Good Morning Cleveland, it's Friday, October 31 and here is what you need to know.
Today on GMC
Ohio races to feed families as federal shutdown cuts off SNAP benefits
With the government shutdown still brewing, SNAP benefits will no longer be available in November. The state is helping individuals and families in need by providing up to $25 million for food assistance. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed an executive order directing the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to allocate $7 million to food banks across the state and up to $18 million in emergency relief benefits. It comes as millions of Ohioans brace to lose SNAP benefits, our Mike Holden will be live from the Greater Cleveland Food Bank with the latest updates.
Penny exchange
What if there was a way for you to cash in for a little extra grocery money? Well, there is! Due to the national shortage of pennies, Giant Eagle is holding a penny exchange this weekend. Our consumer reporter, Elizabeth VanMetre, will be live this morning to answer your questions about how it works.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month ends, the impact of the disease is far-reaching. According to the American Cancer Society, there are four million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. We spoke with a woman who was treated in Lorain County. Despite how she felt, she made a choice that likely saved her life.
Hurricane Melissa scam
As the devastation in the Caribbean from Hurricane Melissa continues to unfold, you may be inspired to support those impacted. However, you should be cautious before you donate any money. Data from the FBI shows fraudulent charities and fake disaster relief efforts cost Americans $96 million last year. Good Morning Cleveland Anchor Mike Brookbank will share steps you can take to ensure your donation ends up in the right hands.
Vermilion busing reinstated
We have been telling you about the lack of buses available to students in the Vermilion school district since August. Now, the district will provide bus routes to any student who lives outside the district's one-mile radius.
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Your forecast
Less rain today, but we're still cold and windy. Gusts could hit 30 mph, which means two hands on the wheel for the morning drive! Winds won't relax until the afternoon drive and trick-or-treat time. We're chilly, but lake effect rain tapers and the winds settle.
Visit our News 5 weather page to see today's forecast.
Traffic impacts
View our News 5 Traffic Map to see any road closures or delays due to the weather or crashes from the weather.
