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In the heart of America, a political storm is brewing that could shift the balance between local government, school districts, and taxpayers. Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman has challenged Governor Mike DeWine by announcing his intention to veto three of the governor’s objections to property tax reform. The vote scheduled for July 21 has become the culmination of a tense standoff revealing deep divides over approaches to addressing the rapid increase in taxes burdening Ohio property owners.Clash over control of taxesAt the center of the conflict is DeWine’s veto of provisions that would grant county budget commissions the authority to overturn voter-approved taxes, change assessment methods for school districts, and limit the types of taxes that these districts can put to a vote. The governor also blocked a proposal that would limit the amount of reserve funds school districts can carry over from year to year, but legislators decided to focus on only three of the four vetoes for removal.At a press conference, DeWine warned that these changes could cause a “huge problem” for local schools, citing the risk of financial instability. He proposed creating a new working group to develop recommendations on tax reform, but this idea faced sharp criticism. “We don’t need another working group. We need action,” said Texas Fisher, a Republican from Boardman, via social media, expressing frustration shared by many colleagues who see the governor’s proposal as a delay.Political divide and accusationsRepublicans controlling Ohio’s General Assembly have come under fire for the inconsistency of their stance. Last year, they supported funding for a new NFL stadium and tax cuts for the wealthiest residents, which Democrats say undermines their claims of fighting the tax burden. Minority Leader Daniel Isaacson accused Republicans of a “farcical game.” “Governor DeWine recognized this tactic and vetoed measures to protect our schools and local governments,” he said, calling for bipartisan solutions that would bring real change.Meanwhile, Fisher and Representative Beth Lier, a Republican from Delaware, are preparing a bill that would impose stricter restrictions on property taxes. Their initiative reflects growing taxpayer dissatisfaction with rising payments amid escalating property values.The tax system labyrinthThe property tax system in Ohio is a complex mechanism enshrined in the state constitution. Jurisdictions can levy up to 10 mills (1% of property value) without voter approval, but any excess requires a vote. In the 1970s, to curb the growth of taxes due to inflation in property values, lawmakers introduced an adjustment coefficient that reduces rates but not below 20 mills for school districts.However, school districts found a workaround through certain assessments not subject to this coefficient. The state budget proposed including these assessments in the minimum 20-mill floor, allowing some districts to further lower rates. DeWine vetoed this change, arguing it limits the financial flexibility of school districts.Voices beyond the CapitolTom Zaino, former state tax commissioner and head of the Ohio Taxpayers’ Defense Coalition, insists that the reforms aim to curb inflation-driven tax increases, not to reduce school revenues. “We’re not taking their money. They can ask voters for additional funds,” he said. His coalition, supported by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and the Realtors Association, calls for abolishing all four of the governor’s vetoes.Donovan O’Neill from Americans for Prosperity Ohio described the legislators’ initiative as “a taxpayer-friendly stance,” emphasizing that reforms return control to voters. However, Scott DiMauro, president of the Ohio Education Association, considers these efforts misguided. “Lawmakers underfund schools and try to solve the tax issue at the expense of students,” he stated, urging rejection of the veto override attempt.Decisive battle aheadThe vote on July 21 will be a turning point for Ohio. Success in overriding the veto could alter the rules for funding local communities and schools, but it also risks deepening the political divide. In a state where property taxes remain a persistent source of tension, the outcome of this confrontation will have far-reaching consequences for taxpayers, education, and Ohio’s political landscape.

