OAK LAWN FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

May 13 2026BUSINESS

Plans for a vacant site: balancing progress and concerns

Churchill’s empty Westinghouse site has been a blank canvas for decades, ever since the tech company downsized there in the late '90s. Now, plans are in motion to turn the 150-acre property into a busy hub of homes, shops, and services. Developers want to add everything from daycare centers to gas s

reading time less than a minute
May 11 2026RELIGION

The Quiet Decline of America’s Religious Leaders

Churches across the U. S. are facing an unseen crisis: fewer people are stepping up to serve as spiritual leaders. Over the past few years, training programs for pastors and priests haven’t just slowed down—they’re shrinking. Schools that prepare clergy have seen a sharp drop in students, with some

reading time less than a minute
May 06 2026HEALTH

Check Your Skin Early to Beat Melanoma

First, the numbers are scary. About 112, 000 Americans will find themselves with a serious skin cancer this year, and more than 8, 500 may lose their lives to it. The good news is that if doctors catch the disease early, treatment can be much more effective. One expert suggests a simple routine: lo

reading time less than a minute
Apr 25 2026HEALTH

Healing Paths: New Trials, Kind Hearts and Unexpected Birds

First responders in Arizona are exploring a controversial remedy as part of the state’s pioneering psilocybin study. Whole mushrooms, known for their hallucinogenic properties, are being examined for their potential to ease post‑traumatic stress. The research is backed by state funds and led by Dr.

reading time less than a minute
Apr 24 2026ENVIRONMENT

Green Living Gets a Boost in Oak Park

Oak Park isn't just talking about going green—it's throwing a party to show it. The village teamed up with local park leaders to turn Earth Day into a hands-on showcase at the Oak Park Conservatory. Instead of the usual classroom-style learning, residents got to explore real stations run by half a d

reading time less than a minute
Apr 10 2026POLITICS

Melania Trump Denies Any Connection to Jeffrey Epstein

First lady Melania Trump recently spoke out against claims that she ever knew Jeffrey Epstein, the financier who faced serious legal trouble before his death. In a brief statement from the White House, she called the accusations unfounded and damaging to her reputation. "The false stories connecting

reading time less than a minute
Apr 04 2026BUSINESS

United Adds “Basic” Business Class to Cut Costs

United Airlines plans to launch a new type of business‑class seat that cuts certain perks, such as free seat selection and lounge entry, to offer lower prices on long‑haul flights. The airline says the idea is to let passengers pay only for what they really want. The plan includes three fare leve

reading time less than a minute
Apr 03 2026BUSINESS

Higher Baggage Fees Hit Travelers Amid Rising Fuel Costs

United Airlines has announced a hike in checked‑bag charges, raising the fee for the first two bags by $10 and adding an extra $50 for a third bag. The change, effective on tickets bought after April 3, follows a similar move by JetBlue earlier in March. Passengers traveling to the U. S. , Mexico, C

reading time less than a minute
Apr 03 2026BUSINESS

United Adds New Ticket Levels for First‑Class Flights

United Airlines is changing how it sells seats in its premium cabins. Instead of just one price, the airline will now offer three levels: base, standard and flexible. The plan starts on long‑haul international routes, across the U. S. , and some Hawaii trips. The base option is the cheapest

reading time less than a minute
Mar 28 2026OPINION

Oakland schools face another challenge: a lawsuit over heritage months

Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) runs on tight funds, serving mostly low-income students who need stable classrooms more than legal battles. Yet the state education department just filed a lawsuit claiming the district didn't do enough to fight antisemitism—despite no clear evidence of widespr

reading time less than a minute