NPR 2008-05-25

Emergency crews in Kansas are still assessing the damage from the dozens of tornadoes 1 that hit parts of the state last night. At least two people were killed. Sharon Watson is a spokeswoman for the state's Adjutant General's Department. "We've got many, many, er, reports of damaged homes,er,destroyed homes and mobile homes and outbuildings throughout the state. " Watson says authorities are using light aircraft to survey the damage. Storms in Oklahoma today have spawned 2 several tornadoes. There's been no word so far of any significant damage there.

 President Bush is calling on Americans to pay tribute to veterans this Memorial Day weekend. Congressional Democrats 3 say the best way to do that is to make sure that men and women returning from military service get the veterans' benefits they deserve. NPR's Allison Keyes has the story.

 The president says the nation will mark a moment of remembrance on Monday at 3 p.m. to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for this country. But, he adds, "Their bravery has done more than simply win battles. It has done more than win wars. It has secured the way of life for our entire country. " And in the Democratic response, Ohio State senator John Boccieri says the best way to honor soldiers is to expand the GI Bill to guarantee full college scholarships for people with three years of military service. "If our veterans want to go to college, they should be able to do so the minute their boots hit the ground. " The Democratic-led Senate passed the GI Bill on Thursday. The Bush Administration opposes the measure. Allison Keyes, NPR News, Washington.

 On Memorial Day weekend, tradition in the nation's capital is the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Ride through the city to honor veterans and to focus attention on POW/MIA issues. John Ryan says he and his friends felt the pinch of high gas prices this year. "My cost is about 5060 dollars right now in gas to get down there on the motorcycles. And it's, um, if you think about it, it's a very small price to pay considering what our vets 4 are paying right now with their lives. " Ryan says the Rolling Thunder event usually draws tens of thousands of riders and spectators.

 Seven candidates who hope to be the Libertarian Party's presidential nominee 5 will debate in Denver this evening. NPR's Jeff Brady has the story from Denver.

 Over the last few days, candidates have been collecting tokens from about 620 delegates to qualify for the debates. Those receiving the most were libertarian activist 6 Mary Ruwart, sports handicapper Wayne Root and former Georgia Republican Congressman 7 Bob Barr. Their performance could be an early indication of who's leading the race for the nomination 8, or it might not. Delegates will vote Sunday afternoon and just about anything could happen between now and then. Libertarian Party officials seemed proud of the fact that their candidate is actually picked at the convention, contrasted by Republicans and Democrats who typically know their candidate well in advance. Holding the Libertarian Party's gathering 9 in Denver is a bit of a homecoming for the organization. It was found in 1971, just about an hour south of here in Colorado Springs. Jeff Brady, NPR News, Denver. The debate begins in about two hours.

 This is NPR News from Washington.

 Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is criticizing GOP candidate John McCain for opposing legislation that would provide college scholarships for people who've served in the military. "Putting a college degree within reach for our veterans isn't being too generous. It's the least we can do for our heroes. " Obama was campaigning in Puerto Rico today. McCain opposes the scholarship measure as does the Pentagon, because it applies to people who have served just three years in uniform. McCain and Obama had a sharp exchange about the proposal during debate in the Senate on Thursday.

 Police in Phoenix 10 have been given authority to enforce federal immigration laws in the city. That move could increase the number of illegal immigrants being deported 11 from the state. From member station KJZZ in Phoenix, Mark Moran reports.

 It is a small but significant change in the police department's operations rulebook. Order 1.4 prohibited Phoenix police officers from asking a person about their citizenship 13 even after they were arrested. Under the new policy, everyone who is arrested in Phoenix will be asked. Supporters of the rule change say it will make it easier for local police and federal immigration officials to work together better, apprehend 14 and deport 12 more illegal immigrants. Critics say it's a violation 15 of civil rights. Debate over illegal immigration has been so heated in Phoenix in recent months that a group of angry residents drafted a petition to recall Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, claiming that he is not doing enough to slow the flow of undocumented migrants into the city. For NPR News, I'm Mark Moran in Phoenix.

 Firefighters in California are taking advantage of favorable weather conditions as they try to contain a wildfire in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The blaze has destroyed at least 17 homes so far.