In a tense-filled courtroom, 23-year-old Ashlyn Rogers from Port Clinton, Ohio, heard her verdict: 18 months of imprisonment for organizing and participating in a series of street takeovers that paralyzed Cleveland in the fall of 2024. The trial, which concluded on Tuesday, capped a high-profile case that exposed a troubling trend of unauthorized street actions sweeping the city, sparking public outrage and raising complex questions about accountability in the digital age. Rogers, whom prosecutors described as a key participant in events on September 28 and 29, 2024, received 18 months for public order disturbances and 12 months for participating in mass riots, with these sentences to be served concurrently. The judge also credited her with two days of pre-trial detention, but this was scant comfort for the young woman whose life is now marked by a felony conviction. In addition to her prison sentence, Rogers was ordered to forfeit her 2020 Infiniti Q50 — a symbolic blow emphasizing the seriousness of her actions. Chaos on Cleveland's Streets Last autumn, Cleveland became a battleground of daring street takeovers that transformed city intersections into zones of lawlessness. On September 28 and 29, crowds of young people blocked key highways, including Interstate 90, creating chaos: drivers performed dangerous maneuvers known as "donuts" around police cars, shot non-lethal projectiles at law enforcement officers, and set off fireworks. One of the most striking incidents occurred when masked mobs attacked a party bus on the highway, leaving passengers terrified for their lives. The prosecution argued that Rogers played a central role in inciting this chaos. Assistant Prosecutor Connor Devine stated that although she may not have planned every event, her activity on Instagram — posting rules, locations, and calls for participation — served as a catalyst for illegal actions. "She wasn’t just a spectator," Devine said in court. "She amplified this dangerous activity by guiding others to participate." Evidence presented in court included text messages and videos from Rogers’ phone illustrating her behavior in the days leading up to the takeovers. However, Rogers refused to review these materials during the trial, which observers suggested could indicate her unwillingness to confront the full weight of her actions. Remorse in Court In an emotional statement before sentencing, Rogers expressed remorse, admitting her guilt. "I understand that my actions were wrong, and I deeply regret the choice that led me here," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "I am not here to justify or diminish my actions but to sincerely apologize for the harm caused by my choices." When the judge announced the sentence, Rogers hid her face in her hands, her shoulders trembling with sobs. Her lawyer, Brad Wolf, passionately defended his client, arguing that the long-term consequences of a felony conviction outweigh even a harsh prison term. "Her reputation and that of her family will be tainted for a very long time, if not forever," Wolf told the judge, requesting leniency. However, the court remained steadfast, emphasizing the need to deter similar actions in the future. Broader Context Rogers’ case highlights the growing problem of street takeovers increasingly organized via social media. These events, combining youth culture, bravado, and open law-breaking, have become a headache for law enforcement across the country. In Cleveland, a city with long-standing tensions between the community and police, these takeovers have sparked a broader conversation about public safety, digital responsibility, and the limits of protest. Insiders within the Cleveland city government, requesting anonymity, note that local officials are considering new measures to combat such incidents, including increased monitoring of social media and tougher fines for organizing unauthorized gatherings. Critics, however, argue that such measures risk infringing on free speech and could lead down a slippery slope toward overreach and excessive control. For residents of Port Clinton, a quiet town on Lake Erie, Rogers’ case was a shocking revelation. Locals who knew her as an ambitious young woman express mixed feelings. "She’s a good girl, but perhaps she fell in with the wrong crowd," said one neighbor, who declined to give her name. Others, however, are less forgiving, viewing her actions as a betrayal of their community's values. Uncertain Future Ahead As Ashlyn Rogers prepares to serve her sentence, her case serves as a stark reminder of how fleeting decisions in the digital world can have profound real-life consequences. For Cleveland, a city still recovering from the chaos of September 2024, the verdict is a step toward restoring order, but questions about how to prevent such events in the future remain unresolved. Rogers, who once dreamed of a career in marketing, now faces an uncertain future marked by the burden of a felony conviction. Her story is a cautionary tale for a generation living online, where the line between free expression and lawlessness can be dangerously thin.

Alaska — On Wednesday, July 16, at 12:30 local time, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 struck a remote peninsula in Alaska, causing a wave of concern among local residents and prompting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to issue a tsunami warning for a significant part of the region. The epicenter, located near Popof Island in the Sand Point area, shook this sparsely populated but geologically active corner of the United States, highlighting Alaska's vulnerability to natural disasters. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at a depth of about 10 kilometers, which amplified its impact on the surface. The tsunami warning covered a wide area — from the southern coast of the Alaska Peninsula to the outskirts of Anchorage, prompting residents in coastal communities to hurriedly evacuate to higher ground. “This is a reminder of how quickly nature can change everything,” said Jacob Rees, a fisherman from Sand Point, who felt his boat sway from the tremors while in the harbor. Earthquakes of such strength, which Michigan Technological University classifies as capable of causing “serious damage,” are relatively rare — only 10–15 such events are recorded worldwide each year. However, Alaska, located at the boundary of the Pacific Plate, which is part of the so-called Ring of Fire, is the epicenter of seismic activity in the USA. In just the last five years, the region has experienced several significant earthquakes, including a magnitude 7.1 event in 2018, which caused chaos in Anchorage. Currently, there are no reports of casualties or significant destruction, but officials warn that assessing the damage may take time due to the remoteness of the affected areas. “We are still gathering information from local communities,” said Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy at a press conference, emphasizing the need for swift coordination between local and federal agencies. According to NOAA officials, the tsunami risk remains, although preliminary data indicates that if waves do occur, they could be less destructive than initially feared. USGS experts note that earthquakes of magnitude 7.3 can trigger aftershocks that may last days or even weeks, adding uncertainty for local residents. “This is not a one-time event,” explained Dr. Lucy Jones, a seismologist at the California Institute of Technology. “Alaska is in a state of ongoing geological tension, and such earthquakes are part of its natural rhythm.” For many in Alaska, this quake is not just news but a harsh reminder of the fragility of life in a region where the beauty of nature is intertwined with its unpredictable power. As communities prepare for possible aftershocks and assess the consequences, the world watches to see whether the region can avoid the worst-case scenario.

