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CHICAGO — A city renowned for its skyscrapers and relentless pace faces an invisible but formidable threat: Chicago is gradually sinking. A new study published on May 8 in the journal Nature Cities revealed that 98% of the city’s territory is experiencing land subsidence — a phenomenon that threatens flooding, structural damage, and long-term economic shocks. This "silent danger," as scientists call it, presents Chicago authorities with a complex challenge: how to protect a metropolis sinking under the weight of its own progress.The research, which covered 28 of the most populated cities in the USA, showed that 25 of them suffer from land subsidence. In Chicago, the situation is particularly alarming: the city belongs to nine metropolitan areas where the land is sinking at a rate of over two millimeters per year. Measurements taken from 2015 to 2021 found that practically no corner of Chicago is immune to this process. Researchers point to two main factors: excessive groundwater extraction and relentless urbanization, which, according to forecasts, will only intensify due to climate change."Chicago is built on fragile ground, and we are literally undermining its stability," says Alessandro Rota Loria, an associate professor in the Department of Construction and Environmental Engineering at Northwestern University, whose previous research had already sounded the alarm. "We are not just building a city; we are changing the very earth beneath it." His team discovered in 2023 that in the Loop area, subsidence is accelerating due to "underground climate change" — heat emitted by buildings penetrates the soil and compresses the clayey rocks upon which Chicago stands. The study, conducted using 150 temperature sensors, showed that the temperature underneath the Loop is 10 degrees Celsius higher than under Grant Park, speeding up soil deformation.According to insider information, Chicago’s city authorities currently lack a comprehensive plan to combat this crisis. Researchers emphasize urgent measures: from detailed mapping of risk zones to limiting groundwater extraction and banning intensive development in vulnerable areas. They also recommend insulating new and existing buildings to reduce heat impact on the soil. However, these measures require significant investments and political will, which could pose a challenge in a city already struggling with budget issues.Residents of Chicago — from businessmen in the Loop to families in remote neighborhoods — are increasingly anxious. Land subsidence threatens not only the structural integrity of buildings but also heightens flood risk — a problem already chronic due to proximity to Lake Michigan and frequent storms. "It’s like a slow-moving disaster," says a local engineer who wished to remain anonymous. "We see cracks in foundations, unevenness on roads, but most people don’t realize that the root cause is deeper than it looks."For Chicago, a city that has always prided itself on resilience, land subsidence has become a new test. Scientists warn that without decisive action, risks will only increase, especially amid climate change conditions promising more rainfall and extreme weather events. While Chicago’s skyscrapers continue to kiss the sky, the ground beneath them slowly recedes, reminding us that even the most magnificent cities are not immune to the forces of nature. The question now is whether Chicago can adapt before this silent threat turns into a loud catastrophe.

PRAMA, Ohio — On Tuesday, May 6, the Prama community, Parma Heights, and Seven Hills delivered yet another blow to the ambitious plans of local schools by rejecting Tax Measure No. 22. This defeat, the third in the past seven years, left educators puzzled and the future of the school district in question, as without new revenue, Parma faces the prospect of painful cuts and deteriorating education quality. According to the final but unofficial results from the Cuyahoga County Election Board, 59.28% of voters (8,947 people) voted against the tax increase, while only 40.72% (6,147 people) supported it. “We are very disappointed,” admitted Charles Smalec, the Parma City Schools superintendent, whose voice trembled with disillusionment. “We believed our campaign was well thought out and aimed at those who, we thought, would support us. But the result was devastating.” The proposed 10-year, 6.9 mil tax was supposed to bring the district $23 million, which would have cost a homeowner of $100,000 just $20.13 per month. These funds could have provided stable funding through 2031, supporting programs that, according to Smalec, helped the district achieve significant progress. “Our test results have improved, and we expanded offerings for students,” he emphasized. “But without new funds since 2011, we are in a difficult position.” This defeat is not new for Parma. Similar attempts to introduce a surtax failed in 2017 and 2018, further deepening the district’s financial chasm. Smalec, who will leave his position at the end of the school year to lead the Pickerington schools, warned that the community will feel the effects of this decision. “The district will revisit this issue in November,” he assured. “We hope to keep the tax at 6.9 mils, but it will all depend on state funding and our five-year projections.” Without a new tax, Parma faces a grim outlook. Smalec painted a bleak picture: classes, currently with 22–24 students, could grow to 30 or more. Mandatory credits for high school seniors could be reduced to five per year, and extracurricular activities — from sports to arts clubs — will become inaccessible due to “astronomical” fees. “We cannot ignore the approaching fiscal cliff,” he warned. “If we do nothing, by 2028, the deficit will be catastrophic.” Insider sources reveal that teachers and administrators are already preparing for difficult conversations about layoffs and program cuts. Parents who supported the tax express outrage, pointing out that the community underestimates the long-term consequences for children. “This is not just about money,” said one mother, who wished to remain anonymous. “It’s about the future of our city.” As Parma prepares for another attempt to persuade voters in November, Smalec urged the community to consider their priorities. “We are not asking for anything extraordinary,” he said. “We are asking to invest in our children.” But after three consecutive defeats, the question remains whether the community is willing to listen — and whether it will be too late to act when the financial crisis finally hits Parma’s schools.

