COVER
Saving Species in the New Age of Extinction (The Well / Cover Story)
As the globe warms, more than the climate is endangered. Species are vanishing at a scary rate. We're the cause--but we're also the solution
Web Exclusive
Five Hotspots for Seeing--and Saving--the Animals
You can help the global conservation effort in any number of ways, but your best bet may be simply to take a vacation to a biodiversity hotspot
Photo Essay
10 Species On the Brink
Many of the planet's most endangered animals are also its remarkable. Here are a few of nature's superstars from Asia, the Americas, the Pacific and elsewhere that may soon be no more
Graphic
Animals Under Siege
The earth supports amazing biodiversity, but much wildlife is coming under threat from one particularly successful species: us. Here's a look at our impact on the world's biodiversity
NATION
Why Are Army Recruiters Killing Themselves? (The Well / Nation)
Persuading young Americans to join a wartime Army is never easy. But the pressures on recruiters in one Texas battalion have been deadly
Suicide in the Recruiters' Ranks
Photos: The pressure to sign up new soldiers can be deadly. Photographer Ashley Gilbertson documents the grief of two families struggling to cope with their loss
How Obama Is Using the Science of Change (The Well / Nation)
It's more than a campaign slogan. Inside the White House's plan to employ behavioral economics to promote its agenda — and fundamentally alter the way Americans live
ESSAY
Why Legalizing Marijuana Makes Sense (Commentary / In the Arena)
Legalizing marijuana may be politically risky. But the economic benefits are becoming difficult to ignore
The Hope in America's Foreclosure Capital
In America's foreclosure capital, opportunity — and the lure of the infinity pool — trumps fear
WORLD
Postcard from Rangoon (Postcard: Rangoon)
A visit to Burma reveals a people's hope for the future amid life under tyranny. Out of the darkness, a sliver of light
What's in Store for North Korea After Kim (The Well / World)
He's frail and sick and relies on a once disgraced brother-in-law. But don't expect huge changes when North Korea's leader leaves the stage
LETTERS
Inbox
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The Meaning Of Murder (Books)
Ten years on, what are the lessons of Columbine?
In Treatment's New Crop of Head Cases (Television)
As HBO's therapy drama In Treatment returns, the talk is the action, and the acting is insanely good
Is West Side Story Overrated? (Theater)
The Broadway revival isn't quite great. The question is: Was the original?
Short List
TIME'S PICKS FOR THE WEEK
BUSINESS
Can Detroit Be Retooled — Before It's Too Late? (The Well / The Economy)
The President's auto task force is imposing a brutal overhaul of U.S. automakers that may include bankruptcy for GM. But the payoff could be huge when car sales rebound. And they will
Private Equity, the Giant Before the Bust, Hangs On (The Curious Capitalist)
The buyout guys were on top of the heap before the bust. Can they avoid being plowed under?
SOCIETY
What Sells in a Recession: Canned Goods and Condoms (Life / Cash Crunch)
Supermarket sales figures reveal the mind-set of U.S. consumers in a recession
Kids with ADHD May Learn Better by Fidgeting (Life / Health)
A small study by an ADHD researcher in Florida finds that children with the condition may use their hyperactivity to help them focus
PEOPLE
10 Questions for Amy Poehler (10 Questions)
The SNL alum stars in the new TV comedy Parks and Recreation. Amy Poehler will now take your questions
SPECIAL SECTION
The Big (Green) Apple (Global Business / Megacities)
New York City's pioneering PlaNYC plots a more crowded but eco-friendly metropolis
The World's Cheapest Car Debuts in India (Global Business / Manufacturing)
India's Ratan Tata kept his promise to produce the world's cheapest car. Is this the start of an auto-industry revolution?
Open Skies Tries to Get Lift (Global Business / Global Adviser)
BA's new baby is everything you'd want in an airline. But is being good good enough?
Business Books (Global Business)
Why is it (still) so difficult for working couples to share household management? Getting a grip on those Gen Y brats. The myths and musts of working at home
TO OUR READERS
Life Cycle
A special issue tracks the planet's vanishing animal species, the science of change and the plight of America's military recruiters
BRIEFING
The Moment
4|1|09: London
The World
10 ESSENTIAL STORIES
Milestones
Pop Chart
Verbatim
Maurice Jarre
The Skimmer
Book Review: Family Properties: Race, Real Estate and the Exploitation of Black Urban America by Beryl Satter
A Brief History Of: Sin Taxes
Irving R. Levine
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
The TIME 100
To help select the world's most influential people, four previous honorees offer their nominations when asked, Who should be on this year's list?
The 2009 TIME 100 Finalists
Cast your vote for the leaders, artists, entrepreneurs and thinkers who deserve a spot on this year's TIME 100