Senate rejects dual healthcare bills as Obamacare tax credits expiration nears

Votes came as premium tax credits for estimated 21.8 million enrollees of plans set to expire at end of month

The best experience gifts in the UK for Christmas, tried and tested, from life-drawing to wizard tea

Forget novelty mugs and aftershave – give them something they’ll actually remember

Rage rooms: demand is surging – and 90% of customers are women

Venues designed for people to smash things up safely are seeing an enormous rise in bookings. But why? And what explains the pronounced gender gap?

The best Christmas gifts for runners in the UK: 36 treats to buy the running enthusiast in your life

From pro athletes to parkrun faithfuls, runners of all stripes told us what gifts they would love to unwrap

The one change that worked: I struggled with stress after work – until I made a discovery in my attic

When my son was growing up, his school recorder was the bane of my life. Now it’s what I reach for at the end of a hard day, rather than a glass of wine

A new start after 60: I got divorced and spent a year trying 70 new things – from pole-dancing to spring rolls

After a lifetime of thinking about others, Alese Johnston decided to put herself first. Adventurous and irresponsible, she’s happier than she has ever been

Light candles at breakfast and swap your alarm: 33 easy tips for better mornings

As the clocks go back, readers and writers share their favourite hacks for a brighter start to the day, from a nice dressing gown to a good stretch

From exploding gin to dating app disasters: our Filter writers’ guide to life

Consumer advice and life lessons: here’s everything our Filter writers have learned in the past year. Plus gifts for Diwali; cordless vacuums on test; and the best hair masks, revealed

Country diary: Panic, stress, glory – my day scaling the Inaccessible Pinnacle

Black Cuillin, Skye: The rough rock tears the skin and is slippery when wet. But the only way is up

How to get cosy this autumn: 42 small, snuggly updates for your home and routine

Getting ready to hibernate? From puzzles to pyjamas, hooded blankets to bath salts, these little comforts will do the trick