COVER
How to Spend a Trillion Dollars (The Well / Cover Story)
That's how much money Barack Obama says is needed to kick-start the economy. How he spends it could determine the fate of his presidency
Can Tim Geithner Lead the Economy Out of Its Mess? (The Well / Inauguration)
More than any other official, new Treasury chief Timothy Geithner bears the burden of rescuing the U.S. economy. Is he the right man for the job?
The Ghosts of '33 (The Well / Commentary)
Like Obama today, F.D.R. aimed to raise the spirits of a nation. Making peace with his predecessor was harder
Mapping the Occasion (The Well / Inauguration)
Parties, prayer services and a parade! A guide to Washington's megabash for the 44th President
America's Next Top Model (The Well / Inauguration)
When it comes to style, Michelle Obama brings a welcome sense of authority and a dash of whimsy to the White House
From Dr. King to Barack Obama: One Dream Realized (The Well / Inauguration)
Seven icons of the civil rights movement reflect on their progress and setbacks, the meaning of Jan. 20, 2008 to African Americans and what King would make of the country Obama will soon lead
Obama's Permanent Grass-Roots Campaign (The Well / Inauguration)
Linked by e-mail and Facebook, millions of Obama backers are staying involved — and gearing up for 2012
Town Overboard: A Conservative Gripe About Obamamania (Commentary)
Washington has a bad case of Obamamania. Here's hoping the fever breaks soon
ESSAY
In the Obama Era, Will the Media Change Too? (Commentary / Tuned In)
As after 9/11, the media will be covering a popular Prez in a crisis. Can they do better this time?
Barack Obama and the Voice of God (Commentary)
What Obama owes to the omniscient, authoritative voices of James Earl Jones and Morgan Freeman
WORLD
Didja Hear the One About the Funny Economist? (Postcard: San Francisco)
Even as the economic gloom deepens, some financial experts just want to have fun. Have you heard the one about the stand-up economist?
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
TV's New Beginnings (Television)
After a slow fall, prime time is no longer a desert island
Cinema's Best Friend (Movies)
Why the movies have developed a serious case of puppy love. (Hint: they're fetching)
Our Inner Animal (Books)
Beasts are more human--and humans more bestial--than we think
Short List (Short List)
TIME'S PICKS FOR THE WEEK
Q&A with Elizabeth Alexander (Short List)
SOCIETY
Boytox: Botox for Men (Life / Health)
More men are erasing their wrinkles, part of a "manscaping" movement that could turn out to be recession-proof
A Recession Etiquette Lesson With: Peggy Post (Life / Social Norms)
BRIEFING
The Moment
1|12|09: Washington
The World
10 ESSENTIAL STORIES
Verbatim
Pop Chart
A Brief History Of: Swearing In
Drawing Room
The Skimmer
The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama
Milestones
Charles Morgan Jr.
Richard John Neuhaus
A Personal Loss (Appreciation)
The death of a courageous TIME reporter exposes the threats to press freedom in Sri Lanka