Government shutdown only hours away in the US

The US government is on the brink of another shutdown with Congress poised to miss a Saturday midnight deadline to fund federal agencies.

The fourth shutdown to occur over the past decade, it could significantly affect everything from air travel to national parks and marriage licenses.

Most government employees will be furloughed without pay, and crucial nutrition programmes will be halted.

It follows a hard-right revolt in the US House of Representatives. read more