In "Ghosting the News," Margaret Sullivan delivers a compelling and urgent examination of the dire state of local journalism and its profound implications for democracy. With a critical eye, Sullivan maps the decline of local news outlets across the United States and beyond, revealing a landscape where the vital watchdog role of the press diminishes daily. From 2004 to 2015, the United States alone saw the closure of 1,800 print newspaper outlets, leaving vast swathes of the population in so-called "news deserts," areas devoid of local journalism. Through meticulous research and engaging prose, Sullivan not only highlights the stark realities of this crisis but also its ripple effects: unchecked political power, mismanaged public institutions, and an uninformed citizenry vulnerable to misinformation. Sullivan, a seasoned media critic, does more than chronicle the decline; she investigates the burgeoning efforts to revive local journalism. From non-profit digital platforms to innovative models inspired by the Peace Corps, "Ghosting the News" offers a glimpse into the future possibilities for sustaining local news ecosystems. This is no mere nostalgic lament for the golden age of print journalism but a clarion call to recognize the indispensable role of local news in safeguarding democratic values. Sullivan's book is an essential read for anyone concerned about the future of news, democracy, and the informed citizenry that sustains it.