Ray R. Lautenschlager, president of Ohio Family Rights and a prominent family law reform advocate, died at home Feb. 9, according to friends and colleagues. Supporters say he was a relentless voice for parental rights and helped families navigate difficult custody battles. Online memorials are scheduled for Feb. 19 and Feb. 26.

Valentine’s Day is more than a holiday at The City Mission. Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center marks 23 years since opening, and on Feb. 14, 2026, Rothstein Village will reach its one-year milestone. The transitional housing community helps families move from emergency shelter toward lasting independence, offering a bridge past the “cliff effect” that can derail recovery.

Students at multiple Northeast Ohio school campuses walked out of classes Thursday afternoon to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions and federal immigration enforcement policies, joining a broader wave of youth‑led demonstrations that began earlier this week. Walk‑outs at Glenville High School, John Hay High School, the John Marshall Campus, Wickliffe High School, Cleveland School of the Arts, Cleveland Heights–University Heights schools, Facing History New Tec

Former Ohio State football player Rory Nicol has launched “Hold Your Rope,” a new initiative aimed at helping people facing adversity through messages of resilience, accountability and community support. Nicol says the mission grew from personal struggle after his football career and a symbolic gift from 2008 now tied to his message.

Sheetz says former President, CEO and Board Chairman Steve Sheetz died the night of Jan. 4, 2026, at 77. The company credited him with helping launch Made-to-Order food, entering fuel sales and driving multi-state expansion, and noted philanthropic work with Penn State Altoona. Funeral arrangements were not included in the release.

Fire Iron Golf in Shaker Heights has opened a new entertainment venue blending high-tech golf simulation with casual dining and family-friendly fun. Located at 20040 Van Aken Blvd., the facility offers Trackman golf simulator bays, high-speed swing cameras, and access to over 200 virtual golf courses.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Communities across Northeast Ohio observed Veterans Day on Tuesday with meaningful displays of remembrance and gratitude, as public institutions, local schools, and businesses took visible steps to honor those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. In several Cleveland-area Meijer grocery stores, a “Missing Man Table” stood prominently, offering shoppers a solemn reminder of service members who never returned home. Set up near the produce section, the tab

Among the cast, Dennis Haysbert delivers a performance that many audiences have described as deeply personal and emotionally layered. According to production sources, Haysbert accepted the role immediately after reading the script, calling it the role he had always wanted to play. That knowledge adds dimension to his portrayal of Marty Anderson, a postal worker navigating long‑unspoken hopes and shifting expectations.

Flames were seen coming from the attic, and firefighters quickly brought the situation under control. The estimated damage is $500,000. No injuries were reported, though the American Red Cross was called to assist one adult male.

Unable to perform for live audiences during the early pandemic, Sinkovic brought together a diverse group of seasoned local musicians and began posting performance videos to YouTube. The videos quickly resonated, drawing over a million views and building a loyal international following, including a strong fan base in Manila, Philippines. “This group should be playing theatres all over Ohio. We are very big in Manila Philippines trying to tour there in 2026,” he said.

The inaugural event, which quickly sold out of its 1,000 available tickets, featured 17 local restaurant and entertainment vendors spread across Pinecrest’s open-air plaza. Food and drink samples, live entertainment, and immersive experiences gave guests a chance to taste, sip, and celebrate the best of Cleveland’s dining scene while supporting a critical cause. “We sold out so quickly,” Liberati added. “We couldn’t have raised $30,000 without the community.”

Her words echo a message she has carried throughout her advocacy work: that justice for survivors should not end when a single perpetrator is punished, but must extend to every person complicit in abuse. Smart drew parallels between her own experience and other high-profile abuse cases, including that of Jeffrey Epstein, highlighting the persistent leniency shown toward female enablers. “Women can also play devastating roles in abuse,” she wrote. “They can manipulate, groom,

Minner first gained national attention as a softball player at the University of Missouri, where she helped lead her team to the 2009 Women’s College World Series. Recognized as a Team Offensive MVP and All-American nominee, she built a reputation as one of the program’s most reliable hitters.

Drawing on insights from interviews with more than 80 individuals, including celebrities, CEOs, and everyday people, Quinn examines the psychological and emotional barriers that prevent people from asking for what they truly want. He focuses on how upbringing, societal expectations, and internalized fear often stop individuals from pursuing honest communication and self-fulfillment.

He began his service as a reserve officer in New Philadelphia before moving into full-time police work in Sugarcreek, Dover, and Kent, Ohio. Arnett joined the Kent Police Department in early 2024 and served there for just over a year before leaving in March 2025. A public statement issued by the Kent Police Department indicated that Arnett had become increasingly affected by the war in Ukraine and made the personal decision to leave his post in order to support Ukraine’s defe

CVSR operates along 26 miles of track between Independence and Akron, offering vintage rail excursions year-round through the heart of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Riders can board at three primary stations; Rockside in Independence, Peninsula Depot, and Akron Northside; with free parking and a recommendation to arrive 45 minutes early.

The cast includes Martin Sheen, Dennis Haysbert, June Squibb, Stacy Keach, Loretta Devine, Liza Weil, Jon Lovitz, Jeff Hiller, Dot-Marie Jones, Mark L. Walberg and more. Since its debut at the Newport Beach Film Festival in October 2024, the movie has experienced a streak of sold-out screenings. It was the first film in the festival’s history to require a second showing due to high demand. When it screened at the Cleveland International Film Festival this spring, it shattered

Dunlap estimates the theft to be worth more than $6,000. The stolen pumpkins were not random selections but specifically his “very best” large, high-quality pumpkins with long, sturdy stems that typically command premium prices in the seasonal agritourism market. The pumpkins were grown for retail and decorative use during October, a time when small farms like his generate a significant portion of their yearly income.

During the pandemic, Novack fulfilled a lifelong dream by writing her first book, a historical fiction novel based loosely on her father's life. Her father, a Holocaust survivor, endured significant trauma, including being raped as a child while living in a brothel before immigrating to the United States. She drew on that legacy to create her debut novel, which received mostly five-star reviews. “I wrote without an outline. I just wrote every day,” she said.

Several Cleveland-area charter schools are being recognized for outstanding academic progress in the 2024–2025 Ohio Department of Education report card released on September 15. Cleveland Arts and Social Sciences Academy (CASSA) emerged as one of the top performers, earning a Performance Index score of 92.8, ranking seventh among all charter schools in Ohio and second in Cuyahoga County. The school also received a 5-star Progress rating for the third consecutive year.