National Guard troops worked with residents to stem the damage from the widespread flooding in Iowa that killed at least three people, forced tens of thousands to evacuate and severely damaged the state's corn crop.

Receding water revealed widespread damage today in Iowa’s second-largest city, Cedar Rapids, caused by a record flood peak, while other Iowa cities faced rivers that were still rising, following a series of storms that left at least 15 people dead.

A US pilot charged with involuntary manslaughter in the accidental bombing deaths of four Canadians in Afghanistan was under orders to hold fire when he dropped the bomb, a fellow airman testified yesterday.

TWO American pilots had taken amphetamines to help them stay awake before they dropped a bomb in Afghanistan that accidentally killed four Canadians, one pilot’s lawyer said yesterday.

In Chicago the Sears Tower, Dirckson Federal Building, Field Museum, MERC, CBOT, Merchandise Mart, O'Hare Airport, Thompson Federal and Bank One have all been closed.