< "hey hey mama, have you read the news..."
I don't know why software companies insist on injecting news into everything. Actually, that's a lie, I have a pretty good guess. On the web I've taken to using uBlock Origin's element zapper to delete any news widgets on sites. Works pretty well.
I will start using the uBlock feature you mentioned. Been a uBlock user for close to a decade. Love it. Lifesaver! :)