From the Founder’s Desk: Get ready to celebrate Local News Day

Strong communities rely on strong local news and information. That’s why My Neighborhood News Group is proud to be a founding partner of the inaugural Local News Day Thursday, April 9, 2026. It’s a national movement that puts communities first and stands alongside local newsrooms and community partners around the U.S.

It’s also why you’ll notice a band of orange on each side of our websites for the next few weeks. Some Local News Day organizers in other parts of the U.S. have lit up buildings orange in honor of the day.

Why does local news matter? Here’s a great example from Cascade PBS, which on March 31 showcased the work of our WSU Murrow News Fellow Angelica Relente and how that led to Edmonds resident Rick Steves’ investment to save the Lynnwood Hygiene Center.

It’s the kind of work worth celebrating, and it’s also a testament to why reader support is vital to ensure we can continue our trusted news coverage in South Snohomish County.

We’ve scheduled a range of local activities around Local News Day, and we invite you to join us!

• We’re hosting two community news cafe meetups on Thursday, April 9 so that readers and reporters can meet each other, share story ideas and celebrate how local news strengthens communities. The first, from 8-9:30 a.m., will be at EdWay Taphouse and Coffee Cafe, 22811 100th Ave. W., Edmonds. The second — co-sponsored by our news partner Se Habla Media — will be from 5-6:30 p.m. at Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant, 6003 244th St. S.W., Mountlake Terrace.
• We just launched a $10,000 Spring Into Action for Local News matching campaign. Thanks to the generosity of local donors who requested anonymity, all donations through April 30 will be matched, up to $10,000. There are two easy ways to participate: text localnews to 50155 or visit our online donation page here.
• Starting this Thursday, April 2 through Thursday, April 9, local governments will also be issuing Local News Day proclamations honoring news organizations covering their communities.

Please join us April 9. The events are free to attend, and food and drink purchases are optional.

You can learn more at LocalNewsDay.org

Teresa Wippel
Founder, President and CEO
My Neighborhood News Group