Ever wonder how come you know so much about the people in a city you are not from originally?
Two words: politics and gossip.
There is so much to talk about in a community, the conversation is just endless. Sometimes it borderlines Loshon Hora but most of the times, no harm is intended. It's mostly and simply a way of keeping up to date with the people we once knew, know very well or might come to know one day.
So what is there to talk about if not about "the rabbi of the Shul who is doing a great job if only he could get rid of the board" or if not about so and so breaking up with so and so?
....
What might be some OTHER interesting topics of conversation to bring up at a Shabbos table??