The US House of Representatives has passed by 269 votes to 161 a last-gasp deal to avoid a federal debt default.It raises the debt limit by up to $2.4tn (£1.5tn) from $14.3tn, and makes savings of at least $2.1tn in 10 years.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-14367754