7-Know Your News: What local news actually is — and why it matters more than ever

Local outlets inform, engage and connect readers to their communities

By: Mrinali Dhembla

Outlets: Granite State News Collaborative

Published: March 20, 2026

Words: 1,175

Last Updated: 17 hours, 55 minutes ago

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Local news reporting can help readers put national issues into a local context: How do federal cuts in Medicaid affect your local hospital? What education programs are affected by federal funding freezes?

But local news outlets also connect readers to their community and can give them a sense of belonging. By helping readers understand local issues — from property taxes and zoning rules to elections, crime and culture — they encourage civic …

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