Reader Center

A History of ‘Shade,’ Illuminated in The Times’s Pages

A brief account of the evolution of the word shade, whether you’re seeking it this summer … or throwing it.

 By Sarah Diamond

On the End of the Line, Hundreds of Frantic Voices Seek Help

A reporter observed a day of messages to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. She does not know the callers’ names, but she’ll never forget their stories.

 By Emily Cochrane

Covid Changed Everything, Including How We Cover the Bird Flu

The Times’s science and global health reporter shared how the pandemic shaped her current reporting on viruses, including bird flu, which is seeing an uptick in cases.

 By John Otis

2 Candidates. No Audience. 29 New York Times Fact-Checkers.

We’ll have 60 Times reporters. Here’s how we plan to cover the presidential debate.

 By The New York Times

A Patriotic Tribute, a Time-Honored Tradition

Times readers can again expect to find a full-page transcription of the Declaration of Independence in the newspaper this Fourth of July.

 By David W. Dunlap

A Kinetic Piece of Art Will Stop Moving

“Moveable Type,” in which screens flash fragments from The Times’s news report, has been in the lobby of the company’s headquarters since 2007.

 By David W. Dunlap

A Skyscraper Refurbished in Miniature and Memory

A model of The New York Times’s old headquarters in Times Square was missing the gargoyles that once adorned the building. Enter a graphics editor with a passion on the side.

 By David W. Dunlap

A Place for the Humble Thank-You Note

The Times’s investigation into the allegations against Harvey Weinstein won a Pulitzer Prize, and inspired a Hollywood movie. There were modest forms of praise, too.

 By David W. Dunlap

The Hardest Letter to the Editor

During President Bill Clinton’s impeachment, a reader sent the letters desk a brick inscribed with a message. No damage was reported.

 By David W. Dunlap

A Portrait Fit for a Publisher

Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Jr. steered The Times during an era of great change. His likeness now hangs at the organization’s headquarters.

 By David W. Dunlap

Geeking Out Over a Word’s History

A circus performer, an unsociable student or someone who is ahead of the curve? Over the decades, a “geek” has been all three.

 By Sarah Diamond

A Productive Chat on the Significance of ‘Slack’

Once referring to those prone to idle behavior, the word has come somewhat full circle.

 By Sarah Diamond

Looking to the Past for Early Meanings of Nostalgia

Before it reminded us of the glory days, nostalgia was a medical condition involving severe homesickness.

 By Sarah Diamond

The History of ‘Stereotype,’ Written on Metal Plates

Stereotype printing is pressed into the story of The New York Times.

 By Sarah Diamond

Hey, Dude, What’s the History of Dude?

Over the decades, dudes have been fops, ‘dandified dilettantes,’ cool guys and surfers.

 By Sarah Diamond

Turning 26 and Struggling to Find Health Insurance? Tell Us About It.

The New York Times and KFF Health News are looking into a dreaded “adulting” milestone: finding your own medical insurance at 26.

 By Elisabeth Rosenthal

Have You Had Trouble Getting Your Medication? We Want to Hear From You.

The New York Times is writing about pharmacy benefit managers, which are at the center of a system that can make it difficult to get your medicine.

 By Reed Abelson and Rebecca Robbins

How Do You Use Water to Stay Cool at Home During the Summer? We Want to Know.

Sprinklers? Kiddie pools? What’s your creative solution to find respite from sweltering heat?

 By Matt Yan

Do You Have a Tip About the Pageant World? We Want to Hear From You.

The Times has been covering the turmoil inside Miss USA, but our reporters want to learn about the pageant world more broadly, too. We’re interested in your stories.

 By Madison Malone Kircher

Students, What Questions About Paying for College Can We Answer?

We hope to tackle some essential queries — but we need your help.

 By The New York Times