Peacefulness of the north-western suburb of Chicago, the unincorporated town of Cary, was shattered by a deafening explosion believed to have occurred in a residential building. Authorities, who responded immediately to the incident, closed off the area and appealed to the community to avoid the zone while rescue services investigate the circumstances of this alarming event.Around 14:00, emergency crews and firefighters arrived at Fasan Trail, 6700, following reports of a house fire that was likely accompanied by a powerful blast. Video footage filmed by local residents captured the moment when a loud rumble shook the neighborhood, and debris flew down the street, leaving neighbors in shock. Cary Fire Department confirmed in a Facebook post that the area around the scene was cordoned off for traffic, urging citizens to stay away to not hinder rescue operations.The cause of the explosion remains a mystery at this time. Whether there were people in the building at the moment of the incident and whether there are any casualties — these questions are still unanswered. According to insider information, investigators are considering several theories, including a possible gas leak or electrical malfunction, although no hypothesis has been officially confirmed. Police and firefighters are operating in enhanced mode, inspecting the area and collecting witness testimonies to reconstruct the sequence of events.Fasan Trail, a quiet street lined with neat single-story houses, is a typical example of a peaceful suburb where such incidents are extremely rare. Local residents, with whom it was possible to speak, express concern and unease. “It felt like an earthquake,” said one neighbor who wished to remain anonymous. “We all rushed outside, but no one knew what was happening.”Cary authorities, coordinating the actions of emergency services, emphasized the importance of community cooperation. “We ask everyone to avoid the area so our crews can work safely and without interruption,” the official statement read. Residents are also encouraged to provide any information that might assist the investigation, including CCTV footage or eyewitness accounts.This incident serves as another reminder of the vulnerability even of the most peaceful communities. While investigators try to uncover the cause of the explosion, Cary residents remain tense, waiting for news about what exactly caused this dramatic event in their quiet suburb.

NORK, N.J. — On Saturday afternoon, a young man became a victim of a brutal shooting that shook the southern district of the city on a quiet residential street in Newark. Essex County Prosecutor's Office announced on Sunday that the deceased is Keyon Alston, whose life was cut short in a matter of seconds amid a hail of bullets. This tragic incident added tension to an already tense atmosphere in the Southern District, where the community is grappling with periodic outbreaks of violence. According to Carmen Martin, spokesperson for the prosecutor's office, the shooting occurred shortly after 5:00 PM on Harding Terrace, a modest street with rows of brick houses located several blocks west of Wickahick Park. This neighborhood, known for its close-knit community but also for its reputation as a hotspot for criminal incidents, has come under scrutiny by detectives trying to unravel the circumstances of this mysterious tragedy. District Attorney Theodore N. Stevens II, whose team has taken over the investigation, is currently withholding details. "The investigation is ongoing," Martin succinctly noted, adding that no additional information is available at this time. However, insider sources report that investigators are actively interviewing witnesses and examining footage from surveillance cameras, hoping to find clues that shed light on the motives and circumstances of the crime. This shooting has become yet another blow for Newark, a city balancing years of attempts at revival with a fight against deep-rooted violence. Residents of Harding Terrace, shocked by the event, express concerns about safety, as many considered this street to be a relatively peaceful corner of the neighborhood. "We heard gunshots, but no one thought it would end like this," shared one neighbor who wished to remain anonymous. As investigators continue their work, the Newark community awaits answers. The death of Keyon Alston has been not only a personal tragedy for his loved ones but also a stark reminder of the challenges the city faces in its fight for peace and safety on its streets.

