A spat has broken out between BP and Florida’s tourism industry after the oil giant’s refusal to inject a further $50 million to encourage travellers to visit the Sunshine State.

The European Union is trialling anti-terrorism technology aimed at detecting suspicious behaviour on board aircraft. The system uses a combination of CCTV, microphones, explosive detectors all linked through a software package that analyses the data.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort wants to install radio-activated devices to trigger controlled avalanches, saying it would be safer than sending workers to the site.

As the sweltering summer heat sweeps the nation, the American Red Cross reminds everyone to take precautions against heat related incidents.  So many simple measures can be taken to significantly reduce the chance of getting heat exhaustion and heat stroke.  The Red Cross encourages drinking plenty of water and taking frequent breaks while working outside. Staying inside and avoiding strenuous activity is also recommended.

President Barack Obama has played the role of tourism chief on his trip to USA’s Gulf Coast this week, saying the region remains “outstanding” and “open for business” despite the country’s worst environmental disaster in history.

The giant slick from the BP oil spillage is nearing Florida’s prized sandy beaches, according to officials. They have identified a sheen, containing thousands of tar balls and debris from the Gulf of Mexico oil leak, which is now only nine miles from Pensacola on the Panhandle.