Obama motorcade departs for White House
NEW US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama departed the US Capitol today in a motorcade taking them down the inaugural parade route to their new home at the White House.
After reviewing soldiers marching past the Capitol building, the Obamas stepped into the new, armoured presidential limousine - with a US flag flying to the right of the bonnet and the presidential seal on the door for the first time - and began a slow-roll motorcade towards 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Ted Kennedy collapses at inauguration
SENATOR Edward Kennedy is awake and doctors are assessing him at Washington Hospital Centre after his collapse during an inaugural lunch for US President Barack Obama.
Senator Kennedy, 76, who is suffering from brain cancer was seen being lifted into an ambulance outside the US Capitol building earlier today.
The brother of former president John F. Kennedy reportedly started suffering seizures while at a table in the Capitol's Statuary Hall with former presidential candidate John Kerry and former vice-president Walter Mondale.
A moment of silence was held at the luncheon in the senator's honour.
Mr Obama acknowleged there were concerns about the health of the veteran senator who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumour.
"First of all, I know that while I was out of the room, concern was expressed about Teddy.
"I would be lying to you if I did not say that right now, a part of me is with him. And I think that's true for all of us.
"This is a joyous time. But it's also a sobering time. And my prayers are with him and his family and Vicki."
Senator Kennedy was reportedly wheeled out on a stretcher.
His office would not comment on the reports.
Meanwhile, another senator, Robert Byrd, aged 91, also collapsed today.
Rio Tinto Alcan to cut 1100 jobs
RIO Tinto Alcan, the aluminium division of mining giant Rio Tinto, says it plans to reduce its global workforce by about 1100 staff because of the economic slowdown.
"Plans are in place to reduce the workforce by approximately 1100 roles - 300 contractors and 800 employee roles," Rio Tinto said in a statement overnight.
"In addition, substantial cost reduction programs are being implemented across all Rio Tinto Alcan facilities."
Rio Tinto bought Canadian aluminium group Alcan for $US38.1 billion ($56.87 billion) in 2007.
