What we’re watching Wednesday

Debt Ceiling Hit at Midnight

Senate leaders are racing to find a deal to end a partial government shutdown before the Oct. 17 deadline when the debt ceiling is expected to hit. House members meet at 10 a.m. EDT and Senate meets at noon.

Day 2 of Iran Nuclear Talks

Senior diplomats from the U.K., U.S., France, Germany, Russia and China meet with Iranian officials in Geneva on the second day of talks over Tehran’s nuclear program. The Guardian reported it is thought that Iran is set to propose curbs on the its nuclear program in exchange for relief from sanctions and international recognition of Iran’s right to enrich uranium.

Russian Dissident Gets Out of Jail, But Still Branded Convict

The Kirov Regional Court’s has commuted Russian protest leader Alexei Navalny’s five-year sentence, but upholds the theft conviction that bars him from seeking office again.

Rescuers continue search for missing after 7.1 magnitude Philippine earthquake

Rescue workers attempt to reach isolated communities searching for missing people after Tuesday’s earthquake. Reuters reports that the death toll has risen to 144 Wednesday; The AFP reports as many as 151 have been killed, with hundreds injured.

Same-sex Couple Challenges Michigan’s Gay Marriage Ban

A district court federal judge in Michigan may throw out the state’s constitutional amendment that banned gay marriage in 2004. Judge Bernard Friedman will hear testimony from a same-sex couple who challenge ban and hope that overturning that law will also help to overturn other laws, including one that bars same-sex couples from adopting each other’s children.