The broad outlines of a deal are becoming clearer as the debt ceiling deadline looms just a few days away, but there's still the threat of a Senate filibuster and/or a thumbs down from House Republicans.

An agreement reached between the state and Amtrak and local communities will keep the Hoosier State passenger rail service running between Indianapolis and Chicago for the next year.

The City County Council voted 26-2 in favor of the 2014 budget Monday night. The $1 billion spending plan includes funding for hiring 80 new police.

Talks about the country's nuclear program are set to begin in Geneva. Iran says it is making nuclear fuel for power plants, but some observers are suspicious of the country's motives.

President Obama and Congress have until Thursday, Oct. 17, to reach a deal averting a potential credit default by the U.S. government. Both houses of Congress are meeting this afternoon.

At the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C., many foreign economists and finance ministers are dismayed by the political battles that they say threaten U.S. economic strength and stability.

With the partial government shutdown in its 11th day, there's much speculation about a possible break in negotiations between the White House and House Republicans.

Rep. Ed Delaney of Indianapolis, who has been active on health care policy issues in the legislature, said the suit filed Tuesday by the state and 15 school districts is "dashing the hopes of Hoosiers on purpose."

Whatever happens to a the global economy, one thing is clear: If the U.S. defaults, people all over the world who have loaned the government money won't get paid on time.

The president and a select group of 18 House Republicans are scheduled to go head-to-head at the White House at noon.