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The veiling of Muslim women has always intrigued the West. In recent years, with the increased media coverage of Afghanistan and Iraq, this image has become a symbol of oppression. But San Diego filmmaker Farheen Umar felt that this presented a limited view. So she made a documentary that would explore the tradition of veiling.

Six foreign-born Muslims have been arrested for plotting an attack on the Fort Dix Army base in New Jersey. Investigators say the men planned to "kill as many soldiers as possible." An employee of a video-transfer business alerted authorities after the men wanted a suspicious tape converted to DVD.

The results of a new large-scale study of the federal Head Start program suggest that in some areas, the childhood development program produces only minimal, short-term benefits. The findings are from the study's first phase. Program supporters say it's too early to draw conclusions.

A scathing report by a state watchdog group recommends California lawmakers either take action now to fix the overcrowded prison system --- or set up an independent panel to do the job. From Sacrament

Local Filmmaker Farheen Umar Documents Veiling

Tourism officials in Baja California have been holding their breath as this Spring's tourist season gets underway. They're banking on this season to resuscitate the state's flagging tourism economy. R

A controversial federal ban on a type of abortion procedure has been struck down by a federal judge in San Francisco. The "Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act," signed into law by President Bush last November, was declared to be unconstitutional and an infringement on a woman's right to choose. Hear NPR's Melissa Block and NPR's Richard Gonzales.

Iraq will have a new constitution by Monday's deadline. Several politicians involved in drafting the document say it may even be ready by Sunday. Will it be effective? A key question -- the role of Islam in government -- remains.

It might be easier than ever to drive and maintain an electric car in San Diego. We chat with experts about the benefits of going electric.

The American Civil Liberties Union files a lawsuit challenging the federal "No-Fly" list of people barred from flying due to suspected terrorist ties. The plaintiffs in the suit are U.S. citizens who the ACLU says are wrongfully on the list, with no way to have their names removed. Those on the list are routinely stopped and searched during travel. NPR 's Larry Abramson reports.