We begin in the US where a government shutdown looms over a divided Congress.

The disagreement comes after the collapse of bipartisan talks on a US funding bill. Democrats have cried foul over Republicans seeking to pass the bill without also trying to pass immigration legislation. Senate Democrats say they will block the funding bill, which already has cleared the House. Republicans argue that Democrats are trying to hold the country "hostage" over a "non-imminent problem." If Congress fails to approve this short-term spending bill by midnight Friday, many government agencies will be forced to close.