Day in Photos

Jan. 30, 2009

Leading Men

A look at "La Sylphide" through the years.

Weird Beauty: Fashion Photography Now

New York's International Center of Photography puts the strange art of fashion photography on display.

Deadly Force

Acting on a mistaken drug trafficking suspicion, a SWAT team broke down their door, shot beloved pets and shattered a happy home. Was it an extreme reaction, or business as usual in America's war on drugs?

Money and Muscle

The 2009 Washington Auto Show, set to open Feb. 4, will focus on policy and the environment, cutting back on the traditional glitz and glam associated with car shows.

Iraqis Cast Votes

Security forces cast early ballots while citizens prepare to vote on Jan. 31 in the first Iraqi provincial elections since 2005.

Anticipating Super Bowl XLIII

Preparations begin leading up to the NFL Championship game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals in Tampa, Fla. on Feb. 1, 2009.

Oscars' Humble Beginnings

Before taking center stage at the Academy Awards in Hollywood, Calif., Oscar statues are carefully crafted in Chicago.

Gaza Cease-Fire in Jeopardy

The Obama administration's Middle East envoy, former senator George J. Mitchell (D-Maine), arrives in Israel as renewed clashes threaten a tenuous cease-fire between Israel and Hamas after a 22-day conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Animal Views

Our weekly photo gallery showcases animals from across the globe.

Top 10 Sports Photos

A look at amazing moments in sports.

Acclaimed American Author Updike Dies at 76

Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist John Updike died of lung cancer at a hospice near his home in Beverly Farms, Mass., on Tuesday. He was 76.

Eye on the Earth

A glimpse of our changing natural environment and how humans may be impacting it.

Obama's First 100 Days

In the first few weeks of his Administration, President Obama urged the House to pass an enormous economic stimulus bill, signed the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law and met with top military officials as he shapes his agenda for the first 100 days.

Few Problems From Winter's First Snow

Winter weather moved into the region Tuesday, with accumulations of one to four inches expected throughout the day.

Eye on the World

This week's events from around the world, captured in photographs.

China Celebrates a New Year

Chinese people welcome the arrival of the Year of the Ox with raucous celebrations on Jan. 26, 2009, despite gloom about the economy.

The 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards

A look at the fashions and the winners from this year's ceremony.

Inauguration Photos 2009

January 20, 2009 - Washington, D.C.

Bennet Sworn in as Senator

Former Denver Schools Superintendent Michael Bennet became Colorado's junior senator on Thursday, Jan. 22.

How The Rest of Us Partied

Revelers without big bucks to drop on tickets to the official inaugural balls, or other star-studded events, still kept Washington partying till the wee hours.

Inauguration Photo Mosaic

Capturing History Together

A Not-So-Simple Life

A group of young missionaries pursues a more meaningful way to help Washington's poor -- by living as they do.

A Head-Turning Ride

Warren Brown takes the $109,000 electric-powered Tesla Roadster for a spin.

Quintuple the Joy, Quintuple the Fatigue

When Adwai Malual, of Sudan, first learned she was pregnant with multiple children she thought it would be easy. She was in for a daunting surprise.

Antiabortion Activists Mark Roe v. Wade

On January 22, 2009, thousands gathered and marched in D.C. as part of a day of demonstrations to oppose Roe v. Wade. The event occurs every year on the 36th anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision to legalize abortion.

American Stories, Told Through a Lens

The National Gallery of Art's exhibition of the black-and-white photos from Robert Frank's 1958 book "The Americans" shows a country in transition.

The Oscar Nominees

A look at the contenders in this year's Academy Awards, to be held on Feb. 22.

Obama Plans to Close Guantanamo Prison

President Obama is expected to sign an executive order that would close the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, within the next year. Yet his administration faces a slew of legal and diplomatic hurdles, and if the effort stumbles, it could bring steep political costs.

Swearing in Moments

History was made as the 44th president of the United States of America was sworn into office. Here are some moments from the inaugural ceremony.

Massing on the Mall

Thousands of non-ticketed visitors crowd into an overflow area on the National Mall near the Washington Monument to watch Barack Obama take the oath of office as the nation's 44th president.

'A Mercy' Challenges Students at Cardozo High

At Cardozo High School, Frazier O'Leary's advanced placement students are studying "A Mercy," the newest Toni Morrison novel. Although the book has been challenging for many, students say they can relate to the main characters. O'Leary himself thinks that, if nothing else, the novel will help students do well on AP exams and impress colleges.

