The hottest Local news Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Podcasts Topics
Simon Owens's Media Newsletter β€’ 324 implied HN points β€’ 14 Feb 25
  1. Making 100 pieces of content is important for creators. Each piece helps them improve and grow their skills.
  2. Local news can succeed with unique content that people are willing to pay for. New models, like those used by Mill Media, are proving this strategy works.
  3. YouTube's rise in TV viewership is changing advertising dynamics. It's becoming a more attractive platform for brands, leading to more revenue for creators.
Disaffected Newsletter β€’ 2457 implied HN points β€’ 06 Sep 24
  1. Oktoberfest in Burlington was canceled due to health concerns about Eastern Equine Encephalitis, which affects mosquitoes in the area.
  2. Despite the low number of cases, local officials advised residents to avoid outdoor activities during certain hours to prevent infections.
  3. The response reflects a larger trend of reacting emotionally to health risks, leading to broader community actions that some see as extreme or unnecessary.
Simon Owens's Media Newsletter β€’ 474 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jan 25
  1. A food writer created a unique way to fund his newsletter by partnering with a limited number of local restaurants as sponsors. This allows him to focus on writing instead of chasing advertisers.
  2. He offers these sponsors exclusive benefits, like guaranteed features in his newsletter and opportunities to promote events. This makes them feel special and helps build a strong community around local food.
  3. His success shows that other local news startups can follow this model. By catering to a niche audience and offering personalized advertising, they can thrive despite limited resources.
Singal-Minded β€’ 814 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jan 25
  1. A New Hampshire elementary school has a huge bat problem, with hundreds of bats hiding in the building. This raises concerns about what it's like for students to know bats are around them as they learn.
  2. The school has dealt with bats for decades, and stories from former students show that this issue is not new. It makes you wonder how many bat encounters have happened over the years.
  3. There could be unexpected positive experiences for students befriending bats, creating unique stories. Imagine a kid bonding with a lost bat in the bathroom, turning a creepy situation into a friendship.
The Watch β€’ 677 implied HN points β€’ 26 Dec 24
  1. Support journalism by subscribing to trustworthy outlets. Subscriptions help keep essential news sources alive and able to do their work.
  2. You can also give to local news organizations and independent journalists directly. This helps them produce quality reporting that might otherwise struggle for funding.
  3. Encouraging emails and legal support is crucial for journalists facing threats. A simple note can uplift them, and legal services are vital as free press faces challenges.
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Common Sense with Bari Weiss β€’ 227 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jan 25
  1. Many houses on the street were completely destroyed by a fire, with only chimneys remaining.
  2. There were no emergency alerts sent out for the fire, which was surprising given how often we get alerts for other situations.
  3. The author, along with their dog, experienced a sense of disbelief and vulnerability during the chaos of the situation.
Slow Boring β€’ 1690 implied HN points β€’ 02 Feb 24
  1. The post discusses right-wing conspiracy theories about Taylor Swift, but does not endorse them.
  2. There's an observation that Taylor Swift's song 'Karma' may contain elements from an older song, 'Music is My Hot Hot Sex' by CSS.
  3. The post highlights positive news stories like Medicaid expansion, newborn great white sharks, and successful transit projects.
The Weekly Dish β€’ 26 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jan 25
  1. Many people are affected by recent wildfires, with heavy losses to homes and communities. It's important to support those who are displaced.
  2. One family's experience during the fires shows the fear and uncertainty that many felt. They evacuated but were relieved to find their home intact while mourning others' losses.
  3. People are encouraged to send help instead of giving opinions during such crises. Donations can make a real difference for those affected.
Book Post β€’ 628 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jan 24
  1. Recent years have seen a significant decline in journalism, with many major news outlets facing layoffs and cutbacks.
  2. Local news has been especially hard-hit, with many newspapers closing down, leaving 'news deserts' in over 200 counties.
  3. The rise of artificial intelligence is also impacting journalism, with AI tools changing how news is consumed and altering the media landscape.
NN Journal β€’ 715 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jan 24
  1. North Northamptonshire Council is defending spending on cultural services despite overall spending limits.
  2. The council is justifying large cultural renovation projects by seeking grants and emphasizing the importance of cultural offerings.
  3. West Northamptonshire Council faces criticism for the closure of a care home despite protests and calls to preserve it for community use.
The Mill β€’ 609 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jan 24
  1. An independent review found massive failings in how Greater Manchester Police handled reports of sexual exploitation in Rochdale.
  2. The report highlighted serious flaws in protecting children, including leaving victims harassed and intimidated by abusers.
  3. Despite past failures, ongoing efforts include charges against perpetrators and promises to revisit past cases for accountability.
Disaffected Newsletter β€’ 1378 implied HN points β€’ 13 Jul 23
  1. The flooding in Vermont has caused a lot of damage, making it really hard for many people. Some have lost their homes and everything they own.
  2. Rescue operations were intense, with people being saved by helicopters. This shows how serious and scary the situation is.
  3. Even though things are tough now, there is hope for recovery and better days ahead. People are coming together to help each other.
The Weekly Dish β€’ 29 implied HN points β€’ 21 Dec 24
  1. Graffiti and street art can be fascinating and lead to surprising discoveries about a place. Sometimes, a simple tag can help identify a city's location.
  2. Family history can reveal interesting stories and connections to places, making history feel more personal and engaging. Learning about our ancestors can create a sense of belonging.
  3. Architecture plays a key role in how we perceive a city. Unique buildings can evoke curiosity and spark discussions about design, history, and the blend of old and new.
Worcester Sucks and I Love It β€’ 216 implied HN points β€’ 04 Feb 24
  1. City Council Derp Squad involves neo-Nazi group sending racist mailers and making prank calls, posing as activists.
  2. Worcester is facing a housing crisis with rent rising significantly, putting pressure on renters.
  3. Canal District in Worcester is experiencing closures of restaurants, indicating a larger trend of urban decay post-Polar Park.
The Charlotte Ledger β€’ 373 implied HN points β€’ 01 Apr 23
  1. A developer plans a massive casino and hotel complex in uptown Charlotte after new gambling laws are passed
  2. A beloved business requests historic status, potentially affecting new tower developments near Morehead Street
  3. Chick-fil-A and Carvana partner to tackle traffic congestion by allowing drive-thru customers to idle in a car vending machine
City Hall Watcher β€’ 255 implied HN points β€’ 25 Sep 23
  1. The post discusses the high turnover of senior staff members at Toronto City Hall since 2020.
  2. There is a focus on retirement ceremonies for senior City staff.
  3. The author provides insights on departures from the top City Hall executive offices since 2000.
Second Rough Draft β€’ 216 implied HN points β€’ 04 May 23
  1. Recent scholarship cautions against relying on public radio and broadcast TV for local news.
  2. Local public radio stations often lack the resources to provide substantial daily news coverage.
  3. Local TV news tends to focus on crime and weather rather than local government, potentially impacting civic engagement.
The Quack Doctor β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jun 24
  1. Dr. Otto Bohl was an eccentric character known for his unusual habits and collection of animals and curiosities.
  2. Bohl faced legal troubles and conflicts with neighbors due to his unconventional lifestyle and behavior.
  3. Despite his eccentricities, Bohl's unique personality and interactions with his community make him a fascinating figure from the early 20th century.
Worcester Sucks and I Love It β€’ 157 implied HN points β€’ 26 Sep 23
  1. Questioning why people are forced to live outside despite buildings being available with heating.
  2. Illustrating the challenges faced by the homeless due to lack of shelter beds before winter.
  3. Discussing the shifts in Worcester's media landscape and a proposal to change the police chief position to a public safety commissioner.