Washington - The US civil rights movement of the 1960s opened up economic and social opportunities for African Americans, but it was accompanied by an erosion of the black family that continues to cause debate in the US.

On January 20, Barack Obama, the nation's first black president, will move into the White House with a traditional nuclear family: First lady Michelle, an accomplished professional; daughters Malia (10) and Sasha (7); his mother-in-law Marian Robinson; and even the promise of a first dog.

Washington - No US president in recent memory has entered office facing such huge crises or such enormous expectations as Barack Obama.

The Democratic president-elect is to be inaugurated January 20 as the country's 44th president, elected with a strong 53 per cent majority by voters disillusioned with eight years of Republican George W Bush.

Los Angeles - High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens has auditioned for the part of a female werewolf in New Moon, the sequel to the smash hit teen movie Twilight.

That's according to MTV which quoted Ashley Greene, an actress in the first installment of the vampire romance series movie, as saying that Hudgens is vying for the role of vampire Leah Clearwater.

"I think she'd be great," said Greene, who also had some news on the status of New Moon's script.

Washington - Democratic leaders in the US Senate have accepted Roland Burris as the successor to president-elect Barack Obama, ending a two-week stalemate over the controversial appointment.

Burris was expected to be sworn in later this week after he was turned back when Congress began its new session on Tuesday, CNN reported. The Democrats had said they would prevent Burris from taking his seat because he was appointed by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich.

Blagojevich was arrested December 9 on corruption charges, including attempting to solicit bribes from potential candidates to succeed Obama. He has refused to resign and held onto his legal authority to fill the seat vacated by Obama after he won the presidential election.

Washington - President-elect Barack Obama said Monday he will work to strengthen relations with Mexico and efforts to cooperate on drug trafficking, security and immigration.

Obama met with Mexican President Felipe Calderon at the Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington, upholding the pre-inaugural tradition of sitting down with the leader of the United States' southern neighbour.

"My administration is going to be ready on day one to work to build a stronger relationship with Mexico," Obama said.

The two men also discussed the ongoing financial crisis and how they can work together to pull their economies through the downturn. Global warming and energy security were also topics.

Washington - President-elect Barack Obama met with Mexican President Felipe Calderon on Monday, keeping with the pre- inaugural tradition of sitting down with the leader of the United States' sout