Obama foes seek full control of US Congress in 2012

Race relations remain a sore point even if the White House has a black president:

US: Republicans are taking aim at full control of the divided US Congress in the November 2012 elections, fueled by voter anger at the sour economy that could also cost President Barack Obama his job.

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As lawyers pave way for closing arguments:

Michael Jackson’s doctor declines to testify

US: Michael Jackson’s doctor Conrad Murray declined the right to testify in his own defense Tuesday, as lawyers rested their cases and paved the way for closing arguments in the six-week trial. Judge Michael Pastor adjourned the trial until Thursday, when prosecution and defense attorneys will summarize their cases after nearly six weeks of testimony which has heavily implicated Murray over Jackson’s 2009 death.

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BBC staff trained for Queen’s death

After experienced newsreader Peter Sissons’s gaffe in 2002:

UK: BBC staff are being received Royal funeral training to report the death of Queen Elizabeth, when it comes, to prevent another embarrassing mistake. BBC Corporation had come under huge criticism following the Queen Mother’s death in 2002 after the Corp’s experienced newsreader Peter Sissons went in air to pronounce her death in clothing, a grey suit and burgundy tie, unsuitable for funeral.

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