The United States has found itself at the epicenter of the worst measles outbreak in the last three decades, and this is only mid-year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of July 2025, the country has recorded 1,288 cases — a figure that surpasses the record set in 2019, when America nearly lost its status as a measles-free country. Experts warn: if the virus continues to spread unabated throughout the year, this status could be lost permanently. This crisis, according to healthcare professionals, is not only a medical but also a social catastrophe, reflecting deep-rooted issues in attitudes toward vaccination. "It's like a canary in a coal mine," notes Lauren Gardner, head of the measles tracking database at Johns Hopkins University. "We see a problem that is likely to only worsen." Record Numbers and Human Losses According to CDC data, the current outbreak exceeds the 2019 figures by 14 cases but is still far from the peak of 1991, when 9,643 cases were registered. However, the tragedy has already claimed three lives: two children in West Texas and one adult in New Mexico. Dozens were hospitalized. The largest outbreak, which began five months ago in communities with low vaccination rates in West Texas, has revealed systemic gaps in healthcare. Katherine Wells, director of the Lubbock County Department of Health, reported that there have been no new cases in her region for the past 50 days, offering cautious optimism. "But I am concerned that the virus is already spreading to other parts of the country," she added. Active outbreaks have been recorded in 14 states, while in four others they have recently subsided. Vaccination: Available but Rejected Measles is a disease preventable with the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella), which has 97% effectiveness after two doses. In 2000, the World Health Organization and CDC declared that measles had been eliminated in the USA. However, today, despite widespread availability of vaccines, the return of the disease causes a sense of "melancholy" among medical professionals, according to Dr. Jonathan Temte, a family physician from Wisconsin who helped confirm this achievement 25 years ago. CDC data from 2023–2024 shows that only 92.7% of preschool children in the USA received the MMR vaccine — below the critical threshold of 95% needed to prevent outbreaks. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the vaccination rate among children against measles fell by nearly 80% in over 2,000 districts where data is available. "When we have an effective tool but people reject it without valid reasons, it’s frustrating," Temte noted. Outbreaks in Texas, as well as in Chihuahua (Mexico, 2,966 cases), Ontario (Canada, 2,223 cases), and Alberta (Canada, 1,246 cases), are linked to communities with low vaccination rates, notably Mennonite communities. While Mennonite churches officially do not oppose vaccination, conservative communities historically demonstrate distrust of government initiatives and have low immunization levels. A similar situation was observed in 2019, when outbreaks in New York were linked to Orthodox Jewish communities. Wells emphasizes the chronic underfunding of vaccination programs. "Local health departments do everything possible, but without adequate resources, we cannot change this trend," she said. According to her, significant investments in healthcare infrastructure are needed to stop the spread of the disease. Looking to the Future The current measles crisis is not only a medical challenge but also a mirror reflecting broader societal issues — distrust in science, misinformation, and insufficient funding of public health. If urgent measures are not taken, the USA risks losing its status as a measles-free country, which could have far-reaching consequences for the nation’s health. "We have a vaccine that works, but we cannot force people to use it," Gardner summed up. "This is a fight not only against a virus but also against convictions."

