Daily News
Sinking Cities: Why Parts of Phoenix—and Much of Urban America—Are Slowly Dropping
A new study confirms Phoenix and 27 other U.S. cities are sinking—putting millions of people and buildings at long-term risk.
Phoenix is sinking. Not metaphorically, but literally. According to a 2025 study published in Nature Cities, Arizona’s capital is subsiding at an average rate of 0.8 millimeters per year, with some areas dropping by up to 2 centimeters annually. While that might sound minor, the implications are anything but.
The study, which analyzed satellite data across 28 major U.S. cities, revealed a troubling trend: every single city examined is experiencing some form of land subsidence. And the causes are largely human-driven.
📉 What’s Happening Beneath Phoenix?
The ground beneath Phoenix is slowly compacting due to a combination of natural and human-induced factors. Chief among them is groundwater depletion. Over the past century, large-scale pumping of underground aquifers caused the soil above to compress. While Arizona implemented the Groundwater Management Act in 1980, and water use has since stabilized, the lingering impact of past overuse remains.
Some areas in the Phoenix metro region have already experienced up to 18 feet of subsidence over the last 40 years, and the newly published data shows that areas housing 1.4 million people and 113,000 buildings remain at moderate to high risk of structural damage.
🌆 Sinking Cities Across the U.S.
Phoenix isn’t alone. The Nature Cities study revealed that nearly 34 million Americans live on land that is subsiding, and over 29,000 buildings nationwide sit in zones of high or very high risk.
Here are some key findings from other cities:
Houston, TX is the most affected, with 42% of its area sinking more than 5mm/year and localized zones dropping up to 5 cm annually. Dallas–Fort Worth, New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Denver are also seeing significant ground shifts. Even cities you might not expect—Portland, Boston, and Philadelphia—are experiencing measurable sinking, largely due to natural geologic changes or compaction from development on soft soils.
🛠️ What Causes Subsidence?
There’s no single cause, but several primary drivers are contributing:
Groundwater Overuse: This is the dominant factor in most regions, especially in arid and agricultural areas. Oil and Gas Extraction: Particularly in Texas, removing underground fossil fuels causes the surface to sink. Post-Ice Age Rebound Effects: In northern cities like Chicago and New York, the land is still adjusting from glacial movement thousands of years ago. Urbanization: The weight of skyscrapers, concrete, and infrastructure can compress soft soils underneath. Landfill & Soil Compaction: Areas built on old lakes, wetlands, or landfills—common in coastal cities—are inherently less stable.
⚠️ What’s at Risk?
The consequences of even slow land subsidence can be serious:
Building damage: Foundations can crack, tilt, or become unstable. Infrastructure stress: Roads, pipelines, and electrical lines can be misaligned or fractured. Flood risk: As land sinks, especially in coastal cities, the risk of storm surge and sea-level rise intensifies. Water infrastructure: Subsidence can affect aquifer storage and groundwater recharge.
✅ What Can Be Done?
While stopping subsidence entirely is nearly impossible, smart urban planning and resource management can mitigate the damage:
Limiting groundwater use through stricter regulation and conservation. Investing in resilient infrastructure designed to adapt to ground shifts. Monitoring subsidence hotspots with regular satellite data. Educating the public and developers on long-term land risks before building.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Phoenix’s slow descent is a reminder that cities are not static—they live, breathe, and shift over time. As climate change and population pressures increase, the invisible motion beneath our feet demands more attention. Cities that plan for it now will stand taller in the decades to come—even if the ground beneath them doesn’t.
Related Articles:
Yes, Phoenix Is Sinking. What Does That Mean for the City? – Phoenix New Times
Cities Are Sinking Across the U.S. – CBS News
Why Houston and New York Are Sinking Fast – Business Insider
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Science
After the Blood Moon: Scientists and Skywatchers React to the March 3, 2026 Total Lunar Eclipse
The March 3, 2026 total lunar eclipse amazed skywatchers worldwide. Scientists and amateur astronomers share reactions and photos from the dramatic blood moon event.
Last Updated on March 5, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Millions of people around the world looked to the sky in the early hours of March 3, 2026 to witness one of the most striking astronomical events of the year — a total lunar eclipse, often referred to as a “Blood Moon.” As the Moon passed completely into Earth’s shadow, it transformed from its familiar silver glow into a deep copper-red color, captivating observers from North America to Asia and across the Pacific.
Blood Moon Aftermath: Scientists and Skywatchers React to the March 3, 2026 Total Lunar Eclipse
For viewers in the western United States, including Arizona and California, the eclipse occurred just before sunrise. The timing created a dramatic scene as the reddish Moon hovered low in the western sky while the eastern horizon began to brighten with dawn.
A Global Skywatching Event
Total lunar eclipses occur when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align so that Earth’s shadow completely covers the Moon. During the March 3 event, the Moon spent nearly an hour fully inside the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra. During this phase, sunlight filtered through Earth’s atmosphere projected reddish light onto the Moon’s surface, creating the dramatic “blood moon” effect.
