(CNN) -- Jurors in the George Zimmerman second-degree murder trial will be allowed to consider at least one lesser charge -- manslaughter -- when they get the case after closing arguments, Judge Debra Nelson ruled Thursday.

Immigration reform moves to a crucial new arena on Wednesday when Republicans who make up the majority in the U.S. House meet to discuss their version of legislation that already passed the Democratic-led Senate.

The Snowden revelations also highlight the role of the press in matters of national security, and Crowley is ready to analyze the issue as a panelist on a discussion about counterterrorism and the media at the forum.

Ex-NFL star Aaron Hernandez fired the shots that killed Odin Lloyd, a witness told a friend. The former standout tight end for the New England Patriots is accused of orchestrating Lloyd's death. The 23-year-old is now in a Massachusetts jail; he has pleaded not guilty to murder charges.

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- House Republican leaders returned to Capitol Hill on Monday after a one week break and immediately blamed Senate Democrats and the White House for a hike on interest rates for an estimated seven million students who plan to take out government-subsidized student loans this year.

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A Wisconsin federal judge has granted a temporary restraining order preventing the state from enforcing a new and restrictive abortion law.

(CNN) -- The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit in Pennsylvania challenging the state's ban on same-sex marriages and its refusal to recognize such marriages from other states.

WASHINGTON (CNNMoney) -- Starting Monday, 650,000 defense employees will be on furlough.

SAN FRANCISCO (CNN) -- One of the two teen girls who died after Saturday's plane crash in San Francisco may have been killed by a first responder's vehicle.

(CNN) -- Dueling ads over Obamacare will hit the airwaves this week, as a conservative group raises questions about the rollout of the president's sweeping health care reform, while a group on the other end of the political spectrum unveils a new TV spot seeking to defend the comprehensive program.