Are There Any News Junkies Under 40?

As I was reading The Union, The Chronicle and the Sac Bee this morning, I was reflecting on how I love to hear what's going on. I like seeing the difference in how all 3 papers handled the story of the moment -- in this case, the Huckaby murder/rape case. That story interests me because it's so odd and mysterious. I like figuring out a good mystery. But I also noticed how I only read the first 3 paragraphs of most of the other stories. It has to be fascinating for me to read to the end of a long story -- and, sadly, there are not that many fascinating stories in the newspapers I read.

I wish there were more stories about how people are coping in this economic downturn. I'd like to hear from people -- like me -- who are forgoing health insurance because the COBRA payment is just too high. (More than $700 a month in my case.) How are people saving money? Cutting corners? There are lots of "tricks" out there; we could all share them. I know that even people with jobs and money are curtailing spending because the future looks scary out there!

But how about coverage of government meetings? Do you feel you get enough of what's going on at the city halls and supervisors chambers? Do you care?

Comments

[Dixie Redfearn]

Jeff, Dave C.
It's interesting that KNCO has not said a word about that! I guess they have until Saturday to notify me, and I do have a call into the bookkeeper. It will be interesting to see what happens with that.

[Aaron]

Yes, there are news junkies under 40. :)

[DaveC]

Dixie, as Jeff pointed out, you can get COBRA premium relief by paying 35% of the premium with the remaining 65% paid by the coverage provider through a tax credit.

Start here: http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/cobra.html

[Zuri]

Here's an anecdotal response: I'm sitting on my couch watching the morning (really last night's) sportscenter, with the Bee and the Chronicle in front of me and my laptop by my side checking my google reader. Up pops a post asking if people younger than 40 (that's me) are news junkies. Ummm, I'm gonna have to say yeah. Am I an exception to the rule, or masses? I don't think so. Sure, folks may not have newspapers in front of them like I do, but they're glancing at the stories that are important to them online. And as always, it's selective reading as you point out. We read what we want. Not sure if I really care for all the school board meetings and city council stuff, but I know I get enough of it. Sometimes, newspapers focus on needs more than wants. You know that. And as always, newspapers need to work on that more, but strike a sweet balance.

[jeff pelline]

$700? One trick is knowing the federal government will pay 65% of COBRA extended coverage premiums for workers laid off between Sept. 1, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2009. Employers have until April 18 to notify former staff who are eligible. WSJ, among others, have been running stories on it. Haven't seen much in the local press, though.