Latest fromNorth America

Gulf oil spill - help is being ignored
BP and the Obama administration face mounting complaints that they are ignoring foreign offers of help and making little use of volunteers

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Florida, USA
A look at the minipark inside Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park, in Orlando, Florida.

Pregnant women fasting for Ramadan risk damage to their babies
Pregnant Muslim women who fast during Ramadan are likely to have smaller babies, research has found.

One year since his death, fans remember Michael Jackson
Global celebrations of Jackson's brilliant but troubled life kicked off with the unveiling of a memorial in London yesterday.

New York: Strawberry fields forever
They mostly go to Strawberry Fields - a pristine landscaped area in Central Park - for one purpose: to remember John Lennon.

<i>Noelle McCarthy:</i> Thirst for First Lady becomes obsessive
I can't get enough of Michelle Obama. She is one of my favourite things. I'm not being facetious, nor have I lost my mind.

Xbox 360 Kinect - the nuts and bolts revealed
Microsoft has cleared up the rumours, misinformation, speculation and nagging questions that have plagued gamers for the last twelve months.

Curtain call for those honoured with Tonys
Catherine Zeta-Jones, Douglas Hodge and Sir Alan Ayckbourn were among the winners at Sunday night's Tony Awards.

Firing squad prepare for grisly duty
Condemned double murderer Ronnie Lee Gardner has chosen the firing squad as his method of execution this Friday.

Victory for Vili in NY competition
Valerie Vili has won the women's shot put at the Diamond League meeting in New York.

Valerie Vili favourite to win NY event
Olympic Shot Put Champion Valerie Vili's new coach expects Vili to be back on top of the world before the end of the year.

Breakthrough sheds light on autism mystery
Scientists have discovered the first significant link between autism and DNA.

Taser accused 'good student'
The New Zealand medical student accused of attacking a pregnant woman with a Taser in the United States was a good student, say sources.

UN proposes Palmer to head Gaza inquiry
Former New Zealand prime minister Sir Geoffrey Palmer has been suggested to lead an inquiry into the raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla a week ago.

Governor slams BP CEO's 'idiotic' comments
Louisiana's governor has blasted BP's CEO for making "idiotic" statements about the Gulf of Mexico oil-slick.