Maybe they should bring back the lists of people found guilty of motoring offences, weekly reviews of the East Hull Crown Green Bowls league, and proceedings of the last Welton & District WI meeting. Local news wasn't much more fascinating back then, I'm afraid.
Truth is, nowt much happens in provincial cities and towns and the local press have to find stories that people will read - and, increasingly, click on. It is articles that generate clicks that allow local papers to fund the remaining important work they do - like reporting on Council initiatives, hailing successful businesses, celebrating people doing good things, etc.
The alternative is extinction, which doesn't serve communities particularly well either.