5 stories to follow: Nov. 1

Happy Friday. Here's your look at five stories to know about before the weekend hits:

1. Food stamp cuts: The first cuts ever to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, more commonly known as food stamps, went into effect at midnight. Nearly three million Pennsylvania and New Jersey residents will have their benefits cut.

2. Cat hoarding at Grace Kelly's former home: Law enforcement officials are investigating a cat-hoarding situation at the one-time East Falls home of actress Grace Kelly. Authorities seized 14 cats and one dog from the residence. The homeowner, 81-year-old Marjorie Bamont, is expected to face animal-cruelty charges.

3. Kevin Hart donation: Actor, comedian and Philadelphia native Kevin Hart is donating 500 computers to the city, with 300 going to the school district and 200 to the Department of Parks and Recreation. Hart will join Mayor Nutter in visits to four city schools today.

4. Chesco filly: A 3-year-old Pennsylvania-bred filly, Princess of Sylmar, will compete against the top horses in the world at the Breeders' Cup Distaff tonight. Between May and September, she won four Grade I stakes races in a row, the first time a 3-year-old filly has ever done so.

5. Nutter's travels: Mayor Michael Nutter is embarking on a 10-day trip to the United Kingdom and Israel on Saturday. Some experts question the value of such trips, while others say they help develop important connections. Nutter and his delegation are slated to visit London, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.