Bono and Beyonce have joined Bruce Springsteen, among the stars kicking off Barack Obama's presidential inauguration celebrations next weekend.

Thirteen news organisations shared the honours in the journalism categories at the annual Pulitzer Prizes, which covered a wide variety of subjects in a year when no single event dominated the front pages. A live jazz recording won in the music category for the first time.

US TV network NBC has distanced itself from Kanye West's comments, after he blasted US President George W Bush during Friday's broadcast of A Concert For Hurricane Relief.

Friends of Ray Charles sent the late singer off on a high note at his funeral.

Friends of Ray Charles sent the late singer off on a high note at his funeral today.

Massive firework displays in US cities rounded off America’s July 4 celebrations – the nation’s 227th birthday.