News is information about something happening right now that affects people’s lives. It can be about politics, health, the environment or sport. It is often a story about someone who has done something interesting, significant or unusual. News can also be about things that have happened a long time ago but still have an impact on people today.

The most important part of a news article is the lede. This is the opening paragraph that grabs readers’ attention and makes them want to read on. The best way to do this is with a dramatic anecdote or a surprising fact. It is usually followed by the nut graph which answers the questions who, what, when, where and why. The nut graph is the heart of the story and is important for fully informing readers.

It is often better to get facts from primary sources rather than secondary sources, such as experts or witnesses. This is because primary sources can give a more accurate and up-to-date account of events than other people can. They can also give the reader insights into what is going on which they might not have realised themselves.

Many people are interested in stories about famous people – their achievements and failures, their homes and lifestyles. They are also interested in health issues – illnesses and accidents, traditional remedies, hospitals and clinics. People are also interested in the economy and are concerned about money – fortunes made and lost, taxes, the Budget, food prices and wage rises.