Stories from United States

A new investigation from Mother Jones reveals that the herbicide Roundup is used across California by the U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire. Tens of thousands of people claim the product caused their cancer. The Supreme Court heard a case regarding the herbicide this week. The use of the chemical for fire recovery is currently causing a rift. No specific casualty or environmental impact figures were provided in the report. A new investigation from the Center for Investigative Reporting reveals that Roundup is being sprayed across forests in California. Bayer, the parent company of Roundup, stated that the chemical's safety is supported by extensive research. The report was covered by reporter Nate Halberson for Reveal and Mother Jones. The usage is reportedly causing a rift within the Trump administration.

Demand for private bunkers is rising in the United States. Specialized experts must first conduct soil sampling and drilling to determine site suitability for water wells. Systems may utilize one or two pumps for water extraction depending on requirements. The director of construction company Provgen, Mikhail Bondarenko, stated that no special licenses are required for individuals building bunkers on dacha properties. However, Bondarenko warned of the risk of hiring incompetent contractors. All construction organizations should be members of a self-regulatory body, according to the source. This information was provided by a company specializing in bomb shelters. Autonomy for these structures depends on fuel volumes for generators and can last at least two months.

The United States will not be able to provide Virginia-class submarines to Australia until production reaches a delivery rate of 2.3 vessels per year. The US is currently prioritizing billions of dollars in shipments to the UK and itself.

Edward Eastland, a director of Camp Mystic, offered a tearful apology during a special legislative hearing in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday. The apology follows flash flooding last year that killed 25 campers and two counselors at the all-girls Christian camp. Dozens of victims' family members were present during the hearing. Eastland stated he thinks about the night of the flood every moment of every day. The hearing is the second day of a special legislative session regarding the incident. The camp's director faced questions from state lawmakers regarding a lack of emergency planning. Efforts are currently underway to reopen the camp in May. Directors of Camp Mystic testified before Texas state lawmakers regarding the deaths of 27 people during a July 4th flood last year.

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has reportedly raised concerns regarding the accuracy of Pentagon intelligence provided to him about the progress of the war in Venezuela. According to reports in Atlantic magazine, Vance questioned the reliability of information presented in closed-door meetings. He specifically highlighted decreases in missile stockpiles during communications with Donald Trump. The incident is being linked to US military action. No meaningful accountability or action has been taken following the strike, according to the report. The event involves the targeting of civilians, specifically children. A strike linked to US military action has raised the death toll to 107 children. Shiva Melira, the International Representative of the Iran Teachers Association, stated that the Iranian regime killed more than 300 children in the street one month before the war.

The proposed budget includes a $4.6 billion reduction for the Environmental Protection Agency, representing a 52 percent cut. Full Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro stated the reduction would gut research funding.

First responders are currently searching collapsed buildings for survivors following severe storms in the Dallas and Fort Worth areas. The search efforts are focused on locating individuals trapped in structures damaged by the weather events.

King Charles III addressed the US Congress to advocate for the continued strength of the alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. He also referenced a recent incident near the US Capitol building that targeted national leadership.

The United Kingdom and United States have reached agreements to increase joint work on F-35 production and an ideal submarine program.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Jackson, Mississippi area. The warning is effective until 4:56 AM CDT on April 30. The warning was issued by NWS Jackson and NWS Memphis. The warning follows weather statements issued on April 29. The warning was triggered by immediate weather threats in the region.