Reginaldo Osnildo
Struggling to find content ideas for your Substack newsletter? Here are 25 proven local news topics to keep your content calendar full and your readers engaged.
Hey again, Reginaldo Osnildo here!
You’ve set up your Substack. You’ve published a few posts.
You’ve even started growing your list.
But now you’re staring at the screen like…
“What should I write about this week?”
Trust me, I’ve been there. And here’s the truth:
You don’t need to be a genius or full-time reporter to come up with meaningful local content.
You just need a repeatable list of go-to ideas that you can adapt anytime.
So here are 25 local newsletter content ideas that will never go out of style—perfect for keeping your publishing rhythm strong, your readers engaged, and your mission alive.
Weekly/Recurring Content
- “What’s Happening This Week” Event Roundup
- Local News Briefs
- Quote of the Week
- Top 5 Things to Know
- “This Week in [Your City]” Photo Diary
Highlight 3–5 local events, concerts, meetings, or community activities.
A quick summary of key headlines and updates from your city or region.
A powerful or inspiring quote from a resident, local leader, or past interview.
Quick hits on everything from weather to road closures to new businesses.
Use your phone to document daily life. Readers love visuals.
Spotlight Stories
- Small Business of the Month
- Local Hero Profile
- Unsung History
- Neighborhood Focus
- Newcomer Story
Feature a shop, café, or vendor your readers may not know about.
Tell the story of someone doing good work behind the scenes.
Dig up a piece of fascinating local history and tell it in your voice.
Each week, spotlight a different area: what’s happening, what’s changing, who lives there.
Interview someone who recently moved to town—why they came, what they’ve noticed.
Community & Culture
- Hidden Gems List
- Local Artist or Musician Interview
- Reader Picks
- What’s Open/Closed
- Civic Breakdown
Parks, murals, trails, bakeries, or spots that locals love but don’t often make headlines.
A short Q&A with someone creative in your area.
Ask your subscribers to share their favorite restaurants, coffee shops, or local hangouts.
Update on changes in hours or services at local institutions.
Simplify a city meeting, vote, or local policy into easy-to-understand language.
Interactive/Engagement-Based
- Poll or Mini Survey Results
- Ask Me Anything (AMA) Thread
- Reader Stories
- Pet of the Week
- Local Debate or Opinion Thread
Ask readers a fun or important question—and share the results in the next post.
Let your audience ask you questions about your process, your community, or local issues.
Invite subscribers to write about their own experiences and publish one a week.
Yes, seriously. Pet photos always perform well. Let readers submit their own.
Pick a hot topic (e.g., parking, housing, schools) and open up a respectful discussion.
Seasonal & Special
- Holiday Event Guide
- End-of-Month Recap
- Weather Watch
- “What We’re Watching” in Local Politics
- Your Personal Take
List out seasonal markets, parades, religious services, or family-friendly activities.
Highlight top stories, stats, or quotes from the past 30 days.
Extreme heat, storms, or snow? Provide updates, safety tips, and resources.
Preview upcoming elections, budget votes, or changes in local leadership.
A short, reflective post on why you’re doing this work—and what’s next.
Bonus: Reuse and Remix
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel every time.
Try this:
- Turn an old post into a Twitter thread
- Expand a past bullet point into a full article
- Combine 3 short news items into one engaging update
- Re-share evergreen content with a new intro or image
Consistency is about staying visible and valuable—not reinventing your format every week.
Want All These Ideas in One Place (and More)?
If you want to stay consistent without burnout, and have a clear roadmap for content, growth, and monetization, then check out my complete e-book:
👉 Local Journalism on Substack: How to Create a Low-Cost, Monetizable News Site and Newsletter Network
Inside, you’ll get:
- Content templates for weekly posts
- A 30-day publishing calendar
- Engagement strategies to keep your readers coming back
- Monetization ideas that feel natural and community-focused
- Tools to build a loyal, trusting audience—without burnout
Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale, this book gives you everything you need to make your local newsletter work—week after week.