Congress passes bill to fund government after threat of holiday shutdown

Congress reached a last-minute, bipartisan deal to keep the government running after a midnight deadline.A driver rammed into a Christmas market crowd in Magdeburg, Germany Friday evening, killing at least two.USA TODAY Wellness Reporter David Oliver talks about giving the gift of genetic testing.The FAA warns the public to stop aiming laser pointers at the sky.USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise explains how cute and hungry otters are eating up an invasive crab species in California.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Parts of the government may shut down Friday if a midnight deadline isn't reached.USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Nick Penzenstadler takes a closer look at the anonymous world of 3D-printed guns.A Georgia court disqualifies DA Fani Willis in President-elect Donald Trump's election racketeering case.USA TODAY Education Reporter Zachary Schermele breaks down the Education Department's move to reopen two student loan repayment plans.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From college arenas to the Olympics, women dominated their sports. Simone Biles racked up four gold medals while women's soccer beat Brazil to clinch the gold as well. The WNBA had its highest-viewed year ever, due in part to the powerhouse that is Caitlin Clark. Conversations around equity and inclusion also abounded with talk about transgender athletes. USA Today Sports Columnist Nancy Armour and NFL Insider Tyler Dragon tally up the wins from sports in 2024. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President-elect Donald Trump is throwing a new wrinkle into the fight to avoid a government shutdown.USA TODAY Pentagon Correspondent Tom Vanden Brook breaks down the Pentagon's response to drones on military bases.The Fed lowers its key interest rate by another quarter point, but foresees just two cuts in 2025. The announcement spooked investors.USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Nick Penzenstadler explains how delayed rape cases from an untested kit backlog can mean lower sentences.Amazon workers will strike at multiple U.S. warehouses.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What word had moviegoers buzzing in 2024? They may not want to admit it, but that word would be sequels. From “Inside Out 2” to “Gladiator II,” Hollywood racked up big wins with the tried and true. With the 2023 Hollywood strikes by both the Screen Actors Guild and the Writer’s Guild in the rearview, was Hollywood able to come roaring back in 2024? USA TODAY Entertainment Reporter Ralphie Aversa joins The Excerpt to discuss some of Hollywood’s biggest hits and misses this year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson earlier this month, is facing upgraded murder charges in New York.USA TODAY National Correspondent Rick Jervis stops by to break down how Elon Musk and SpaceX changed a Texas town.A grieving Wisconsin community struggles to make sense of this week's school shooting.USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise explains why black plastic utensils aren't as dangerous as a study suggested.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A New York judge Monday upheld President-elect Donald Trump’s felony conviction for falsifying records to cover up a “hush money” sex scandal.Wisconsin police hail a hero second-grader for calling 911 during a deadly Monday shooting.USA TODAY Congress, Campaigns and Democracy Reporter Karissa Waddick breaks down the conversation around subminimum wage for people with disabilities.TikTok asks the Supreme Court to temporarily block a law that could ban the site in the U.S.USA TODAY Wellness Reporter David Oliver gives an explainer on symbiosexuality.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why Trump's plans for U.S. oil drilling are unlikely to cut gas prices and fix inflation, experts told USA TODAY.USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Daniel de Visé talks through how to become a 401(k) millionaire.The U.S. deploys resources on drone sightings.USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise takes a look at why Americans are obsessed with white Christmas.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who is 2024’s artist of the year? We all have our favorites, but you may recall Apple giving the early nod to Billie Eilish. The longest-running number one song of the year? "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" by Shaboozey is not only the longest-running number one song of the year, but also of the decade. Madonna and Bad Bunny took the top spots on Pollstar’s list of the highest grossing tours of the year, but where did Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour land? A decade from now, what will we remember about 2024’s year in music? USA TODAY Music Reporter Melissa Ruggieri joins us on The Excerpt to break down some of the biggest music stories of the year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

USA TODAY Democracy Reporter Erin Mansfield explains how Dr. Mehmet Oz - President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services - held millions in companies tied to Medicare.A judge upholds the guilty plea of Trump co-defendant Kenneth Chesebro in the Georgia election case.USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison discusses how President Joe Biden is trying to Trump-proof his legacy.McKinsey will pay $650 million after advising an opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.