The allegations against Clattenburg come at a time when the FA is already under fire from several black players, who feel that the punishment meted out to Terry for his racist abuse was too lenient.

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They say the presidential petition would underscore the White House's commitment to campaign finance reform at a time when the president and the Democratic Party are under fire for improper fund-raising activities involving soft money last year.

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On the back of Saturday's defeat, Johnson took time to defend his coaches, who have recently come under fire for their part in England's underwhelming displays.

BBC: Martin Johnson's England job is secure - RFU chief

With our rights continually coming under fire each year it is just a matter of time till the populace snaps.

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Meanwhile, Obama came under fire for sermons made by his pastor and long-time friend, the Rev.

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Privately, several officials also said Bremer was carrying a stern message from the president that it is time, as one put it, to "light a fire" under the council, whose work, in the view of the White House, has been stalled by personal, ethnic and religious rivalries.

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And then, for a fifth time, they went back -- into the fury of that village, under fire that seemed to come from every window, every doorway, every alley.

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Yet that study has come under fire from other economists, who argue that comparing different states over time shows that raising the minimum wage hurts job growth.

NPR: Obama, Business Groups Differ On Minimum Wage Plan