After the Ceremony, the Celebrations

At the inaugural balls in Washington, D.C., the Obamas dance, A-list celebrities perform and guests enjoy the pageantry.

City Gathers to Watch Inaugural Parade

Following a swearing-in ceremony attended by thousands, Washington, D.C., residents and visitors gather to view the inaugural parade.

World Reacts to Obama's Inauguration

People in the U.S. and around the world mark the inauguration of President Barack Obama on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.

People Pack the Mall for Inauguration

Spectators of the swearing-in ceremony and inaugural parade of President Barack Obama crowded downtown Metro stations and created human gridlock throughout the streets of Washington, D.C.

Obama Sworn in as 44th President

Thousands of people storm the Mall and the streets by the Capitol in Washington, D.C., for a chance to witness the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Animal Views

Our weekly photo gallery showcases animals from across the globe.

Preparing for the Big Event

For the D.C. hospitality industry, the presidential inauguration is like the Super Bowl. A look behind the scenes at the Washington Ritz-Carlton reveals the hard work behind the luxury hotel's long weekend of pageantry and performance art.

Before Inauguration, a Busy Day

The day before the historic inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama was one for service, travel, tourism and gatherings in and around the area.

A Family Story: From Slavery to the Presidency

The Caldwell family reflects on how life has changed for their family from slavery to the election of America's first black president.

"Yes, We Have To"

By some estimates, more than 400,000 people filled the western end of the Mall for the official start to President-elect Obama's inauguration.

Deconstructing Change

In the last year, the word "change" became a player on the national scene. What does "change" mean? Ordinary citizens break it down.

Eye on the World

This week's events from around the world, captured in photographs.

Steelers Down Ravens for AFC Title

Ravens QB Joe Flacco has a pass intercepted by Troy Polamalu, who races 40 yards to give Pittsburgh a 23-14 win and its second trip to the Super Bowl in three years.

Concert Kicks Off Inaugural Events

A huge crowd gathered between the Lincoln and Washington memorials on Sunday, Jan. 18, for an inauguration-opening event of musical performances interspersed with speeches and historical readings.

Cardinals Edge Eagles for NFC Title

The Arizona Cardinals rally to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles, 32-25, at University of Phoenix Stadium, earning the first Super Bowl trip in their long and not-so-glorious history.

Next Stop, The White House

President-elect Obama's train trip to D.C. is symbolic of Lincoln's inaugural journey and will end with the installation of the nation's first African American president.

Georgetown Falls to Duke, 76-67

Despite a handful of rallies, Georgetown can never catch up to a dramatic Duke push at the end of the first half, and the Blue Devils hold on for a 76-67 win in a highly anticipated face off.

In Tiny Kenyan Villages, a Big Obama Family

In a relatively short span of time, members of President-elect Barack Obama's extended Kenyan family have seen their daily routines replaced by the trappings and oddities of global fame.

Chapter Closes at New Bethel Baptist Church

In an era when black pastors were at the forefront of the civil rights movement, the Rev. Walter Fauntroy was at the head of the pack. On Sunday, two days before the inauguration of Barack Obama, he will offer his last sermon.

Foreclosures Hit Biggest Lenders

The residents of California's Riverside County face uncertain futures as the area, home to real estate agents and big borrowers, suffers through high unemployment rates and plummeting home prices.

The Road to History

Indelible images from the longest, costliest and, quite possibly, most surprising presidential campaign of all time.

The Colors in My Dreams

On the eve of the first African American president being sworn into office, photos recall a different time.

Andrew Wyeth: 1917 - 2009

American painter Andrew Wyeth, famous for capturing the people and landscapes of Pennsylvania's Brandywine River Valley, died in his sleep on Jan. 16 at the age of 91.

Arkansans Wary of Obama

To many people of Brinkley, Arkansas - a community that voted overwhelmingly in 2008 for Republican presidential nominee John McCain (Ariz.) -- President-elect Barack Obama's election to the White House marks a period of uncertainty for rural America.

Plane Crashes in N.Y.'s Hudson River

A US Airways flight with 135 passengers crashed into New York's Hudson River Thursday afternoon, shortly after takeoff from New York's LaGuardia airport bound for Charlotte. The plane, an Airbus A320, appeared to make a controlled landing in the water.

Chicago Style

Washington Post fashion editor Robin Givhan says that Midwestern propriety, the city's history and the weather have shaped the fashion sense of the Windy City's residents.

