What is a newspaper?
A newspaper is a printed publication consisting of unstapled sheets and containing news, feature articles, advertisements, and correspondence. (google definition)

When and where did newspapers first come into existence?
The first newspapers were dated in 17th century Europe. (wikipedia)

What were some of the very oldest newspapers in the United States?
Public Occurrences, Both Foreign and Domestick was the first paper written in America. Another one of the earliest newspapers in America was the American Weekly Mercury. (http://www.paperage.com/issues/nov_dec2004/11_2004newspapers.pdf)

What are the "leading stories" in newspapers today?
A few of the "leading stories" include harmful medication warnings, political issues, and recent sports. One of the most recent "leading stories" include the partying issues of Lamar.

Which does it mean to be the "newspaper of record"? What US newspaper was first designated as the nation's newspaper of record in 1913? What other US paper can be considered a newspaper of record?
A "newspaper of record" is a newspaper that has a large circulation and whose editorial and news-gatherings functions are considered professional and typically authoritative (wikipedia.) The first newspaper to be designated as the newspaper of record in 1913 was The New York Times. Another US paper that could be considered a newspaper of record would be The Los Angeles Times. (wikipedia, google)

How is looking at a newspaper different from our use of social media to stay connected?
Our use of social media is a much more convenient way of staying connected, compared to using a newspaper. Using a newspaper gives you the opportunity of losing it, but with social media it is always available.