Three dead in Maryland mall shooting
Craig TaylorThree people have died after a shooting incident at a shopping mall in the US state of Maryland, not far from Washington DC, say police. BBC News – US & Canada
US & Canada News
Quebec fire search hampered by cold
Bitter cold is hindering the search for up to 30 elderly Canadians missing after a fire destroyed a Quebec old people’s home, killing at least five. BBC News – US & Canada
Watchdog rules US spying ‘illegal’
The bulk collection of phone data by the US government is illegal and has had “minimal” benefits, an independent US privacy watchdog says. BBC News – US & Canada
US east coast pummelled with snow
The US east coast is hit by the second major winter storm of the year, with up to 12in (30cm) of snow, blowing wind and bitter cold forecast. BBC News – US & Canada
Snowden ‘may have had Russian help’
Several senior US lawmakers allege that intelligence leaker Edward Snowden may have been working with a foreign power, possibly Russia. BBC News – US & Canada
Obama tries to allay German concerns
President Barack Obama says he will not let controversial surveillance by US intelligence services undermine Washington’s ties with Germany. BBC News – US & Canada