Why Local News Day matters

On April 9, newspapers and communities across the country are marking Local News Day, a national day of action celebrating the trusted local news and information that helps communities stay informed and connected.

Local News Day is built around a simple idea: Start Local. At a time when national headlines dominate our feeds, it’s easy to overlook the news taking place outside our doors.

But the most important news is close to home: the decisions affecting local schools, the businesses opening on Main Street, the community events bringing neighbors together, and the policies shaping our towns and cities.

That’s the work we try to cover every day at The Beacon. Local news is common ground. It’s the rare place where the story isn’t red vs. blue, it’s what’s happening right here and what it means for your family.

When we share facts about our community, it’s easier to disagree without disconnecting. And local news is more than headlines. It’s the information people rely on to understand their community and participate in civic life. It helps us stay connected and celebrate the stories that
make our home unique.

Along with more than 1,000 other newspapers nationwide, the Mukilteo and Edmonds Beacon newspapers are participating in this inaugural event. Local News Day is led by a coalition of journalists, nonprofit leaders, and media innovators – including Montana Free Press, American Journalism Project, Press Forward, and others – working together to strengthen trusted local news nationwide.

Edmonds City officials understand the importance of and need for trusted local news sources. On Tuesday, Mayor Mike Rosen, with the council’s support, proclaimed Thursday, April 9, as Local News Day. The proclamation says:

“Whereas; strong communities depend on strong local news and information to keep residents informed, connected, and prepared; and

Whereas: local news organizations provide verified, independent reporting that helps residents make everyday decisions about schools, public safety, health care, small businesses, elections and community events; and

Whereas: access to trusted local news and information strengthens civic participation, supports transparency and accountability i government, and fosters a culture of informs citizenships; and

Whereas; local journalists serve as essential members of our community – attending public meetings, covering emergencies, highlighting community achievements, and telling the stories that reflect who we are; and

Whereas; Local News Day is a national day of action connecting people with local, independent, and trusted new sources in their own communities, and encouraging residents to learn about, engage with, and support the newsrooms that serve them, and celebrate the value of local news and information through community events, public recognitions and visible acts of support;

Now, therefore, I, Mike Rosen, Mayor of the City of Edmonds, hereby proclaim Thursday, April 9, 2026, as Local News Day and encourage all residents to recognize the importance of trusted local news and information and to engage with the local news organizations that serve our community.”

We reached out to Mukilteo Mayor Joe Marine and all seven Mukilteo City Council members asking for their support as well, but none of them bothered to respond.

Americans overwhelmingly say local news is essential to democracy and to their daily lives. Yet many communities struggle to access the in-depth, accountable coverage they deserve. Local News Day helps bridge that gap – reconnecting people with trusted sources that keep them informed and strengthen their communities.

Local news works best when it’s part of the fabric of the community it serves. Every reader, tip, conversation, and subscription helps make that possible. So, today, we invite you to do one simple thing: Start Local.

Read a local story. Share it with a neighbor. Support the newsrooms working to keep your community informed. Because in the end, the stories that shape our daily lives start right here.