by the week, it will -- that number will go up.
Unfortunately -- the positive thing is that of those 65,000 not all of those programs are closing on November 1st. Head Start directors, senior staff, board members, are doing everything that they possibly can to keep the doors open. Knowing how important Head Start is for children, for their development, for the nutritious meals, as you mentioned -- but also for their parents.
Head Start is reliable child care so they can work, go to school, pursue job training programs, things of that kind.
BLACKWELL: Yes, I have a manager of a Head Start Center on with me next hour, talking about how some people are now coming to Head Start because they are losing access to other things that they at home would have for their children, and Head Start is hoping to fill that need.
We know about the child care, and I think most people know about the nutrition support, but Head Start is more than that. Just fill out the picture of what some of these young children are losing once they can't go to Head Start starting today.
SHERIDAN: Yes. So, Head Start's strength is the fact that it's intended to be a whole comprehensive program, recognizing that in order to be the launch pad to success for children and families, children and families have a lot of additional needs. Preschool services, child care are absolutely essential parts of what Head Start provides and of what children and families need. But it's so much more than that.
Health care, access to dental care, connection for special needs, for children that may have developmental delays, and support for parents. To be eligible for Head Start, family has to be below the federal poverty guidelines or experiencing homelessness. The child could be in the foster care system, child with special needs.
So, it is a program that is intended for the Americans that truly need the most support, and that's why, as you noted, the impact of all of these programs seeing cuts or seeing funding being frozen due to the shutdown will really have confounding impacts.
BLACKWELL: Head Start is federally funded. But here in the Atlanta area, there is a nonprofit that offered an $8 million loan, I believe it was to several centers to give them, at least, a 45-day reprieve. Hopefully the shutdown will be over by then.
How prevalent is that? Are nonprofit stepping in to help? Are states able to give these centers a reprieve?
[07:25:03]
SHERIDAN: You know, communities all over. We are hearing about programs having to take out lines of credit. We are hearing about no -- forgivable loans, excuse me, like you had mentioned. We are hearing about states or counties or school districts. Head Start is a community-based program. It has community support, and folks across communities know how critically important it is. That's why they are doing everything they possibly can to keep their doors open. But unfortunately, goodwill, hope, hard work doesn't keep doors open forever.
Congress and the president need to act to open up the government and stop making children and families the collateral damage of Washington's political fights.
BLACKWELL: Yes. And, you know, there are some children who that meal at Head Start, may be the only one they can rely on every day. And when they have to go home, parents who would otherwise go to a food bank, the food banks are now being taken to the brink -- the capacity that they can support.
So, I mean, if this isn't the worst-case scenario, it might be close, Tommy.
SHERIDAN: We are certainly on that pathway, and it's so hard to see and to hear this, especially from a program that has had bipartisan support from President LBJ back in the 1960s when Head Start was created, even through President Trump, today, every single U.S. president has had -- has supported Head Start. And members of Congress on both sides support Head Start too.
We know that children and families and opportunities for success is such a core American value that we all want to come together for it. Unfortunately, these broader political fights get in the way, and who's hurt? Children and families.
BLACKWELL: Are there emergency funds for Head Start? I mean, we have seen the military is being paid, ICE is being paid. There is -- the two judges now, they have ordered that the contingency fund, the emergency funded Department of Ag, go into the SNAP benefits.
Is there a pot of money that could keep these programs afloat?
SHERIDAN: So, Head Start is funded through federal appropriations. That means the annual funding, and that's the reason why the government is shut down, is because the annual funding has not been passed. And that effectively is a little bit -- little bit different in terms of there are no additional reserves, or additional funds that are there for families to -- or, excuse me, for the administration to tap into, to run Head Start programs.
BLACKWELL: All right. Well, hopefully this is over soon, and these kids can continue with this important program. Tommy Sheridan, thanks so much.
Up next, the latest on the recovery from Hurricane Melissa. Rescue crews are scouring the path of destruction to search for survivors. This could take months to assess all the damage,
ALLISON CHINCHAR, CNN METEOROLOGIST: And we still have one month left to go of hurricane season. We'll take a look at where we stand compared to other years coming up.
