Is this really an app you want to leave notifications on for, period? It feels like the kind of thing where you just say "okay now is time to Read Some News" and go see what's new.
YMMV, I have generally turned off notifications for everything.
YMMV, I have generally turned off notifications for everything.
Sadly, probably more people than care about the other stuff. At least if my News feed says anything about society. I have to actively block/dislike anything celebrity related or it clogs my feed.
As for notifications, with easy access to news through HN, Apple News, online newspapers, and social media feeds, I don't feel like I need notifications for much.
Right now, my phone is limited to texts, calls, meeting reminders, and the security system at my house. None from social media, none from news, email is off, etc.
"Top videos" and "Trending Stories" in my view suggest I'm definitely an outlier (as are you, by the sounds of things), as it's always full of items like that which you've mentioned you have no interest in.
You probably either need to suck it up, or pay for a service that caters to your (our?) needs. I've opted to suck it up.
I've done it—and on a day when you get something like the Mueller report or the Notre Dame fire—my phone will buzz. :/