The loss of local news isn’t just making voters less informed, it makes taxpayers poorer, study says

A new study reveals that the closure of local newspapers, which once provided essential oversight of local government, leads to higher taxes and increased instances of theft. In Ohio alone, the loss of local news means a $12 million annual tax hike, with a staggering $1.1 billion increase nationwide. This is not just about voter ignorance; it's about a direct hit to taxpayers' wallets due to the lack of scrutiny on public spending and corruption. The implications are huge, suggesting that maintaining local journalism is crucial for both democratic accountability and fiscal responsibility.