A recent report reveals that most U.S. counties are experiencing a severe decline in local news sources, leading to the formation of news deserts. The Medill State of Local News report highlights an alarming trend where traditional local newspapers are becoming a dying breed. However, amid these challenges, there is a silver lining: digital news outlets are showing growth, particularly in metropolitan areas. Grants from organizations like Microsoft and OpenAI aim to support this transition in the journalism landscape. As local news contracts, the push for increased digital reporting presents a glimmer of hope for maintaining community engagement.