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By 2030, 1 in 5 Americans is expected to be 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census. In Cuyahoga County, the proportion is predicted to be even higher.
And with seniors living longer, often with chronic health issues and without nearby family, they’re going to need more help.
Already the county’s Division of Senior and Adult Services fielded nearly 28,000 calls last year for help with essentials like food, rent and utilities. That’s the highest volume since 2015. This year the numbers likely will beat the record again.
Experts say the situation is reaching a tipping point in the wake of the pandemic, which deepened social isolation, and in advance of tightening federal benefits.
How can we help? Housing affordability, transportation and social participation are critical to helping older residents thrive.
— Laura
Overnight Scores and Weather
Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Foggy, rainy start, then clearing
Top Stories
Senior help: Record numbers of older adults in Cuyahoga County are flooding the county’s senior support hotline in search of help meeting their basic needs, reports Kaitlin Durbin.
Redistricting: The fight over Ohio’s congressional map kicked off Monday with the first of two required hearings — but only one side showed its hand. Democrats put forward a plan that would split Ohio’s 15 U.S. House seats nearly down the middle, Anna Staver reports. GOP leaders made it clear they don’t like that idea, but they offered no map of their own and little hint of what they do want.
Browns stadium: The decision to allow Browns stadium in Brook Park to be built at 221 feet, despite city safety concerns, hinged on a third party report that concluded it wouldn’t interfere with airport operations, Rich Exner reports.
Today in Ohio: Today in Ohio will return today.
Statehouse and Politics
Child care: Ohio is launching a $10 million program where child care costs are shared: 40% by employers, 40% by employees and 20% by the state. Laura Hancock reports the initiative is designed to address workforce challenges and make child care more affordable for families.
Inflation concerns: Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland President and CEO Beth Hammack says the central bank is keeping a close eye on inflation and a “two speed” economy that is particularly challenging for middle- and lower-income families, Mary Frances McGowan reports.
Antisemitism plans: U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno is demanding comprehensive antisemitism action plans from Ohio’s 14 public universities, citing record-high antisemitic incidents in 2024. Sabrina Eaton reports on Moreno’s call for universities to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism.
Northeast Ohio News
Report cards: School districts like East Cleveland and Parma improved their state report card ratings, with districts employing strategies like tutoring and curriculum alignment, reports Laura Hancock.
ICE enforcement: Lake County Sheriff Frank Leonbruno announced the department will limit its role in federal immigration enforcement under two new agreements with ICE, emphasizing oversight and civil rights protections, reports Molly Walsh.
Free tuition: The cost of higher education continues to rise, making affordability a major concern for families. But some Ohio colleges and universities have free-tuition plans to combat these rising costs. Mike Rose has a list.
Police improvements: Cleveland plans to spend $21 million to upgrade its police district buildings, using energy savings to finance the project and improve facilities over the next year, Sean McDonnell reports.
Edgewater overflow: Project Clean Lake is over halfway complete, reducing sewage overflow into Lake Erie by nearly 2 billion gallons annually, with ongoing tunnels and upgrades, Peter Krouse reports.
Property tax: Summit County voters will decide in November on a property tax limit amendment, capping unvoted taxes at 2.2 mills and restricting annual increases to 3%, reports Megan Becka.
Data breach: The Lorain County Board of Commissioners announced Friday that a data security incident earlier this year may have exposed personal information belonging to county employees and vendors, Hannah Drown reports.
Factory fire: A fire Monday at a metal recycling plant on Cleveland’s south side has caused $2 million in damage, Lucas Daprile reports.
Business and Health
COVID vaccines: A federal panel has revised COVID-19 vaccination guidance, advising Americans 6 months old and older to discuss risks with health care providers, moving away from universal annual shots, Julie Washington reports.
Private jet service: Flexjet continues to grow, unveiling new luxury aircraft and expanding its private jet services. Susan Glaser reports on the Richmond Heights-based company’s post-pandemic growth and appeal to wealthy travelers.
Crime and Courts
Violent weekend: Five people were fatally shot in Cleveland over the weekend, including a 17-year-old, with investigations ongoing, Adam Ferrise reports.
