So, everyone is interested in the latest and greatest iPad, but you're hesitant to cover the story because it's not local.

What to do? Localize it.

Make it a story with a local "hook". Here are some suggestions as to how to do that:

1. Interview local, knowledgeable people about the subject or issue. 

2. Do a "man on the street" interview about the subject or issue.

3. Find related information to add to the article. For example, I had a "Today's Green Minute" video about recycling old cell phones. I found local organizations that were recycling old ink cartridges and cell phones, and added that information. I also wrote about how an organization could start a fundraising effort of their own.

National stories are usually national because the subject is of interest across a variety of demographics. Frequently, it will bring in readership, too. The problem is that you may not have the resources to cover it properly on your own. So, do your research carefully, cite all sources, and link to websites if possible, and use that local 'hook'. If you do all that, you'll have a story that's relevant to your community, in addition to the benefit of being part of the national conversation.