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[07:32:15]
BLACKWELL: Rescue efforts are happening now across the Caribbean, after Hurricane Melissa tore through the region. It was one of the most powerful Atlantic storms in more than 150 years. Now, the full toll of the catastrophic storm may take days, maybe weeks or longer to determine. Ivan Rodriguez has the latest.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
IVAN RODRIGUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Days after Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica, parts of the island remain inaccessible.
DR. DANA MORIS DIZON, MINISTER OF EDUCATION, SKILLS, YOUTH, AND INFORMATION, JAMAICA: They are cutting their way on foot through blocked roads by foot. This is not easy.
RODRIGUEZ (voice over): Emergency officials are picking up the pieces and clearing roads to reach isolated communities in need of relief.
Torrential downpours and forceful winds unleash widespread destruction across the Caribbean, damaging homes, causing severe flooding and widespread power outages and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of thousands.
MARTEL BRYAN, WITNESSED HURRICANE MELISSA IN JAMAICA: I have never seen anything like this in my life. It was devastating, it was -- you know, and -- the wind, and this rain, it was -- it was unprecedented.
RODRIGUEZ (voice over): In Haiti, Melissa did not make a direct landfall, but was still deadly and caused flooding.
In Cuba, roads are also covered in mud and trees, leaving many communities isolated from help. Cuba is already receiving some aid from partners such as China and Venezuela, as well as the United Nations.
But Jamaica took the heaviest battering. Melissa made landfall there as a Category 5 storm, with estimated maximum sustained winds of 185 miles per hour.
DIZON: I think, the entire Jamaica is really broken. We are working to get to those who need as much assistance as possible.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio activated the regional disaster assistance response team on October 29th.
In Atlanta, I'm Ivan Rodriguez.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLACKWELL: And for more information about how you can help Hurricane Melissa survivors, go to cnn.com/impact. Or text MELISSA to 707070 to donate.
Here with me now, CNN's Allison Chinchar, after seeing all of that from Melissa. We still got another month of hurricane season.
CHINCHAR: Right. I don't think many people realize, hurricane season Atlantic goes all the way until November 30. And then, we typically do have, on average, one extra storm in the month of November.
Now, where it goes, what it does, that always varies every single year.
But here is where we are, so far this year. We've had 13 named storms, five of which became hurricanes, and four of those became major hurricanes.
Imelda was the only one, it only got to a Cat 2. Otherwise, all of the others have gotten very, very strong. Now, an average year is 14, seven and three. So, we are relatively close to where we would see in a normal year.
[07:35:01]
The real thing is, though it was predicted to be an above average season, and we really haven't hit those numbers quite yet.
Thankfully, I don't think anyone is complaining about that.
The more interesting thing about this season was all of the curves that all of them did, they would start making their way westward and then curve away from the United States, away from the Bahamas, away from a lot of these areas for the bulk of these storms, the only one that actually impacted the U.S. that was Chantal back in July along the Carolina coast. One thing you'll also notice too is the lack of systems in the Gulf. We normally would have several in the Gulf region. We had absolutely none this year.
Now, one other thing to note is that it is November 1st, but you'll see this red and yellow area here for the entire month, very similar numbers to what you would see in July. So, it's not over yet. As I mentioned, we usually have at least one more that we would typically get in the month of November.
Now, the real question is, okay, but where would it be? Well, it can technically be anywhere, but these three green shaded areas are where you typically would see them develop in November. So, the area of the Western Caribbean, similar to where Melissa was, you also have this area of the western Atlantic, kind of just offshore of the Bahamas and Eastern Florida's coast. And then, you also have this area in the central Atlantic, which is just to the east of Bermuda.
So, again, still something to kind of keep a close eye on over the next month.
BLACKWELL: And we know you will. Allison, thank you.
Colder temperatures are arriving just as the government shutdown closes a program to help heat low-income homes, at least they are not funding it.
A closer look at the crucial program that keeps millions of families warm through the winter.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[07:41:22]
BLACKWELL: Millions of American households are at risk as the government shutdown delays critical funds needed for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The program helps low-income Americans pay their home heating bills. Benefits were supposed to kick in today, but with the ongoing shutdown, it is unclear when assistance will become available.
The National Energy Assistance Directors Association predicts that home heating costs this winter will rise faster than inflation, and that will put millions at risk of falling into debt or facing power shut offs when they need heat the most, specifically, that oil to fill those heaters.
