NATION

Arizona: One More Unlucky Star

Following a time-honored -- and terrible -- tradition, the Governor faces a federal lawsuit for his role in a failed S&L

Politics At Last: A No-Go From Mario

Why the New York Governor toyed with Democratic hopes and G.O.P. fears for 10 tortured weeks, then finally rode off with an emphatic Fuhgedaboudit!

WORLD

Russia: Unmerry Christmas

The red flag will be lowered soon, but citizens are more preoccupied with how to repair the ruined fabric of their daily lives

SCIENCE

Adventures In Lilliput

Extraordinary new laser tools and microscopes are enabling researchers to observe and manipulate a breathtaking microworld

HEALTH & MEDICINE

The Case for Mutticare (Health)

If you think the cost of medical care for humans is getting out of hand . . .

SOCIETY

Comfortable Stations (Living)

These days the bathroom is a place to relax, to exercise, even to entertain

Was She Right to Go Public? (Ethics)

After long insisting on anonymity, Willie Smith's accuser raises issues of fairness by revealing herself on TV

RELIGION

Mary: Handmaid Or Feminist? (Cover Stories)

More and more people around the world are worshipping Mary -- and it's led to a holy struggle over what she really stands for

How To Believe in Miracles

Some of them, like reported apparitions of the Virgin, should be approached warily. But even more amazing miracles can be found and embraced every day.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

BUSINESS

Automaking Major Overhaul

Pounded by the recession and foreign rivals, GM will close 25 plants and lay off 74,000 workers. But will the bloodletting end there?

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Santa Leaves a Six-Pack (Cinema)

In half a dozen Christmas movies, Hollywood worries a lot, has an affair, pays for a wedding, loses its faith and the rain forest, and gets stoned

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