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The best interest of children is at the center of the debate over gay marriage. Some scientific studies show no developmental differences between children raised by heterosexual and homosexual parents. But critics charge these studies are conducted to support the legitimacy of same-sex marriage. NPR's Joseph Shapiro reports.

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney threatens to crack down on same-sex couples coming into the state to marry, citing a 91-year-old law against licensing couples who would not be allowed to marry in their own state. Romney has vowed to take action against clerks who issue licenses to out-of-town couples. NPR's Tovia Smith reports.

Ahmed Chalabi, a member of the U.S.-appointed Iraqi Governing Council, rejects allegations that an aide supplied Iran with sensitive information and responds to an Iraqi police raid on his home and offices in Baghdad. The Bush administration is terminating a monthly payment of $335,000 it had been making to Chalabi's Iraqi National Congress. Chalabi speaks with NPR's Scott Simon.

The state of New York sues former New York Stock Exchange chair Richard Grasso and a former board member over the legality of Grasso's $187.5 million pay package. State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, who filed the suit, called the arrangement "inappropriate and illegal." Grasso stepped down last September after his compensation caused an outcry. NPR's Jim Zarroli reports.

NPR's Tavis Smiley talks to commentator Antonio Gonzalez about his work as president of the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project and how the minority vote is likely to impact the elections in November.

Legendary musician Ray Charles died Thursday at age 73. In honor of his great life and legacy, The Tavis Smiley Show is presenting a two-part tribute to Ray Charles. In 2002, Charles did his last NPR interview with NPR's Tavis Smiley. This is the first part of that conversation -- the second will follow on Monday.

Family, friends and U.S. and foreign dignitaries pay homage to President Ronald Reagan at a memorial service at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. The 40th president will be buried Friday night at the Reagan presidential library in California. Former President George H.W. Bush spoke emotionally of his predecessor's warmth and humanity. President George W. Bush, who has used Reagan as a political model, lauded his economic and defense policies. Hear NPR's Robert Siegel.

The French song -- or la chanson française -- is making a comeback. Inspired by legendary performers such as Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel, a new generation of singer-songwriters is finding commercial success without mimicking American or British music. NPR's Nick Spicer reports.

President Bush appeals to U.S. allies to help Iraq's transitional government establish a democracy. Bush, whose requests for NATO involvement in Iraq have been rebuffed by French and German leaders, said at the close of the Group of Eight summit that U.S. allies could send troops to help train Iraqi security forces. Hear NPR's Michele Norris and NPR's Don Gonyea.

Kamal al-Jarah, a senior member of the Iraqi education ministry, is killed outside his home in Baghdad -- the second such attack in as many days. This weekend's violence echoes warnings from the U.S.-led coalition that insurgents plan more attacks in the weeks leading to the handover of Iraqi sovereignty on June 30. Hear NPR's Emily Harris.