WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Obama administration believes it will reach a deal with the government of Afghanistan that would allow American troops to remain in the country after the current NATO mission ends next year, the top U.S. diplomat in the region said Thursday.

(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.