Shooting at police: A Cuyahoga County judge on Monday sentenced two men to prison for shooting at Cleveland police officers last October, reports David Gambino.
Deputy shooting: A special deputy fired his weapon at a group of youths Monday afternoon in East Cleveland during an altercation that began with a toppled portable restroom.
False claims: Two Cleveland women face criminal charges for falsely claiming they found an abandoned baby in July. Police reviewed surveillance and determined the report was fabricated, Olivia Mitchell reports.
Sexual battery: Devin Hernandez, a former Hawken School coach, pleaded guilty to sexual battery involving a 17-year-old student and faces up to five years in prison, reports Molly Walsh.
Carjacking sentencing: An Ashtabula man was sentenced to prison Friday for carjacking a woman after leading police on a car chase that stretched across several Lake and Geauga County communities in May, Molly Walsh reports.
Road rage: An Akron woman was wounded in a weekend road rage shooting when a suspect pointed a gun and fired at her vehicle after reckless driving and honking, Lucas Daprile reports.
Scam alert: A scammer is threatening Lorain County residents with arrest and demanding money. Several residents have reported receiving calls from individuals posing as law enforcement officers, Hannah Drown reports.
Arts and Entertainment
Brite Winter: Brite Winter festival is relocating to Cleveland’s Waterloo Arts District in 2026. Peter Chakerian reports the move is a natural evolution for the midwinter music and arts event, bringing its indie rock vibes to a neighborhood known for creativity.
Chef’s outlook: Samin Nosrat discussed her new cookbook, “Good Things,” at a sold-out Parma library event. Alex Darus highlights how the chef explored letting go of perfectionism and building community through cooking and shared meals.
Haunted trail: Lorain County Metro Parks will begin selling tickets at 8 a.m. today for its 50th Halloween Fair, featuring a haunted trail, train rides, and entertainment. The event is from Oct. 9 to 25, reports Hannah Drown.
Towpath tales: Local author Jonathan Walter will discuss his debut time-travel novel “The Towpath” at the Akron-Summit Public Library. Megan Becka reports the book draws from local legends and the author’s childhood experiences in the Cuyahoga Valley.
Whiskey fest: The Ohio Craft Whiskey Festival returns with a record 23 distilleries, offering tastings and experiences. Paris Wolfe reports the event will take place at Henmick Farm & Brewery, showcasing Ohio’s growing craft spirits scene.
Negroni Week: Negroni Week returns to Greater Cleveland, with seven local venues offering special cocktails and events. Alex Darus highlights the celebration’s charitable aspect, with proceeds benefiting Slow Food.
DOME movies: The Great Lakes Science Center’s fall DOME Movies After Dark series will feature “Sinners,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” and “The Avengers.” Joey Morona details the lineup of films to be shown on the museum’s six-story screen.
AI vs. humans: Cru Uncorked tested sommeliers against AI in a wine pairing competition, with humans ultimately winning. Paris Wolfe writes about the event that compared human expertise to artificial intelligence in selecting wine pairings.
Mac N Cheese: The Mac N Cheese Throwdown returns to Willoughby, featuring 12 local restaurants offering creative macaroni and cheese dishes, Paris Wolfe reports.
Julian Tavarez: The 455 Club will host former Cleveland pitcher Julian Tavarez for a brunch event. Marc Bona details the upcoming Q&A and autograph session with the veteran baseball player.
Marc Rebillet: An interview with electronic artist Marc Rebillet explores his unique performance style and creative approach. Peter Chakerian highlights the artist’s spontaneous musical performances and internet persona.
Baseball convention: The Society for American Baseball Research will hold its annual convention in Cleveland in 2026. Marc Bona details the upcoming event that brings together baseball researchers, fans and historians.
You’re all caught up
Don’t forget, you can always find the latest Cleveland news by visiting cleveland.com. If you value the hard work of Cleveland journalists, consider becoming a cleveland.com subscriber.
— Curated by content director Laura Johnston with contributions by Cliff Pinckard.
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