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Mexico City is Sinking

The land in Mexico City is depressing at an ‘unstoppable rate’ of up to 20 inches a year. Mexico City is sinking at an ‘unstoppable’ with some parts decompressing up to 20 inches a year over the past decades. A new report highlights centuries of pumping water from the aquifer under North America’s most populous city that has caused its foundation to compress at an alarming rate. Mexico City was built on what was once Lake Texcoco, home of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlán. The city was built on what was once Lake Texcoco and the lake bed acts as an infrastructure underneath the bustling travel destination. However, the lake bed had become so dry that clay sheets are cracking and compressing, causing it to decompress. If the rate of sinking continues, it will end up contaminating the drinking water for millions. Metropolitan Mexico City is the largest city in North America, with a population of over 21 million people. More than three-quarters of its drinking water comes from wells that extract water from the ground and continue to deplete the area’s aquifers. Experts first noticed the city was sinking in 1900 when it was recorded at a rate of about 3.5 inches a year. Drilling for groundwater wasn’t capped until the late 1950s, by which time Mexico city was sinking at a rate of 11 inches a year. Completed in 2014, the Eastern Wastewater Tunnel in Mexico City is intended to help prevent flooding and the over-exploitation of groundwater resources. That slowed the rate of sinking, or subsidence, back to 3.5 inches a year but it didn’t stop the problem, which only worsened as the city’s population grew and development increased exponentially. A new report published in the journal JGR Solid Earth indicates that parts of the city, including the historic downtown, are now sinking at a rate of up to 16 inches annually. In some areas it’s even worse: the underdeveloped northeast has sunk 20 inches a year and experts say there’s no hope of reversing it. Should the northeast become more industrialized, the situation there would only worsen. Scientists from the US and Mexico analyzed more than a century of data, including more recent information from GPS and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR). According to their findings, the level of subsidence in Mexico City is no longer even affected by how much water is being removed from the ground. “Instead, it reflects the steady compacting of the ancient lake bed on which the city was built” reports the American Geophysical Union. According to the AGU, centuries of water extraction have pushed the groundwater further underground, and the minerals in the dry lake bed have been repacking themselves tighter and tighter, ‘causing the ground to shrink and subside.’ The clay layers beneath Mexico City have been compressed by 17 percent, according to the report, and the subsidence ‘is almost fully irreversible.’ If water levels aren’t raised, the clay layers in the lake bed are expected to compress further, to 30 percent. That would cause Mexico City to sink almost 100 feet more in the next 150 years. But even if water levels are raised, the report said, ‘there is no hope for recovering the great majority of the lost elevation and the lost storage capacity of the aquitard.’ An aquitard is a zone that restricts groundwater from flowing from one aquifer to another. The sunken city is especially vulnerable to flooding from rain and spring water washing down the Sierra Madre mountains. Those floodwaters could eventually pollute the groundwater, adding a drinking water shortage to the growing environmental catastrophe. ‘The stage is set for a dual water and subsidence crisis if no drastic water management actions are implemented,’ the researchers write. Completed in 2014, the Eastern Wastewater Tunnel is intended to help prevent flooding during the rainy season and stop the over-exploitation of groundwater resources. Some experts suggest harvesting rainwater is a “viable and necessary” solution to the city’s water crisis. ‘Harvesting rainwater offers a simple, practical, proven, and inexpensive solution that could provide water for up to six months in areas such as homes and schools,’ Eduardo Vázquez, executive director of Mexico City water fund Agua Capital, told BNamericas.