Astronomers noted that the event was particularly significant because total lunar eclipses are relatively infrequent. While partial eclipses occur more often, a full eclipse visible across large portions of the globe remains a memorable experience for both scientists and casual observers.
Scientists Explain the Phenomenon
According to researchers at NASA, the reddish color seen during totality occurs because Earth’s atmosphere scatters shorter wavelengths of sunlight — such as blue — while allowing longer red wavelengths to pass through. This filtered light is then bent, or refracted, into Earth’s shadow and projected onto the Moon.
Planetary scientists say lunar eclipses provide a powerful visual demonstration of the geometry of the Earth–Moon–Sun system. The curved shadow moving across the Moon also historically served as one of the earliest pieces of evidence that Earth is spherical.
Researchers also point out that lunar eclipses offer opportunities to study Earth’s atmosphere. Variations in dust, volcanic particles, and atmospheric conditions can influence how dark or red the Moon appears during totality.
Amateur Astronomers Share Their Views
While professional observatories monitored the eclipse with precision instruments, amateur astronomers and astrophotographers helped document the event from countless locations worldwide. Social media platforms and astronomy forums quickly filled with images showing the Moon’s color shifting from pale gray to orange and deep red.
Many skywatchers in the southwestern United States described the experience as particularly dramatic because the eclipse occurred just before moonset. Observers reported seeing the Moon glowing red above desert landscapes and city skylines before gradually fading into the brightening morning sky.
Astrophotographers also emphasized that lunar eclipses are among the easiest astronomical events to capture. Unlike solar eclipses, they can be photographed safely without special filters, making them accessible to beginners using smartphones as well as professionals using telescopes and high-end cameras.
A Rare Pre-Dawn Sight
In parts of the western United States, some observers were able to witness a rare atmospheric phenomenon known as a selenelion, when both the eclipsed Moon and the rising Sun appear in the sky at the same time due to atmospheric refraction. The effect added an unusual visual element to an already impressive celestial event.
The combination of a deep red Moon and the approaching dawn created striking photographic opportunities and memorable moments for early-morning skywatchers.
When Is the Next Total Lunar Eclipse?
Although partial eclipses occur periodically, the next widely visible total lunar eclipse will not occur until late 2028. That makes the March 2026 eclipse one of the most notable skywatching events of the decade.
For many observers, the event served as a reminder that some of the most spectacular astronomical experiences require nothing more than stepping outside, looking up, and taking a moment to appreciate the universe above.
References and Further Reading
- NASA – Lunar Eclipse Science Overview
- Time and Date – March 3, 2026 Total Lunar Eclipse Details
- Sky & Telescope – Astronomy News and Observing Guides
- Space.com – Guide to Lunar Eclipses
- STM Daily News – Science Coverage
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Community
Arizona Scholarships 2026: $1,500 Awards + Free ACF Virtual Workshops
Arizona scholarships 2026: Arizona scholarships are open through ACF: one application for 160+ awards, plus ARAC’s $1,500 Ashby-Herring scholarships due April 6, 2026.
Last Updated on March 5, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Arizona Scholarships 2026: $1,500 Awards + Free ACF Virtual Workshops
Scholarship season moves fast, and for a lot of Arizona families, the hardest part isn’t writing the essay or gathering transcripts—it’s simply finding the right opportunities in time.
The Archer Ragsdale Arizona Chapter (ARAC), Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. is encouraging students and the community to take advantage of scholarship resources through the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF), including an easy online application that can match applicants with 160+ scholarships—plus virtual workshops where students can get help directly from ACF’s scholarship team.
Whether you’re a high school senior, a current college student, or an adult re-entry student, ACF’s scholarship portal is designed to meet people where they are.
The Big Picture: One Application, 160+ Scholarships
According to the flyer, ACF awarded $6.3 million in scholarships last year, with over 160 scholarships available through a single, easy application.
- Application opens: January 1
- Most deadlines: March and April
- Where to start: https://azfoundation.org/scholarships
- ACF scholarship email: scholarship@azfoundation.org
What to watch for: Even if a student is only targeting one scholarship, completing the ACF application can surface additional matches they didn’t know existed.
ARAC Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship: Ashby-Herring Scholarships ($1,500) — Deadline April 6, 2026
ARAC (Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.) awards two or more scholarships to deserving Arizona students who are college-bound. The flyer highlights the Ashby-Herring scholarships, named in honor of late founding ARAC members who were original Tuskegee Airmen.
Award: Two Ashby-Herring scholarships (each $1,500)
Deadline:April 6, 2026
Apply here:https://www.azfoundation.org/archer-ragsdale
Eligibility:
- Graduating high school senior from Arizona
- Attending a 2-year or 4-year college/university
- African-American
- 3.0 GPA or higher
- Demonstrated financial need
Free Virtual Workshops (Zoom): Get Help With Your Application
If you’ve ever watched a student stall out halfway through an application, these workshops are a smart fix: they’re designed so applicants can work on their scholarship application with support from ACF’s scholarship team.
