US President George W Bush said yesterday the Gulf Coast must be rebuilt with an eye toward wiping out the poverty and racial injustice plain to all in the suffering of the black and the poor in Hurricane Katrina's wake.

US PRESIDENT George W Bush yesterday set forth on an ambitious second-term agenda after wrapping up his inauguration.

THE body of former US President Ronald Reagan, escorted by Nancy Reagan and his children, began its journey to the capital, Washington, yesterday for national memorial services.

Former US President George Bush is planning to go ahead with an 80th birthday parachute jump this weekend following the week of mourning for the late President Ronald Reagan.

AMERICA mourned former President Ronald Reagan yesterday as preparations began in Washington for a state funeral for the man who won the Cold War and the hearts of countless Americans as the "Great Communicator".

Former president Ronald Reagan has died, it was announced tonight. The news was confirmed by the White House.

The Reverend Jerry Falwell, an outspoken evangelist, apologised yesterday for saying God had allowed terrorists to attack America because of the work of civil liberties groups, abortion rights supporters and feminists.

Recent developments related to Tuesday's terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and crash of jetliner in Pennsylvania:

A country in mourning poured its grief into prayer and defiant chants, showing unity in the flicker of thousands of candles at vigils across America.

President Bush will go to New York this afternoon to offer his condolences to the families of those injured or killed in Tuesday's terrorist attack and to thank rescue workers.