5 stories to follow: March 27

Here's your round-up of five stories we'll be following today:

1. Same-sex marriage, day two: The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on same-sex marriage for the second day in a row. Today, the justices will consider the constitutionality of the federal Defense of Marriage Act. The 1996 law defines marriages as between a man and a woman and denies gay and lesbian couples federal benefits afforded to heterosexual marriages. On Tuesday, the court heard arguments about Proposition 8, the California voter initiative that ended same-sex marriage in the state by only recognizing marriages between a man and a woman.

2. Uproar in Russia over Montco adoption: The story of 18-year-old Josh Salotti, who returned to Russia last year after a six-year stay with an adopted family in Collegeville is causing an outcry. Salotti, who now goes by Alexander Abnosov, is accusing his adoptive parents of cruelty and forcing him to live in a drainage pipe.

3. New Jersey Senate race: The race to replace retiring U.S. Sen Frank Lautenberg is on in the Garden State. The latest potential match-up getting buzz? Newark Mayor Cory Booker vs. Fox News host Geraldo Rivera.

4. Explorers Excitement: La Salle faces Wichita State in the Sweet 16 on Thursday, and the school's north Philly campus is already pumped up. A batch of tournament shirts sold out in less than half an hour and students are planning to stick around through Easter break to cheer for the team. For more pre-game coverage, here are the details on Wichita State's history with Philly basketball, La Salle's grueling practice, a profile of Tyreek Duren, behind the scenes with the Explorers in L.A. and Bob Ford on Sam Mills' leadership.

5. What US Airways-American merger means for Philly: US Airways CEO Doug Parker says Philadelphia will be key to the combined airline. He was in Philly on Tuesday to meet with Mayor Nutter, go bowling with employees and tell the Inquirer editorial board about his plans, and he's on CNBC's Squawk Box today.