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Subscribe to the Wake Up, cleveland.com’s free morning newsletter, delivered to your inbox weekdays at 5:30 a.m. The pressure has been mounting all week for the federal government to address SNAP benefits, which provide money for low-income households to buy groceries. While politicians blamed each other for the federal shutdown, local leaders urged governments to declare an emergency and do something so that people don’t starve. Businesses stepped up. Food pantries prepared. About 1.4 million Ohioans, including 190,000 Cuyahoga County residents, will go without help starting Saturday. Thursday, as Cuyahoga County government and nonprofit leaders hinted at a plan to be announced today, the state declared it will provide up to $25 million in support for food banks. Consider the magnitude, though. Food banks across Ohio spent a record $43 million buying food last year. But the state distributes $263 million a month. That’s scarier than a 12-foot skeleton or a two-story spiderweb. (To cheer you up, check out some of Northeast Ohio’s best-decorated front yards.) We hope you have a happy Halloween! — Laura Overnight Scores and Weather Northeast Ohio weather forecast: What to expect for Halloween Top Stories State help: Gov. Mike DeWine, Senate President Rob McColley, and House Speaker Matt Huffman announced a $25 million plan Thursday to blunt the impact if the federal shutdown continues into November, reports Anna Staver. Food assistance: With SNAP cuts looming, Alex Darus put together a comprehensive list of food pantry locations across multiple counties to help residents during the government shutdown. She also lists restaurants and other businesses helping the hungry. Redistricting: After weeks of Republican stonewalling on a new congressional redistricting plan, the Ohio Redistricting Commission appears set to pass a bipartisan map that makes it more likely for the GOP to pick up two U.S. House seats next year, Jeremy Pelzer reports. Today in Ohio: Why are defendants in the FirstEnergy corruption case allowed to hide documents in their case? We’re talking about Ohio’s biggest scandal and the defendants’ reputations on Today in Ohio. Statehouse and Politics JD Vance: Vice President JD Vance defended the Trump administration’s immigration policies, discussed his wife’s heritage and cited Springfield’s Haitian community while appearing at a Turning Point event in Mississippi, reports Sabrina Eaton. Northeast Ohio News Tax ask: Cuyahoga County’s Board of Developmental Disabilities might seek a new property levy due to rising costs and decreasing tax revenues, Kaitlin Durbin reports. The agency supports thousands of residents but faces budget shortfalls, requiring future funding increases. Mayors’ push: Democratic mayors, including Cleveland’s Justin Bibb, are demanding Congress fund SNAP as millions face potential benefit cuts amid a federal shutdown, reports Sean McDonnell. Cuyahoga SNAP: Cuyahoga County leaders are creating an emergency fund to help residents losing SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown, with nearly 190,000 residents at risk. Hunger aid: Giant Eagle Foundation pledged $1 million to food banks across five states to address rising food insecurity, Kaylee Remington reports. The donation supports hunger-relief organizations in the region. Hopkins pantry: As the federal government shutdown stretches into its fifth week, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is expanding its support for unpaid federal employees by inviting the public to donate to its food pantry, Susan Glaser reports. Drought: Northeast Ohio is finally seeing meaningful drought relief after several rounds of rain late last week. Ryan Cohick reports moderate drought has been wiped out across eastern Cuyahoga, Lake, northern Geauga and Ashtabula counties, according to the latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor. WCSB: Cleveland State has launched a new panel aimed at increasing student involvement with WCSB amid criticism over its transfer to Ideastream, which critics say limits opportunities for students, reports Laura Hancock. Thrift store: Hannah’s Home in Mentor has opened Hannah’s Harbor, a thrift store offering job training and community support for mothers in crisis, reports Molly Walsh. Mentor Council: In Mentor, Ray Kirchner and Scott Marn are competing for a City Council seat amid controversy over Marn’s conduct, Molly Walsh reports. Kirchner emphasizes public safety and experience, while Marn faces lawsuits and allegations. Business and Health MetroHealth cuts: In an effort to stem its ballooning charity care costs, MetroHealth launched a new financial assistance policy Thursday that eliminates 100% free charity care for some uninsured and underinsured Cuyahoga County residents, reports Julie Washington. Crime and Courts Deputy chief arrest: Patrick O’Callahan, an Orange Village deputy police chief, used his badge and supposed connections to the department in a bid for leniency for what the arresting officer believed was a drunken driving charge, felony weapons violations and traffic offenses, body camera footage shows. Lucas Daprile reports the arrest is at the center of an investigation North Royalton is conducting into the traffic stop. Bobby George: Prominent Cleveland businessman Bobby George, who is expected to plead guilty to an attempted strangulation charge, said Thursday that the case won’t affect him or his businesses “at all,” David Gambino reports. Bus-stop attack: Ohio City resident Rayshon Reese was sentenced to 22 years for attacking a woman with a box cutter at an RTA bus stop, showing no remorse during questioning, reports David Gambino. Arts and Entertainment Devo: The legendary Akron band Devo will broadcast its penultimate show exclusively on VEEPS, with tickets starting at $19.99 and a new documentary soundtrack released today, reports Malcolm X Abram. Ask Yadi: Yadi Rodriguez highlights advice about managing thoughts of an ex while maintaining a healthy current relationship. YouTube TV: Disney channels, including ABC and ESPN stations, went dark for YouTube TV subscribers early Friday morning because of an ongoing contract dispute. That means WEWS Channel 5, the Cleveland-based ABC affiliate, was no longer available to subscribers, Cliff Pinckard reports. Rock Hall exhibit: The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will celebrate the class of 2025 with its new inductee exhibit opening today, Malcolm X Abram reports. This year’s exhibit highlights a mix of instruments, lyrics, seldom-seen photographs and, of course, outfits from iconic videos and live appearances that will be immediately familiar to fans of the artists. Salt-N-Pepa: Gary Graff highlights Salt-N-Pepa’s upcoming Rock Hall honor, discussing their groundbreaking impact on hip-hop and their journey to recognition after being eligible since 2010. Berlin, Ohio: Susan Glaser explores Berlin, Ohio, detailing a day in Holmes County’s Amish country, highlighting local attractions, buggy tours, and the rich cultural heritage of the region. Top bakery: On the Rise Artisan Breads in Cleveland Heights has been named one of the top 10 pastry makers in the world at the prestigious Mondial du Pain competition held this month in France, Paris Wolfe reports. Things to do: There’s never a shortage of things to do in Northeast Ohio, especially this time of year. From concerts, theater and cultural events, to dance, Cavaliers basketball and even a massive pet show, there’s something to appeal to your creative sensibilities, writes Peter Chakerian. 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. Other Top Stories Cuyahoga Falls council approves drive-through bypass lane law following death of Stow resident Read more New trail and roadway work completed in Garfield Heights Read more Free legacy planning services available in Summit, Medina counties; see how to apply Read more ‘If you build it, they will come’: 52 names added to Veterans Honor Wall at Orange High School Read more Brunswick Middle School students test their futures in cutting-edge career labs Read more Medina park district teams with non-profit for food drive Read more Lakewood’s $7.8M storm sewer project aims to control Lake Erie erosion Read more
