bowls |  | 
Linebacker Brandon Spikes celebrates winning the BCS championship with his Florida Gator teammates on Thursday night.
Linebacker Brandon Spikes celebrates winning the BCS championship with his Florida Gator teammates on Thursday night.
By Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY
housing |  | 
For the first time in at least a decade, builders are substantially reducing the size of new houses.
washington |  | 
A record 1 million riders are expected to cram into Washington's subway on Inauguration Day.
retail |  | 
Dismal sales will step up store closings and make new bankruptcy filings likely.
Advertisement
Dow NASDAQ S & P 500
Financial markets
© BigCharts

New White House blog

Mark Memmott and the White House reporting team bring you the latest on the Obama presidency. Join the conversation.

Featured video

Play Video
Play Video
Golden Globe actresses are gifted a $3,650 compact.
Play Video
Play Video
Law man accused of serving skimpy meals to inmates.
Play Video
Play Video
The famous plumber lands a reporting gig.
More: Video

Only on USA TODAY

The locale has changed, but the thrill hasn't.
See where you can exercise your sense of adventure.
Actor strums banjo, cuts full-length bluegrass album.
Sanders hosts a prep school for NFL hopefuls.
'Che' doesn't get to the root of a revolutionary.
Should you follow the advice of market timers?
More

Winners for 2009

The Princeton Review's 100 "Best Value Colleges" list for 2009 is based on data compiled and analyzed by The Princeton Review, the education services and test-prep company known for its annual listings.

New on USATODAY.com

Check out the newly launched USA TODAY for iPhone. Stay informed about the latest news stories, scores and weather forecasts with this app, available for free download.

Blogs

Giants' Pierce: These Eagles are no '07 Giants.
'Ugly Betty' star announces she's expecting in July.
Tips on protecting yourself from contamination.
Ex-champ Jackson pleads guilty, avoids jail time.
Many in early stages look forward in new year.
Northwest flooding, avalanches continue.
More

Opinion

Senate Democrats and President-elect Barack Obama said disgraced Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich would not be allowed to fill Obama’s vacated Senate seat. That was 10 days ago. Now it appears Roland Burris will, indeed, be the next senator from Illinois. Is this capitulation the change we can believe in?
More

Interactive graphics

Mid-season calendar: What's back on the tube?
Learn more about the completed Obama Cabinet.
Interactive quiz about the 2008 hurricane season.
More

Shop USA TODAY

In response to the popularity of our sell-out Nov. 5 issue, we're selling additional copies for $4.95 each. Get your piece of history.

More NewsMost popular | News blog

International
world |  | 
Smoke from explosions from Israeli military operations hangs in the air over Gaza City on Friday.
By Anja Niedringhaus, AP
Israel says it will press ahead with its offensive in the Gaza Strip despite a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire.
world |  | 
China's Internet users, operating in groups, are going after people they think have done something wrong by putting information about them...
Entertainment
goldenglobes |  | 
Paramount Vantage
After the debacle that was last year's ceremony, the Golden Globes are ready to party again on Sunday night.
news |  | 
For diehard Motown Records buffs, the label's 50th anniversary could be a time to fling around some fun numbers.
news |  | 
Fox
To stem American Idol fatigue, the show has made changes: a fourth judge; an extra week of Hollywood round and a larger semifinalist field.
Government in transition
washington |  | 
As the likely choice for director of national intelligence, Dennis Blair has insider credentials but no significant ties to Bush policies.
washington |  | 
By Charles Dharapak, AP
President-elect Barack Obama called on Congress Thursday to pass a huge economic stimulus package as quickly as possible.
Technology
autos |  | 
The automaker will announce a new direction in protection with a system that calculates for EMT responders the likelihood of injuries.
phones |  | 
By Tim Loehrke, USA TODAY
Is Palm up or Palm down? The answer depends on how well consumers receive the slick new Palm Pre smartphone.
Economic downturn
energy |  | 
Simply put, the nation will soon be running its cars, at least partly, on debris, including wood chips, corn cobs and stalks, and straw.
markets |  | 
Authorities announced two alleged Ponzi schemes, just weeks after the arrest of investor Bernard Madoff stunned Wall Street.
Political landscape
washington |  | 
By Seth Perlman, AP
An Illinois House committee voted unanimously Thursday to recommend the impeachment of Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
judicial |  | 
The question of whether America needs the Voting Rights Act now that a black man has won the presidency looms over a major appeal,
Across the USA
washington |  | 
The (Nashville) Tennessean
Looming regulations that could force used-item retailers and thrift stores to trash many kids' toys and clothing are getting a second look.
education |  | 
An estimated 32 million adults in the USA -- about one in seven -- are saddled with such low literacy skills that they can barely read.
Travel
ski |  | 
Steamboat Ski Touring Center
Novice skiers who show up at locations in 22 states won't pay a cent for equipment rental, passes or instruction as part of Winter Trails...
affordableamerica |  | 
Microtel and other budget chains whose rates average under $70 are picking up customers who used to opt for pricier lodgings.
Weather
globalwarming |  | 
Hotter summers from global warming will drastically reduce crop yields and lead to a disastrous food shortage for billions of people.
floods |  | 
By Elaine Thompson, AP
A harsh combination of heavy rainfall and rapidly melting snow left much of western Washington state flooded.