Amid increasing gun violence in the United States, some grocery stores around the country now have vending machines that are stocked with ammunition. A company has installed automated kiosks in grocery stores, allowing gun owners in three US states to purchase rounds from these devices, as per a report in The Telegraph.

In certain stores in Texas, Oklahoma, and Alabama, people can now obtain ammunition for their firearms by just scanning their ID on a machine that resembles a drinks vending machine. The machines’ manufacturer, American Rounds, claims that operating them is just like using an ATM. “Our automated ammo dispensers are accessible 24/7, ensuring that you can buy ammunition on your own schedule, free from the constraints of store hours and long lines,” the company said on its website.

These vending machines, according to the firm, contain “built-in AI technology, card scanning capability, and facial recognition software.” According to American Rounds, the software can confirm the buyer’s identity and ascertain if the machine matches the identity scanned. Customers use a touchscreen to pick the ammunition they want to purchase, then the machine scans their ID to retrieve it through a hole in the bottom.

According to Newsweek, “there are eight machines installed or in the process of being installed across four states.” The first machine was installed at a Pell City, Alabama, Fresh Value grocery shop. Since then, four have been placed at Super C Marts in Oklahoma and one in Canyon Lake, Texas, at Lowe’s Market. Another is being placed at LaGrees Food Stores in Buena Vista, Colorado, and another is scheduled to be installed shortly in a Lowes Market in Canyon Lake, said CEO of American Rounds, Grants Magers.

He told the outlet, “We have over 200 store requests for AARM (Automated Ammo Retail Machine) units covering approximately nine states currently and that number is growing daily,” he told Newsweek. Mr Magers stated that the company supported “law-abiding, responsible gun ownership.”

“Currently ammunition is sold off the shelf or online. These environments lead to inadvertent sales to underaged purchasers and or, in the case of retail stores, a high theft rate. What we loved about this concept is the AARM units use state-of-the-art ID scanners combined with facial recognition before a transaction can be made,” he added.

Further, as per Oklahoma TV station KOCO-TV, there is no limitation on the quantity of ammunition customers can purchase and the vending machines would be restocked every two to four weeks.

However, a machine in Alabama was recently removed after its legality was debated.

Tuscaloosa City Council President Kip Tyner said that he initially thought the machines were a joke after he received calls about them. President of the Tuscaloosa City Council Kip Tyner stated that when he first started receiving calls regarding the machines, he assumed they were a prank. “I got some calls about ammunition being sold in grocery stores, vending machines. “I thought it was a lie. I thought it was a joke-but it’s not,” he said.

Notably, the machines are authorised by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and are lawful, according to Tuscaloosa Police Chief Brent Blankley.

Discussing the same, Mr Magers told Newsweek: “American Rounds made the business decision to relocate the Fresh Value Automated Ammo Retail Machine located in Tuscaloosa to another store location. This was strictly a business decision based on sales at that specific store.”

Hundreds of schools across the United States are set to close on April 8th due to a total solar eclipse. The eclipse will plunge several states into darkness as the moon covers the sun completely, according to Newsweek.

The path of totality will start in Mexico and move across parts of the United States, casting a complete shadow. This comes just a few months after the “ring of fire” eclipse in October 2023. Millions are expected to witness this astronomical event, with astronomy enthusiasts traveling to states in the path of totality, as per the news report.

However, safety concerns are emerging amid the excitement. Authorities warn that looking directly at the sun can cause permanent eye damage. There are also concerns about traffic disruptions and strain on local resources due to the large crowds expected.

The eclipse will be visible in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience totality. The eclipse will then move to Canada before exiting North America on the Atlantic coast.

Many schools in affected states have already announced closures. Parents are advised to check with their schools and stay updated with local news reports.

Texas has been proactive, with several counties issuing disaster declarations and advising residents to stock up on supplies. Some school districts, which initially planned eclipse-related activities, have reversed course due to safety concerns. Students will be given special eclipse glasses to take home and use for independent activities.

Schools in Indiana are also closing or switching to e-learning on the day of the eclipse.

A shocking video of students in the United States sucking and licking one another’s toes at an Oklahoma school-sanctioned fundraiser went viral online, as per a report in the New York Post. In the disturbing video, at least four Deer Creek High School students are shown furiously licking peanut butter off their classmates’ bare feet while lying on their stomachs on what looks to be a gym floor. 

GRAPHIC WARNING-Deer Creek High students in Oklahoma, kiss and suck donors’ feet at a strange ritual “charity” event.

As a parent, would you allow your child to participate in something as grotesque as this? pic.twitter.com/aKHqNdI07y

— VINCENT OSHANA (@VincentOshana) March 2, 2024

Many students are seen cheering for the participants as moderators watch the bizarre competition. A student is heard saying “He is devouring those!” 

The video gained millions of views on social media platforms and prompted an investigation by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters took to X (formerly Twitter) and reacted to the horrifying footage. He said, “This is disgusting. We are cleaning up this filth in Oklahoma schools. Our agency is investigating.” In another post, he added, “This is child abuse.”

According to the Deer Creek School District, the video was shot on February 29 2024, during the Clash of Classes assembly, which was a component of the high school’s week-long fundraising campaign for a nearby coffee shop that hires individuals with special needs.

Students from classes 9th to 12th volunteered their time to take part in a variety of class competitions, such as the toe-sucking tournament, which their classmates paid to attend. After praising students for their participation in the school’s Wonderful Week of Fundraising, which raised $152,830.38, administrators then issued an apology to the parents and students.

In a letter to the outlet, the district said, “There is a video circulating on social media of one of the activities that involves students only during this assembly that has, unfortunately, gained national attention. We want to stress to our community that much of the information accompanying this video is inaccurate. However, through this specific game we failed to uphold the dignity of our students and the proud image of our community. We have a responsibility to protect our Antlers and showcase them in a positive light. In regards to this one particular activity, we fell short and for that we greatly apologize.”

They added, “Thank you for standing with us and helping us to weather this storm and move forward together. “

A student spoke to Fox News and said, “It was surprising. I didn’t think they were going to do all that. I was just shocked. I didn’t really have like a feeling. I was kind of disgusted, and then kind of glad I wasn’t over there.”

“Whenever she told me yesterday that was happening, I had to ask her, ‘Wait, what? They’re licking peanut butter off of toes. What? I am all for fundraising and all for really fun and silly things, but that right there just seems a little excessive” a parent added.

The parent continued, “It’s really great that they raised a lot of money. I feel like maybe they could’ve done a little bit more accountability and ownership in that statement for, ‘Hey, you know, maybe we didn’t fully think this thing through here.”

Since being shared, the videos have amassed several reactions on social media. Many labelled the act as “disgusting”.

“When I was in high school, we sold candy to raise money,” said a user.

“What fresh hell is this?? This is beyond degrading!!” commented a person.

Another added, “What teachers were like yea this is ok lol”

“Disgusting and who chose to have kids engage in this for a fundraiser? These teachers and or administrators are sick for approving this!!!!” added a user.