Lakewood, Ohio — In the early hours of Friday, a daring attempt to rob a 7-Eleven store at the corner of Hilliard Boulevard and Oliv Avenue ended in failure. Three individuals dressed in black and wearing masks drove into the building in a stolen 2024 Dodge Ram pickup truck, attempting to seize an ATM. However, as the store owner reported, the ATM was empty, and the perpetrators fled empty-handed. Lakewood police, who arrived at the scene after the alarm was triggered, found significant damage to the store's facade. The pickup truck used in the attack was stolen from South Euclid. The offenders left it at the scene and escaped in another vehicle. As of Friday morning, no arrests had been made. This incident occurs amid a growing number of similar attempted robberies across the US, where offenders use vehicles to break into stores with the goal of stealing ATMs. Many such attempts end in failure or minor theft, but they cause considerable property damage. The owner of the 7-Eleven in Lakewood is currently assessing the damages and has not announced when the store will reopen to customers. Police continue their investigation and urge witnesses to provide any information that may help identify those involved in this crime.

Chicago, Illinois — The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) has launched an investigation into a fatal incident that occurred on Thursday evening, when Chicago police officers opened fire on a suspect after a pursuit that ended outside the state — in the city of Hammond, Indiana.According to police officials, approximately at 6:00 p.m., officers arrived at a house located at 13400 South Baltimore Avenue in response to a report of an aggravated assault. The suspect attempted to flee by getting into a vehicle. The chase ended with a crash near the intersection of Dearborn Avenue and Gostlin Street, on Indiana territory, just a few blocks from the Illinois border.According to law enforcement, when the officers approached the vehicle, the suspect opened fire. The police responded with gunfire. During the shootout, the man was critically wounded — he was transported to St. Catherine's Hospital, where he later died.Two officers sustained minor injuries or are under medical observation; their condition is stable. A firearm was recovered at the scene.COPA, following its procedure, has initiated a full investigation of the incident — including, in particular, an inquiry into the use of force. The Chicago police assured that they will fully cooperate with the investigators.The officers involved in the incident have been temporarily relieved of duty — as required by internal protocol — for a minimum of 30 days.

Late Thursday evening, a New York City police officer fatally shot a man who, according to police reports, was holding his own mother hostage with a large kitchen knife in an apartment on Malford Avenue in Pelham Bay, Bronx. The 34-year-old man, whose name has not been disclosed at this time, was shot after more than two minutes of unsuccessful de-escalation attempts, NYPD Patrol Chief Philip Rivera said at a briefing on Friday night. “Our officers engaged in dialog with him, trying to persuade him to drop the knife and release the mother, — Rivera said. — However, he repeatedly declared that he would kill her, holding her by the neck with his left hand and the knife at her throat with his right.” The emergency was reported at 23:20 by a residential complex security guard who heard screams from the apartment. According to police, the mother, a 61-year-old woman, miraculously was not injured. Responding officers followed protocol — attempting to establish contact, issuing warnings to the suspect, and only after it became clear that his intentions remained threatening, one of them fired a single shot. The suspect was transported to Jacobi Hospital in critical condition. His mother is safe and did not require medical assistance. Police have already released a photo of the knife recovered from the scene and reported that the incident was fully recorded on police body cameras. The footage is currently being analyzed by the NYPD Criminal Investigation Division as part of standard protocol. This incident is yet another example of the complex and immediate risk assessments officers must undertake during threats to close relatives. It also raises questions about access to psychological help and crisis services in communities where domestic violence remains consistently high. The police urge anyone with additional information about this case to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS or in Spanish — 1-888-57-PISTA. Information can also be submitted through the website www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.