Cleveland police have launched an extensive investigation following the disappearance of $672,050 from the budget of TV20, a city-owned television station. According to investigators obtained through the News 5 journalistic investigation, these funds were paid out over 14 years to a person who, it is alleged, never worked at the station. This case, teetering on the edge of financial negligence and potential fraud, has raised concerns about the management of public funds in one of the city’s key media assets. According to documents provided by Cleveland’s HR director, accounts totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars were paid to the name of a man who, according to the investigation, is a relative of the former TV20 office manager. This manager, whose name is not disclosed due to lack of official charges, was responsible for coordinating freelance work, which gave him access to the billing system. Sources close to the investigation reported that the man to whom the checks were issued resided at the same address as the manager, further fueling suspicion of possible collusion. The situation gained publicity in April when the station's new director, appointed to reform TV20 after years of financial difficulties, began reviewing accounting processes. It was then that numerous discrepancies, including forged signatures on several invoices, were discovered. These documents, as prosecutors allege, became key evidence in an investigation now spanning over a decade of financial transactions. “This is not just an accounting error,” said an insider who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the case. “It’s a systematic scheme that could only have thrived under insufficient oversight.” According to him, TV20, which positions itself as the voice of Cleveland’s community, had long suffered from outdated procedures and a lack of transparency, which opened the door to such abuses. The office manager, whose activities came under close scrutiny, resigned the day after a theft and document forgery complaint was filed with the police in April. This step only heightened suspicions, although no official charges have been filed against her yet. Meanwhile, Ohio’s state auditor confirmed that he is conducting his own review based on the results of the city’s latest financial audit. “We are thoroughly examining all aspects of this case,” stated the auditor’s representative. “The public deserves answers.” The Cleveland city authorities, which fund TV20, declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation. However, pressure on the administration is mounting, as the scandal threatens to undermine public trust in the management of municipal funds. TV20, which has served as a platform for local news and community initiatives for decades, is now at the heart of controversy that could have far-reaching consequences for its reputation. This case also raises broader questions about oversight of municipal media in the era of budget cuts and increasing transparency demands. “If such things could happen for years at an institution funded by taxpayers, it prompts us to consider what else might have gone unnoticed,” said one local activist, calling for a complete review of the city’s financial procedures. While the investigation continues, Cleveland faces a difficult task: restoring trust in TV20 and ensuring that such incidents do not recur. For a city seeking revival after decades of economic hardships, this scandal has become a stark reminder of the vulnerability of even those institutions intended to serve the community.

On June 30, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a budget that sparked a wave of outrage among conservationists and economists in the state. In an effort to secure tax benefits that disproportionately favor the wealthiest segments of the population, the state forewent critical funding for public parks — assets that, according to unanimous expert opinion, are not only natural treasures but also economic engines. This move, masked as budgetary pragmatism, has faced accusations of short-sighted politics that undermine Ohio’s long-term interests for the sake of immediate gains for the elite. Tax breaks at the expense of nature The new budget establishes a fixed tax of $1.1 billion annually, which, according to the Policy Matters Ohio analysis center, will direct 96% of the benefits to the top 20% of households in the state — those with an annual income exceeding $138,000. To finance these benefits, the state redirected $30 million that was intended for infrastructure improvements in public parks to their basic maintenance. These funds, obtained from the contentious decision to allow fracking on state park lands, were initially allocated for upgrading facilities that attract tourists and stimulate economic growth. The decision has triggered a wave of criticism. "It's nothing more than subsidizing the wealthy at the expense of natural resources that belong to all Ohio residents," said one activist, who requested anonymity out of fear of political retribution. Redirecting funds from fracking, instead of investing in parks, has also raised concerns that their future now depends on a volatile extraction industry prone to boom-and-bust cycles. Economists sound the alarm A survey conducted by Scioto Analysis shortly after the signing of the budget clearly demonstrates consensus among Ohio economists: public parks are a wise investment. All 19 economists surveyed agreed that expenditures on parks contribute to the creation of public goods such as recreation, environmental quality, and public health. Kevin Igan from the University of Toledo emphasized the unique value of parks for a state with limited natural areas. "Only 0.77% of Ohio's land area is taken up by public parks, placing us 34th in the nation for public land coverage," he noted. "Allowing fracking without proper taxation is a lost opportunity for dual benefits: reducing pollution and funding public goods." Economists also expressed concern about reduced investment in parks. Fourteen of them agreed that decreasing funding would lead to degradation of natural assets, weakening their economic potential in the long term. "If you cut investments that have positive effects, your assets will inevitably deteriorate," said Jonathan Andreas of Bluffton University. Even those who expressed uncertainty acknowledged that parks are a key element of the state’s economic and social well-being. A high-stakes political game DeWine’s decision not only undermined trust in his administration but also cast doubt on the state’s priorities. The authorization for fracking in public parks already sparked protests due to environmental risks, and now critics point out that the funds obtained from it are not being used for ecological restoration but to cover budget holes created by tax benefits for the wealthy. "This is a classic example of how short-term political gains overshadow long-term prosperity," commented an insider at the Ohio Capitol, who wished to remain anonymous. Ohio stands at a crossroads. State parks, which could serve as catalysts for tourism, health, and economic growth, are now threatened by budget maneuvers that favor a narrow circle of the wealthy. While economists and activists call for a re-evaluation of priorities, the question remains: can the state return to policies that serve all its residents, rather than just a chosen few?