Workshop dates (Zoom):
- February 12, 2026 — 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
- March 5, 2026 — 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
- March 26 — 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. (date listed on flyer; confirm year when registering)
Register here:https://acf.cventevents.com/acfscholarships2026
View the flyer here: https://stmdailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Deadline-updated-12.29.2025-Archer-Ragsdale-Flyer-FINAL.pdf
Download Flyer (PDF)
What to watch for: Register for the dates you can attend and come prepared with what you already have (basic info, activities list, questions). One hour of guided progress can save days of procrastination.
Why This Matters (and Why Sharing Helps)
The Tuskegee Airmen legacy is rooted in excellence, discipline, and breaking barriers—and scholarships tied to that legacy are meant to elevate futures for the next generation.
If you’re a parent, teacher, coach, mentor, or neighbor, consider this your nudge: forward the link, post it in a group chat, or share it with a student who might qualify. Deadlines hit quickly, and the easiest scholarship to win is often the one you actually apply for.
View the press release: https://stmdailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/FOR-IMMEDIATE-RELEASE.pdf
Related Links:
- https://azfoundation.org/scholarships
- https://acf.cventevents.com/acfscholarships2026
- https://www.azfoundation.org/archer-ragsdale
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Expect quick reads, useful takeaways, and “what to do next” advice — whether you’re a first-year student, a transfer, or heading back to school.
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amusement and theme parks
Inside the Wait for Mattel Adventure Park & VAI Resort in Glendale, Arizona
Last Updated on March 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff
What was once pitched as one of the most exciting new additions to Arizona’s entertainment landscape — a world-class resort and theme park featuring some of Mattel’s most beloved brands — has become a long-anticipated project marked by persistent delays, evolving plans, and growing expectations.
A Vision Bigger Than a Theme Park
The centerpiece of the massive development near State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona is VAI Resort, a 60-acre luxury entertainment destination designed to combine upscale hospitality with dynamic entertainment. Plans include:
- Over 1,100 luxury hotel rooms spread across multiple towers, catering to visitors of all types.
- A beach-style water oasis with white sand and temperature-controlled pools — a first for Arizona.
- A state-of-the-art concert amphitheater for national performers and DJ-driven nightlife.
- Dozens of restaurants, lounges, shopping experiences, and convention spaces. And anchored within this resort footprint is the long-awaited Mattel Adventure Park — a theme park bringing Hot Wheels™, Barbie™, Thomas & Friends™, and other iconic Mattel brands to life.
Construction Progress — Visible and Ongoing
The resort and park construction continue visibly along Cardinals Way and West Cardinals Way just south of the State Farm Stadium area. Over the past several years, crews have been steadily working on building structures for the resort’s hotels, water features, and entertainment venues.
For Mattel Adventure Park specifically:
- Core infrastructure and coaster track supports have been erected, including sections of the distinctive Hot Wheels-themed attractions, though construction has been slower than initially anticipated.
- The project’s official construction live-camera feed continues to stream real-time activity, underscoring that work is not abandoned even if progress isn’t tracking toward imminent completion.
In support of the wider development, the City of Glendale approved construction of a large parking garage designed to handle tens of thousands of visitors tied to future resort events and park operations.
Most recently, the resort’s developer expanded its footprint by acquiring an additional 33 acres of land to support future hospitality, residential, and commercial uses — a sign of long-term confidence in the destination despite timeline shifts.
Opening Date Ambiguity and Shifting Targets
From the outset, Mattel Adventure Park was slated to open in coordination with major regional events — originally pegged for 2022 and the Super Bowl LVII timeframe — then revised for 2023, 2024, and late 2025.
Similarly, VAI Resort itself has repeatedly shifted its projected debut:
- In April 2025, resort officials were targeting late 2025 for phased openings.
- By late 2025, that target had quietly dropped from public materials, and the official website no longer listed a specific opening date.
- As of early 2026, VAI Resort officials have refused to commit to any set opening date, saying they intend to announce a timeline only 9–12 months prior to launch — a stance that has left Arizona residents and visitors without concrete expectations.
There’s no public evidence yet that Mattel Adventure Park will open in early 2026, and some observers speculate the project may slide further into the future before doors open to the public.
What Guests Can Expect (When It Opens)
When ultimately completed, Mattel Adventure Park promises a unique experience distinct from traditional amusement parks:
- Hot Wheels™ Bone Shaker™ and Twin Mill™ Racer coasters
- Barbie™ Beach House with themed experiences
- Interactive zones featuring Thomas & Friends™ and other Mattel franchisesAll designed to appeal to families, children, and thrill seekers alike.
Beyond the park itself, the resort’s expansive amenities — including beaches, concert venues, fine dining, luxury spas, and convention space — intend to make Glendale a year-round entertainment hub for visitors from across the Southwest and beyond.
Looking Ahead
With additional land purchased and visible work continuing on multiple fronts, the broader VAI Resort and Mattel Adventure Park project is far from stalled, even if its opening dates have become increasingly uncertain.
Industry watchers and local residents alike will likely continue to track construction progress closely, waiting for the first official announcement of firm opening dates — a milestone the resort has said it’s now hesitant to set prematurely.
Track updates on the VAI Resort official website and the project’s construction live camera feed.
For more information about Mattel Adventure Park and VAI Resort, visit the Official website
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