*Last-ditch effort to avoid government shutdown

CNN is reporting that negotiators are focusing on a proposal to keep the place running for three more days - without any controversial riders on stuff like abortion. Still unclear if the plan can pass both houses before tonight's deadline.

*From the NYT:

For days, the assumption has been that Speaker John A. Boehner of Ohio was dug into his hardened position on behalf of the conservatives in his House caucus and from socially conservative voices in the Republican Party. But now -- just hours before the first government shutdown in 15 years -some of the most vocal conservatives are urging Republicans to reach a deal before a shutdown occurs. That could give Mr. Boehner the political cover he needs to cut a deal with President Obama and the Democrats.