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Attention to border security has increased dramatically since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. A crackdown along the Texas border has closed illegal crossing points, making life hard for two towns on opposite sides of the Rio Grande. NPR's Jennifer Ludden reports from Lajitas, Texas.

Two of the largest unions representing federal employees scrutinize the new Department of Homeland Security. Plans call for major changes in how workers are hired, fired and promoted at the agency, which will employ about 200,000 people. NPR's Pam Fessler reports.

NPR's Margot Adler reports on the aftermath of a recent conference at Barnard College in New York City -- the start of a movement called "A Call To A Motherhood." The symposium at Barnard brought together women from the political right and left, in an attempt to transcend the tired debate over a woman's role in the workplace versus her role as a mother within her family.

NPR's Richard Gonzales reports that home insurance is a looming problem in California: thousands of homeowners are complaining that they lost their insurance or had their rates hiked just because they filed a claim -- or even because they inquired about filing a claim. A state Senate committee and the new insurance commissioner are promising a thorough review of the system.

Support for incoming Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) takes a hit over the weekend when fellow Republican Sen. Don Nickles urges colleagues to reconsider Lott's future as the Senate GOP leader. NPR's David Welna reports.

Three members of the NBA Portland Trailblazers already have been in trouble with law this week. That and other troubles have fans reconsidering their long romance with the team as players appear in court. NPR's Tom Goldman reports.

Runners from Mexico reach New York carrying a torch in honor of the Lady of Guadalupe -- a symbol of hope for Mexico's down-trodden. In Manhattan, Mexican Americans packed a city block to greet the flame's arrival Thursday. Rachel Dornhelm reports.

Roh Moo-hyun, a former labor and human rights lawyer, wins South Korea's presidential election. Opponent Lee Hoi-chang has conceded defeat. Roh, 56, supports engagement with North Korea, and has questioned the presence of U.S. troops in South Korea. NPR's Eric Weiner reports.

Many Muslims are shying away from making traditional donations to aid organizations, fearing they will be accused of supporting terrorism. The result: many feel they're failing to fulfill a holy obligation to give to charity. NPR's Madeleine Brand reports.

NPR's Martin Kaste reports that Plan Colombia, a strategy the Colombia government will use to combat drugs within their boarders, could have negative effects on neighboring countries, including Ecuador. Right now, the border between Ecuador and Colombia is peaceful, but Ecuadorian authorities are worried that Colombia's anti-drug campaign will cause violence there.