Trimming the Times: Budget Bruising; Morse Madness

A guide to what's in the New York Times for those worried about hitting its pay wall

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.

The home page leads with a report of the ongoing budget negotiations in Washington, where the Republicans and President Barack Obama still can't work out a deal to raise the federal debt ceiling. Also high on the page: A look at how two generations of Murdochs deal with the News International phone hacking scandal. For us, the best read was the charming look at Morse code operators' on-air reunion party.

World: The lead feature here gives a fascinating account of a new facial recognition technology the United States is using to track militants in Afghanistan. Then, of course, there's the ongoing coverage of the investigation into the Mumbai bombings, which is well done, but available all over the place, including in the local English language publications. And just for sheer armchair exploration, check out the story on a remote corner of Borneo, where they build elaborate houses to attract birds who make valuable nests.

U.S.: Don't miss the feature on Morse code operators gathering on the airwaves to mark the anniversary of their medium's demise. The piece on rural legislators hanging onto power despite population shifts is also pretty interesting.

Business: The story from Washington State, about a utility tabling plans for a carbon capture plant because it didn't think it could afford it, will surely fuel debate on how to clean up the nation's energy supply. Also in the energy world, check out the surprisingly understated news about ConocoPhillips splitting itself into two companies.

Technology: The section leads with a tax-policy story about a Tech leader, with the report on Amazon's bid to pass a law in California eliminating sales tax for some virtual retailers (like itself). You could skip the Spotify story (the news is everywhere), but it does have some behind-the-scenes glimpses, if you like that kind of thing.

Health: There's some very exciting news from the fight against AIDS, as two studies showed pills could prevent infection. And in a very odd Well column, Lisa Sanders invites you to play House by helping diagnose a weird rash.

Sports: The banner tournaments are stacking up in the section, as the British Open takes the spotlight. Other tournament coverage to catch is the Frenchman taking the Tour de France yellow jersey on Bastille Day, and an account of the awesome U.S. Women's World Cup victory yesterday.

Opinion: In the lead op-ed, David McCullough reminds us of the significance of Bastille Day, and the history of French-American relations.

Arts: It's finally time for the last Harry Potter movie, so get psyched up (or jeer silently) with Manohla Dargis's turgid review.

Travel: The Practical traveler suggests some discount vacations with a side of volunteer work.