July 25th - July 29th, 2011

Not Enough Evidence to Link Cancer to 9/11

July 26 – After reviewing the initial findings, federal officials report there is not enough evidence to say whether dust and smoke inhaled on September 11 have caused cancer, reports The New York Times. The findings were a disappointment to rescue and recovery workers as well as residents who lived near the World Trade Center during the cleanup and have cancer they attribute to the towers collapse. This means they do not qualify for federal benefits to treat them for their cancer. While cancer is not covered now there is a provision in the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, funds have been allocated to further study the link between cancer and the collapse of the towers.

Atheist Group Files Lawsuit Against WTC Cross

July 26 – A group of atheists has filed a lawsuit to stop the display a cross at the World Trade Center Memorial, reports CNN. The group filed its suit in New York and names the state of New Jersey, the city of New York, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and New York Governor Chris Christie among the defendants.

WTC Memorial Donates Trees

July 27 – The World Trade Center Memorial has donated 40 sweet gum trees to the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, reported NY1. The trees were originally a gift from the State of Maryland but were not needed as a result of changes to the landscaping. Both memorials will be dedicated on the 10^th anniversary of the attacks.

NYPD Cameras Ready

July 27 -- The NYPD’s version of London’s, “Ring of Steel” surveillance network will soon have approximately 3,000 cameras operational by September 11, reports New York Post. With 2,000 cameras currently running the system has an eye out for terrorist as well as other criminal activity. The security system uses human eyes as well as computer software that can search video images for specific shapes, sizes, colors and focus in on things out of the ordinary, like a vehicle driving against traffic. There were approximately 500 cameras online at this time last year.

1 WTC Now Tallest in Downtown

July 29 – The steel rising at One World Trade Center has now reached the 76^th floor, making it the tallest tower in Lower Manhattan, reports CBS New York. The glass curtain wall is up to the 49^th floor and the concrete decking work is up to the 68^th floor. The tower is scheduled to open in late 2013.