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In my world, every day is Local News Day, as there’s always something going on in the community. Happily, Thursday was a day where the rest of the world thought about it, too.
The good folks at N.C. Local – with local resident Anna James serving as the “ecosystem ambassador” for Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties – held one of six Local News Day Cafes statewide Thursday at Crafted Dough Café in downtown Murphy. In addition to a mouth-watering apple fritter, French vanilla cappuccino and cinnamon twists to go, there were also some interesting conversations to be had.
Local News Day is a national day of action connecting communities with trusted local news. The mission is simple – reconnect people to trusted local outlets, empower newsrooms to grow and spark a national movement that sustains local news for generations.
Some of the key aspects of Local News Day include:
• Purpose: The day aims to turn the tide against the loss of local newspapers, highlighting the need for credible information in daily life.
• Actionable participation: Individuals can find local news sources via the LocalNewsDay.org finder, while organizations can act as partners to support local newsrooms.
• Origin & scope: Inaugurated on April 9, 2026, it is supported by groups like the Montana Free Press, American Journalism Project and Press Forward.
• Focus: It acts as a “community utility” focusing on issues that impact daily life. The initiative acts as a campaign for people to support and engage with newsrooms that provide essential, localized stories.
The special day is led by a united coalition of journalists, nonprofit leaders and media innovators. Together, we all work to strengthen and uplift trusted local news and information across the country, including right here at home in Cherokee County.
Gov. Josh Stein thinks it’s a good idea, issuing a proclamation on April 8 in support of Local News Day. Murphy Mayor Tim Radford, longtime owner of WKRK radio, joined the fun with a similar proclamation signed by town council members, which reads:
“Whereas, Americans consistently say that local news and information are among the most important and most trusted sources of news; and
“Whereas, local journalism is a foundational element of a healthy and functioning democracy; and
“Whereas, local news helps equip communities with the information they need to stay engaged, participate in civic life and make informed decisions; and
“Whereas, communities across North Carolina are joining together to recognize and celebrate the importance of local news on April 9; and
“Whereas, the residents of Murphy rely on trusted local news outlets for reliable and timely information, both in everyday life and during times of emergency; and
“Whereas, the Town of Murphy recognizes the important role local news organizations play ini keeping our community informed, connected and engaged.”
As Laura Leslie – editor of the nonprofit N.C. Newsline, a founding sponsor of the event – put it, “Strong local news and information helps build stronger communities.” The Cherokee Scout will be stronger with your help; please don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any ideas, questions or suggestions to help make local news even more important to you.
Details: Visit localnewsday.org.
David Brown is publisher of the Cherokee Scout and regional publisher of the Scout, Clay County Progress, The Graham Star, Times-Courier and The News Observer of Blue Ridge, Ga. Call him at 828-837-5122, email dbrown@cherokeescout.com or hit him up on Threads @daviddbbrown.