Local News Apps
National news everywhere. Local news harder to find.
Best local news sources
- Your local newspaper website — search "[town name] news". Many have $5/mo digital subs (cheap).
- Local public radio — NPR member station has best free local coverage. Apps free.
- Patch.com — covers thousands of towns. Free.
- NextDoor (already covered) — local-only, often unfiltered.
- Local Facebook groups — "[Town] News" or "[Town] Buy Sell Trade".
- Town/city official website — meeting agendas, ordinances, election info.
Free local news apps
- Apple News (built-in) — pulls local stories if you set your zip.
- Google News — same idea. Set "headlines for me" with location.
- NPR One — local public radio app. Free.
- Local TV station apps — most have free streaming + push alerts.
- Citizen app — police/fire scanner alerts. Useful but anxiety-inducing.
Sign up for ALERTS
- County emergency alerts — search "[county] emergency text alerts". Free. Tornado, severe weather, AMBER.
- Town newsletter — most towns have one. Free.
- School district email — for grandparents who help with grandkids.
- Power company outage alerts — text or email.
- Trash/recycling reminders — Recycle Coach or town app.
Reliable local journalism (paid is worth it)
- Local newspaper digital subscription — $5-15/mo. Often the ONLY source for school board, city council, local courts.
- Senior discounts often available — call and ask.
- Community-funded papers are growing — many are donation-supported.
- Without subscriptions, local newspapers DIE. Yours has — please support what's left.
Limit national news
Studies show heavy national news consumption is bad for older adults — raises blood pressure, increases anxiety. Local news + 30-min daily national check-in is healthier. Quality local news directly affects your daily life. National news mostly doesn't.