When night falls on Inauguration Day, it's time to party

Andy Shallal says he's "not a 'ball-type.' " He's never been to an inaugural ball, and he's never cared. 1231446916

Military's inauguration planner wants a perfect day

Army Capt. Jason Ruffin has a problem: Where do you put 13,000 marchers — and counting — if for some reason the route for the inaugural parade suddenly has to change midway through? All those high school marching bands from all over the country, the service academy band, the military color guards, the horseback unit of the Border Patrol. 1231437315

Congressional staffer sweats details of inauguration

WASHINGTON — Jennifer Griffith is planning a formal event for 240,000 people, and at less than a month to go her to-do list was four pages long. 1231436400

Feds say inauguration attractive terrorist target

The upcoming inauguration of Barack Obama is an attractive target for international and domestic terrorists, but U.S. intelligence officials have no information about specific threats to the Jan. 20 event.

THE INAUGURATION

Florida Democrats feel like dancing -- at inauguration

For the first time in 12 years, Democrats are the toast of the inaugural balls in Washington. And members of the Florida delegation can't wait to hit the dance floor.

Michelle Obama's choice of inaugural gown is big gossip topic

Inauguration Day will belong to President Barack Obama, but that night will be wife Michelle's turn in the spotlight, as all eyes will be on her — and her choice of ball gown.

Bush headed to Midland, Texas, after presidency

The White House settled one post-presidential mystery on Wednesday, answering the question of where will George W. Bush go when his term as president ends on the afternoon of Jan. 20?

Dwyane Wade gives $10,000 to inauguration-bound Taravella band

The Taravella High School marching band received a surprise donation from Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade to help in their efforts to reach the inauguration.

'Everyday Americans' invited to whistle stop tour

President-elect Barack Obama has invited a group of "everyday Americans" to join him and Vice President-elect Joe Biden on their Whistle Stop Tour to the nation's capital on the Saturday before Inauguration Day.

Obama's fashion sense is cool but correct

President-elect Barack Obama radiates a certain stylistic sophistication that's at once Kennedyesque in its reverence for clean-cut, American style and modern in its confident embrace of a look that's both effortless and urbane.

A day comes that many didn't think they'd live to see

For Josie Johnson, history will come full circle when she stands in the crowd at the foot of the U.S. Capitol and sees Barack Obama sworn in as the 44th president of the United States.

Washington's trendy U Street shows path of racial progress

If Barack Obama's election represents the promise of a post-racial America, the legacy of the neighborhood around 14th and U streets NW, about two miles north of the White House, is testament to the societal evolution that enabled Obama's ascent - from the end of slavery through desegregation, race riots, urban flight and gentrification.

Obama, Lincoln took similar paths to presidency

Barack Obama is bringing something unseen with him to Washington as he assumes the presidency: the spirit of Abraham Lincoln.

As Obama prepares inaugural address, he might consult past ones

When Barack Obama delivers his inaugural address as the nation's first African-American president, he'll be building on 220 years of tradition in which his predecessors also made speechmaking firsts.

From Washington to Obama, 220 years of festivities (and fights)

Question: Where was the first inauguration?

Changing country sees its reflection in Obama

When Barack Obama lifts his hand from Abraham Lincoln's Bible at his inauguration, he won't be just the new president of the United States. He'll be the face of a new era.

Whatever Obama accomplishes, his election was a breakthrough

Barack Obama's Jan. 20 inauguration could be a line where future scholars mark the start of a new era of racial tolerance in America. At the same time, scholars and even Obama loyalists warn that the ultimate meaning of his ascension shouldn't be written into the history books just yet.

INAUGURATION

Florida invited to party with Obamas

There will be 10 officially sanctioned inaugural balls. Florida will be part of the Southern Inaugural Ball.

Obama raises $27 million for inaugural

Despite the economic hard times, money keeps pouring in for President-elect Barack Obama's inaugural festivities.