October 20, 2025

Celebrating the return of the remaining live hostages, with hope that every last hostage will be returned for a Jewish burial, and praying that the ceasefire is durable, after over two years, our Friday Report and Monday Mirror return to their previous format. 

ON CAPITOL SQUARE

Ohio mourns the death of State Trooper Cayton who died after his cruiser was struck by a truck while he was on duty. 

Gov. DeWine issues death penalty reprieves until 2029 due to lack of lethal injections. He will also seek a federal waiver to ban SNAP benefits from paying for sodas and sugary drinks. As well, the Governor joins his Democratic counterpart from Kentucky, Andy Beshear, at UC to discuss bipartisanship. 

Ohio pensions form a coalition to push back on overreach into their fiduciary affairs. 

Could childcare workers get free childcare under this new state proposal?

Whirlpool announces expansion in Ohio as the Chillicothe paper mill also gets a new lease on life as a medical supply factory. 

The Park Arts project at Park Synagogue is getting $1.74 million from the Cleveland Heights City Council and the Port of Cleveland Board approves issuing $20 million in lease revenue bonds for the project. 

A look at the immigrant boom that is remaking - and expanding - Columbus. 

ON CAPITOL HILL AND AROUND THE COUNTRY

Dallin Oaks is named as the new leader of the Mormon Church.  Years ago, he helped lead an “uprising” at the law firm of Kirkland & Ellis when they refused to hire a Jewish attorney. 

Republican officials react to leaked Young Republican texts and messages that are racist, homophobic, and antisemitic. 

Senate Republicans, including Senator Husted, push for answers from U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer about the impact of trade wars on American  soybean farmers. 

Congressman Dave Taylor calls in the Capitol Police to investigate an incident of swastika vandalism in his DC office. 

Rep. Michael Rulli introduces a bill to hold back federal dollars from cities that don’t celebrate Columbus Day. 

OSU’s civics center receives a multimillion-dollar federal grant. 

Local Ohio education officials worry over US Education Department layoffs. 

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Tim Ryan begins planning a run for governor but has not yet made a firm decision. 

Sherrod Brown and Jon Husted announce fundraising totals for the quarter. 

Husted also snags a third labor endorsement. 

NYC mayoral race frontrunner Zohran Mamdani says “pro-Israel” progressives are not welcome in his coalition. 

Jay Jones’ violent text messages come under scrutiny in the Virginia attorney general’s race. 

Democrats in Ohio and Missouri are looking at unconventional ways to block redistricting plans.

And, Mike DeWine calls a meeting of the Redistricting Commission. 

THE JEWISH WORLD

Israel celebrates the return of the 20 remaining hostages while still awaiting the final remains of all the dead still held by Hamas. 

President Trump warns Hamas to disarm. He also warns them to stop executing civilians in Gaza. 

Nelson Mandela’s granddaughters visit Israel and Gaza for an “eye opening” trip. 

Elliot Abrams opines on why the ceasefire could only have happened now. Thomas Friedman says he doesn’t see what’s next yet but asks the president to move fast and “break things.”

A military coup takes over Madagascar. 

Released hostage Matan Angrest attends the funeral of fellow hostage and commander, Capt. Daniel Peretz.

Israel takes part in the European Commission’s “pact for the Mediterranean”, which includes projects for 10 Mediterranean countries.

Talks are ongoing in London over a decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending a football match in Birmingham.

And, Cape Verde qualifies for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in its history.  

IN THE MEDIA

JNS reports on the passing of the OU’s Rabbi Moshe Hauer. 

And, Howie is quoted in Jewish Insider regarding the swastika incident at Rep. Taylor’s office. 

SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS OF THE WEEK