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In Sanford, Fla., lawyers for George Zimmerman are presenting witnesses who back up his claim that he was acting in self-defense when he shot and killed teenager Trayvon Martin. They include several people who identify Zimmerman as the person heard screaming for help in a 911 call. And, Zimmerman's defense got another boost on Monday when the judge ruled the jury can hear evidence of drug use by Martin.

Homebuyers are on edge after a sudden jump in mortgage rates. Industry analysts wonder if the spike in rates will scare off potential buyers or push them into closing a deal before rates go up more.

Conductor JoAnn Falletta, one of the strongest champions of American symphonic music, asks: Does a great American symphony even have to be a symphony?

The cable network presents two drama series this Sunday — series at different ends of their life spans. In its eighth and final season Dexter, starring Michael C. Hall, is worth sticking with, while Ray Donovan, starring Liev Schreiber unveils its very impressive first episode.

President Obama has named a former journalist and activist to represent him at the United Nations. If confirmed, Samantha Power will replace Ambassador Susan Rice, who is returning to the White House to become national security adviser. Power's supporters see her as a voice of conscience in the Obama administration, an advocate for humanitarian interventions.

Amid steady rain at a campaign rally in Cleveland Friday, President Obama had some sunny economic news to share. The unemployment rate fell to its lowest level since he took office. NPR's Scott Horsley reports from the campaign trail.

In Norfolk, Va., Saturday, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney announced that his running mate is Paul Ryan, a Republican congressman from Wisconsin. The 42-year-old is chairman of the House Budget Committee.

President Obama is traveling in Asia this week after months of focus on his re-election bid. But even as the president works to shore up relationships around the world, Republican members of Congress continue to challenge the administration's handling of the deadly attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya.

In his first term, President Obama was criticized as caving to Republicans too early, too often. Since his re-election, he has subtly changed his approach. He's bringing a more aggressive style — but some critics say it's not the best way to find common ground.

James Bond and The Rolling Stones both turn 50 this year. As critic John Powers points out, both may have been born in response to a dying British Empire, but their evolving legacies have reflected the times through which these brands have lived.