The main trigger for moving away from news was the realisation that mainstream media is no less susceptible to propoganda and misinformation that anyone else when it comes to unfolding events.

So I read a lot more about events after the fact, once sources and facts have been sorted out.

In terms of stupid councils and ministries, I'm sure anything major I'll find out about from others. When it comes to voting for council, the only real control I have over what they do, I've taken to researching candidates to make a decision (in the past I'd just read the blurbs in the voting papers).

I also read and participate in council long term planning, when asked for opinions on where to spend money.