As the clock ticks toward midnight tonight, the public debate between Democrats and Republicans has been more about politics than avoiding a partial shutdown of government services. We look at potential settlement options, and at where the pain of a shutdown would be felt most. Also, the Justice Department files suit to stop North Carolina's voter ID law, and just as President Obama has taken both praise and heat for trying diplomacy with Iran, President Rouhani's "charm offensive" is getting some mixed reviews in his country.
Banner image: House Speaker John Boehner addresses the government showdown over the Affordable Care Act. Official photo: Caleb Smith