One article I posted a few years ago was about a bank in San Antonio that was placed on the FDIC watch list. Another DUer had a savings account with that bank and he had more than maximum insured amount at that bank. The bank eventually failed, but the article I posted prompted him to withdraw money from the account prior to that happening and it helped him save thousands of dollars.
Another article I posted was about a bomb threat at a small mercantile store/restaurant in a town of about 600. It turns out that another person was lurking on DU, found the article and registered for DU. We exchanged a few personal messages and it also turns out that he attended the same university I did (which only has about 1,500 students) and that I am friends with several of his fraternity brothers. We have since become Facebook friends and he keeps me informed on a lot of events in Austin even though he is about 25 years younger than me.
I've also posted other stories about small towns in places from Alaska to Florida and it turns out that other DUers live there. I've also posted "human interest" stories about a few people and they were friends and acquaintances of other DUers.
What might seem like a local story of little consequence to one person might be very significant to others. In this instance, there was a crime committed with a significant amount of money involved. It may not affect anyone registered or a lurker at DU, but if it helps out one victim or potential victim then I'm glad to have made the post.
Take care, Vinnie.