Actor Ricardo Montalban Dies at 88

Actor Ricardo Montalban, famous for his role in TV series "Fantasy Island," died today in his Los Angeles home at the age of 88.

Golden Year for Astronomy

After its invention more than 400 years ago, telescopes are still recognized as the greatest marvels of civilization. This year, the U.S. plans to launch new telescopes and maintain older ones in hopes of discovering a larger Multiverse.

My Kidney, His Life

In April of 2008, washingtonpost.com video journalist Pierre Kattar donated his kidney to a complete stranger to save his father's life. He documented the unique experience of participating in an eight-person kidney exchange.

Dakar Rally 2009

Drivers in the Dakar Rally test their limits on the South American landscape in Chile and Argentina.

Detroit Auto Show

The 2009 North American International Auto Show, featuring more than 50 new designs and concepts by Lamborghini, Mercedes, Cadillac, Audi and more, opens to the public Jan. 17.

Animal Views

Our weekly photo gallery showcases animals from across the globe.

Top 10 Sports Photos

A look at amazing moments in sports.

Western Lowland Gorilla Gives Birth

Mandara, a 26-year-old western lowland gorilla, gave birth Saturday at the National Zoo. The sex and name have not yet been announced.

The 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards

A look at some of the night's big winners, from "Slumdog Millionaire" to "30 Rock."

Golden Globes Fashion

After missing last year, celebs were delighted to be back on the Red Carpet. Strapless gowns ruled, as did loose updos for gals. Some guys won kudos; for others, tsk, tsk.

Inauguration Practice

Starting before dawn, officials staged a large-scale rehearsal of the upcoming presidential inauguration and parade, with thousands of people deployed later in the morning at the Capitol and along the parade route.

Two Steps Back

After 30 years of service at Glen Echo Park, National Park Ranger Stan Fowler has been reassigned to Mount Vernon Trail in Virginia. During his time of service, Fowler worked to create a strong community dance program at Glen Echo. Although he will not argue with the national park's decision, he says he will miss spending his Fridays nights Contra Dancing in the Spanish Ballroom.

NFL Playoffs Roll Into Week Two

The Ravens became the first team to advance to a league championship game, pushing past Tennessee, 13-10, in a physical Divisional Round game in Nashville on Saturday afternoon.

At Glen Echo, Dancing is History

The Glen Echo Park Spanish Ballroom -- and National Park Service Ranger Stan Fowler -- have been area institutions for generations.

Under Disney's Spell

Why Walt Disney is no Mickey Mouse figure in the world of art.

Drenched in the Northwest

Floods, mudslides and avalanches threatened parts of Washington state late this week.

Sub-Zero Temperatures Grip Europe

Freezing conditions and exceptional snowfall are blamed for several deaths and infrastructure problems across Europe, as many homes remain without heat following a dispute over gas between Russia and Ukraine.

Boarding School

Sports writer Soraya McDonald has covered skiing and snowboarding out in Colorado, but has never hit the slopes. With the help of a personal instructor, McDonald learned the basics of balance and confidence at Maryland's Wisp Resort.

CES 2009

The Consumer Electronic Show, taking place Jan. 8-11 in Las Vegas, displays the latest devices, gadgets and technologies.

Europe Feeling Chill of Fuel Standoff

Russia halted shipments of natural gas to Europe via Ukraine as the two countries sparred over prices and debt. Direct talks, however, appeared set to resume Thursday for the first time in more than a week.

Macworld 2009

Without Steve Jobs in attendance, the last Macworld that Apple will attend, kicked off Jan. 5 in San Francisco.

Burris Moves Closer to Senate Seat

Roland Burris made significant progress in attaining the vacant Illinois Senate seat this week after meeting with Senate leaders and testifying before the Illinois House impeachment committee to defend his Senate appointment by embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Israel Tightens Grip on Gaza Strip

Israel continues its military offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip as diplomats in Cairo suggest tentative progress in their efforts to reach a cease-fire.

New Marine National Monuments

President Bush is set to safeguard far-flung areas totaling 195,280 square miles in the Pacific Ocean, a move that will help preserve sprawling sea and island ecosystems.

Photos: Stepping Forward, Falling Back

There is a fierce struggle going on at Coolidge to overcome years of dysfunction and decline. But despite a new spirit of reform in the air, it remains to be seen whether D.C. schools can make improvements that will last.

The Scorecard: Interactive Database

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