Budget deal reached, government shutdown averted

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama and congressional leaders reached a historic, last-minute agreement just before a midnight deadline to slash about $38 billion in federal spending and avert the first federal government shutdown in 15 years.

European Union Exit? Concerns Grow for Britain

LONDON — Is Britain moving inexorably toward the European Union’s exit door?When the European Union unexpectedly won the Nobel Peace Prize this month, the leaders of Germany, France and Italy spoke of their pride.