Founded in 1919 by Joseph Medill Patterson, the Daily News was the first successful tabloid newspaper in the United States. It attracted readers by sensational coverage of crime, scandal, and violence and by lurid photographs. It also published cartoons and other entertainment features. By the mid-1920s it had grown to a circulation of 1 million, making it the biggest newspaper in the country.

The paper was heavily involved in World War II coverage, employing a team of photojournalists to cover the conflict in Europe and the Pacific. It was also an early user of the Associated Press wirephoto service, which made it possible to publish large pictures from around the world. In 1947 the Daily News reached its peak circulation, a record 1.5 million copies daily. By then it was a well-established tabloid, with a brassy style that earned it the nickname “the brassy tabloid.”

In recent years the newspaper has experienced a decline in readership due to the rise of online news sources and the general public’s declining interest in printed newspapers. However, the emergence of Donald Trump and the ongoing controversy surrounding his presidency offered an opportunity for the Daily News to revive its reputation. The newspaper reported on the campaign in detail and was able to rekindle interest in its coverage of New York City politics and sports.

The newspaper is currently owned by Tronc, the publishing operations of the former Tribune Company, and is based in Lower Manhattan. The Daily News is known for its liberal political leanings and for often being contrasted with the more conservative New York Post. The newspaper’s editorial page has been led by a succession of prominent politicians and commentators.

While the Daily News has a strong reputation for local New York City coverage, it does not have as much of an international or national reach as some other major newspaper outlets. As a result, it may not be the best place to go for news about Iowa or California. However, it is generally considered to be a reliable source for news about New York City and its sports teams.

Each Daily News article includes “Comprehension and Critical Thinking Questions” that can help students develop their understanding of the news story. These are located below the “Background” and “Resources” sections of each article. Each question provides a variety of information about the news story. Sign up to receive a free daily email with the answers to these questions.

In 2021, an anonymous Yale College alumnus made a significant gift to the Yale Daily News Historical Archive project, enabling it to migrate to a new platform and add issues from 1996 to the present. We are grateful for this support.