Good morning colleagues,

Among the lead stories today is news that some motorists have avoided convictions for penalty point offences by making charity donations, despite a 2014 High Court ruling.

Elsewhere, it's very much a case of Elvis has left the building as Michael D and Sabina bid farewell to the Aras after 14 years. Also ast night, the US Senate passed legislation on Monday to reopen government, and Ryanair is to scrap paper boarding passes from tomorrow.