News Daily

Good morning. A government shutdown is looming in the US after Congress failed to agree a short-term funding plan. Read on for all the latest from Washington DC - and how Elon Musk is involved. Elsewhere, we'll look at the new rules bringing transparency to family courts, share some expert Christmas travel advice, and today is the final day in our count to 100 heartwarming stories of 2024 - read on for the full list, and today’s selection. And just before the mulled wine starts flowing, we'll test our news knowledge in a festive edition of Quiz of the Week.

A short-term spending deal needed to prevent US government services from shutting down failed to pass in the US House of Representatives yesterday, leaving the government with just hours left to drum out a new bill. The legislation needed a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives to pass, but lawmakers rejected it with 174 in support and 235 against. The bill would have extended government funding until 14 March - nearly three months after President-elect Donald Trump is set to return to the White House. Trump thwarted a previous funding deal earlier this week, following heavy criticism of the measure by tech billionaire Elon Musk. Now, many fear the dispute could lead to a government shutdown before Christmas and see limits placed on services ranging from the Border Patrol to the National Park Service. 

Journalists and legal bloggers will be allowed to report on family court cases across England and Wales from early next year, under new rule changes. It means they will be able to request a transparency order allowing them to report what they see and hear, access key documents and speak to families - provided they keep them anonymous. As it stands, they can attend family courts but are limited in what they can report. The change - approved by the Ministry of Justice - will come into force on 27 January 2025.

The RAC motoring group have said they're expecting record traffic this weekend, with nearly 14 million drivers expected to hit the roads. The AA has predictions about when the roads will be busiest and how to prepare for car journeys this Christmas, while rail companies and airlines are also offering advice to passengers over the festive period. Read their top travel tips, and see what the forecasters are predicting.