From NPR News in Washington, I'm Lakshmi Singh.The U.S. Supreme Court has taken up affirmative action today.The justices are considering the case of a young white woman who arguedshe was denied admission to a University of Texas' program because of her race.Her supporters say considering race at all is unlawful.But the university says the program that fills about 1/4 of its incoming classes uses ethnicityas only one of many factors to achieve a level of diversity called for by law.NPR's Nina Totenberg reports the makeup ofthis supreme court has changed since it last ruled on affirmative action in 2003.The court's 5:4 decision upholding affirmative action nine years ago was written by Sandra Day O'Connor,but she has now retired and been replaced by Justice Samuel Alito,a dedicated foe of affirmative action.And by reaching out to take this case from the University of Texas,the court would seem to be signaling that a new energized conservative majorityis prepared to reverse or cut back previous decisions dating back to 1978,decisions that allowed state colleges and universities to consider raceas one of many factors in college admission. NPR's Nina Totenberg.A GOP-led House Committee is probing allegations thatsecurity failures left the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya exposed to a terrorist attack.In the immediate aftermath of violence that left four Americansincluding Ambassador Chris Stevens died last month.The administration suggested the violence was triggered
