CNN Reliable Sources: “The loss of local news relates to so many other problems plaguing the US: Polarization, radicalization, loneliness, lack of trust in everyone and everything. So it’s vital to track the so-called “news deserts” — and recognize that these deserts exist not just in rural areas, but also in highly populated parts of the country. According to a new report detailing “severe shortages” in local news, the number of journalists working in the US has dropped by more than 75% since the start of the century — from 40 journalists for every 100,000 residents to just 8.2 journalists now. “Stunningly, more than 1,000 counties — one out of three — do not have the equivalent of even one full-time local journalist,” Rebuild Local News and Muck Rack found. “And the ‘better off’ parts of the country are in lousy shape, too.” Overall, even as the US population continues to grow, the pool of journalists is shrinking, leaving local communities without relevant news coverage. The sharp declines translate to fewer stories being told at the local level. You can check out the Local Journalist Index for yourself here.”