Joining me now, Mark Wolfe, an energy economist and the executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association.
Mark, thank you for being with me. You know, we've talked a lot about SNAP, we've talked a lot about Head Start, as we should. We've not talked as much about this. And you've said that this is unprecedented. Drive home the urgency for us.
MARK WOLFE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NATIONAL ENERGY ASSISTANCE DIRECTORS: I am glad to. I mean, winter is already starting. Up in New England, temperatures in the evening reading in the 30s. Then, one program that helps families pay their home heating bills, families who have low incomes, family of four in less than $30,000 a year, for example, is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Normally, almost every year, funds are available to states by the end of October, early November. States then help families pay their bills by providing grants to cover the cost of home heating. 6 million families receive assistance under this program. The other thing, while you're talking about other programs, about 70 percent of families get energy assistance, also get SNAP or food stamps. So, it's not like these programs are siloed. These are programs that help families pay their bills, not have to sacrifice buying food or paying for health care. These are basic programs.
And even though they are separate, many families receive funds under multiple programs, and that helps them get by in the winter and the summer months.
One thing that's happened that's really important is that prices are going up. Electric prices are up by 11 percent this year already. So, the average family using, say, electric for home heating, could pay about $1,200. It's an awful lot of money for low-income family.
BLACKWELL: Yes.
WOLFE: The energy assistance program helps them pay those bills.
BLACKWELL: Mark, there are some states that ban utility companies from shutting off the gas or electricity when, you know, get into the low 30s, around freezing for nonpayment.
WOLFE: Right.
BLACKWELL: But for heating oil, if you can't afford that, there are no laws that prevent or force a company to come and deliver the oil. What then?
WOLFE: Well, right. Those companies are not monopolies like electric and gas companies are. If you can't pay your heating oil bill, your pipes can freeze. I mean, it gets cold, but you sacrifice and go without, you put the money on credit, you borrow from payday lenders, whatever you can to pay those bills.
But in most states, the energy assistance program helps those families pay their heating oil and, in some case, propane bills. So, that's the immediate concern. We've got both families who could start falling behind on their regulated bills like electric or gas, but those using heating oil or propane, we are very worried about those families. Because to fill a tank up could cost $500-$600.
[07:45:00]
BLACKWELL: Yes.
WOLFE: And many low-income families just don't have that. BLACKWELL: Yes. Are state emergency funds helping here? What are the states up in -- the northeast, especially, are they doing now?
WOLFE: Well, a couple are taking action, in a sense. So, Vermont is using some of their own money, for example, to help front the program, so people can pay for heating, pay for delivery of fuel.
Other states have some emergency funds left over. So, states can carry forward 10 percent of their regular grant. And so, Massachusetts, for example, using some of those monies for families that have to pay their heating oil bill right now.
And again, you know, winter is really just starting, but it's coming quickly. And the thing is that normally, federal funds are available to states by the end of October.
But because the government is still shut down, no funds have been made available. And once the funds are approved, it still takes four to six weeks to process the funds to get them to states.
So, right now, we're looking at the possibility that no funds will be available to states till mid-December. The other thing keep in mind is all the program staff was fired by the administration. These are the people, you never see them, they are not on T.V., but they keep the gears running. So, we really don't know how much that will further delay the release of funds.
BLACKWELL: Yes. As we --
(CROSSTALK)
WOLFE: And that's why we're asking you to send anybody off from power --
(CROSSTALK)
BLACKWELL: Yes.
WOLFE: -- until the funds be available.
BLACKWELL: Yes. As we've learned with several of these programs, once there is a deal, it's not as if the spigot turns and the money flows, especially when you add on top of LIHEAP that the staff has been fired.
Mark Wolfe, thank you for the conversation. We have not talked as much about this, but for those families facing the low 30s overnight, it is crucial. Thanks for the time this morning.
Just ahead this morning, head coach Bill Belichick hits a new milestone in his career at UNC, a win against an ACC opponent.
And if you haven't heard, you can now stream CNN THIS MORNING WEEKEND, live in the U.S., or catch up whenever you want in the CNN app.
You can stream shows, get access to exclusive CNN reporting, or watch our award-winning original series and films. Much more is there. To learn more, visit cnn.com/watch.
