Trimming the Times

Unknown Knowns, Shutting Off Our Phones, and a Hero Pushed Aside

The Atlantic Wire / Cyril Bousselet's Flickr
Dashiell Bennett 1,107 Views Jan 2, 2012

Now that The New York Times pay wall is live, you only get 20 free clicks a month. For those worried about hitting their limit, we're taking a look through the paper each morning to find the stories that can make your clicks count.

Top Stories: A Muslim-American police cadet who was wrongly suspected of being involved in the September 11 attacks after he died in the World Trade Center did not get his name engraved among those of other first responders at the new memorial, despite being hailed as a hero by the NYPD and Congress for rushing into the towers to help.

U.S.: The federal tax credit for gasoline refiners who use ethanol has expired after 30 years and $20 billion in subsidies. Hydrofracking wells in Ohio have been shut down and won't be allowed to restart yet after a series small earthquakes that centered near the wells raised more concerns about the safety of the drilling practice.

World: Austerity continues to be the buzzword in Europe, despite the crushing effect it's having on some economies. The poppy crop is returning and stronger than ever in Afghanistan.

Politics: Most Iowa voters will end up voting for candidates they aren't totally thrilled with.

Technology: Americans are trying harder and harder to escape the digital devices that rule their world. Employees are starting to revolt against those devices that were meant to make their lives easier, but now shackle them to the office. A look at Google's advertising that plays on people's emotions rather than playing up its search products.

Arts: PBS is using serious dramas like "Downton Abbey" to challenge the bigger pay-cable networks in the ratings. Fans of the TV show "The Biggest Loser" can attend a weight loss resort modeled after the one on the show.

Opinion: The biggest problem on Earth is "unknown knows," or why people choose not to see the truths about the world that could keep us all from disaster.

Want to add to this story? Let us know in comments or send an email to the author at dbennett at theatlantic dot com. You can share ideas for stories on the Open Wire.

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