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The Hague Tribunal: An Overview of Key Cases and Their Significance

The Hague Tribunal, also known as the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), is a United Nations-affiliated international court established in 1993 to prosecute serious crimes committed during the conflicts in the Balkans in the 1990s. The Hague Tribunal operates under the principle of complementarity, meaning that it only takes cases where the relevant national jurisdiction is unwilling or unable to do so. The Hague Tribunal has prosecuted some of the most notorious figures from the Balkans conflict, including former Serbian President Slobodan Milošević, Bosnian Serb military leader Ratko Mladić, and Croatian General Ante Gotovina. The following are some of the most significant cases handled by the Hague Tribunal: The Trial of Slobodan Milošević: The former Serbian President was charged with 66 counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in connection with the conflicts in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. The trial, which lasted from 2002 until Milošević’s death in 2006, was the first time a former head of state was tried for war crimes before an international tribunal. The Trial of Ratko Mladić: The former Bosnian Serb military leader was charged with 11 counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, including the massacre of over 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica in 1995. Mladić was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison in 2017. The Trial of Ante Gotovina: The former Croatian General was charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity for his role in a military operation that led to the forced expulsion of Serb civilians from the Krajina region of Croatia in 1995. Gotovina was initially convicted and sentenced to 24 years in prison, but his conviction was later overturned on appeal and he was acquitted in 2012. These trials, along with many others conducted by the Hague Tribunal, have been instrumental in bringing to light the extent of the atrocities committed during the Balkan conflicts and in holding those responsible accountable for their actions. The legacy of the Hague Tribunal continues to be felt today, as it has set a precedent for international criminal justice and helped to establish the principle that no one, regardless of their position or power, is above the law. The Trial of Slobodan Milošević: A Milestone in International Criminal Justice The Trial of Slobodan Milošević was one of the most significant cases in the history of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). The former Serbian President was charged with 66 counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in connection with the conflicts in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. The trial, which lasted from 2002 until Milošević’s death in 2006, was the first time a former head of state was tried for war crimes before an international tribunal. Milošević was accused of orchestrating a campaign of ethnic cleansing aimed at driving out non-Serbs from large parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. The prosecution presented evidence of mass killings, rape, and forced deportations of non-Serb civilians. Milošević was also accused of implementing a widespread campaign of terror and violence to maintain his grip on power in Serbia and of supporting the Bosnian Serb army in its pursuit of territorial gains and the extermination of Bosnian Muslims. The trial was widely seen as a test of the international community’s commitment to holding leaders accountable for serious crimes, and it attracted widespread media attention. Despite the high-profile nature of the case and the significance of the charges, the trial was marked by a number of difficulties, including the unavailability of key witnesses, the slow pace of proceedings, and the death of Milošević before a verdict could be reached. Despite these challenges, the Trial of Slobodan Milošević remains a landmark case in the history of international criminal justice. It demonstrated the principle that no one, regardless of their position or power, is above the law and that those who commit serious crimes will be held accountable for their actions. The legacy of the trial continues to be felt today, as it has set a precedent for international tribunals and reinforced the importance of holding those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity to account. In conclusion, the Trial of Slobodan Milošević was a significant event in the history of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and a landmark case in the history of international criminal justice. It marked the first time a former head of state was tried for war crimes before an international tribunal and set a powerful precedent for holding those responsible for serious crimes accountable for their actions.
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12 steps for locating a lost life insurance policy

Locating life insurance documents for a deceased relative can be a daunting task. However, with a little sleuthing, you can successfully navigate the paper trail. Here are some strategies to help simplify your search. Look for insurance related documents Search through files, bank safe deposit boxes and other storage places to see if there are any insurance related documents. Also, check address books for the names of any insurance professionals or companies—an agent or company who sold the deceased their auto or home insurance may know about the existence of a life insurance policy. Contact financial advisors Present or prior attorneys, accountants, investment advisors, bankers, business insurance agents/brokers and other financial professionals might have information about the deceased’s life insurance policies. Review life insurance applications The application for each policy is attached to that policy. So if you can find any of the deceased’s life insurance policies, look at the application—will have a list of any other life insurance policies owned at the time of the application. Contact previous employers Former employers maintain records of past group policies. Check bank statements See if any checks or automated payments have been made out to life insurance companies over the years. Check the mail For the year following the death of the policyholder, look for premium notices or dividend notices. If a policy has been paid up, there will no notice of premium payments due; however, the company may still send an annual notice regarding the status of the policy or notice of a dividend. Review income tax returns Look over the deceased’s tax returns for the past two years to see if there is interest income from and interest expenses paid to life insurance companies. Life insurance companies pay interest on accumulations on permanent policies and charge interest on policy loans. Contact state insurance departments State insurance departments offer free search services to residents looking for lost policies. Check with the state’s Unclaimed Property Office If a life insurance company knows that an insured client has died but can’t find the beneficiary, it must turn the death benefit over to the state in which the policy was purchased as “unclaimed property.” If you know (or can guess) where the policy was bought, you can contact the state comptroller’s department to see if it has any unclaimed money from life insurance policies belonging to the deceased. Contact a private search service Several private companies will, for a fee, assist you with the search for a lost life insurance policy. They will contact insurance companies on your behalf to find out if the deceased was insured. This service is often provided through a websites.
