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One of the biggest unanswered questions facing the Supreme Court is whether Chief Justice William Rehnquist, or any other court member, will retire this year. The 80-year-old Rehnquist is battling a serious form of thyroid cancer. NPR Legal Affairs Correspondent Nina Totenberg talks about who might succeed the chief justice.

Commentator Judy Muller has been reading NBC anchorman Brian Williams' new Web blog, and she's not sure she likes where this new journalistic medium is going. The postings often detail newsroom discussions over what stories should lead the broadcast.

Called the "godfather of hip-hop," Russell Simmons has been credited with bringing rap to the mainstream. In the early 1980s, he helped found Def Jam Records, launching pad of legendary hip-hop acts like Run-D.M.C., the Beastie Boys and LL Cool J. (This interview originally aired Nov. 27, 2001.)

DJ Kool Herc is known as the father of the DJ breakbeat, part of the foundation of modern hip-hop. He also wrote the introduction to the recent history of hip-hop, Can't Stop Won't Stop. Kool Herc kicks off Fresh Air's Hip-Hop Week. (This interview originally aired March 30, 2005.)

Singer and actress Annie Ross was part of the legendary team of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross and originated the style known as vocalese. She's currently performing in Manhattan at Danny's Skylight Room on Wednesday nights until September. (This interview originally aired March 2, 1990.)

The commentator recalls his childhood battles with musical instruments. Regardless of whether it was wind, brass, piano or percussion, practice did not make perfect.

Commentator Ruth Levy Guyer, a biologist, ponders the uncertainties inherent in some professions, and the kinds of minds that appreciate those uncertainties.

The great fear of many experts is that Hurricane Katrina may drive the waters of Lake Pontchartrain over levees and into the city, overwhelming an elaborate pumping system. The potential exists for the worst flood damage in U.S. history.

SAT math scores continue to rise, and verbal scores are flat for a fourth year, according to new data released by the College Board. The report includes data on how American students scored on the new essay portion of the college-entrance exam.

With the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza complete, attention turns to plans for redevelopment in the area. Nigel Roberts of the World Bank tells Renee Montagne about rebuilding prospects and obstacles to economic recovery.