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[07:51:49]
BLACKWELL: The Chicago Bulls are starting to remind their fans of the Michael Jordan days, and the baseball season will end tonight with a champion crown.
Andy Scholes is here with more.
(CROSSTALK)
SCHOLES: Yes.
BLACKWELL: Game Seven.
SCHOLES: And Victor, this has been such a great World Series, it's just fitting that it's going the distance.
But the Dodgers, you know, they haven't officially announced it, but it's likely going to be Shohei Ohtani on the mound starting for L.A. tonight. It's going to be squaring off against 41-year-old Max Scherzer. And it's me all hands-on deck for the final game of the season.
Now, Game Six was a thriller. It ended on the first seven four double played in the postseason game ever. The Blue Jays had second and third. There one out Andres Gimenez, he lined out to left field Kike Hernandez. He made the running grab and then got Addison Barger, who just couldn't get back to second in time. The final last eye was 3-1.
The Dodgers tonight in Game Seven, taking on the Blue Jays, going to be the first Game Seven in the World Series since Astros-Nationals back in 2019.
Dodgers trying to become the first team went back-to-back since the Yankees won three in a row back in 2000. The Jays, meanwhile, looking for their first title since '93. First pitch at 8:00 Eastern tonight.
The NBA Cup, meanwhile, tipping off last night, which means all those colorful courts are back and in L.A. The Clippers are hosting the Pelicans. This game was tied in the final seconds. Kawhi Leonard going to get the ball here. He is going to hit the fade away jumper on two Pelicans to win it at the buzzer. 126-124 with the finals, the Clippers get the win. New Orleans now 0 and five this season.
The Bulls, meanwhile, could not be more excited about what they are seeing from their fans -- the fans are more excited about what they are seeing from their squad, I should say. Josh Giddey, he was balling once again last night. 32 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists against the Knicks. Chicago wins again, 135-125. They are now a perfect 5-0 on the season. First time they have been 5-0 since Michael Jordan was in uniform back in 1996.
Luka Doncic, meanwhile, back from his three-game absence due to injury last night, picked up right where he left off. Luka pouring in 44 points against the Grizzlies. Lakers beat Memphis 117 to 112. Luka is the first player in NBA history to have 125 points and 20 assists in his first three games of a season.
All right. We also have some college football on Halloween. Bill Belichick finally getting his first win in the ACC. The Tar Heels, they were down 10 to six at halftime, but they scored 21 unanswered in the second half to win 27 to 10. North Carolina, now three and five on the season.
You got some big games today, including ninth ranked Vanderbilt at 20th ranked Texas at 18th ranked Oklahoma at 14th ranked Tennessee. But guess what, Victor?
BLACKWELL: Andy?
SCHOLES: If you have YouTube T.V. like me, you can't watch them.
BLACKWELL: Oh, no.
SCHOLES: Because they still haven't reached a deal with Disney to get ABC and ESPN back on the platform.
Here is hoping that there's some negotiations going on right now and we will have a deal by the time these games -- all right.
(CROSSTALK)
BLACKWELL: Andy Scholes, thank you very much.
SCHOLES: All right.
BLACKWELL: Watching the negotiation.
SCHOLES: Yes.
BLACKWELL: All right. Tune in to a brand-new episode of "HAVE I GOT NEWS FOR YOU."
Podcaster Jennifer Welch, journalist Max Chafkin weigh in on the biggest headlines of the week tonight at 9:00, right here on CNN.
[07:55:06]
"FIRST OF ALL," is coming up at the top of the hour.
This is the first of the month, and there are millions of people whose aid is expiring today. I'm going to approach this conversation in a different way. You are going to hear from a group made up of people either directly impacted or trying to help people impacted.
Also, actress Karen Pittman will be here too. She's faced food insecurity, knows the stigma and is joining the call for lawmakers to figure this out and fund SNAP.
Plus, a Houston teen says that he was roughed up by immigration agents even as he told them that he is a U.S. citizen. His father was detained and deported, and that team joins us live to share his story.
And Dia de los Muertos is here. My Spanish, is that right? I'll introduce the artist who helped make the Day of the Dead celebrations mainstream in the U.S. She is finally being recognized with her own museum exhibition at 93 years old.
Those stories and conversations you will not see anywhere else, coming up after a short break on "FIRST OF ALL".
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