News is current information about events in a society or an organization that is important to people. It is usually reported by newspapers, radio and television but can be found on the Internet as well. It can also be delivered by word of mouth. The word “news” comes from the Latin word nova, which means “new.” The fourteenth century saw the rise of printing and new ways to spread news, such as telegraphs.

The things that make news vary with the culture of the place, time and audience. For example, an event that is not very exciting to a person in the United States might be very interesting to someone in China. News articles have to be accurate but must also be interesting. If the news is boring, people will not want to read it or share it.

Many different things can be newsworthy, including wars, natural disasters, accidents and crime. The term “news” is also used to refer to political events, such as elections or referendums. Government proclamations, royal ceremonies, laws, taxes and public health issues have all been dubbed news throughout history.

A good headline will catch the reader’s attention and give a preview of what is in the article. It should be short and to the point, and follow Associated Press style guidelines unless your publication specifies otherwise. A byline, which is the author’s name, should appear below the headline and provide a source for the information in the story.

Once you have your lead and byline, you must decide what to include in the body of the news article. Usually, the most important and significant facts should be presented first. This makes it easy for the reader to scan and find the information that interests them. The less important information should be placed later, so it does not detract from the main points of the story.

Most people are interested in the activities of famous people, so they will read about them in the news. This is especially true if the people in question are in trouble or scandal. People are also interested in the weather, as it affects their daily lives. Stories about food and drink are popular as well, whether they deal with shortages or gluts, hospital closures or the launch of a new product.

News is also about entertainment, such as sports or theatre. Stories about films and music, as well as art exhibitions, are of interest to many people. In addition, people will want to know about the latest fashions and fads. This type of news can help people keep up with the times and make informed decisions. It can also help them to stay socially and economically connected with their neighbors and friends.