The Word Church Pastor R.A. Vernon’s month-long speaking tour at Cleveland Metropolitan School District high schools drew mixed reactions.
A pastor speaks at a public high school. A problem with the separation of church and state? The Wake Up for Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026Dr. R.A. Vernon's speaking tour at Cleveland Metropolitan School District high schools, including John Hay High School pictured here, drew criticism from a local blogger who claims religious messages were inappropriately included in mandatory school events.
In the United States, the separation of church and state is derived from the freedom of religion in the First Amendment. While religion has always played a prominent role in American society, the idea is that the government cannot control religion and religion cannot control government. So the government should not promote any religion over another or force any religious beliefs on citizens through laws.The Center for Christian Virtue has become hugely influential at the Ohio Statehouse, supporting legislation to limit transgender rights and increase public scholarships for private schools. The state Senate has greenlit a bill that would allow public schools to display the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.: The Word Church Pastor R.A. Vernon’s month-long speaking tour at Cleveland Metropolitan School District high schools drew mixed reactions,: Cleveland plans to hire a new Community development director within weeks after losing $3.3 million in lead grant funding due to slow spending.The recent discovery of the Lac La Belle, which sank to the bottom of Lake Michigan in 1872, hearkens the days of traveling by ship instead of driving on freeways.: Ohio Republicans want all new energy to be reliable, affordable and clean. But is the term reliable just a backdoor way to prohibit solar and wind projects? We’re talking about the legislature continually stomping on green energy on: Ohio senators are proposing a new bill that would create a voluntary registry allowing individuals to temporarily restrict their own firearm access as a suicide prevention measure.: Ohio U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan is conducting a nationwide campaign to help Republicans retain their House majority and prevent potential Trump impeachment efforts. Jordan is strategically raising funds and supporting GOP candidates to maintain congressional control,: An Ohio lawmaker is revising a bill that would punish school districts for suing over vouchers. State Rep. Jamie Callender plans to limit escrow amounts to lawsuit costs only after his original proposal to withhold all funding from suing school districts drew immediate criticism,: Cleveland’s 2026 budget proposal now includes side-by-side columns of budgeted and actual spending, addressing a long-standing City Council complaint,that the current tax, in place since 1990, has not kept up with maintenance costs for Cleveland’s sports venues.: Cleveland Metroparks is set to begin construction on the Irishtown Bend project this spring, transforming a 25-acre hillside along the Cuyahoga River into a multi-purpose park.the project, named for its 1800s Irish roots, will include paths, a lawn, and an amphitheater, with the first phase expected to open in late 2028.: Cleveland police arrested two 17-year-old boys in connection with the fatal shooting of Vasyl Shvets, a 27-year-old Ukrainian refugee and Lyft driver.that Shvets, who had recently immigrated to escape the war, was killed while working a late-night shift, leaving his community devastated.: The Cleveland Auto Show’s final event at the I-X Center starts this week, featuring 600-700 vehicles and various automotive attractions.Geauga Park District will host its 40th Annual Sap’s-a-Risin’ maple festival, featuring free maple sugaring demonstrations and live music.: Cleveland Play House produces the Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Primary Trust,” which explores the journey of Kenneth, a 38-year-old Black man navigating loneliness and resilience in a small town.Elise Trouw’s new album “The Diary of Elon Lust,” a personal and satirical project about her experiences as a young woman in the music industry. She performs Thursday at the Grog Shop.: Grammy-winning emcee, producer and record label head J. Cole will bring his “The Fall-Off Tour” to Rocket Arena on Aug. 15,: In the inaugural Cleveland Espresso Martini Festival, 11 bars competed and Encore won the Judge’s Choice award with a creative Carajillo-inspired cocktail.: Olinda Modern Plates + Pours in North Canton is a new 180-seat restaurant from Gervasi Destinations featuring modern American cuisine and a prominent bar.“A Christmas Road to You” has been filming in Chagrin Falls during January, featuring local businesses and residents as part of the movie’s production.: Fast Eddie’s Kitchen & Bar is opening a new Parma location, featuring local brands and a healthier approach to cooking oils,Read moreCliff Pinckard has been with The Plain Dealer/cleveland.com since 1999. He has been a copy editor in the sports and entertainment departments, and also has been an online reporter and editor. He currently is an...
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