Congress did not re-authorise funding for a programme aimed at reducing the spread of Aids globally, as part of a stopgap deal to avoid a government shutdown

A federal judge said the corruption trial will begin in the spring, giving time for prosecutors to hand over evidence and lawyers to file challenges.

A programme will begin to test special operations forces members for performance-enhancing drugs, a step military leaders have resisted.

Scott Graham Hall becomes the first defendant to accept a plea deal with prosecutors in the case, receiving five years of probation for agreeing to testify.