U.S. cities celebrate the first national 'Local News Day'

On April 9, 2026, the United States observed its first national Local News Day, a landmark initiative designed to breathe new life into local journalism.

In an era where thousands of newspapers have closed, this event highlights the vital role that local media plays in our communities.

Since 2005, the industry has faced a severe crisis, with over 2,900 newspapers vanishing.

To counter this, over 1,000 newsrooms joined the "Start Local" campaign, encouraging citizens to use the Local News Finder to identify and support their regional reporting.

Organizations like Press Forward and the American Journalism Project lead this effort, advocating for a future where journalism is treated as a necessary public good.

Strengthening local news is crucial for maintaining a well-informed democracy and ensuring that our local leaders remain answerable to the people they serve.