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Protect your home from winter weather

Get your home ready for freezing weather hazards with these simple tips Ice, snow and wind can have devastating consequences to your home—and to your household budget. Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to avoid the expense and inconvenience of winter damage—and even help you save on heating costs. Get started when the leaves begin to turn so your home is well prepared when the cold, harsh weather hits. Winter weather prep for the outside of your home When temperatures drop dramatically and the snow flies, you’ll be glad to have taken these measures to safeguard your house. Clean out the gutters. Remove leaves, sticks and other debris from gutters, so melting snow and ice can flow freely. This can prevent ice damming, which is what happens when water is unable to drain through the gutters and instead seeps into the house causing water to drip from the ceiling and walls. Install gutter guards. Gutter guards prevent debris from entering the gutter and interfering with the flow of water away from the house and into the ground. Trim trees and remove dead branches. Ice, snow and, wind could cause weak trees or branches to break free and damage your home or car, or injure someone walking by your property. Repair steps and handrails. Broken stairs and banisters can become lethal when covered with snow and ice. Use caulking to seal cracks and wall openings to prevent cold air and moisture from entering your home. Caulk and install weather stripping around windows and doors to prevent warm air from leaking out and cold air from blowing in. Winter weather prep for the inside of your home Frigid temperatures, snow and ice can wreak havoc on water pipes and tax heating systems. Ensure all your home’s internal systems are “go” for winter safety and efficiency. Add extra insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. If too much heat escapes through the attic, it can cause snow or ice to melt on the roof. Water then can refreeze, leading to more ice build-up—and may even lead to ice dams that can damage your roof. Well-insulated basements and crawl spaces will also help protect pipes. Consider insulating garages and other unfinished areas to keep pipes from freezing. Provide a reliable back-up power source. In the event of a power outage, continuous power will keep you warm and help to prevent frozen pipes, or a frozen battery operated sump-pump. Consider purchasing a portable power generator to ensure safety—and be sure to follow all guidelines for safe operation. Have your heating system serviced. Furnaces, boilers and chimneys should be serviced at least once a year to prevent fire and smoke damage. Check pipes closely for the presence of cracks and leaks. Have any compromised pipe repaired immediately. Protect pipes in attics and crawl spaces with insulation or plug-in heating cable. Be sure to purchase UL®-listed models of heating cables with built-in thermostats; these will turn on the heat on when it is needed. When using the cables, always follow manufacturers instructions closely. Install an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system. This will protect the system against increased pressure caused by freezing pipes and can help prevent your pipes from bursting. Move combustible items away from near any heat sources that you’ll likely be using. This includes fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters. Install or check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Not only do residential fires increase in the winter, but so does carbon monoxide poisoning—so regularly check that your detectors are in working condition. Know where your pipes are located and learn how to shut the water off. If your pipes freeze, speed is critical. The quicker you shut off water or direct your plumber to the problem, the better your chance of preventing major damage. Hire a licensed contractor to look for structural damage. If damage is found, have all necessary repairs performed as soon as possible. Take steps to prevent flooding. Your licensed contractor can also advise you about measures to prevent flooding from melted snow and ice runoff. Plastic coatings for internal basement walls, sump pumps and other improvements can prevent water damage to your home and belongings. Consider insuring yourself for a sewer backup. Flooding related to melting snow can overburden sewer systems. Raw sewage backed up into the drains in your home can cause thousands of dollars in damage to floors, walls, furniture and electrical systems. Sewer backup is not covered under standard homeowners insurance or renters insurance policies, nor is it covered by flood insurance but can be purchased as either a separate product, or an endorsement.
