News is information that relates to the current state of a society, its culture, environment, politics or economy. It is usually reported by a journalist and presented in a way that makes it interesting to a reader. It can be a story about a famous person, an event that happens, an accident or something that is generally significant. A good news article will be brief so that people read it, clear so that they understand it, picturesque so that they remember it and above all it will be accurate. If a reader does not believe a news item he will not read it.

A newspaper should report only what is new, because events that happened days or even weeks ago are not news. If you want to make a piece of news you will need to find primary sources (interviews or statements made directly by the people involved) and secondary sources (pieces collected from other stories). For example, if a cat escapes from a burning building, you might speak with firefighters or the owner about what happened but you will also include details that have already been reported like previous fire coverage.

A great headline is important for catching the attention of readers and making them curious about what the news article will contain. A headline should be short and snappy using Associated Press style guidelines unless the publication specifies otherwise.