Thanks to Jon Bauer for the important and informative editorial on news deserts. He makes the truly important point about the importance of local news for informed citizen participation. Thanks, too, to Congresswoman Suzan DelBene and Senator Patty Murray for legislation to help local news businesses.

If we are to stem the tide of false news, conspiracy theories, and wealth-dominated preemption of public benefit, we need robust local news sources that stay healthy over time. Send a note to our local federal decision-makers in appreciation of this effort. The Community News and Small Business Support Act deserves applause from all of us in small news communities.

David Hall

Lopez Island