EAST JERUSALEM – Metal detectors removed at Jerusalem worshipping site
Metal detectors at a famous holy site in Jerusalem were removed, soon to be replaced by another security measure, as per the order of Israeli security bodies. Israel installed the metal detectors after an incident on July 14 where two police officers were gunned down by assailants that smuggled weapons into the area, called Temple Mount by the city’s Jewish residents and Haram al-Sharif by Muslims. Palestinians protested the use of metal detectors at the site, angered by the Israelis’ apparent undermining of their access to the site. The violent protests resulted in the deaths of four Palestinians.
With files from BBC News.
GREENLAND – Greenland’s ice melting fast, scientists concerned over possible sea rise
Scientists have expressed concern over the possible rise in sea level due to rapidly-melting ice in Greenland. A British research initiative called Black and Bloom anticipates that the start of the next century might experience sea levels that are 98 centimetres higher than today. They also discovered that algae has the potential to accelerate the melt. These micro-organisms change the white surface of the ice to darker shades, reflecting less sunlight, and thereby making the ice melt much quicker. The project will continue with its study to track the changes over time.
With files from BBC News.
UNITED STATES – American company first to microchip its employees
Three Square Market had become the first company in the country to offer employees the chance to have microchips inserted into their hands. The $300 microchips would allow employees to do everyday tasks with convenience, such as purchasing food and logging into computers. Around 50 of the company’s employees expressed interest in having these microchips placed in their bodies. This new technology also sparks questions concerning whether the user could be tracked and how the process of placing or removing these microchips works.
With files from BBC News.
ENGLAND – Children’s hunger still a problem during summer holiday
Food banks in the United Kingdom issued a warning about the hunger many children face over summer holidays while away from school. The Trussell Trust stipulated that, despite benefits provided by the government through free school meals for infants, family hardships still remain. Not only do the organization’s figures show that demand for emergency food packages increases during the summer break, but the children receiving these parcels were largely in primary school or under four years old. The government is providing childcare benefits and budgeting advice to aid families with their financial difficulties.
With files from BBC News.
