The New Frugality: How Americans Are Cutting Back (The Well / Cover Story)
The Great Recession is transforming how we spend, whom we trust, where we save and what we really value
 American Thrift: A TIME Poll
TIME asked 1,000 Americans how they're feeling, where they're scrimping and what they see in the road ahead


How to Raise the Standard in America's Schools (The Well / Nation)
Our students are falling behind their counterparts in the rest of the world, threatening the U.S.'s economic future. Why national education standards are the only way to fix the system

Arne Duncan: The Apostle of Reform (The Well / Nation)
Education Secretary Arne Duncan on why he favors school choice and believes kids should spend more time in class


Joel Stein Contemplates Circumcision (For His Son)
Whoa! Not for me — for my unborn son. My family's debate over the unkindest cut

No Surrender to Somali Pirate Thugs (Commentary / Viewpoint)
Obama should continue to treat Somali pirates as military foes rather than as quaint Captain Hooks


Postcard from Barcelona
In a nation where creditors traditionally embarrass debtors into paying up, a proposed law could end the humiliation. Final notice for Spain's costumed debt collectors

South Africa Looks for A Leader (The Well / World)
Fifteen years after Nelson Mandela's thrilling election, South Africa is preparing for another vote. This time, there's less to cheer
 South Africa, Fifteen Years On
Photographer Benedicte Kurzen explores the state of the nation — from the wealthy malls of Johannesburg to the mud huts of the Eastern Cape — as South Africa approaches a critical national election


American Thrift
In our continuing effort to make sense of the new economy, we look at how Americans are cutting back--and looking ahead


Inbox


The TIME 100
To help select the world's most influential people, we asked these newsmakers to offer their nominations for 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

Zac Efron: The Tweens' Dream (Movies)
Can the tweens' dream prove there's life after high school?
 Zac Efron Graduates from "High School"
Photos: The rapid rise of a tween idol

The Mentalist: CBS's Psychic Friend (Television)
The Mentalist shows that it's still possible to win a big network audience — with a trick or two

Amish Romance Novels: No Bonnet Rippers (Books)
Amish love stories, or "bonnet books," are the hot new trend in romance fiction

Old Music, New Package: Will You Buy It — Again? (Music)
From the Beatles to the Beastie Boys, bands are courting fans with repackaged classics

Short List
TIME'S PICKS FOR THE WEEK


Logging On to the Ivy League (Life / Education)
Why top-tier universities are racing to give the public free online access to their best lecturers


Starting a Diaper Bank (Life / Power of One)
Food stamps don't cover hygiene products. That's why one volunteer is organizing diaper depots

Stacktacular: The Speedy World of Sport Stacking (Life / Sport)
Cups? Check. Timer? Check. Major endorsements? Check. Welcome to the world of sport stacking
 The Speediest Sport Stacker in the World
Video: With the fastest cup-stacking hands in the world, 11-year-old Steven Purugganan set a new record in sport stacking


When Companies Opt for Pay Cuts Instead of Layoffs (Global Business / Corporate Conscience)
Firms are reducing salaries to preserve jobs. But that trade-off quickly gets complicated

Spinning a New Strategy (Global Business / Manufacturing)
The U.S. textile industry is all but extinct. How one company is bucking the trend


10 Questions for Michael J. Fox (10 Questions)
The actor and Parkinson's activist has a new memoir, Always Looking Up. Michael J. Fox will now take your questions


The Moment (Briefing)
4|14|09: Washington

The World (Briefing)
10 ESSENTIAL STORIES

A Brief History Of: The Navy SEALs (Briefing)

The Skimmer (Briefing)
Book Review: 40 More Years: How the Democrats Will Rule the Next Generation by James Carville

Verbatim

Pop Chart

Milestones

Marilyn Chambers (Briefing)

Harry Kalas (Briefing)