NPR News

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a major affirmative action case, Fisher v. University of Texas, on Wednesday. Abigail Fisher, who is white, says she was denied admission to the university because of her race. The court ruled as late as 2003 that race may be used as one of many factors in admissions. In taking the Fisher case, the court may be signaling that it is ready to reverse or narrow previous rulings.

Alex Karras played defense for the Detroit Lions in the 1960s. He turned to acting when he retired his cleats, landing a number of character roles in television and film. He was 77.

On Thursday night, Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan takes the national debate stage for the first time in his career. The 42-year-old Wisconsin congressman faces off with Vice President Joe Biden. We take a look at the strengths and weaknesses the House budget chairman brings.

Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney has been using a new phrase on the campaign trail that's borrowed from one of his favorite TV shows, Friday Night Lights.

A small number of American troops are on the ground in Jordan, next door to Syria. The troops could be called on to perform critical missions in response to the fighting inside Syria. Possible missions include providing humanitarian relief and helping to secure Syria's chemical weapons.