From a long- time reader, some reasons to support your local paper

OK — I’m an old lady who’s been reading newspapers since I was a kid. But even in this modern, tech- whiz world, the daily newspaper is a major contributor to the gestalt of our society.

It’s the newspapers in this country that do the hard- hitting, time- consuming, investigative reporting that keeps our politicians on their toes. It’s the newspapers that provide the in- depth information on national and international issues, along with the insights of seasoned and intelligent columnists. The newspapers also entertain, with sports coverage, funnies, puzzles, and the TV and movie sections.

With the current polarization created by cable news and internet media outlets, we often only expose ourselves to those who already share our point of view. The newspaper is the single source of information we share with everyone in the community. It provides reports and opinions that may actually educate and inform us, so that we understand the views of people who differ from us. And every once in a while, we might even change our minds based on what we find.

If it were not for the intrepid fairness and persistence of newspaper reporters, our democracy would be all the more fragile. It was the Washington Post that broke Watergate. It’s the New York Times that is keeping up with Trump’s attempts to thwart the Mueller probe. And it’s the Sun- Times that is telling us what our state’s late bill payments are costing taxpayers.

The cost for this outstanding source of news, opinion and entertainment is $ 7.49/ month — far less than a daily latte. Why doesn’t everyone want to subscribe to our outstanding daily newspaper?

Carol Kraines, Deerfield