Congress passes short-term spending bill to avert government shutdown

headlines 'Anti-Russian bias' / Ex-Trump adviser accused academics who twice failed his PhD of bias Carter Page 'verbose' and 'vague' thesis was failed twice at University of London before finally succeeding in 2011 Congress passes short-term spending bill to avert government shutdown Catalan election / Pro-independence parties keep majority Google / As AI researcher accused of harassment, female data scientists speak of 'broken system' Jerusalem / UN resoundingly rejects Trump's recognition as capital Bitcoin / Price plunges $2,000 in 12 hours as year-end rally fizzles out spotlight Homeless at Christmas / 'The kids believe Santa's coming, just not by the chimney' The festive spirit can be in short supply on the streets but many who find themselves homeless still go out of their way to make it a special time Is Jingle Bells racist? / Despite rightwing backlash, it's not black and white Abortion / Why medical students are practicing on papayas Bussed out / How America moves its homeless around Catholic church / Children of priests chalk up win in fight for recognition Best albums of 2017 / No 1: St Vincent – Masseduction opinion 'Tis the season for unfettered government access to your data Allie Bohm, Bennett Cyphers and Edward George Giving to those in need at Christmas is noble, but a living wage would be better Joan Hennessy We created the #MeToo movement. Now it's time for #HerToo Tarana Burke and Alyssa Milano Advertisement sports The end is sigh / Why US sports are somehow at their worst in the final reel NFL / Seahawks fined $100,000 for violating concussion protocol McKayla Maroney / Gold medalist says USA Gymnastics paid for her silence on sexual abuse Guardian News & Media Limited - a member of Guardian Media Group PLC. Registered Office: Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9GU. Registered in England No. 908396