Daily News provides exclusive New York City news coverage and political analysis, as well as national and international news and entertainment. In addition, the Daily News covers sports (including the Yankees, Mets and Giants), celebrity gossip and opinions. The newspaper was the first tabloid printed in the United States and was one of the highest-circulation papers in the country at its peak in 1947. Founded in 1919 by Joseph Medill Patterson as the Illustrated Daily News, the paper attracted readers with sensational coverage of crime and scandal and lurid photographs, as well as comics and other entertainment features. The News was an early user of Associated Press wirephotography and developed its own staff of photographers. It also emphasized social intrigue such as Wallis Simpson’s romance with King Edward VIII, which led to his abdication. The newspaper was long in a circulation battle with the rival New York Post and, at times, had trouble keeping its editorial staff.
Designed by John Mead Howells and Raymond Hood, the News’ iconic building at 220 East 42nd Street, which straddled the railroad tracks into Pennsylvania Station, was an architectural landmark and served as the model for the Daily Planet in the Superman films. The newspaper moved to a larger headquarters at 450 West 33rd Street (known as Manhattan West) in 1995. The News’ former radio and television subsidiary, WPIX-TV and radio, still occupies the 42nd Street building.
Each Daily News article contains comprehension and critical thinking questions, which can be found below the articles and in the “Background” section. There are also additional resources (including video clips, maps and links) for each question to support students as they investigate and answer the questions.