US debt deadline hopes rise

Leading Republican expresses optimism as talks continue

WASHINGTON - Hopes emerged that lawmakers were close to a last-minute deal on Sunday that could raise the US debt ceiling by $2.4 trillion and assure financial markets that default can be avoided.

Prospects that a significant package was within grasp brightened after Republican and Democratic leaders reopened stalled talks with the White House, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said he was confident and optimistic.