CLEVELAND — As the federal government shutdown drags into its 37th day, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb has announced a 30-day moratorium on utility shutoffs for nonpayment to help families struggling with missed paychecks and reduced food assistance.

Beginning Nov. 7, customers of Cleveland Water and Cleveland Public Power will not face service disconnections during the moratorium. Account balances will still accrue, but the city said the pause will ensure residents maintain access to water and electricity amid growing financial hardship.

“Our city understands what Cleveland families are going through right now,” Bibb said in a statement. “The federal shutdown and cuts to SNAP benefits have placed an unfair and unexpected burden on households that were already stretched thin. No one shoul

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