Twitter’s speed, brevity, and compatibility with mobile phones makes it an ideal vehicle for news on a neighborhood level.  Recently, several third-party tools have been developed to make it easier to find local tweeters.  For instance, TwitterLocal is a small, free, desktop app that creates a real-time feed of local tweets in your area.  This is particularly useful when fast-breaking news is taking place in your area.  For instance, if there are fires or floods in your area, Twitter may provide up-to-date evacuation routes faster than local TV and radio stations.  You may find local tweets without installing an application by using the Twitter search function and selecting advanced options to set geographical parameters.