COVER
Stem-Cell Research: The Quest Resumes (The Well / Cover Story)
After eight years of political ostracism, stem-cell scientists like Harvard's Douglas Melton are coming back into the light — and making discoveries that may soon bring lifesaving breakthroughs
Graphic: The Science of Stem Cells
ESSAY
Obama's Fresh Start: Substance Over Showbiz (Commentary / In the Arena)
Obama has shifted the focus of the presidency from showbiz to substance — at least for now
Blago Talks! (And Talks ...) (Commentary / Tuned In)
Like a rejected American Idol contestant, the gov couldn't pass up one more turn at the microphone
Entitlement Myths
Social Security was created to protect elderly people. But what if it's just a handout to their kids?
WORLD
Can Portland's Gay Mayor Survive a Scandal? (Postcard: Portland)
The popular new mayor of one of America's most liberal cities sees his reputation crumble with allegations that he lied about an affair with an underage intern
Congo Seeks Protection (Congo)
Despite the arrest of a rebel leader, the world's most brutal war persists. When should the international community intervene?
Voices from The Rubble (The Well / World)
As Gaza picks up the pieces, questions emerge about the killing of Palestinian civilians by Israeli troops. What one father witnessed
BRIEFING
The Moment
1|26|09: Peoria
The World
10 ESSENTIAL STORIES
Power Grid (Washington Memo)
A look at who sits where in President Obama's West Wing
Verbatim
A Brief History Of: Fuel Efficiency
The Skimmer
Pop Chart
Milestones
Kay Yow
David Newman
John Updike, Literary Heavyweight (Appreciation)
John Updike, one of the great writers of the 20th century, died this morning from lung cancer. He was 76
LETTERS
Inbox
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
From Slumdog to Top Dog (Movies)
How an Anglo-Indian film that nearly went direct to DVD became the Oscar front runner
Life on the Farm (Books)
Daniyal Mueenuddin's stories offer a view of Pakistan from the inside out
Short List (Short List)
A weekly guide to what you should see, what you should skip — and what you won't be able to avoid
Paul Bettany's Short List (Short List)
BUSINESS
Why Your Bank Is Broke (The Well / The Economy)
Sketch loans, financial blunders and a string of bad bets have left America's banks nearly insolvent. How an industry collapsed — and why only nationalization might solve it
Can Larry Summers Save the Economy? (The Economy)
Obama's brash and brilliant economic adviser has attained vast power and a chop on nearly every issue. Can the former Treasury boss sort out the financial mess before it gets worse?
SOCIETY
Feeling Our Way Out of the Recession (Life / Psychology)
Are you angry or sad about the economy? Good. How our emotions can help bail us out
Bright Spot in the Housing Crash: Cheaper Rents (Life / Real Estate)
Rent prices across the U.S. are declining for the first time in six years — and they're likely to continue falling.
The Next Big Biofuel? (Life / Going Green)
Jatropha seeds produce clean-burning diesel (without driving up your grocery bill)
Biofuel Tree Farmers in Action
A Florida farmer thinks the next big biodiesel alternative will come from the seedpods of the jatropha tree
RELIGION
Rural Churches Grapple with a Pastor Exodus
The only group vanishing faster than the population in rural America is its pastors, stranding farm congregations and challenging church leaders to find new models
Video: Vanishing Pastors on the Prairie
In the rural midwest, a shortage of clergy means pastors visit more than one church on Sundays, sometimes driving dozens of miles
SPECIAL SECTION
A Lesson Straight from Mars (Global Business / Top Business Teams)
Realigning its organization provided a sweet payoff for the candy company
Can Wall Street Find a Safer Way to Package Assets? (Global Business / Finance)
Bundling loans and selling them to investors proved disastrous. When do we go back for more?
Tehran's Health Patrol (Global Business / Megacities)
Low-cost basic care delivered by women volunteers is a tonic for the economy
Business Books (Also In This Issue)
Oh, you beautiful doll! Barbie and her creator, the sharp-elbowed gal who built the biggest toy company, have a story to tell. Drop that BlackBerry, bub; friends forever