When we consume news on TV, streaming devices or radio, the source of that information can have a big impact. The quality of the story matters, but so does how we’re presented with it.
National news is the type of journalism that covers events or issues with a nationwide impact. These include major political happenings, natural disasters and war. It’s contrasted by local news which is focused on community events, crime reports and issues that affect a town or city.
A national news story can be written by a reporter based in the nation’s capital, or by an overseas journalist. These are called correspondents and often travel extensively to gather material for their stories. They can also interview people from across the nation to add context and depth to the information they’re reporting on.
The first newspaper titles often included foreign news as part of their name. The earliest examples were courants (in England), Nieuwe Tijudinger and Avisa Relation oder Zeitung (in the Netherlands) and d’Arenberg’s (in France). Later, news agencies would prepare articles in bulk and sell them to multiple entities such as newspapers and radio broadcasters.
As the government shutdown continues, thousands of kids are at risk of losing access to Head Start — a federal early learning program for low-income families. NPR’s Alana Wise and Jaclyn Diaz talk to a mom who works in the food industry about her experience with the program.