The loss of local news has an insidious effect on democracy.

Why it matters: The trend is "contributing to polarization, decrease in voting and government accountability," the nonprofit American Journalism Project found through an analysis of independent research.

Silver lining: Groups like the Knight Foundation see reasons for hope as newer journalism outlets take hold — some of which are increasingly being funded by philanthropy.

• For example, the Texas Tribune is expanding beyond its Austin roots. Waco will get the nonprofit's first hyper-local newsroom.

Zoom in: Dallas-Fort Worth continues to be a robust news market. The Allcity Network launched in August to cover local sports.

• And KERA, our region's public radio station, has expanded its news partnerships, including by acquiring the Denton Record-Chronicle. KERA also partners with the nonprofit Fort Worth Report and shares arts coverage with the Dallas Morning News.
• Plus, D Magazine has been publishing for 50 years.

Stunning stat: Almost a third of all U.S. newspapers have shuttered since 2005, according to the Medill Local News Initiative at Northwestern University.

• Roughly 6,000 newspapers are left in the U.S., down from 8,891 in 2005.

Threat level: Most communities that lose a local newspaper don't get a replacement, even online.

• More than 200 counties in the U.S. now have no news outlets, per Medill's report.

What they're saying: Having a reporter monitor city hall, police or local businesses serves the public good by promoting civic engagement and helping communities make better decisions, Knight says.

What we're watching: Axios's growth to 30 local markets in the last four years — with more on the way — is just one example of new investments in local journalism across the country.

• More than two dozen philanthropic groups, including Knight, pledged more than $500 million last year to a new initiative that supports local journalism across the country.

The bottom line: Support local news.

• Join our Axios Local membership program and advertise with us.

👋 Hi there! Holly Moore, executive editor for Axios Local, here.

This week, 115 Axios employees from 30 cities across the U.S. are meeting in Minneapolis for our annual Local team retreat, including your Dallas reporters.

Why it matters: Getting together allows us to share best practices as we aim to prove that our model for local news is sustainable nationwide.

Between the lines: Axios Local launched four years ago, with 13 reporters covering five cities. We don't intend to waste our head start.

• With a newsroom that stretches from Seattle to Miami, in-person time is imperative.
• This week, we peel away from Zoom meetings and focus on how our product best serves you.

👀 What's next: Watch for more Axios Local cities in 2025.

The bottom line: Thank you for allowing us the time and space to do this.

• As a subscriber, you are part of the vanguard of our local news revolution, and we couldn't do it without you.

If you have feedback on your newsletter or want to brag on your reporting team, feel free to reach out at any time: [email protected].

⚖️ Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is appealing a Dallas County judge's ruling that upheld the State Fair of Texas' gun ban. (WFAA)

🛣️ The Dallas Park and Recreation Board is considering boarding up the Northaven Trail Bridge over U.S. 75 to prevent pro-Palestinian signs from being hung on the bridge. (Dallas Observer)

💰 Dallas-based MoneyGram International went offline to protect its systems while investigating a cybersecurity issue. (DMN)<br/>

Brunch should be served seven days a week, and this Lowest Greenville eatery delivers.

• Choose from healthy bowls, waffles, breakfast tacos and burgers.

Why it matters: Company Cafe is one of the few restaurants that can feed meat eaters and vegans. We've eaten jackfruit, tofu, beef and chicken here.

• Plus, the diner has legitimately delicious gluten-free fare.

Vibe check: Inside feels like how coffeehouses and diners used to be. There's no focus on Instagrammable neon signs. The decor is basic and artsy. Or sit outside at a picnic table.

• The food is the star.

What to order: Birria tacos, served with rice, black beans and consommé.

• There are also birria nachos and birria Benedict.

Where: Company Cafe, 2104 Greenville Ave.

Cost: $14.50

Six-word review: Tender meat. Greasy without being gross.

🤔 Know a great taco we should try? Hit reply and let us know.