South Dakota's Oglala Sioux tribe has sued major beer makers for $500m for fuelling chronic alcohol abuse in one of the poorest communities in the US.

US banks in mortgage settlement

Five of the biggest US banks agree to provide $25bn in assistance to homeowners to settle claims over improper foreclosure practices.

Obesity ads 'risk child stigma'

A US advertising campaign showing stark images of overweight teenagers is facing criticism by a senior public health official, the BBC learns.

Steve Jobs' FBI files made public

The FBI releases its files on Apple founder Steve Jobs, revealing a man who commanded respect but was questioned on his honesty and morality.

China and Canada boost trade ties

Canada and China reach government deals in uranium exports and other sectors, as the two countries deepen trade ties.

Kodak exits digital camera market

Eastman Kodak, a name synonymous with photography, is to stop making digital and video cameras.

US approves two nuclear reactors

US nuclear authorities approve the first nuclear reactors to be built in the country in decades, over the objection of commission's chairman.

Marines unit in 'SS logo' photo

A US Marine sniper unit in Afghanistan posed in September 2010 in front of a flag resembling the Nazi-era SS logo, the Marine Corps says.

US House backs insider trade ban

The US House of Representatives passes legislation barring insider trading by members of Congress by an overwhelming 417 to 2 vote.

News Corp profits swing to growth

Media giant News Corporation sees its net profits rise 65% in the three months to the end of December 2011 compared to 2010.

Lacrosse trial hears of 'threat'

A university lacrosse player accused of murdering his girlfriend sent a threatening email to her two days before she died, a court hears.

CNN man off air for Beckham tweet

CNN suspends a political analyst for sending tweets during the Super Bowl that sparked a homophobia outcry.

Medical drama House to end run

The show, which stars British actor Hugh Laurie, will finish after the current eighth season ends.

PepsiCo to cut 8,700 global jobs

Soft drinks maker PepsiCo is set to cut 8,700 jobs as part of a plan to save $1.5bn over three years.

Groupon reports unexpected loss

In its first set of results as a public company, Groupon reports an unexpected loss of $42.7m (£27.0m), when a small profit had been expected.

Canada country profile

Provides an overview of Canada, including key events and facts about the world's second-largest country

Regions and territories: Puerto Rico

An overview of Puerto Rico, including key facts, political leaders and notes on the media

Regions and territories: St Pierre and Miquelon

An overview of the sole French territory in North America

United States country profile

Provides an overview of the United States, including key events and facts about this superpower

VIDEO: Teenagers caught out by sniffer dog

A US company is helping parents find out if their children are taking drugs by bringing a sniffer dog into their homes

VIDEO: Thousands of troops storm US coast

Bold Alligator, an international training exercise involving upwards of 19,000 troops, is under way off Virginia and North Carolina.

VIDEO: Athletes race up Empire State

Athletes from New Zealand and Germany win the annual stair-race up the Empire State Building.

VIDEO: Sir Paul gets his star

Sir Paul McCartney has been honoured with a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.

VIDEO: US: Risk of Syria civil war grows

The US ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, has once again attacked Russia and China's veto of a Security Council resolution condemning the ongoing violence in Syria.