[MilnerRoute]

The article makes the point with the story of a crucial school-funding referendum that failed. They spoke to people who believe that widespread rumors on Nextdoor caused the devastating swing in popular opinion.

So while local newspapers may still be reporting on schoolboard meetings, those articles aren't necessarily being read by voters. Instead, many voters are now drawing their information from Nextdoor.

So it's replacing local newspapers in that sense -- as the source of information.

Your comment speaks to the reasons why it shouldn't replace a local newspaper. But the greater worry is: maybe it still is, anyways.