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An Indian classical musician who's invented his own instrument: it looks like a beat-up old Sears guitar with 20 strings. He sits it on his lap and plays it with a slide...like a dobro. And Bhatt uses it to collaborate with Western musicians (Ry Cooder & Taj Mahal)...in fact, his new recording is with bluegrass dobro master Jerry Douglas. It's an interesting collision of cultures. Karen Michel reports.

NPR's Michael Goldfarb reports that officials from the European Commission have ordered a ban on all exports of British beef and cattle products. Senior veterinarians from the 15 E.U. governments said the ban should include live cattle, sperm, and embyos, along with products made from beef and veal. While acknowledging there is no clear scientific evidence linking the so-called "mad cow" disease and humans, the officials say there is a need to restore public confidence.

NPR's John Burnett reports that a year after the devestating explosion at the Alfred P. Murray Federal building that killed 168 people and injured hundreds more, Oklahoma City is still trying to come to terms with the tragedy. Survivors have struggled with returning to work, while coping with the loss of friends and co-workers who perished in the explosion, and damaged buildings near the blast site are still being demolished, so rebuilding can be undertaken.

NPR's Adam Hochberg reports that trade is an important issue in Saturday's South Carolina primary. Commentator Pat Buchanan's protectionist proposals are attractive to textile workers, whose jobs are threatened, some believe, by foreign competition. But the state is also enjoying growth in jobs with foreign-owned firms, and this is giving encouragement to the GOP presidential candidates who favor free trade. Social issues, such as abortion, are also expected to figure prominently in Saturday's voting.

Beginning tomorrow night, Passover. Passover is the holiday in which Jewish families gather to retell the story of Exodus from Egypt. An important part of the traditional preparation for many Jewish families involves going to the store and buying a box factory-made matzah. But for those who follow a strict interpretation of the Torah [TOE-rah], store-bought matzah isn't good enough. Dean Olsher reports on SHMORAH MATZAH. (8:00) (INS

Riverside County California sheriff's deputies have been placed on administrative leave after being videotaped beating two people who were driving a truckfull of illegal immigrants on a California highway. The man and woman apparently put up no resistance as the officers struck them repeatedly with billy clubs. Noah Adams talks with NPR's Mandalit DelBarco who's in Los Angeles and has been reporting on the reaction from the Latino community. (4:30)

NPR's Michael Goldfarb reports from Belfast on the opening day of multi-party talks on the future of Northern Ireland. The first day did not go well. The unionists who want to stay as part of Great Britain threatened to walk out...and the political wing of the Irish Republican Army, Sinn Fein (SHIN FAYN), was not allowed into the talks because the I-R-A has not re-instated a cease-fire, which was suspended earlier this year.

NPR's John Ydstie reports on "tax freedom day" the day the Tax Foundation tells us is the day we begin working for ourselves and not to pay taxes. This year the average American has to work until May 7th in order to satisfy his tax liabilites, according to the Foundation. But critics argue the concept of a tax freedom day makes little sense...since your taxes are used to provide services you use year-round.

NPR's Michael Goldfarb reports from London on the crisis over British beef. It is turning into the biggest confrontation between Britain and the European Union in twenty-three years. The E.U. has stopped Britain from exporting its beef. It's worried about the spread of mad cow disease. Britain today pledged to stop cooperating with the E.U. until the beef ban is lifted.

Illinois is trying to solve the problem of how to provide equitable levels of funding for school systems throughout the state. Governor Edgar has proposed that income taxes be increased, while a Republican lawmaker suggested existing funds be shifted to fund schools. NPR's Cheryl Corley reports that some educators say Illinois should look to Michigan for advice, where a state-wide property tax helps raise funds for all communities that have a wide variety of income levels.