US & World News, Friday 5/2

US & World News: Midwest Hit By Severe Weather, Suspected Twisters (Oklahoma City, OK) -- Parts of the Midwest were ravaged last night by more severe thunderstorms. Tornado sirens sounded in the Oklahoma City area after Doppler radar indicated a tornado. The Oklahoma County Sheriffs Office reported baseball-sized hail in northeastern parts of the county and another tornado was confirmed near Pawnee. There were no reports of damage or injuries. Parts of Kansas City, Missouri also found themselves in the path of a severe storm. High winds took the roofs off several homes and apartment buildings in the Gladstone area. --- Washington State May Day Protest Turns Ugly (Olympia, WA) -- Yesterdays May Day immigration and labor rally in Olympia, Washington turned violent as protesters threw rocks through some bank windows. Police used rubber bullets, pepper spray, and paint ball guns to control the crowd and prevent the march from getting out of hand. At the state capital, extra Washington State Patrol troopers were called in to prevent several protesters from barging into the office of Governor Christine Gregoire 1/81/8 greg-WAHR 3/83/8. Dozens of people tried to bang on her door while others vandalized the walls and doors inside the capitol. --- Bush To Address Economy (Washington, DC) -- President Bush talks about the economy today during a visit to St. Louis. The President is expected to again ask for patience over the recently-enacted economic stimulus package. Taxpayer rebates started going out this week. The more than 160-billion-dollar stimulus package also includes business tax incentives. In his last year in office, the President continues to deal with growing public anxiety about jobs, gas prices and food costs. --- Man Accused Of Making Ricin Faces Court Hearing Today (Las Vegas, NV) -- The man charged with making the deadly poison ricin in a Las Vegas hotel room is due in court today. Last month, a grand jury indicted 57-year-old Roger Von Bergendorff for possession of a biological toxin and having unregistered and unidentified firearms. Last February, Bergendorff was found inside a room at a "Extended Stay America" hotel with several vials of ricin. Prosecutors allege Bergendorff made the ricin to use against others, but became sick from the exposure and ended up in the hospital for two months. --- Uma Thurman Takes Stand In Stalker Trial (New York, NY) -- Uma Thurman says the attention shes received from a stalker has been, quote, "a nightmare." The Hollywood actress took the stand yesterday in the trial of her alleged stalker, Jack Jordan. The "New York Post" reports the actress read parts of letters Jordan had sent her, including one that said, quote, "my hands should be on your body at all times." The 37-year-old Jordan is accused of harassing Thurmans family with e-mails, dropping in on the actress movie shoots and loitering for hours outside of her Manhattan apartment. --- School Choir Bumped From Royals Game For "Idol" Star (Raytown, MO) -- Some Missouri kids have been lifted for an "American Idol" pinch-hitter and that has their parents upset. The kids were supposed to sing the National Anthem at next Fridays Kansas City Royals baseball game, but theyve been ousted in favor of hometown favorite "American Idol" standout David Cook. The choir at Southwood Elementary have been practicing for weeks, but if Cook remains in the running for "Idol," May 9th will be declared David Cook Day. As part of the festivities, hell sing the "Star Spangled Banner" at the game. (Copyright 2008 by Newsroom Solutions) RNS-05-02-08 0843CDT