One of the oldest missing persons cases in Cleveland has been resolved. Thanks to modern forensic methods, the identity of a man who disappeared nearly half a century ago has been established. The Ohio Attorney General's Office, the Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office, and the county authorities confirmed that the remains found in 1980 belong to 20-year-old Dennis Lee Mitchell.Mitchell went missing on April 2, 1980. He was last seen walking towards a bar on Euclid Avenue. On May 17 of the same year, skeletal remains were found near the area; however, due to the scientific limitations of the time, investigators could not confirm to whom they belonged. The body showed no visible signs of violent death, and due to advanced decomposition, it was impossible to determine the exact cause or circumstances of death.The breakthrough in the case came only after decades. In 2017, Mitchell's family paid attention to a press conference held by the Twinsburg police, during which an age-enhanced reconstruction of an unknown individual’s appearance was shown. The family suspected it could be Dennis. Although it was later revealed that the reconstruction was of another person — musician Frank Little Jr. — Mitchell's case again came into the investigators' spotlight.In 2020, the "cold case" was entered into the national missing and unidentified persons database NamUs. There, a match was recorded between Mitchell’s profile and the unidentified remains. In 2023, a partial DNA profile revealed a genetic link to living relatives, but at that time, the evidence was insufficient.The search for final confirmation continued. Federal funding allocated to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children enabled further analyses. In February 2024, California-based Astrea Forensics examined hair samples from the site of discovery, which allowed for the creation of a complete DNA profile.In cooperation with Innovative Forensic Investigations, the profile was uploaded to a relevant database, where it was compared to samples from relatives. This confirmed that the remains indeed belonged to Dennis Lee Mitchell.“Every life matters. Thanks to advances in forensic science, we were able to give this person an identity,” stated Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. “This case is an example of how interagency cooperation can deliver answers even after decades.”Despite the long period of uncertainty, Mitchell’s family finally gained the opportunity to say goodbye and find peace, and society received yet another confirmation that no case is hopeless when working with faith and modern technology.

Once a simple pond that gathered weeds and residents' discontent for years, the Memorial Veterans Pool in Parma will finally get a new lease on life. The project, estimated at over $4 million, has already begun — aiming to transform the problematic area into a modern infrastructure facility that will not only protect houses from flooding but also become an aesthetic corner for the community. The pool is located in the Memorial Veterans Park — near one of the busiest highways in the city. For decades, it served as a stormwater reservoir; however, time and neglect turned it into, as residents say, a “hideous swamp.” Neighbors complained about regular basement flooding after rains, clogged drains, and overall area decay. “It seemed like all sorts of stuff grew there, and the sewer kept getting clogged,” — shared local resident Arkadiy Prodan, who walks through the park daily. The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District has launched a major reconstruction effort. According to district representatives, the pool will be expanded and converted into a dry water collector capable of holding almost 16 million gallons of stormwater. This will significantly reduce the risk of flooding in nearby residential neighborhoods. “This is not just an aesthetic improvement. It’s an investment in residents’ property safety and ecology,” — emphasized Nicole Veles, head of the stormwater management team. In addition to its functional purpose, the project includes creating a comfortable space for residents. After the reconstruction, the area will feature new pedestrian pathways, benches, lighting, and informational signage. The city aims to replicate the success of the Upper Ridgewood Pool, which has become a favorite spot for walks among Parma residents. Currently, builders are working on clearing the site, dismantling old trees, and reconfiguring the storm sewer system. The work is progressing actively, and the local community — despite temporary inconveniences — is hopeful for the results. “I just want to see how it will change. I think it will be beautiful and useful,” — says Mr. Arkadiy with optimism. The Memorial Veterans Pool, which not long ago was associated with infrastructure failures, will soon be transformed into an example of a smart combination of ecology, aesthetics, and safety.