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NPR's John Burnett reports that as the nation debates President Bush's proposed $1.6 trillion tax cut, state lawmakers in Texas have a queasy feeling of deja vu. Texas slashed taxes under then-Governor Bush and now many legislators wish they hadn't. With health costs soaring and sales tax revenues rising more slowly than predicted, the state finds itself wondering how to pay for unforeseen expenses.

Linda Wertheimer is joined by David Brooks, senior editor at the Weekly Standard and E.J. Dionne, a columnist for the Washington Post and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, to talk about the first 100 days of George W. Bush's presidency. They discuss Bush's leadership and management style, his efforts to rally support behind his $1.6 trillion tax cut and his approach to foreign policy.

The Supreme Court rules in favor of Oregon's physician-assisted-suicide law in a 6-to-3 decision. The justices find the state has the right to allow doctors to prescribe lethal doses of drugs for terminally ill, mentally sound patients.

Allen Toussaint, evacuated from New Orleans after the floods hit, is a songwriter best known for the hit "Working in the Coal Mine." He wrote songs for The Meters, Dr. John, Patti LaBelle and many others, and was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. (This interview was first broadcast on Jan. 6, 1988.)

Billy Joel doesn't perform on his latest CD, a collection of classical pieces he composed. The 'piano man' explains why — and reveals what he's learned about his craft (6:58-7:45) Billy Joel: Fantasies & Delusions, Op. 1-10. Sony/Columbia.

The Gorillaz' debut album sold more than 6 million copies worldwide, and the group was nominated for MTV awards, Brit awards, even a Grammy. Their recent tour sold out premier venues in North America. Not bad for a bunch of cartoon characters. NPR's Susan Stone goes behind the curtain, Tuesday on All Things Considered.

Host Susan Stamberg continues her discussion with singer/songwriter Billy Joel. The rock icon dedicated his song New York State of Mind to the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. (4:09-6:42) Billy Joel's latest CD is called Billy Joel: Fantasies & Delusions, Op. 1-10. It's released by Sony/Columbia.

There are an estimated 6,000 western private security contractors in Iraq. Often times, the line between defense and offense can blur as contractors are drawn into heavy firefights with insurgents. There's no real authority structure to control these contractors, and some U.S. lawmakers worry that it's setting a dangerous precedent in a war zone. NPR's Eric Westervelt reports.

It's been seven years since detective Jane Tennison last applied her world-weary determination to solving a case on Masterpiece Theatre's Prime Suspect. But on April 18, acclaimed British actress Helen Mirren revives Tennison's character, returning to PBS in Prime Suspect 6: The Last Witness. Mirren speaks with NPR's Lynn Neary.

Cheadle stars in the new film Hotel Rwanda playing a hotel manager who shelters over a 1,000 refugees from genocide. It's based on the true story of Paul Rusesabagina. Cheadle's other films include Devil in a Blue Dress, Boogie Nights, Ocean's Eleven, and Traffic. This interview was originally broadcast on April 6, 2004.