Do you like having the news and feeling "up" on things, but lately (or heck, even for the past several years) the news has been too much to bear?

This is my recommendation: focus on your local news. This has three benefits:

1. You'll stay up on the things that would actually impact your day-to-day.

Coronavirus cases up in your city? Take extra caution this week.

New local black-owned coffee shop? Time to try a new brew.

Nearby neighborhood impacted by food insecurity? Join an effort to help.

2. At the local level, there's usually a balance of "wins" and "losses." So it's not, almost ever, ALL doom.

And even the "bad" things are local, which means you aren't powerless. You live here! You can help!

3. You have conversation topics besides the presidency/the pandemic/the weather that are timely, impactful, and interesting.

Of course, your topical interests also work here, but only for conversation partners who share your hobby or profession. Local news is general-purpose!

OH WAIT I HAVE A BONUS FOURTH ONE

4. You get to support a local business. Mine is @BlockClubCHI. Local outfits are often staffed by folks who really care about the community and are trying hard to bring you real information, rather than clickbait. Reward their hard work!