In the very heart of Cleveland, where the federal building Anthony J. Celebrezze soars, a drama unfolds that could change the city's economic and social landscape. Congresswoman Chantal Brown, representative of Ohio's 11th district, has launched a resolute campaign against the Trump administration’s plan to dispossess this landmark building, located on East 9th Street. In her passionate letter to the General Services Administration (GSA), she demands transparency and answers, asserting that a hasty sale of the building could deal a devastating blow to the local economy, public services, and community trust.The Celebrezze building, constructed in the 1960s, is not just an architectural monument but also a hub of activity for thousands of federal employees from agencies such as the IRS, the Veterans Benefits Administration, and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. Its recently renovated facade, costing $120 million, contrasts with internal issues, including outdated plumbing, which could cost tens of millions more to repair. However, the decision to sell the building under the "accelerated disposition" process has sparked anger from Brown and local leaders, who see it as a threat to Cleveland’s stability."This plan is an unprofitable deal for Cleveland," Brown stated in a letter obtained by The New York Times from sources within Congress. "It jeopardizes citizens’ access to public services, the economic health of our district, and the welfare of federal workers." She questions the GSA’s assertion that selling the building and leasing a new space elsewhere will save $149 million. "Without full transparency, how can we trust their figures?" Brown asks. "Cleveland residents deserve the truth."Brown has issued a series of clear demands to the GSA, including a detailed 30-year net present value analysis comparing the costs of maintaining the building versus the financial implications of its sale, and an appraisal of the property considering its historical and social significance. She also calls for disclosure of all documents related to potential buyers and their connections to federal officials, hinting at possible backroom deals that could conflict with community interests.Local officials share Brown's concerns. They say that selling the building could disrupt the work of thousands of employees and weaken economic activity in downtown Cleveland. "This is not just a building," said one city official who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the issue. "It’s a cornerstone holding jobs and services in our city." Some community leaders have even expressed hope that the building could be repurposed for public needs, such as supporting programs for the homeless, instead of being sold to private investors.The Trump administration’s plan to sell the building within three years raises further questions. Critics, including Brown, argue that tight timelines could lead to rushed decisions that overlook the city’s long-term interests. "If the GSA truly believes in its valuation, why are they avoiding public disclosure of the data?" Brown asked reporters. "Taxpayers have the right to know if this sale is skimming profits for someone’s pocket at their expense."This controversy is part of a broader trend where the federal government seeks to cut costs through asset sales, often at the expense of local communities. In Cleveland, where economic revival remains fragile, losing an asset like the Celebrezze building could set back the city’s progress by years. Until the GSA responds to Brown’s demands, tensions in Cleveland will only escalate, and the future of the building will remain uncertain.

In the heart of the industrial Midwest, where the urban landscape rarely hints at the depths of the ocean, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium transforms into an arena celebrating some of the most mysterious creatures of nature. Fin Fest, an annual event running until August 5th, invites visitors to immerse themselves in the world of sharks and rays — predators that evoke both fascination and fear, yet whose fates hang in the balance due to human activity. This festival isn't just entertainment but also a call to action, combining an interactive experience with a serious message about protecting marine ecosystems.This year's Fin Fest offers visitors a unique opportunity to get up close with four species of sharks living in the spacious aquariums of the facility. From conversations with scuba divers who swim daily alongside these majestic creatures to feeding demonstrations — the event program is designed to dispel myths and showcase the role of sharks as key regulators of oceanic ecosystems. Equally notable are rays, whose graceful movements and resemblance to sharks highlight evolutionary links between these species. Guests can not only observe ray feedings but also touch them, feeling their unique textures firsthand."Sharks are not just predators; they are the top of the food chain in the ocean," notes Stephanie White, Director of the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, with a passion that reflects her dedication to conservation. "But their numbers are decreasing at an alarming rate. Bycatch, overfishing, the cruel practice of finning, habitat loss, and climate change are challenges we can overcome if we work together." According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, over a third of shark and ray species are threatened with extinction. This grim statistic underpins the mission of Fin Fest, which aims not only to entertain but also to raise awareness about the fragility of marine ecosystems. Aquarium curators, who work with these animals every day, share insider knowledge about their behavior and the challenges they face in the wild. Visitors learn how individual actions — from reducing plastic waste to supporting sustainable fishing — can have a global impact.The festival also adds a touch of fun to attract a broader audience. For example, anyone dressed in shark-themed attire automatically participates in a raffle for a gift basket — a small gesture that fosters a sense of community among visitors. Special events included in the regular ticket price range from children’s workshops to lectures on marine biodiversity, making Fin Fest accessible for all age groups.Behind the vibrant exhibits and interactive activities lies a deeper message. The Greater Cleveland Aquarium, located in a city far from oceanic expanses, reminds us that the fate of marine species depends on global responsibility. Fin Fest is not only a celebration but also a call for each of us to rethink our impact on the planet. While visitors watch the graceful movements of rays or listen to diver stories, they receive a reminder: the ocean is not an abstract distant element but a living system that needs our protection.

