What’s in the paper?

[diamondcutter]

Context:
My friend ,Tom, is reading a newspaper. I want to know what’s in the newspaper. Can I ask him like this?

1. Is there anything new?
2. What’s in the paper?
3. What's new?

 

[emsr2d2]

You could use all of them but, to make it clear you're talking about the contents of the newspaper, use #2.

 

[diamondcutter]

Thanks, emsr2d2.
What about this?

What does the paper say?

In Chinese we can say this.

 

[Rover_KE]

It's not colloquial in English without further context.

 

[emsr2d2]

You could use it if referring to a particular subject.

What does it say in the paper about the volcanic eruption yesterday?
Does it say anything in the paper about that terrible car crash?