When it comes to keeping government honest, national investigations and breaking scandals often dominate the headlines. But the real front lines of accountability are much closer to home — in your local newsroom.

Local journalists play an essential, often underappreciated, role in protecting public resources. They are the ones sitting through marathon city council meetings, scrutinizing school board budgets, attending zoning hearings, and filing records requests. They dig deep into public spending, contracts, and policies — often uncovering inefficiencies, mismanagement, and outright waste that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Many of the most significant government scandals and reforms in American history started with a tip, a hunch, or a determined local reporter asking the right questions. Whether it’s exposing a city official misusing public funds, uncovering overpriced municipal projects, or revealing backroom deals that hurt taxpayers, local news acts as a powerful check against abuse.

The stakes are high. When local news disappears, studies show that government waste increases, borrowing costs rise, and voter participation drops. Without the scrutiny of a local press corps, public officials face fewer consequences for wasteful or unethical behavior. In these so-called "news deserts," citizens are left in the dark, and corruption can grow unchecked.

Unfortunately, the number of local newsrooms is shrinking at an alarming rate. Economic pressures, changes in advertising, and the rise of digital platforms have led to the closure of hundreds of local papers over the past two decades. In many communities, one lone reporter — or none at all — is left to cover governments that oversee millions of dollars in spending.

This erosion matters. Local news is not just a public service — it is a public defense. It arms citizens with the information they need to demand better governance and wiser use of their tax dollars. It gives voice to those overlooked by power and sheds light on actions taken in the shadows.

Supporting local journalism is supporting good government. Whether by subscribing, donating, sharing their work, or advocating for policies that strengthen independent news, we all have a role to play. Every article read, every report shared, helps keep public officials aware that someone is watching — and reminds them that the people they serve are paying attention.

In an era when disinformation spreads easily and government waste can easily be hidden in complexity, local news remains your first and strongest line of defense. Protecting local journalism means protecting your community, your resources, and the principles of transparency and accountability that democracy depends on.