In the heart of the Great Lakes region, Lake Erie, the shallowest and perhaps most vulnerable of the five lakes, exhibits a striking change: from one of the coldest June temperatures to one of the hottest July temperatures. Within a few weeks, surface water temperatures rose four degrees above the mid-July average, reaching 24 °C — a level typically observed only at the end of the month. For scientists, local residents, and those dependent on this enormous water resource, the question arises: is this rapid warming a harbinger of an ecological crisis or merely another manifestation of the lake's changing nature? Sudden Warming: An Anomaly or Normal? This summer, Lake Erie became the scene of meteorological drama. In mid-June, its waters were the fifth coldest on record, but by early July, the temperature soared to the fourth warmest. According to James Kessler, a researcher physicist at the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this increase is not unprecedented but is noteworthy. "Yes, it seems faster than usual, but we've seen similar occurrences before," Kessler explains in an interview with The New York Times. He attributes the sharp jump to a prolonged period of sunny weather and abnormally high air temperatures, including a heatwave at the end of June when thermometers in northeastern Ohio reached 35 °C. Currently, surface temperature levels in the lake have stabilized slightly below 24 °C, which is four degrees higher than the average over the past 30 years. Kessler suggests that the lake is approaching its summer peak, when water and air temperatures usually level out, typically from mid-July to mid-August. "We're close to the peak, but it's not the only high point," he adds. "Temperatures may fluctuate due to daily weather changes, but significant further warming isn't expected." Will 2025 Break the 2020 Record? If we look at historical data, 2020 remains the benchmark for extreme warming of Lake Erie. On July 10th of that year, surface temperatures reached a record 26.3 °C — the highest in modern observations. Could 2025 approach this threshold? Kessler is cautious in his forecasts. "Air temperature in the coming weeks will be a decisive factor," he says. "It's still difficult to say how this year will go down in history." Compared to other Great Lakes, Lake Erie stands out for its sensitivity. On Thursday, surface water temperatures were 19.8 °C in Lake Michigan, 21.5 °C in Lake Ontario, and 18.2 °C in Lake Huron. Lake Superior, the deepest and coldest, remained cool at 8.6 °C, which is average or even below average. "Erie reacts more quickly because of its shallowness," explains Kessler. "Its average depth is only 19 meters, making it vulnerable to short-term weather changes." Environmental Concerns: Algal Blooms and Beyond Although warm waters of Lake Erie may delight vacationers, they alarm ecologists. Temperatures above 25 °C create ideal conditions for harmful algal blooms, which typically intensify from July to October. This year, meteorologists predicted moderate blooms in the western part of the lake near Toledo, but Kessler notes that recent warming is unlikely to significantly alter this forecast. "The level of phosphorus and nitrogen in runoff plays a greater role than temperature," he emphasizes. However, there is some good news. New data suggest a decrease in phosphorus levels in the lake, which could reduce the severity of algal blooms in the long term. "This is cautious optimism," says Kessler. "But we must continue monitoring runoff and other factors." Looking Ahead Lake Erie, with its volatile character and sensitivity to climate change, remains a mirror of broader environmental trends. Its rapid warming this summer is not just a local anomaly but a reminder of how climate shifts impact fragile ecosystems. While scientists like Kessler continue to track temperatures and water quality, residents of the Great Lakes region prepare for a summer that could be among the hottest in history. Will 2025 become the new 2020? The answer depends on the weather in the coming weeks—and on how humanity manages the challenges facing our shared natural treasures.