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Liability and safety tips for dog owners

Most dogs are friendly, loving members of the family, but even normally docile dogs may bite when they are frightened or when protecting their puppies, owners or food. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs annually, resulting in an estimated 800,000 injuries that require medical attention. More than 50 percent of dog bites occur on the dog owner’s property, and they account for one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claims. Dog owner liability Dog owners are liable for any injuries their pets cause in the following instances: if the owner knew the dog had a tendency to cause that kind of injury; if a state statute makes the owner liable, whether or not the owner knew the dog had a tendency to cause that kind of injury; or if the injury was caused by unreasonable carelessness on the part of the owner. There are three kinds of law that impose liability on owners: Dog-bite statute – The dog owner is automatically liable for any injury or property damage the dog causes, even without provocation. “One-bite” rule – In some states, the owner is not held liable for the first bite the dog inflicts. Once an animal has demonstrated vicious behavior, such as biting or otherwise displaying a “vicious propensity”, the owner can be held liable. Some states have moved away from the one-bite rule and hold owners responsible for any injury, regardless of whether the animal has previously bitten someone. Negligence laws – The dog owner is liable if the injury occurred because the dog owner was unreasonably careless (negligent) in controlling the dog. In most states, dog owners are not liable to trespassers who are injured by a dog. However, a dog owner who is legally responsible for an injury to a person or property may be also responsible for reimbursing the injured person for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and property damage. Protect yourself—and your assets Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability. Most policies provide $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage. If the claim exceeds the limit, the dog owner is personally responsible for all damages above that amount, including legal expenses. Most insurance companies will insure homeowners with dogs. However, once a dog has bitten someone, it poses an increased risk. In such a case, the insurance company may charge a higher premium or exclude the dog from coverage altogether. Some companies will require dog owners to sign liability waivers for dog bites. Some will cover a pet if the owner takes the dog to classes aimed at modifying its behavior. A single lawsuit—even if won—can end up costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. And the greater a person’s assets, the more potentially is at risk. The personal liability coverage available through a standard homeowners or automobile policy simply may not be enough, so you may want to consider purchasing a personal excess liability policy. Also known as an umbrella liability policy, it protects you against personal liabilities—such as dog bites—that could impact a substantial portion of your assets. The amount of umbrella liability coverage usually ranges from $1 million to $10 million, and covers broad types of liability. Most insurance companies have required minimum amounts of underlying coverage—typically at least $250,000 of protection from your auto policy and $300,000 of protection from your homeowners policy. If you own a boat, then you must also have boat insurance with a specified minimum amount of coverage. Personal excess liability insurance is relatively inexpensive. The first $1 million of coverage costs about $150 to $300 per year, the second million about $75, and subsequent increments of $1 million cost about $50 per year. Be a responsible dog owner Ultimately, the responsibility for properly training and controlling a dog rests with the owner. The most dangerous dogs are those that fall victims to human shortcomings such as poor training, irresponsible ownership and breeding practices that foster viciousness or neglect and abuse. To reduce the chances of a dog biting, the following steps are recommended by the CDC when getting a dog: Consult with a professional (e.g., veterinarian, animal behaviorist, or responsible breeder) to learn about suitable breeds of dogs for your household and neighborhood. Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog into a home of with an infant or toddler. Dogs with histories of aggression are inappropriate in households with children. Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog and, if so, delay acquiring a dog. Never leave infants or young children alone with any dog. Have your dog spayed or neutered. Studies show that dogs are three times more likely to bite if they are NOT neutered. Socialize your dog so that it knows how to act with other people and animals. Discourage children from disturbing a dog that is eating or sleeping. Play non-aggressive games with your dog, such as “go fetch.” Playing aggressive games like “tug-of-war” can encourage inappropriate behavior. Avoid exposing your dog to new situations in which you are unsure of its response. Never approach a strange dog and always avoid eye contact with a dog that appears threatening. Immediately seek professional advice from veterinarians, animal behaviorists, or responsible breeders if the dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors.
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