Times Topics

Above the masthead of the online New York Times, there is a link to Times Topics. It's a gold mine.

Each topic page collects all the news, reference and archival information, photos, graphics, audio and video files published in the NY Times on the topic. This treasure trove is available without charge on articles going back to 1981.

It provides the back-story for current events that are sometimes difficult to compile but that are so necessary for student who often come into an issue that is several months old with no comprehensive understanding of its context or development. Great for topics like Health Care Reform, Swine Flu, Afghanistan, etc.