A state funeral for Gerald Ford will return him to the US Congress that he served on his way to an unplanned and unelected presidency.

Republican control of Congress was on the line today in a US election coloured by voters’ dismay over the Iraq war and misbehaviour in Washington.

Rosa Parks’ body has been returned to the city she called home, with thousands waiting in a line more to pay their final respects to the US civil rights leader.

THRONGS of eager onlookers wrapped in hats and scarves jostled for space as US President George W Bush’s brand new Cadillac swept into view.

Former President Bill Clinton dismissed concerns that his decision to campaign for Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry seven weeks after undergoing heart surgery is risky, saying, “I want to do this.”

Former President Bill Clinton underwent successful heart bypass surgery today at a Manhattan hospital and was resting comfortably, his spokesman said.

Former President Bill Clinton was moved to a New York hospital operating theatre early today for a heart bypass operation.

Former President Bill Clinton’s heart bypass, expected today, will probably be an ordinary replumbing of his ailing heart, not some new whiz-bang robotic or “keyhole” surgery, leading surgeons say.

Former President Bill Clinton was locked away in a resort in Australia’s tropical northeast today awaiting a chance to return home .